Beauty

Top Three Stylish Fashion 

Typically, the autumn season stands as a time when fashion designers introduce new styles in their collections that they hope will become emerging trends. This time of daring and innovations is usually marked by both successes and failures as designers go out on a limb. With so many fashion choices available to the consumer, making the right choices can feel like a game of hit and miss.

However, there are three stylish fashions for fall that can be utilized in the creation of a functional and impressive wardrobe.

One of this year’s top trends to emerge from the top name designers is what industry experts are dubbing the collage effect. Essentially, the designers are creating garments with a high degree of texture contrast by using a mixture of different materials, colors, and patterns. While this kind of collage arrangement is nothing new, the designers have taken the use of different textures and appearances to another level by being willing to use non-traditional combinations in their creation.

Taking cues from the work of Alexander McQueen from previous collections, designers such as Dries Van Noten and Mary Katrantzou are bringing a new flair to traditional skirts, dresses, sweaters, and other pieces. While the majority of women will not be able to afford the cost of high design, the principles that drive the trend can be employed in any woman’s wardrobe. Combining materials like silk and wool or colors like gray and pink can deliver a strong contrast and catch a great deal of attention.

It may seem like homage to the 1950s and 1960s, but the use of polka dots by many top name designers is more than just a simple throwback to these decades. Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and others have started bringing the spots back into the mainstream by using them in new and exciting ways. In several of McCartney’s new dresses, the polka dots do not conform to uniform lines and are used almost like sequins to decorate and add emphasis to the clean lines. Jill Stuart has offered a glimpse of how designers may use polka dots in the future. Her fall collection showed a willingness to use the spots as background decoration with solid colors attracting the main focus of her skirts and shirts.

The new trends for fall fashion are all well and good, but women may also prefer to keep things simple by staying true to the classic lines dictated by the colder time of year. Traditional autumn fashion never falls out of style and a woman can pick up pieces, such as a black or gray pea coat, that will last for many years and still be in vogue.

A general rule for timeless fall fashion is to keep to muted colors and put the emphasis on the cut of the clothing rather than abundant colors that are more suited for spring or summer months. Fall lines should are normally less curvy and focus more on function rather than form. By saving this time of year for classic style, a woman will be able to build up an impressive wardrobe that allows her to keep pieces for many years.

Olay Advanced Cleaning

 I have incredibly dry skin and as winter creeps closer, I am always game for trying a new moisturizer.  And since I have developed an even stronger sensitivity to smell lately, my usual Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lotion wasn’t going to cut it anymore.  I needed a hardworking moisturizer that I couldn’t smell working.

The beautiful words “Fragrance Free” got me interested in Olay’s Advanced Healing Intensive Lotion.  I’ve been using it for about a month now and I think I have found a new favorite.

The bottle recommends to use it after shower or bath, which works great for me since I keep my lotion in the shower to do just that.  The best thing about this product is how it seems to immediately absorb into my skin.  I don’t feel greasy in any way after using it.  With other lotions, I have sometimes felt like I needed to allow time for it to absorb before getting dressed, so I would swan about in my robe…which left me with a very moisturized robe, instead of moisturized body. But with Olay’s Advanced Healing Lotion I feel like I apply and there is no wait time – it just starts working.

An Exciting New Moisturing

Dermagenics contacted us at Latest Beauty to see if we would be interested in trying out their new Ultra Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It is an all-in-one moisturizer that eliminates the need for a separate day cream, night cream, under-eye cream, serums, etc…you know, all of the cute little bottles we have lining our vanity.  Um, eliminate clutter, extra expenses and have awesome skin to boot?  Yes, please.  I am interested in trying out your new product.

Already, I love that the product has no discernible fragrance.  I have always been sensitive to fragrances but for some reason that sensitivity has been heightened lately, so fragrance is a make-or-break factor these days.  And when I put a dab of it on my hand (because I’ve already moisturized my face today) it really made my hand feel silky and soft.  There is a definite textural difference from the area where I smoothed on the Dermagenics and the area that was only moisturized by the hand lotion I had applied about 30 minutes before receiving the package from Dermagenics.  We’re off to a good start, Dermagenics and I.

I’m looking forward to giving this product a whirl and will keep you posted on how my skin is feeling and looking over the next few weeks!

Maybelline: Best Mascara Ever!

I’m not the type of girl that wears a lot of makeup.  Okay, who am I kidding?  Normally, I’m just too lazy to put on makeup.  But when I do, my routine is fairly simple: Bare Mineralsfoundation, a swipe of dark brown or black mac eyeshadow for eyeliner, Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft mascara, and a dab of Vaseline.  And that’s it.  It takes a total of 5 minutes.

But today, in particular, I want to discuss the mascara, because I think Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft is probably the best mascara on the market.  Believe me, I’ve strayed over the years and I’ve tried plenty of other mascaras, everything from the ones that claim to curl your lashes to the ones that claim to double the length and volume of your lashes–and a few in between.  Most of them went clumpy and didn’t fulfill their promises.

However, the Full N’ Soft mascara has never let me down and I’ve been using this mascara since middle school!  My lashes always look flawless and clump-free.  It’s nothing fancy–it’s not going to make your lashes longer or more voluminous or curl your lashes.  But it does the job for darker, thicker lashes.  (I personally use the waterproof version in “very black.”)

Medical Facials: The Secret to Flawless Gorgeous Skin 

he way my skin feels and looks is always at the mercy of the changing seasons. Oily in the summer, and especially dry in the winter. No matter what, I’m constantly changing my routine, because sometimes, my daily dose of SPF and my trusty DDF Moisturizing Dew just isn’t going to cut it.

An amazing, yet little known, regimen for taking care of your skin, eliminating acne, and improving your skin as you age, is the medical facial. I had my first medical facial a couple of months ago at Rita’s Institute for Beautiful Skin located in sunny Santa Monica, and went in again recently. Both experiences were terrific, and I’m definitely going back in for a couple more trips to clean up my skin. Rita worked for Dr. Howard Murad for a number of years at the Murad Medical Group and Dr. Ava Shamban before opening up her own office. Her clientele includes A-list celebs, including model Marissa Miller. The medi-spa also has a loyal following…clients that move away make trips back to Los Angeles just to see Rita! See theYelp reviews here and read for yourself!

What is a Medical Facial?

Medical facials are designed by dermatologists and performed by estheticians. Most of the time, the products they use are only available in doctors’ offices, and not in regular spas.

The Process

• I settled down under a warm comforter and Rita put lotion and heated gloves on my hands.

• Rita first analyzes your skin before she does anything. Right away she could tell that I have a bad habit of picking at my skin. And I’ve promised to stop this terrible habit, but habits are hard to break! Then she explains to me the medical facial process and what exactly she’s going to do to my skin.

• She begins the process by steaming my face for a few minutes to open up my pores.

• Then she exfoliates the skin via chemical exfoliation, e.g. a glycolic acid peel.

• Next comes the torturous part: the extractions. According to her website, “the core of her treatments involves a special technique she learned in Hungary where she precisely focuses on extraction angles which eliminates the formation of scars and red marks.” I must say that she is very thorough in her extractions.

• After all the extractions, she puts some more stuff on my face, and then she zaps my skin with a wand, which gets rid of the bacteria. It feels a little weird.

• After that she puts more stuff on my face, and I get pampered with a neck and shoulder massage.

• Finally, she covers my face with dry ice to seal up my pores.

Voila! 55 minutes later, my skin has never felt cleaner. Rita sends me home with samples of SPF & facial cleanser for my skin.

Treatments start at $50. The European Cleansing Facial will set you back $170 and Rita’s Signature Treatment, $450.

Save Your Skin: Wear Sunglasses!

I am one of the biggest advocates you will find of keeping skin healthy now so you don’t have to resort to surgery or needles later so you’ll look young.  For me, that means washing my face every night, keeping my skin moisturized – face, neck and chest, – and wearing sunscreen, rain or shine.  So a headline over at Yahoo definitely piqued my interest:  5 Surprising Ways You’re Ruining Your Skin.  A few of the tips were not so surprising – getting enough rest and being a serious runner – were things I already knew about.  But hearing about the dangers of tap water and steam rooms were interesting to learn about.  But I would definitely add to the first tip about getting your prescriptions for your eyes up to date.  The idea is that if you have to squint with your glasses or contacts, then you may be contributing to fine lines around your eyes.  I would definitely add in the necessity for wearing sunglasses!  Not only are you likely to squint less with shade for your eyes, but when you wear large frames like Jennifer Aniston’s in this picture, then you are protecting that delicate tissue around your eyes even further – if you have sunglasses with UV protection.  You don’t have to get expensive sunglasses in order to have UV protection.  Just make sure you read the description on the sunglasses carefully and always opt for 100% UV protection.  It is better for your eyes, to help prevent cataracts, and it is better for your skin, to help prevent wrinkles.

Holy Grail Lip Colour: Revlon Matte Lipstick

After a brief flirtation with lip gloss, I’ve been moving back to my roots…in other words, lipstick. And while some ladies might prefer a shiny lipstick, I’ve always been a fan of matte. Unfortunately, matte lipstick isn’t always a pleasure to wear; it can be drying, settle into fine lines and generally feel heavy on the lips. That’s why I’m so happy to have found my official HG lip color: Revlon’s Matte Lipstick.

Basically, I love everything about this lipstick. First of all, it’s drugstore-cheap and easy to find. Even the packaging (one area in which drugstore brands often falter) is sophisticated and cool: A sleek black-and-silver tube with clear plastic on top so you can see the color inside. The lipstick has no discernible taste or smell, and once it’s on, it’s virtually weightless. It’s long-lasting and genuinely matte, and the colors are beautiful.

At the moment, I have three shades from this line: Nude Attitude (creamy beige), In the Red (true red) and Wine Not (burgundy). The only one that I have any issue with at all is Nude Attitude; it’s so light that it looks a little like I put concealer on my lips! Still haven’t really figured out how to make that one work for me, but it might look nice topped with a colored gloss or as part of an updated mod look with a strong eye. But In the Red and Wine Not are my go-to bold lip colors. In short, if you love matte lips, get thee to a drugstore and sample this line. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Braided Updo

My best friend is getting married this weekend and I opted to do my own hair for the wedding.   When I decided on that, I didn’t realize that all of the other bridesmaids would be getting their hair “done” at the salon and I would be the only one attempting to look “done” on my own.  So now I’m in crisis mode, trying to find the best way to create an updo that is easy to recreate.  I know I want to wear my hair up because the wedding is outside and I don’t want to have to battle the elements.  It would probably be easiest just to straighten my hair and wear it down but since my hair is naturally wavy, chances are it would frizz up mighty quickly.  I had decided on wearing a bun because of my new found friend, Goody Spin Pin, but adding a bit of pizazz will help everything look more polished.  So I’m going to add in a braid.  

By adding in a simple braid to garnish the sides of your hair, you can transform a normal bun to something red-carpet worthy.   So here is how I’m going to create my hairstyle step-by-step:

Step 1: First I’m going to separate the portion of hair that I plan on braiding.  It will start at my front part line and be about two inches thick.  I will pin that atop my hair and save it for the end.

Step 2: Next I will use my 1″ curling iron and curl the rest of my hair in about 1 inch sections to give it body and depth, hairspraying each section as I go.

Step 3: Then I will lightly secure my curled hair with a hair tie just to keep it out of the way for a moment.

Step 4: Taking the portion-to-be-braided hair out of its pin, I will use the same curling iron as a straightener and smooth that section of hair.

Step 5: Now that the section is smoothed out, it is time to braid!

Step 6: Once the braiding is done, I will secure the braid with a small, clear hair tie.

Step 7: Gathering the curled hair I will gently wrap it into a low bun at the base of my neck and include the braided portion, hair tie and all, into that wrap.

Step 8: Using my spin pin, I will secure the bun making sure to also include the braid in the pin.

Step 9: Hairspray the heck out of the final style!

The final result will be bohemian and fabulous!

Beyond Belief ABH Intensive Repair Serum

The hits just keep on coming from Sally Beauty Supply! Here’s another affordable gem that has really done wonders for my skin: Beyond Belief’s ABH (Alpha-Beta-Hydroxy) Intensive Repair Serum. For less than $10 ($7.99, to be exact, with a Sally Beauty Club Card) this serum helps fight breakouts, improves the tone and texture of my skin, and moisturizes without adding oiliness. And I’m not alone in my love: This serum has received almost unanimous raves from reviewers on both Sally’s website and the MakeupAlley boards. What more can I say? It’s tough on acne without drying out your skin (no more flakies!) and it really has reduced my need for concealer. (Reduced, not eliminated…but still!) I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a good way to moisturize your acne-prone skin. I’m planning to check out the rest of theBeyond Belief ABH line right away.

How to Choose the Best Flat Iron: A Guide

Few aspects of your personal appearance are quite as important as your hair. Case in point: The unique and unutterable agony of a bad hair day. For many women (and men!), the best way to battle a bad hair day and ensure a sleek, beautiful style is to invest in a high quality styling tool that will tame curls, vanquish frizzies, and generally leave you looking like a million bucks. Enter the humble flat iron. But with so many different kinds of flat irons available, how can you decide which one to pick? Some people swear by their GHD flat irons, while others are die-hard CHI advocates, and still others feel naked without their BaByliss. It can definitely be confusing, but if you find a flat iron you like that has the following qualities, you’re set:

• Adjustable Settings. A flat iron with adjustable heat settings is a must-have. One size does not fit all when it comes to heat, and while you want the plates to be hot, you should also be able to lower the heat a little when necessary. The best strategy is to use the lowest possible setting that will still effectively straighten your hair. All of the best flat ironshave this feature, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.
• Ceramic (or Tourmaline) Plates. A flat iron with metal plates may be super affordable, but it can also seriously damage your hair. In fact, metal plates can literally fry your locks, leading to breakage. Even if the damage isn’t that drastic, you’ll still be left with dry, frizzy, damaged hair – basically, the exact opposite of what you wanted when you bough a flat iron in the first place! Choosing an iron with ceramic or tourmaline-infused plates will give you a soft, shiny finish. But make sure the plates are 100% ceramic, not just metal coated with a ceramic finish. (Again, if the flat iron is made by a reputable manufacturer, this shouldn’t be a problem.)
• Heats Up Fast. When you’re getting ready in the morning or primping for a big night out on the town, you don’t want to waste valuable minutes waiting for your flat iron to reach the correct temperature. A quality iron will reach optimal temperature in less than a minute, and will be able to sustain that temperature while you iron your hair, which makes everything fast and easy.
• Long-term Durability. Finally, you want a flat iron that will last for years to come – especially if you spend several hundred dollars on it. Luckily, with most straighteners, you get what you pay for, so if you invest a little extra you can safely expect a high-performance  flat iron . You should also find out whether your flat iron comes with a warranty; many do, and if your flat iron happens to break, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced at no additional cost.

As with any significant beauty purchase, a little research goes a long way toward ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy decidedly fabulous hair days for many years to come. What kind of straightener do you prefer? Whether it’s a CHI or a GHD flat iron – or some other brand entirely – I want to know the styling tool you swear by! Tell me your thoughts in a comment.

How to Store Your Nail Polish

Last week my friends threw an “end of summer” barbeque but it was pretty chilly here in SoCal that evening, so we all hung out inside their fabulous place instead of hanging by the pool.  Oddly enough, this change of plans led to a beauty tipdiscovery.  As someone was rooting around in the fridge for another beer, they noticed that there were bottles of nail polishlining the refrigerator door.  This led to questions…

Guest: “Um.  Why is there nail polish in your fridge?”

Friend: “I read in a beauty mag forever ago that it helps preserve the color and texture of the nail polish longer.  So I’ve always kept it in my refrigerator.”

Friend’s Husband: “That’s why??  I just figured that it wasn’t an accident you put them there but decided it was better not to ask…”

Oh, husbands…

I had never heard of this nail polish preservation technique before!  Have you??  I think I’m going to have to start storing my nail polish this way though because I definitely don’t use my bottles quickly enough.  Seriously though, who does?  That is another question…have you EVER gone through an entire bottle of nail polish before it went bad?  I have trouble getting through the mini bottles before the color starts to separate.  Maybe I should paint my nails more…

Leave a comment and let us know how you store your nail polish!

Queen Helen Mint Julep Shampoo

I’ve never been one to put a lot of stock in hair care products. This is probably because I’ve been blessed with hair that just never had many issues; it’s thick, straight and healthy with little to no frizziness – the definition of “wash and go” hair. I’ve always chosen my shampoo based largely on how it smelled in the bottle, and if the accompanying conditioner made it extra soft, that was a nice bonus. But, as I mentioned in my recent love letter to beauty supply stores, an impressive review on Nouveau Cheap made me rethink my approach to shampoo. Apparently, Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Shampoo is some sort of unassuming miracle product – who woulda thunk?

While I dig the mint green, super retro bottle, I think it made me underestimate the potential greatness of this shampoo. But now I realize that Queen Helene has never revamped this classic bottle because they didn’t have to - the product speaks for itself! First of all, the price: The shampoo is meant to be diluted in 1-2 gallons (!) of water, and it costs around $4 a bottle at Sally. That means you’re paying $4 for 2 gallons of shampoo! Next, the smell: Just like spearmint gum. JUST LIKE IT. If you’ve ever wanted your hair to smell like minty gum without actually having minty gum in your hair, you will love this.

Actually using the shampoo was an interesting experience for me. Ignore what it says on the Queen Helene site – this stuff doesn’t lather. (That’s because it’s free from lots of nasty additives that can damage your hair, but still.) Instead of diluting it in water, I used a really small amount – like a few drops – and applied it directly to my wet hair, scrubbed and rinsed. Immediately, my hair and scalp felt extremely clean, and my hair was soft and manageable, even before conditioner. (Note: I used a random Herbal Essences conditioner I had in my shower, since I don’t think there is an accompanying Mint Julep conditioner.) My hair even dried extremely fast – something I thought I imagined until I revisited the aforementioned post on Nouveau Cheap and found that the reviewer had noticed the same thing! Once dry, my hair was shiny, with an almost absurd amount of bounce and body.

So what can I say? This is my new favorite shampoo. What’s yours?

E.L.F. Make Brushes

Ok, I admit I’m late to the party but….have you discovered E.L.F. makeup brushes yet??  I went to Target yesterday and was on the hunt for some affordable makeup brushes.  I am doing my best friend’s makeup for her wedding in two weeks and I want to make sure she looks flawless.  I needed to get a foundation brush and I also thought it would be a good idea to pick up some eyeshadow brushes for her eye makeup.  I have some great ones from MAC that I used for my wedding but since I use them and wouldn’t have time to clean them properly between her application and mine, it is more sanitary to get some new brushes just for her.  Since I’m mainly buying the brushes for a one-time-only affair, I’m not too worried about not getting top of the line brushes that are going to last forever.  I just need some quality brushes that will apply makeup beautifully for this occasion.

I went ahead and picked up a few from the Sonia Kashuk line, since they are pretty great in their own right.  And then I decided to wander through the makeup aisles, as I’m known to do.  I can’t help myself – you never know what fun stuff you’ll find!  And I’m extra glad I did because that is how I stumbled upon E.L.F.  I didn’t realize Target carried this line and I thought I heard awhile back that they were going out of business.  So I was very pleasantly surprised to see their products.  And then I saw how much they cost…..ONE DOLLAR.  Yep.  A dollar a brush.  And not for shabby, stiff, poor bristles.  A dollar for soft, pliable, completely workable brushes.  I am thrilled with the find and stocked up on what I needed.  All for less than the cost of one brush from Sonia Kashuk’s line.  Not to knock the SK brushes – those will certainly last longer and are great quality.  But when you need a brush for a day, you can’t beat this.  And if you are new to brushes and you want to experiment with applying your makeup with them, this is the perfect way to find what works for you – before investing bigger bucks in higher end products.

A Love Letter to Sally Beauty Supply

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt like I had two choices when it came to buying makeup: I could go low-end (i.e., drugstore) or I could go high-end (i.e., department stores/Sephora). Drugstore makeup is super affordable and easy to come by, but higher-end products are usually better quality and better for my skin – not to mention the invariably sexy packaging. Unfortunately, I’ve more or less resigned myself to buying drugstore makeup lately, with the occasional Sephora splurge here and there…and then I started thinking aboutbeauty supple stores.

Of course, I’ve always been aware of beauty supply stores, and I’ve ducked in once or twice, but I had pretty much written them off as being primarily hair care. (Why did I think this? I have no idea.) But Sally, in particular, kept popping up on the blogs I read, from Nouveau Cheap’s guest post on an intriguing mint shampoo to RFC’s comparison of the Palladio Dual Wet&Dry Foundation to MAC StudioFix – in which she concluded that they were very close, but she liked the Palladio better!

So I ducked into my nearest Sally’s, and whoa! So much cheaper than a trip to Sephora, and everything I bought is awesome! Here’s what I hauled:

• Palladio Dual Wet and Dry Foundation in Laurel Nude ($8.99)
• Queen Helene Mint Julep Shampoo ($3.99)
• Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque ($3.29)
• Beyond Belief ABH Intensive Repair Serum ($7.99)
• Orly Polish Thinner ($3.49)
• Orly “Galaxy Girl” polish from the Cosmic FX collection ($7.99)
• …plus the $5 I paid for a 1-year membership to the “Beauty Club”

I decided to take the plunge and get a club card because there are tons of discounts exclusive to club members listed on the website; plus, they gave me a $5 coupon good on any purchase during the month of October, so it’s like my membership was free!

As for the awesomeness of my purchases, I’m thinking of doing a series of individual reviews, because seriously, they’re all great. The Palladio powder foundation, in particular, is so much better than the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers I’ve been using – and it was about $5 cheaper!

In conclusion, if you haven’t ventured into a beauty supply store in years, I recommend you take the plunge. They have cosmetics, skincare and hair products far better than what you’ll find at most drugstores, but at a fraction of the price you can expect to pay at the mall. Love you, Sally! 

Unusual Jewelry Love

I’ve written about my love for ModCloth.com before – basically, it’s a great site for a little “online window shopping,” with tons of cute, vintage-inspired dresses, coats, shoes and home decor. But today, I found myself particularly enamored of a couple of rather unusual pieces of jewelry:

So cute, right!? The Leave It to Cleaver necklace is a fun way to add a bit of edge to any outfit (and, as the box says, it offers “serious cleavage”), while Ring Arthur gives you the unique thrill of wearing a bit of Camelot right there on your finger. I love the whimsy of both of these pieces, and since they’re so reasonably priced, there’s no reason you couldn’t spring for both…

Current Drug-store Obsession

For some reason, I have been obsessed with finding Revlon’s Lilac Pastelle, a creamy purple lip gloss. Unlike most glosses, which have at least a hint of shimmer, this one is absolutely shimmer-free – and, having seen pictures of it on the lips, it’s way more flattering than you might expect. (There’s also a Lilac Pastelle nail polish, if you’re into that matchy-matchy kind of thing.)

Another drugstore obsession: Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear polishes. I already own quite a few of these (in fact, I’m wearing Blue Me away, a vibrant blue creme, right now!) but the new shades that I’ve seen on a handful of blogs look pretty hard to resist – and, since they’re only $1.99 apiece, why fight it? There’s a glass-flecked deep crimson called Fireberry Red, a smoky purple/gray with delicate green shimmer called Mystic Lilac, and a glittery purple/silver combo called Purple Gala…sigh. Why haven’t I been able to find these yet?!

There they are…my current drugstore obsessions! Which affordable makeup or beauty products are you dying to get your hands on?

My Top 5 Skincare Tips:

What’s your skincare routine? I’m genuinely curious! Even though I can’t usually use specific tips from women with skin types different from my own, I still love to find out about everyone’s unorthodox maintenance methods and how they get their skin clear, smooth and healthy. Personally, I’m all about fighting breakouts, improving skin tone and keeping my pores as clean as possible – and I think I finally have an effective routine in place. Here are my top five skincare tips:

1. Wash your face only once a day. Even if you think your skin is oily and in no danger of drying out, believe me when I say stripping your skin of too much of its natural oil will only lead to breakouts down the line. I use my Bliss cleanser at night, and in the morning I splash my face with water. NOTE: This will only work if you remember to remove all of your makeup at night! As an added bonus, your cleanser will last longer, so you’ll save some cash.
2. Use microfiber cloths daily for gentle yet highly effective exfoliation. Yes, I tried it, and yes, it works! You can find them in the automotive aisle at Target; the ones I bought were bright green and were on sale, 4 for $3.99. Just use it as you would a regular washcloth and enjoy the smooth, glowing skin it produces.
3. Once or twice a week, I exfoliate my face in the shower with sea salt. (Another awesome blogger tip!) I like to keep a small plastic container filled with sea salt in the shower so I always have some on hand. Make sure it has a lid, of course, or your salt will get all wet and clumpy!
4. When I do breakout, I forgo OTC spot treatments in favor of 100% pure tea tree oil. You should be able to find a bottle of this in the vitamin section at virtually any drugstore for less than $10. Just put a little on a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. Tea tree has awesome natural antiseptic qualities that really heal blemishes fast.
5. Finally – and, perhaps, most importantly – DON’T touch your face! And I’m not just talking about picking, poking and prodding. You should also avoid seemingly innocuous activities like resting your hand on your chin while reading. In fact, the only time your hands should be on your face at all is right after they’ve been washed…if even then.

There it is: My guide to great skin. What tips have worked for you? Leave your top 5 skincare must haves in a comment!

Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50

Summer may be winding down but that doesn’t mean that sunscreen is no longer on our radar.  I’m a firm believer in wearing SPF everyday, whether I’m spending the day at the beach or not, so I’m always on the lookout for sunscreens that protect well and can live happily in the world of everyday and in the world of vacation.  I actually just got back from a vacation in the Florida Keys and, lawd, let me tell you – it is HOT down there.   The sun is a whole ‘nother level of intense and I was quite nervous that I was going to get scorched.  Before I left mild LA, I picked up a new sunscreen to try out:  Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50.  One of my biggest sunscreen-gripes is when you get wet or start to sweat and the sunscreen burns your eyes.  The fact that it said on the bottle that it “Won’t sting eyes & skin” didn’t give me much comfort because I have tried others that promised the same thing – but still stung.  I was planning on spending a lot of time lounging in the pool – I did not need anything to complicate that!  Another sunscreen-gripe is if it is too greasy.  I don’t need anything that is going to make me break out like I’m a teenager again.  And it is hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t fall into at least one of my gripes.

Well let me tell you:  I  LOVE THIS SUNSCREEN.

There were no oh-my-gosh-my-eyes! moments – totally did not sting.  A little of this sunscreen goes a long way, so you get more bang for your buck.  It does take a little while to fully rub it in but you know you are being well protected.  Once you learn the right amount to apply for your face, then it isn’t greasy and totally wearable underneath makeup.  It is my new go-to daily sunscreen.  We ended up needing to buy a larger bottle so that my entire family could use it while we were on vacation – everyone agreed that it was pretty great.  I’m keeping the small bottle in my purse in case I ever need to touch up throughout the day.

I am definitely of the philosophy that if we take good care of our skin now, we’ll have less problems to take care of down the line.  And not just in terms of aging:   I had to have a pre-cancerous spot on my nose removed last year and I’m still in my twenties.  That was a wake up call!   Needless to say, while I love the sun, I’m a little more cautious now – hats and sunscreen for everyone!

Dolce Vita for Target

 It’s not easy being a shoe lover on a budget. Designer shoes are well out of your reach, and cheap shoes look…well, cheap. Given these circumstances, it can be extremely challenging to keep up with the latest trends, or even revamp your shoe wardrobe for the coming season. But with fall on the horizon, I’m sure my fellow footwear fetishists are on the hunt for some way to grab 

a new pair of boots without breaking the bank. I recommend checking out the Dolce Vita for Targetcollection, which hits stores this month. All of the styles, which include flats, oxfords and boots, are under $40. I’m particularly fond of the buckle ankle boots – part Michael Jackson circa Bad, part Alison Mosshart (of the Kills and the Dead Weather) – and the lace-up boots. What do you think of this collection? And if you’re not down with Target, what stores do you visit for affordable footwear?

Sacrifice Foot Pain, Not Fashion

Don’t you hate it when you have this gorgeous pair of heels that make you feel sexy and confident, but you can hardly ever wear them because they kill your feet? And don’t you hate how every time an actual doctor is quoted in a magazine about this problem, all they ever have to say is, “Don’t wear high heels?” I mean, really! I think we can come up with a solution that’s a little more constructive, considering the fact that heels don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Behold, shoe lovers, I bring you tidings of great joy: The Heeluxe Talus Heelbeds, designed to make even your most punishing stilettoes as comfortable and supportive as sneakers.

Confession: These were designed by Dr. Geoffrey Alan Gray, a Santa Barbara-based doctor…and a friend of mine from back in the day. So, yes, I was given a free pair of these; however, I would not be recommending them if they didn’t work. But the thing is, they do! I slipped them into a pair of high-heeled boots that I frequently wear while playing shows with my band. They usually start out feeling decent, but in a few hours my feet start to get sore, and by the end of the night I’m ready to cast off my boots and run barefoot down the street just for a little relief. After sticking the Heeluxe Talus Heelbeds in my boots, I was surprised. At first, they felt a little weird and foreign. (They really DO make heels feel like sneakers – it’s kind of bizarre.) I almost felt like I was wearing lifts in my shoes. But I couldn’t deny that they were comfortable, and by the end of the night I wasn’t begging for mercy the way I normally am. Mission accomplished!

The thing is, there is actual science behind these sophisticated inserts: Check out this interview with Dr. Gray for more information on why they work as well as they do, and then head over to the Heeluxe store to buy a pair for yourself. While these heelbeds are mainly intended for use in high heels, the company has a product lined up for launch in the spring that, according to Dr. Gray, “is going to make ballet flats feel incredibly comfortable.” As a ballet flat lover who is constantly perturbed by their utter lack of arch support, I’m thrilled at the prospect! Dr. Scholl’s, watch your back.

Lily Lolo Mineral Eye-shadow

I confess: I’m something of an eyeshadow novice. In fact, after eschewing the product for years in favor of my trusty old (and, admittedly, boring) black eyeliner/black mascara combo, I only started branching out into the world of shadows earlier this year. Sure, I’d swiped a wash of color on my lids from time to time, but I’m just now learning how to use multiple colors at once, accent the crease, blend up to the brow bone, and so on. I’ve actually never used a mineral eyeshadow before, so forgive me if any part of this review is marred by user error or plain old ignorance.

Lily Lolo is a UK-based brand of mineral makeup, and LB recently received a few adorable little pots of their loose powder eyeshadow for review. The shades I tried, both part of the new Summer Essential line, were Vanilla Shimmer (described as “a softly shimmering pinky-beige”) and Moonlight (“a rich, luxurious and glistening chocolate brown”). Vanilla Shimmer is recommended as a base color or for highlights, while Moonlight is intended to add depth or function as an eyeliner. I wouldn’t have chosen either of these colors for myself, as I tend to prefer shades that are dark and/or bold, but they both looked perfectly lovely in their pots and swatched on the back of my hand. These shadows are smooth and light as silk, and the shimmer is soft yet noticeable – sounds great, right?

Unfortunately, I’m going to have to give them a thumbs down overall because they had virtually no staying power whatsoever! Now the website claims that these shadows have “strong colour pigment to give long lasting wear,” but my experience was exactly the opposite. The colors looked nice when I first brushed them on, but when I attempted to blend at all, they simply faded away. (I tried this on my hand as well, and they really do seem to vanish on me after just one or two swipes!) I was unable to create any sort of look with these shadows, which is too bad, because they really did look pretty in the pot. However, I didn’t use a primer or base, so I suppose that could make all the difference, or this could just be the nature of mineral shadows.

In conclusion, Lily Lolo seems like an intriguing new brand, and I would be interested in trying some of their other products, but these shadows were not my bag, baby. What do you think of mineral eyeshadows? Do you have any brands that you swear by?

Want Morticia Adams Nails?

Speaking of inventive beauty tie-ins and Halloween-appropriate nail polish, here’s a fun little set that combines both! In case you’re not aware, there is currently an Addams Family musical that is doing very well on Broadway, starring Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia and Nathan Lane as Gomez. Morbid though she may be, Morticia has always been quite the style icon; from Carolyn Jones on the ’60s-era TV show to Anjelica Huston in the ’90s films, no one works a little black dress and severe makeup quite like Morticia – and the current Broadway iteration of the character is no exception. Even if the Addams matriarch leans a little too far toward the dark side for you, you’re probably up for a vampy manicure every now and then, especially once fall rolls around. Enter Morticia’s Nails, a trio of morbid shades created by Essie with creative input from Neuwirth and her husband.

Inside the adorably goth packaging, you’ll find three colors: Midnight Tango (a deep navy blue), Bone Chilling White (a stark white creme) and Blood Curdling Red (a bloody crimson). The entire set is $30, with all proceeds benefiting the Actor’s Fund, a non-profit group that raises money for the performing arts.

So which set would you rather have on hand this Halloween?  Morticia’s Nails, China Glaze Awakening…or something else entirely?

Fresh 'Eat, Prey, Love' Fragrance Collection

Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love – which has been adapted into a movie starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem, in theaters August 13th – should be pleased to hear about the latest fragrance offering from Fresh: A trio of scents inspired by the three countries that give the book (and film) its name. 

• “Eat” was inspired by the delicious wines and desserts of Italy, with notes including lemon, basil, cannoli (!) and caramel, balanced by Italian liqueurs like Prosecco and Limoncello.
• “Pray” calls to mind the heady spiritualism of India in a scent that is reminiscent of incense and spices with its notes of amber, patchouli, jasmine, cardamom and more.
• “Love” evokes the romantic tropical landscape of Indonesia with notes like bergamot, mango blossom, sandalwood and red currant.

Each scent will sell for $32 individually, or you can purchase a trio of travel-sized candles for  $45. What do you think of this inventive tie-in? I haven’t read the book, but I’m definitely interested in sniffing these out; they both look and sound divine!

Wedding Makeup: Part Three

After our fabulous guest blog by Sheila from the Painted Ladies, I don’t need to get too into detail about eye makeup for your wedding day.  Check out her blog and you’ll have a great guide.  I agree that primers are a must and I love her trick with the cream base to really may your shadow pop.  Since most brides wear white on their wedding day, you have a little liberty with your eye makeup.  You can choose to keep it really natural with natural tones, like tans and browns or you can play with color.  Pinks and lilacs are a great way to up the pretty if you want to experiment with color.   It all depends on how adventurous you feel on your wedding day.  It also depends on what you are planning to do with your lips…

For your lip color you can go bold or you can keep it natural.  But whatever you do, enhance the natural pigment of your lips so they don’t get lost in pictures.  I highly recommend putting on a stain under whatever lip color you ultimately decide on.  Even if you are using a long lasting lip color, you don’t want to be concerned with double checking to make sure everything has stayed in place.  With a lip stain, you will have a beautiful flush no matter how many kisses or drinks you’ve had throughout the day.  I use Cover Girl’s Outlast Lip Stain as a base for my lips on a daily basis.  The clever magic marker tip makes application really easy.  If you want a more traditional stain, you can’t go wrong with Benetint.  I love their Pocket Pal stain because it comes with a handy lip balm all in one package.  Perfect for when you want to add a little shine as the night goes on.

Last but not least, don’t forget your cheeks!  You will need some sort of blush in order not to look washed out.  Remember that matte is key but there is nothing wrong with a little dash of bronzer to help create that “in love” glow.  Again, I’m a fan of Cover Girl and love theirCheekers bronzer.  It comes in two shades and is not overpowering.  It gives just a light flush that looks very natural.   Use a larger blushbrush, like MAC’s #168 large contour brush, to get the right application.

If you still need a little more guidance on how to properly apply all of your makeup goodies, set up an appointment with one of the makeup artists at any MAC store.  That is what I did when I got married.  The woman who helped me showed me the exact products I would need to create the look I wanted.  Then she made a step-by-step guide that was personalized for me on one of their face maps.  I don’t know the actual name for that….my memory fails me!….but I had it out on my wedding day and followed her instructions.  It was like having my own personal makeup artist with me, which was pretty sweet!

Wedding Makeup: Part Two

I recommended the use of MAC’s Select Foundation.  I noted that it had SPF in it and my bestie wrote to me right away.  She thought everything looked good but she had read somewhere that using makeup with an SPF is bad for photos.  This was news to me so I quickly did some research and….

Turns out she was right!  I had never heard of this before but I found a lot of info.  The titanium dioxide that is used as SPF in makeup is formulated to reflect light in order to protect the skin.  Which means that you can end up with a washed out look when using flash photography.  You learn something new everyday.  I checked out MAC’s foundation and sure enough, it has titanium dioxide.  So I have to amend my previous post’s suggestion!

So what kind of foundation is best?  When I got married, I usedCover Girl’s TruBlend Foundation.  It covered evenly and looked great in photos.  But I just went over to their site and it looks like they have changed their formula and people aren’t thrilled.

I don’t like recommending something I haven’t used personally yet but since MAC has never let me down, I feel comfortable suggesting you check out their Face and Body Foundation.  It doesn’t have SPF and it is water resistant.  That could come in handy for the teary moments you may encounter on your wedding day.  And the sweaty moments – which will hopefully happen when you’re dancing!

Since today was a day of learning and an amendment to yesterday’s post, I’ll have more for you tomorrow on the best eye, lip and cheek products to try, in Part Three.  This could be a week-long series!

Wedding Makeup: Part One

My best friend is getting married in September and she is planning on doing her own makeup!  I love this idea because it gives you the opportunity to go and buy quality makeup that will last you long beyond one day.  But which products do you buy?  With wedding day makeup, you have to be sure to get products that photograph well and this where some hard and fast rules come into play.  Today, let’s take a look at the basics:

Use a Primer

Primer is brilliant because it gives you a blank slate to start as the foundation of your entire look.  My favorite primer that has never let me down is Prime Time by Bare Minerals.  One pump is enough to smooth over my entire face and it helps to make my pores look smaller and fine lines smoother.  But the real reason behind my love is that it makes my makeup last all day.  And that is what you need on your wedding day.  Knowing that your foundation is going to stay put gives you one less thing to worry about!  And speaking of foundation….

Buy Matte

When it comes to foundations, powders and concealers, buying products that have a matte finish will give your skin the polished and beautiful look you want in your wedding pictures.  This is an important note for women who wear mineral makeup on a daily basis.  I am one of those women!  I love my Bare Minerals for everyday looks but every time I’ve been a part of a professional photography shoot, the makeup artists have advised against minerals.  Minerals tend to reflect light and you can end up looking a little oily in photos.  Because of this, Bare Minerals did create a matte formula for their foundations.  So if you are set on minerals, then this is the one to check out.  But if you feel like you’ll be more comfortable with a liquid foundation that has a matte finish, I’d recommend checking out any of MAC’s Select Foundation.  It comes in 18 shades and SPF 15 and finishes with a matte look.

Now that we have the canvas of your look prepped for photos, let’s add on the right layers for the pops of color on your cheeks, eyes and lips….tune in Part Two!

Perfect Summer Sandals

Maybe it’s because today is the first day of summer.  Maybe it’s because I need to update my sandal collection.  Maybe it’s because they are on sale.  Or maybe it is just because they are so darn pretty.  Whatever the reason is, I’m obsessed with these gladiator sandals from Yosi Samara.  The cutout details in the leather give these sandals an old-world vibe that is irresistible.  The detail of the gold trim on the heel give them a look that totally justifies being worn on more “formal” occasions and yet the brown leather keep them versatile for more casual outfits.  And the price is totally reasonable for a sandal that can do so much.  My birthday is tomorrow…maybe I should treat myself!  What do you think of them?  Do they look perfect to you too?  Or is it just the summer heat talking?

Orly's Plastix Collection for Nails

Nail polish. You’re either obsessed with it – like I am – or you probably don’t give it very much thought at all. But for those of us who simply can’t get enough polish, it’s all too easy to become jaded about the latest colors. Thanks to ’90s-era polish pioneers like Hard Candy and Urban Decay, not to mention drugstore stalwarts like Wet’n'Wild who have been offering unusual colors ever since I can remember, there’s basically nothing new under the sun, right? Wrong! The latest nail innovations are all about texture and finish rather than simple variations in color. Case in point, last year’s unavoidable matte trend. Every polish company imaginable created a collection of mattes, and while the prospect seemed exciting at first, many women were dissatisfied with the reality of a matte manicure. Mattes are difficult to apply evenly, tend to chip almost as quickly as they dry, and – oh yeah – look pretty dull when it comes down to it. But hope is on the horizon: The big nail trend of 2010 looks to be satins, and Orly is right there at the forefront with their Plastix Collection for fall.

Instead of the dull finish of mattes or the glossy gleam of traditional polishes, Plastix polishes have a “shiny and rubbery look,” according to a press release from Orly. The idea is that your nails won’t merely look painted – they’ll look like they’ve been coated in liquid plastic. The collection is available in four different shades: An eye-catching teal, a vibrant purple, a summery neon orange and a bright strawberry red. If the swatches over at All Lacquered Upare any indication, Orly has certainly achieved their goal of giving nails an unusual, plasticky gleam. I love how strange and futuristic this finish is, and I’m excited that polish companies keep pushing the boundaries when it comes to their product. What do you think of the Plastix collection and satin polishes  in general?

Skinbright Skin Brightener

If you’re older than, oh, 10 or so, you probably have a few skin flaws that you’d like to clear up for good. Personally, I have several dark marks on my face from past acne breakouts that I wouldn’t mind fading into obscurity. Even if you’ve never had a single pimple in your life, perhaps you wrestle with freckles, age spots, hyperpigmentation or just random skin discoloration here and there. If so, you have two options available to you: Cross your fingers and hope that time will heal all wounds and take the edge off your dark spots, or invest in a good brightening cream. I’ve never tried a brightener before, but I was definitely interested. Luckily for me, the good folks at Skinbright were kind enough to provide us here at LatestBeauty with a complimentary bottle of their skin brightening serum, and I immediately volunteered for the privilege of testing it out.

What is Skinbright? According to their website, it’s a “gentle, yet powerful skin brightener” that uses natural ingredients (like kojic acid, lemon extract and hemp oil) to exfoliate the skin and decrease the production of melanin, fading dark spots while keeping skin hydrated and healthy. The packaging – a skinny bottle with a pump dispenser designed to keep air out of the product – is attractive enough, and the product itself is easy to use: Just take a little bit (one or two pumps should be plenty) and rub it in to the spots you want to fade. Skinbright recommends that you do this twice a day, everyday, unless you experience adverse effects. (As for my experience, I didn’t notice any burning sensations or dryness whatsoever.) But how well does Skinbright actually work?

Well…it’s hard to say. I’ve been using Skinbright for less than two months now. I have noticed brightening, but my spots are still present. However, I’m willing to give this product the benefit of the doubt and wait the full three to six months that the website claims it may require to restore my skin to pristine, spot-free condition. In the meantime, I have to say that I’m pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of this product. Frankly, I expected it to do little to nothing, but within just a few days of starting my twice daily application regimen, my boyfriend noted that my skin looked nice, and asked what I had been doing differently! One caveat: This was around the time that I also started using my new Bliss anti-acne cleanser, so I really can’t say for certain which one is contributing to my improved skin tone, although I suspect that it may be the combination of the two.

A final note: Skinbright retails for $49 a bottle on the website (although there are price breaks if you order several at a time) – a little steep, although hardly unheard of for quality skincare. However, it is worth noting that they offer a money-back refund if you’re dissatisfied with the product for any reason. Even if you finish the entire bottle, you can still get your money back, minus your return shipping costs and a $5 handling fee. Not bad, right? If you’re curious about Skinbright, I fully endorse giving it a go.

Has anyone else tried this brightener? If not, what other kinds of brightening creams have you used? Were they effective in improving your skin tone and lightening your dark spots? Do share!

Beauty Battle: Shampowder vs Tresemme

Since Meagan’s Shampowder review – which I largely agree with, by the way – provided a basic rundown of the product, its promises and how well it delivers on them, I figured I would use my turn at the LatestBeauty pulpit to answer another burning dry shampoo question you might have: How does Shampowder compare to Tresemme’s Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, which I snatched up for less than $2 at the drugstore? Read on for the details of this heated beauty battle…

EASE OF USE: Fresh Start is dispensed in a spray can, which – as Meagan mentioned – is pretty standard when it comes to dry shampoos. Shampowder, on the other hand, comes in a cute little tube with a brush for more targeted application. I like that the tube is clear, so you can see how much Shampowder you have left, I love how the bristles are protected when you close the cap, and I love the portability. I ‘ll admit that the brush application did take a little getting used to on my end, but once I got the hang of it, I definitely preferred it to the spray. 

WINNER? Shampowder!

SCENT: Shampowder describes its scent as a “light vanilla.” Another blogger (I can’t remember which! argh) said that it reminded her of cupcakes. Personally, I think it’s somewhat baby powder-esque, but a lighter, more sophisticated version of baby powder. The Fresh Start isn’t terrible, but it’s also a little odd and takes some getting used to. Shampowder smells great from the beginning, and it won’t overwhelm you if you have a sensitive nose or you like to wear perfume, lotion or body mist. WINNER? Shampowder!

OIL-ABSORBING ABILITY: Okay, I have to be honest here…I haven’t been using the Fresh Start a whole lot lately. Why? Because I keep reaching for the Shampowder instead! It’s so much better at absorbing oil and adding subtle body without forcing you to sit there while it soaks in and then brush it through a million times until the white foam disappears (if you’re lucky). Mineral pigments in Shampowder mean that it’s tailored to match your hair color (blonde, black or brown/red), and the fine texture means that it’s absorbed instantly intoyour hair. Brush it through just a few times – or don’t! – and you’re good to go. Like Meagan, I wasn’t able to actually go a full week without an old-fashioned wet shampoo, but it’s definitely a godsend if you’ve skipped for a day or two. WINNER? Shampowder!

PRICE: Finally, we have the little matter of the price tag to consider. Tresemme’s dry shampoo sells for around $6.99 (or less, if you can find a deal or you have a coupon – like I said, I got mine for just $1.34). Shampowder, however, retails for $15.99 on the Buttercream Cosmetics website. That makes Shampowder more than twice as expensive. However, I do feel like the quality you get is much higher, and the price tag seems fair. Still, if you’re looking for an extremely cheap dry shampoo, it’s clear who comes out on top in the price category. WINNER? Tresemme Fresh Start!

ULTIMATE WINNER:

SHAMPOWDER!

Since this little miracle in a tube swept 3 of the 4 categories, I have to hand it to Buttercream – they have a winner on their hands with this product. I thought I was happy with Fresh Start until I tried Shampowder! If you’re as intrigued by dry shampoo as we are, you have to check it out.

Shampowder Dry Shampoo

PRODUCT: Shampowder Dry Shampoo

CLAIMS: “Just a sprinkle of Shampowder is all it takes to add life and lift to hair. Mineral pigments in the most natural tones blend seamlessly in with your own hair color. In seconds, you look like you just stepped out of the salon!”

I am a bit fascinated with the concept of dry shampoo so I was eager to try out Shampowder, sent to us by the lovely folks at Buttercream Cosmetics.   My interest was even more piqued when I saw the form of the dry shampoo:  Instead of being dished out by a spray can like most dry shampoos I’ve tried, it came in a cute little powder brush.  It looked like makeup and I instantly knew this was going to be different.  What really intrigued me though was the fact that the inventor of Shampowder, Jayne Polan, says that she uses it almost everyday and only washes her hair every 5 to 7 days.  That is a long time to go without a shampoo and water cleansing….was I up to the challenge?

RESULTS:

There are two things that I really like about Shampowder:

• The applicator makes it really easy to target the oily parts of your hair and is super convenient to store in your purse for whenever you need it.  The portability of the product goes a long way in its favor.  I especially like how the silver portion protects the brush bristles when you put the lid back on for storage.  When you try Shampowder out, you’ll know what I’m talking about.  I hate putting a lid back on a brush and crimping the bristles – a personal pet peeve of mine.
• The scent is a light vanilla that is pleasant and in no way overwhelming.  The smell of dry shampoos has been a major reason I haven’t used them more regularly.  I tried out Ojon at one point and learned an expensive lesson about smelling something before you buy it.  It stunk so badly that I used it once and had to take a shower.  Not so with Shampowder.  I am very sensitive to smells – I can’t even wear perfume – and the scent of Shampowder is very subtle and noninvasive.

As far as effectiveness goes, Shampowder can really increase the volume of your hair which is one reason I like dry shampoo.  My hair is pretty limp on its own and Shampowder definitely kicked it up a notch.  I tried to go a week without washing my hair, like Jayne does.  The first day of not washing, I was really pleased.  My hair looked clean and it didn’t feel yucky.  The second day of not washing, my hair felt okay in the morning with its second Shampowder application.  By midday I was starting to feel a little antsy about it though and threw it back into a ponytail. By that evening, I had to go back to traditional shampoo and water.  I actually think my hair looked good still but I couldn’t break the mental barrier of not feeling clean enough.

PROS: Easy to apply, easy to carry with you for touch-ups, smells soooo much better than other dry shampoos, pumps up the volume, cuts the grease.

CONS: Using it everyday for up to a week might not be for everybody.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  Worth your $$.  Definitely worth having in your arsenal.  Perfect for giving your hair a pick-me-up before going out or on days you don’t have time to do the whole wash-and-dry routine.

My New Favourite Cleanser for Acne-Pro Skin

Yes, friends, I finally decided that it’s time to start investing in my skin a little – and that means no more drugstore cleansers. (I have no actual proof that using a cheap cleanser compromises the quality of your skin, but after years of using products by the likes of Neutrogena, Cetaphil and – yes – even Ivory bar soap, I decided that a little splurge might be in order.) I headed straight to Sephora and asked the nearest sales associate what she recommended for oily, acne-prone skin.

Her top suggestion was this No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Purifying Cleanser+Toner by Bliss. She said that, despite the somewhat-medicinal smell, my skin would feel “like butter” after use, and I could count on the encapsulated formula to keep battling breakouts even after it had been rinsed away. The price tag was a totally reasonable $22, and combined with Sephora’s generous return policy, I decided to go for it. (By the way, are you aware of how awesome their return policy is?! You can bring anything back if you’re not satisfied, there’s no time limit on returns, and you only have to have the receipt for cash-back returns; without a receipt, they’ll give you store credit instead. Nice!)

Anyhow, can I just say that this is officially the best cleanser I’ve ever used in my life? I don’t know about you, but I always relied on other skincare products to do the dirty work when it came to my breakouts, which I would classify as moderate in terms of both severity and frequency. Spot treatments, clarifying lotions, natural remedies (like sea salt or tea tree oil, both of which I still highly recommend)…all were more effective in actually clearing out my pores than anything I used to wash my face. But this stuff is fantastic! My skin felt so soft and smooth after just one use, and it really has cleared up a few spots that were threatening to take over my face – and this is after only 3 days of use! I also love that it’s a nice combo of natural ingredients (yogurt, meadowsweet extract) and standard acne fighters (salicyclic acid). It’s so awesome, in fact, that I’m planning to pick up the entire trio of No ‘Zit’ Sherlock products, which includes a Correcting Serum (formulated to minimize pores, refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of post-pimple pigmentation) and an Oil Control Moisturizer. Has anyone else had luck with Bliss skincare?

Bath & Body Works Summer Vanillas Collection

It’s been unusually overcast and drizzly in L.A. lately, but Memorial Day is approaching and that means summer is right around the corner, no matter what the weather has to say about it! In the spirit of ushering in the hottest season of the year, why not check out Bath & Body Works’ seasonal Summer Vanillas Collection?

Pretty much everyone loves the sweet scent of vanilla on its own, but B&BW had the brilliant idea of pairing the perennial favorite with three delicious and complementary scents - namely, Berry, Coconut and Lemon. Berry Vanilla, Coconut Vanilla and Lemon Vanilla are available as shower gels, cooling mists, fragrance mists, candles, hand soaps and scrumptious flavored lip glosses.

If you feel like you simply can’t choose and must have all three scents, fret not: Bath & Body Works is currently offering a Buy 3, Get 2 Free OR Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal on the entire Summer Vanillas Collection. Products range in price from $5 for the hand soaps to $12.50 for the fragrance mist. Which one will become your new summer favorite?

Aveeno Fig + Shea Butter Body Wash

Since I was running out of my coconut body scrub and I had a coupon for $1 off Aveeno products, I decided to try out one of the body washes in their new Positively Nourishing line, which promises “essential moisturizing benefits” coupled with “delicious and exciting fragrances.” The delicious, exciting fragrance I selected was Fig + Shea Butter, because a) figs smell amazing, and b) you don’t see many fig-scented beauty products, especially in the drugstore. So how well did my gamble pay off?

I love this body wash! Seriously. I’ve always had good experiences with Aveeno in the past, so I wasn’t exactly surprised, but this stuff smells delicious, lathers up nicely and doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight. The scent really does become “amplified by the steam from your shower,” and it smells nicely figgy rather than weird and artificial. (I suspect it would also make for a nice bubble bath, although I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet in that capacity.) The bottle is a nice size as well, and it came packaged with a sample of Aveeno’s excellent shampoo and conditioner, so for the $6 I paid, I’m very happy. Incidentally, you can fill out a survey and get a couponfor $3 off any two Positively Nourishing products in the mail. While browsing the collection, my only complaint is that they don’t offer body wash and body moisturizer in the same scents. For instance, I would love to have a Fig + Shea Butter moisturizer or a Blueberry + Goji Berry body wash.

Has anyone else tried the Positively Nourishing line yet? What do you think?

Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray

Sometimes a beauty synchronicity occurs here at the Latest Beauty headquarters.  Completely independent of one another, Melissa and I were checking out Tresemme products…but we had no idea that either of us were.  While she was testing out their new dry shampoo, I was developing a love affair with Tresemme’s Heat Tamer Spray.  Here’s how it happened:

I had just gotten the best haircut of my life and I was looking for ways to keep my “fresh from the salon” look going.  I was paying careful attention to what products my stylist used on my hair so that I could recreate the look at home.  I had already invested in a CHI flat iron so that I could straighten as well as he does.  And I started taking the time to blow dry my hair with the aid of a round brush.  But I still felt like was missing something.  I noticed that he sprayed on some sort of protectant before flat-ironing my hair and I decided that is what I needed.  I wanted an affordable drugstore option so I went to Target and began my search.

I was a bit overwhelmed.  There are A LOT of products available to protect your hair from heat and I wasn’t sure which one would be best.  I ended up choosing Tresemme’s Heat Tamer for two reasons:

1.  It smelled really good.

2.  It was under $5.

I decided, if anything, at least I wasn’t spending too much if I didn’t love it.

Well….

…I love it.

My hair feels so soft when I use it.  And I use it whenever I’m using any heat appliances - hair dryer, flat iron or curling iron.  And I recently was on set and the hair stylist commented on how good my hair smelled and then she demanded to know what products I used.  I was quick to rave about my Tresemme find.  I have very fine hair that is “volume-challenged” so I was worried that using another product might weigh it down…but that’s just not the case.  I’ve been having some of my best hair days since I made this little discovery.

Do you have a protective product that you can’t live without?  Tell me about it!

Leg-Toning Shoes: Myth or Miracle?

Over the past few years, a glut of shoes have hit the market that make one outrageous claim: Wearing them while you walk will actually help you tone your legs and get in shape. Seriously, it seems like practically every shoe company has put their spin on this concept, including MBT (my boyfriend’s mom swears by these), Fit-Flops (mentioned previously here on LB), Skechers Shape-Ups, and many more. Truth be told, although the idea of adding a little extra “oomph” to my walk courtesy of some sort of magical super shoe is terribly appealing, I’ve always found them to be unforgivably ugly (those massive, bulbous soles!), and thus shied away from actually buying a pair for myself. Then a recent evaluation, from Woman’s Day, of several different brands of “Tone-as-You-Walk Shoes” piqued my curiosity yet again. The overall verdict seems to be that these shoes won’t exactly torch calories for you, but if they help motivate you to walk more, then have at it. Ah, just as I suspected - they’re all hype! But then I wonder…

So, in conclusion, I’m putting it to you, LatestBeauty fans: Are the fitness benefits of these leg-toning shoes a trumped up marketing claim, or are they weight loss miracle workers?

EOS Smooth Sphere - Now with SPF!

You know how I love my EOS Smooth Sphere lip balm, from the odd round packaging to the natural ingredients to the sweet and fruity flavors. But one thing always kept it from being the perfect lip product: Its utter lack of SPF. Well, just in time for summer, EOS has unveiled a brand new Smooth Sphere flavor (Lemon Drop), and this one will actually protect your lips from the sun!

It’s official…the Smooth Sphere is now perfect. Check it out if you need a new lip balm with sunscreen, you’re an EOS completist who just has to have every flavor, or you’re simply a fan of the fresh, tart taste of lemon on your lips.

Beauty Tips 


2012: Asos.com launch exclusive Percy & Reed trend pack

Bespoke hair care company Percy & Reed have collaborated with online e-tailers Asos.com to create an exclusive trend hair care pack.

Drawing on inspiration from their extensive knowledge of the industry and their salon, Adam Reed and Paul Percival have created a hair care line which comprises of iconic ‘new originals’ that encases high performance products which are simply designed to work together for a professional finish.

This season after watching the collections unfold for spring/summer 2012 Percy & Reed have now created their trend pack which is being exclusively sold on www.asos.com. The pack contains a mixture of flawless finishing polish, bodifying cream, dry shampoo, session hold hairspray and No Oil Oil for fine hair. Perfect for both everyday use and trips abroad (due to the 50ml bottle sizes) this collaboration is a steal at just £20.

The trend pack is also brilliant for a stylish gift as it contains a selection of products suitable for all hair types and helps to create texture and movement with an expensive glossy finish.

Brand owners Reed and Percival have commented that: “We have chosen a range of products for you to try different ways of styling your hair to achieve key looks as easily as possible. Volume and texture are key trends and you have everything here to achieve these looks. We always say we can only be as good as our tools.”

For more information on Percy & Reed at Asos visit www.asos.com. Alternatively for info on the Percy & Reed salon on Great Portland Street, W1 log onto www.percyandreed.com.

2012: Touche Éclat Jewellery Concealer

This month Yves Saint Laurent’s infamous beauty label Touch Éclat is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary by launching a limited edition concealer inspired by Stefano Pilati’s latest jewellery collection which will also include two brand new shades. 

Adorned by an assortment of celebrity fans whom include The Duchess of Cambridge, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Madonna amongst others Touche Éclat is in fact in the No.1 beauty product that is sold in the U.K. (one is sold every minute at Debenhams) as it not only luminates skin but also adds a radient touch.

The brand was created in 1992 and to mark its 20th anniversary Stefano Pilati (whom has been at the head of fashion house Yves Saint Laurent since 2002) has designed the original shade in a jewel encased cylinder creating a bespoke interpretation of the Couture accessory collection. The product is adorned with gold rings creating the perfect Collectors Edition. Plus the illustration will also run into the outer packaging on the box illustrating the gold thread by contrast between the matte and shiny effects on the outer packaging.

The limited edition Touche Éclat ’20 years’ Collectors Edition will be available nationwide in Debenhams from 18th April 2012; £25.

Get more make-up tips with What Best To Wear.

Make-Up Trends 2012

Spring has officially arrived and with a change in wardrobe always comes a change in make up trends.

You may think that you initially want to discard your black smokey eyes which are synonymous with Christmas office parties, however designers such as Rodarte have kept the look for spring/summer 2012. Lead make up artist James Kaliardos whom works for NARS Cosmetics created the look at Rodarte by using tinted moisturiser (instead of matte foundation) a navy-blue, smokey eye and lavender lips.

“It’s a really beautiful, round, smoky eye with gradations of blue. It’s like ‘Starry Night’ and then there’s this beautiful lavender lip, complemented by warm skin,” stated Kaliardos. It was of course evident this was a trend when similar styles also appeared on the catwalks at Gucci, Emmanuel Ungaro and Emilio Pucci.

There was also a nod to a gentler smokey eye created by make up artist Pat McGrath for Lanvin which encompassed taupe and brown colourings; probably best for daywear.

However it’s not just the Kate Middleton make up appeal which is also famous this spring. Other trends also include metallic eyes (which encase the whole eye socket area) as seen at Fendi, DSquared2 and Gianfranco Ferre; retro glamour, which drew on inspiration from the 1950s/60s and worked glossy red lips, pristine skin and immaculate lined eyes (Jean Paul Gaultier, Temperley London and Christian Dior). Following on the retro feel feline eyes were apparent at Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Giorgio Armani where the look was quite feminine, this soon changed with elongated swoops of eyeliner which winged the eyes at Jonathan Saunders.

Minimalism was also key helping to create the natural look with bare skin and touch of concealer, powder and blush at Proenza Shoulder. This look continued at Stella McCartney, Missoni and Givenchy. The ‘No Mascara’ rule was also enforced as a spring/summer trend this season as Christopher Kane, Thakoon and Caroline Herrera all created fresh simple styles without it.

From one extreme to the next Mary Katrantzou joined Meadham Kirchhoff creating bold coloured lips in lilac, corals and bright blues alongside classic reds and plums. Thierry Mugler went one ahead opting for bright, glitter and acid green hues.

To recreate these looks then why not head brands such as Clinique whom are launching their vibrant Limited Edition Long Last Lipstick in Runway Coral (£16; available from 12 April 2012 on counters nationwide) which is perfect for the bold colour lip trend and inspired by Clinique’s new Global Colour Artist, Jenna Menard. Alongside this other tips or products you can purchase come in the form of Clarins Bronzing Duo SPF 15 Mineral Powder Compact (£26;             0800 036 3558      ) which is a duo compact that allows you to re-create the minimal look with just a short sweep of coverage for the face while White tea extract and 100% mineral sunscreen offer protection against the three main causes of ageing – pollution, free radicals and UV rays.

 Get the look of 2012 with more What Best To Wear make-up tips.

Party Make-up Tips

Even though it is only January we at WhatBestToWear.com know that you are already thinking ahead to forthcoming social events next season. These may include the Investec Derby, Summer Ball’s or pre summer birthday soiree’s.

So, with this in mind we have spoken to one of the industry’s leading make up artists to find out how to create the perfect party make up with a modern twist.

Estée Lauder’s Global Make up Artist, Alan Pann has shared his tips for achieving the perfect party make-up look. 

Taking inspiration from the current autumn/winter 2011/12 catwalk trends Pann notes that this season it’s “all about radiant skin.” And he’s right; forget clogged up pores and layers of foundation as Pann also notes that: “Skin should look clean and very polished.

As for make up, for a party look paint lips with rich crimson red [a la Gucci] and create a dreamy look on the eyes using blue and violet shades,” as seen at Moschino and Roberto Cavalli.

To achieve this look Pann suggests starting with making the skin moist. “I suggest using [Estée Lauder’s] Advanced Night Repair (£54 for 50ml) underneath your moisturiser, to give a glow.”

Next move on to an illuminator which often helps create an even skin tone and leaves skin more radiant. Pann continues: “Once you have created a great base to apply your foundation on, your skin should look amazingly polished.”

From this step on, dependent on how much make up your usually wear, Pann recommends trying shades of deep blue for eyes instead of the traditional black smokey eye effect, which softens the look for spring making it appear more subtle.

Lastly, adds Pann, “pair this with a strong crimson lip for a fresh, modern look”, creating a classic party make up look that can be worn all year round.

For more information on Estée Lauder visit www.esteelauder.co.uk.

Find more make-up tips from What Best To Wear.

Beauty Trends: Spring/Summer 2012

As another fashion month closed in Paris we look back on all the fabulous new spring/summer 2012 beauty trends that are springing up on the catwalk.

It all started off with a chic nod to the 1940s; retro inspired victory rolls embossed hair and statement red lips and bare eyes except for a dash of liquid eyeliner were shown at Temperley London, Jason Wu, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior. This was eagerly topped off with a curled lash.

A minimal approach to make up was given trend status by Stella McCartney, Chloe, Givenchy, Missoni and Proenza Schouler creating the natural look with bare skin, and touch of conditioner on the lips. 

This was also continued with a ‘no mascara’ theme at Christopher Kane and Thakoon. Brushed up brows also got their time in the spotlight at Versace, Derek Lam and Giles (again no mascara) making this a suitable trend which can easily be replicated at home.

Bold coloured eyes (Miu Miu) and extreme smokey eye effects were also a big hit at shows either creating a huge ‘raccoon’ eye style effect or smudging for a sexy evening-out appeal: as seen at Emilio Pucci and Emmanuel Ungaro.

At Fendi metallics were big, so big in fact that they covered the eye lid and brows with gold and silver leaf which was replicated in glitter at Ashish and DSquared2.

Giorgio Armani and Philip Lim however took a more low key approach creating more of a pearlescent shimmer and sheen on the eyes, temples and cheekbones.

Lastly Mary Katrantzou matched sky blue, lime green and fuchsia across her models lips creating a statement style, however, not to be upstaged designer Thierry Mugler went all out adding bright acid green glitter to lips to finish off his collection.

Find more beauty trends and tips from What Best To Wear.

MAC Launches Art of Powder and Posh Paradise Make-Up Collections

This month MAC make up brand are launching two new fabulous ranges; Art of Powder and Posh Paradise.

Both bring their own quirky twist ontoautumn/winter 2011/12trends starting with Art of Powder which compromises of three new artist powders inspired by masters and modern art movements.

The collection consists of a pop art bronzer which explores depth, dimension and sheer illusion of bronze on the face as well as a street art eye shadow palette, which allows the user to discover a new personalization for the eye area with a madcap act of pure graffiti. 

Lastly for those who love random acts of light and shade, there is an abstract highlighter which illuminates the base of your skin. Priced at £34.50 each these limited edition palettes are fun and frivolous for all ages.

Alongside this MAC have also created a new Posh Paradise collection which incorporates new luxury nail lacquers and mattene lipsticks in an assortment of trend-led colours.

There is also pearlised paint pots in shades that create seamless coverage on the eye, allowing you to blend shades smoothly over the lids; great for day to night coverage. Prices range from £9 to £13.50; a very reasonable amount to look on-trend this season.

MAC make up collections are available from www.maccosmetics.co.uk /             0870 034 2676      .

Find more beauty trends and tips from What Best To Wear.

Paris Fashion Week 2011: Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2012 Backstage

The Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2012 collection was inspired by the idea of a rich young woman travelling the world.

Amidst a backdrop of embroidered rich silks in jewelled colours, this young rebellious woman parties till dawn and possesses an innate sense of cool, verging on arrogance.

“This is a chic, dishevelled, boyish look.  I was thinking about the style of a young aristocratic boy who parties a little too hard, and wanted to transfer this look to a beautiful young woman to create a slightly androgynous hairstyle.  The key to this style is an illusion of short hair, with a textured ‘foppish’ top.   I love the idea of imperfection and wanted the hair to look as if the girl had been partying all night and the roots of her hair were a little unwashed and sweaty, in contrast to the perfectly sleek underneath section.  This hair look is all about looking cool with an attitude, it’s tough, contemporary and full of character; rather like the Haider Ackerman woman”, says Eugene Souleiman, Global Creative Director, Wella Professionals, Care & Styling.

Haider Ackermann Spring/Summer 2012 Look:

1. This look is focused on creating a ‘day old’ hair but with a freshly washed base, so always start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.  Use Wella Professionals Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner.
2. Roughly dry the hair, keeping it as flat as possible, if hair is very textured, use Wella Professionals Velvet  Amplifier as a base styling product to smooth out the hair surface and act a as primer for the subsequent styling products.
3. To create the illusion of short hair, you first need to take the underneath hair away, to create a flat and shiny base.  Clip the top section of hair out of the way, and start to make a very flat chignon, taking the hair section by section and spraying the roots with Wella Professionals Stay Styled Finishing Spray until they are saturated. Brush this through the hair with a small soft bristle brush; hold the section tight as you go to create tension.  Repeat this process, ensuring that each section is sprayed wet as you go (once the hair spray dries it will slightly ‘shrink’ which helps to pull the hair even tighter).
4. When you have all the hair contained in one section, create a chignon by squashing the hair and rolling it back on itself and then pinning the hair into place, but ensure that the top ‘tail’ of the chignon remains free as this will form part of the top look.  The chignon must be as flat to the head as possible.
5. Release the top section of hair and tease towards the front of the head, clipping into place as you go.  Spray Wella Professionals Create Character Texturising Spray in to the roots and rub it` in with finger tips to loosen the hairstyle and to create a different texture.
6. Fold the front piece of hair back on itself and pin down roughly, spritz liberally with Wella Professionals Create Character Texturising Spray again, to create a slightly rougher texture to the hair and give it some ‘bite’.
7. Using a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment, apply heat lightly over the entire head to set the style in place.
8. Finally, pick out end sections from the top and use straightening irons to clamp the ends to create separation and give a ‘piecey’ finish.

Products:

• Wella Professionals Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner – £8.75 and £10.15
• Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier Style Primer – £8.65
• Wella Professionals Stay Styled Finishing Spray – £13.85 (500ml)
• Wella Professionals Create Character Texturising Spray – £8.65