Tag Archives: Beauty

Maybe Ombré Just Isn’t for You, And That’s OK

If you walked down the street in the West Village or perused the feeds of style bloggers on Instagram Pinterest or Tumblr, you would notice one, inarguable thing: the ombré hair color trend. It’s everywhere. Your best friend is sporting this look, your sister is about to sport this look and your coworkers are deciding if they want to take the plunge. This is one of the “it” hair color trends of the year.

Young girl with ombre hair

For the more daring lady, the lavender gray color trend has been gracing the boxes of instagram. Every other selfie displays long billows of silvery purple hair with a caption like “yay or nay?” Well it’s clear that the answer is a resounding “Yaaaas!” from the throngs of other IGers sporting the exact same hair color.  So, you ask yourself, am I next? Do I like these looks? Are they me? And the answer is, strangely, unclear, simply because you’ve seen the look on so many women that even if you originally believed it to be the ugliest trend you’d ever laid eyes upon, the mere frequency of it has allowed it to grow on you.

Kelly Osbourne Hair

Now, rather than professing your opinions about how downright ugly this trend is, you begin to hear yourself saying, “it’s not so bad,” and then “it’s pretty fashion-forward, actually,” and then there you are sitting in the salon requesting, “One ombré hairstyle, please!” Somehow the most intelligent of us, gets pulled into letting trends make style decisions for us. These “everybody’s doing it” moments conjure up the age-old question that a parent used to put to you when you had already made a terrible decision that had been influenced by a friend’s: “if she jumps off a bridge would you do it too?”

Unfortunately (or fortunately), their wisdom has followed you into adulthood and how appropriate this universal question still is.

So how do you stay true to what you truly love and get rid of all the trend-crazy noise?

Listen to your gut, ladies and gentlemen.

Get in tune with yourself and ask yourself some soul-seeking hair trend questions:

1. Would I feel proud with this haircut/hair color?
2. Do I feel “un-chic” if I am not sporting this hair color trend?
3. Do I enjoy having the same hairstyle as everyone and their mothers?
4. Would I make this decision if I hadn’t seen thousands of pictures of the same look on thousands of other women?
5. Is this look even a possibility for my hair?

Sometimes checking in with yourself is a great way to learn what works for you and what truly doesn’t. And don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with following a trend. Trends can provide structure and ease for the person that loves style, but doesn’t know where to begin. A trend can act as a much needed starting point in a world where there are an absurdly large number of style choices.

So what will it be? Ombré? Or a jet black pixie cut? The beauty of it all is that nothing is forever in the word of hair. You can choose emerald green today, and don an auburn bowl-cut tomorrow.

9 Summer Hair Products Every Beach Babe Will Love

The good news? Summer has officially arrived! The bad news? Summer is so hard on your hair. From chlorine encounters to high-humidity frizz, there are countless ways for a bad hair day to turn into a bad hair season. But have no fear. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite summer hair products to turn those scorched strands into the mermaid waves of your dreams.

The Best Summer Hair Products Under the Sun

1. Hair & Scalp SPF

coola scalp and hair mistYou layer sunscreen underneath your makeup or wear an SPF-infused foundation religiously. Great – just don’t forget to protect your hair and scalp while you’re at it. Try an antioxidant-rich hair mist that blocks the sun’s harsh rays while also boosting your overall hair health. This organic option from COOLA actually locks in your hair color, diminishes dullness, and deeply moisturizes for glossy locks from root to tip. Even better? It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30, $26

2. A Detoxifying Shampoo

summer hair productsGoing for a dip in the pool is pure bliss, but dealing with chlorine buildup is anything but. Get your tresses squeaky clean with a color-safe shampoo formulated to remove buildup along the scalp. O&M’s Original Detox Shampoo is infused with vitamin C and smells like peppermint oil. (Ahhhh.)

O&M Original Detox™ Shampoo, $31.90

3. A Protective Oil

klorane summer hair productsDreaming of white sandy beaches, saltwater oceans, and plenty of sunshine? A beach getaway may sound heavenly, but salt, sand, chlorine, and UV rays can leave you with hair that’s dry and brittle. Fortunately, a lightweight oil treatment helps you nourish and protect your hair while still enjoying the tropics.

This waterproof option from Klorane harnesses the power of ylang-ylang wax to shield your strands against the elements.

Klorane Sun Radiance Protective Oil with Ylang-Ylang Wax, $18

4. A Salt-Free Wave Spray

Ouai summer hair productsSalt-based sprays are known for creating perfectly tousled waves, but salt isn’t good for color-treated or keratin-treated hair. OUAI’s Wave Spray is formulated with rice protein instead, so it gives you the textured beach waves you love without those harsh salts.

OUAI Wave Spray, $26

5. A Color Life Preserver

DPhue hair care productNot only does chlorine strip the hair of its natural oils and make it more prone to breakage, but its drying effect can turn blonde hair green and cause brunette strands to look brassy. Purple-toned shampoos and conditioners keep blonde cool and bright, while blue-toned formulas like dpHUE’s Cool Brunette shampoo and conditioner help eliminate brass.

dpHUE Cool Brunette Conditioner, $24

6. A Refreshing Hair Rinse

apple cider vinegar hair care productIf product buildup has you down, try a hair rinse that deep-cleans your scalp and conditions your strands. This spa-like apple cider vinegar formula is made with color-locking technology, and it even strengthens your hair with continued use.

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $35

 

7. A Daily Detangler

prep rallyA lazy day at the beach can quickly turn into a tangled hot mess. Try a biotin-formulated spray to smooth, strengthen, and detangle your locks. Drybar’s Prep Rally spray is cruelty-free and smells like sandalwood.

Drybar Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler, $23

 

8. A Smooth Brush

pink flamingo brushWhen it comes to detangling your hair, you’ll also need a comb or brush with its own smooth moves. This palm-sized Tangle Teezer slides through wet or dry hair for ultra-glossy strands – and it comes in a limited-edition pink flamingo print.

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Summer Edition, $16

 

9. An All-in-One Travel Companion

sephora summer hair care product colllectionDesperately want all of the above but short on cash? Score bombshell waves without blowing your budget with a giant set of summer hair products. This Sephora collection lets you try 12 different products that condition, nourish, and protect your hair all season long.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Summer Hair Saviors, $38

What are your go-to summer hair products? Let us know your favorites in the comments section below!

Nutrition for Healthy, Glowing Skin

It’s true, the skin is the biggest organ in the human body. It also plays a key role in detoxification. Dealing with skin problems, particularly as an adult, isn’t just frustrating; for many, it’s embarrassing and can have profound effects on our self-esteem and confidence.

Acne is a major problem, and not only for teenagers. I see an increasing number of adult clients complaining of skin issues and desperate to find solutions. Aside from acne, other common and troublesome issues include psoriasis, eczema, rashes and hives, and athletes foot. Unfortunately, the conventional mindset for addressing all of these skin problems is often missing the mark. While topicals, ointments, gels, lotions, and cleansers might be able to help with symptoms temporarily, the real goal must be getting to the root of the problem.

So what is at the root of poor skin health? It is important to understand that if you are experiencing a skin condition, this is a sure sign of another underlying problem.

Some common triggers of skin conditions:

  • Undiagnosed food allergies/sensitivities
  • Excessive past or current exposure to environmental toxins
  • Reactions to personal hygiene products
  • Excessive sugar in the diet
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of healthy gut flora

Here are seven essential steps to treating skin from the inside out.

Hydrate!

Simple hydration is not to be underestimated in both causing and treating skin conditions. Simply put, we cannot detox properly without adequate hydration. Water flushes toxins from our body, and if there isn’t enough of it, skin problems are far more common. Shoot for half of your body weight in ounces per day, and opt for clean, filtered water whenever possible. If you are a coffee/caffeine drinker, your quantity of water should be increased, as these beverages act as diuretics, which are substances that increase urine production in the body, which promotes dehydration.

girl drink water

Discover Hidden Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Acne is a very common symptom of a food allergy or sensitivity. The foods to which we most often react include gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs and grains, although an individual can be allergic to just about anything. A food elimination diet is the best (and least expensive) way to begin uncovering potential sensitivities. This involves eliminating commonly allergenic foods for no less than one month, and systematically reintroducing them in order to pinpoint which might be problematic.

raw egg in plate

Eliminate Dairy

Particularly if you’re dealing with acne, eliminating dairy in the diet should be step number one. A 2005 study released by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found a positive correlation between dairy intake and teenage acne, but this goes for adults, too. Dairy includes primarily milk, cheese, and yogurt, and some may or may not do well with butter. (Ghee, a clarified butter, is a great alternative.) Eliminate dairy completely for at least one month, and see if you notice changes. If not, move on to the more extensive elimination diet described above.

Cut Out Sugar

A close runner-up to dairy, refined sugar is a major player in skin issues. The main reason for this has to do with hormones, as excessive sugar in the diet leads to blood sugar imbalance, which negatively affects our hormone levels. Instead of refined (table) sugar, opt for maple syrup, raw honey, and naturally sweet foods such as whole fruit.

honeydew

Focus on Fats

Fortunately, our society’s obsessive fear of fats is slowly but surely dissipating, which is great news for our skin. It is true that commonly used cooking fats such as canola, soy and corn oils, along with deep-fried foods, are oxidized (rancid) before even leaving the supermarket. These fats can wreak havoc on our body systems and skin, as they create free radicals that are damaging to cells and a leading cause of systemic inflammation. However, a focus on nutritious and skin-healthy fats such as coconut, olives, flax, walnut and avocado oils, avocado, grass-fed butter, ghee, and raw nuts and seeds can be very beneficial.

coconut oil

Go Easy on the Alcohol

This can be a tough one but is extremely important in order to achieve healthy skin. Since alcohol converts to sugar when consumed, it creates problems similar to those described above with refined sugar consumption. Furthermore, alcohol congests the liver, which is our primary detox organ. Proper detoxification is essential to clearing up skin problems.

Include Probiotic-Rich Fermented Foods

Every qualified nutrition professional knows that healthy digestion is at the root of most skin problems. If our digestion is impaired for any reason — leaky gut, undiagnosed food allergies, lack of digestive enzymes or sufficient stomach acid, or an improper balance of gut flora — this can have profound effects on our skin health. Including probiotic-rich fermented foods on a daily basis is a great place to start, and the best options are raw sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut kefir, and kombucha tea.

sauerkraut

While some skin conditions might not respond to these dietary changes and could require the guidance of a nutrition or integrative medicine professional, many of my clients find that their skin issues, especially acne, clear up after several months of these changes. Remember, skin issues are rooted in an underlying problem, and discovering which problems are affecting you is the key to achieving healthy, glowing skin.

2018 Swimwear Styles for Every Body

The greatest season of all is upon us – SUMMER! This means that it’s time to pull out your bikini collection and add some new swimsuits to your stash. Your swimsuit options are not limited to simple triangle bikinis and tie-side bottoms which aren’t always the best for every shape and size. Swimwear has evolved and now you can purchase several different styles that will flatter and accentuate your body type and best suit your personal style at the same time. Here’s a round-up of our favorite swimsuit styles of the summer!

The One-Piece


Beach style has evolved greatly from the teeny-bikini trend that used to occupy the waters. At that time the only people you’d see in a one-piece swimsuit were pregnant women and older ladies. Thankfully that’s all changed- so you no longer need to worry about skipping out on Taco Tuesday before heading to the beach to keep from bloating in your string bikini.

 

The Thong Bikini


We’re all about feeling confident in your body, this summer and always. If you’re feeling like showing off your booty, there’s a thong bikini for that!

 

The Bandeau Bikini

Perfect for tanning, this swimsuit keeps the dreaded tan lines at bay and will also flatter those with smaller chests. Another effect of the bandeau bikini is actually minimizing the chest, so it will even work for larger-chested women (just be careful of the dreaded nip slip).

 

The Halter Bikini

You may think that buying bikinis as a woman with a bigger bust would be super challenging, but the truth is that it becomes a lot easier when you know what will flatter your body the most and will keep ‘the girls’ in place. Halter bikinis are perfect for large-busted women as they tie around the neck and help to lift and support your breasts while the extra coverage keeps you feeling carefree and comfortable.

 

The Push Up Bikini

Where we’d rather be, in the Double Band Envy Push Up ☀ #vodaswim

A post shared by Voda Swim (@vodaswim) on

This sexy style speaks for itself and needs no explanation! You can never go wrong with a good push up bikini- whether you’re small or large-chested, or somewhere in between!

 

The High-Waisted Bikini

High-waisted pieces have recently become super popular, and bikinis are no exception. The great thing about these bikinis is that they suit and flatter just about every body type.

 

The ‘High Cut’ Swimsuit

Possibly the trendiest swimsuit of this summer is the Baywatch-esque swimsuits with high cut legs (insert Pamela Anderson slow-mo’ running down the beach visual). This style comes in one-piece and two-piece options and works to elongate your legs and slim your waist… who wouldn’t want that??

 

The Tan-Through Swimsuit

Hello Friday ! @alexacollins

A post shared by blankkini tan through swimwear (@blankkini) on

Did you know that there are swimsuits that you can tan through?? While I’m definitely all about protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, I’m also about getting a little summer glow sans tan lines. These swimsuits are made with a fabric that basically works like a medium level SPF sunblock so you can achieve a seamless tan all summer long!

 

The Tankini

The tankini is the best option for those who like a little more coverage in their swimsuit options but might love the freedom of wearing two separate pieces. Those with longer torsos will also benefit from rocking a tankini because if you have a long torso and have ever worn a one-piece bikini, you know the struggle – no explanation necessary.

5 Hair Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them

Somewhere along our hair journey, we’ve been given advice left and right about proper hair care and the “right” way to manage our manes. The beauty industry is, after all, known for throwing us curveballs. However, many of these common hair practices are doing more damage to our locks than we think.  Reclaim your hair’s glory by avoiding these five big hair mistakes.

 

Washing Daily

Nothing beats the look of freshly washed hair — we get it. But if you’re a daily washer, consider yourself an over-washer. When you wash your hair every day, you irritate your scalp by stripping the hair’s natural oils. This causes your scalp to overproduce oil to make up for the amount that was lost. Ever wonder why your hair looks greasy the very next day, begging for another wash? Now you know.

hair mistakes 3

Avoid this harmful cycle altogether; re-train your scalp to produce oils naturally by skipping a couple of days in between washes. We promise you won’t have to rock the greasy look forever! Tip: use a good dry shampoo in between washes to make this transition a less painful one.

 

Not Giving Those Roots Some Love

If you have fine, thin, or naturally oily hair, you were probably told to avoid using conditioner on your roots so you don’t risk “weighing your hair down” even more. But a healthy, moisturized scalp encourages hair growth and the moisture ends up transferring down to the rest of the hair shaft, creating softer ends.

hair mistakes 4

When applying conditioner, massage the majority of the product in from the ends up, focusing on nourishing your hair’s most damaged areas first, while leaving a small, even amount for your roots. The key here is not applying too much product to your roots, but just the right amount.

 

Skipping a Pre-Wash Treatment

Speaking of our hair’s natural oils, we want to protect those bad boys. Many shampoos that do a great job of getting our locks squeaky clean often contain harsh ingredients that irritate our scalps and strip out many of these oils. To prevent this, start putting a pre-wash treatment into your hair routine. Look for products that are specifically labeled as a “pre-wash treatment” or simply massage coconut oil into your roots and let it sit 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair to do the trick.

 

Recoloring Hair Completely to Correct Tone  

There are a lot of factors that can affect a good hair dye job. And whatever the cause may be, those pretty blonde and caramel strands might be looking closer to the dreaded brassy yellow and orange tones that everyone wants to avoid. For some, the impulse may be to dye over their color completely to fix the issue, but dyeing over color often tends to leave you with a mixed result and over-processed hair.

hair mistakes 1

Instead, use a toner to color correct, or wash your hair every few weeks with a tone-correcting shampoo. A purple shampoo works best for those with blonde or silver hair, eliminating yellow undertones, while a blue shampoo works best for brunettes who are looking to cancel out brassy orange undertones.

 

Sleeping With a Wet Head

True story: Our hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. When you combine cuticles that aren’t fully sealed with all the moving around we do at night, you have a recipe for “frizz and breakage”. While it might seem more attractive to trade in the extra time it takes to dry your hair before bed for some shut-eye, you’re truly doing yourself a disservice. Unruly bedhead always requires more time and attention in the morning.

hair mistakes 2

Pull out the ol’ hair dryer if showering at the end of the night is your thing, or simply wash it in the morning when you know you can’t be trusted to hit the sheets without a wet head.

Which one of these hair mistakes surprised you the most? Are you guilty of any of these? Share with us in the comments!

Is Double Cleansing the Secret to Clear Skin?

If your nightly routine involves a solitary face wash, then you may be underachieving. Inspired by Korean and Japanese skincare methods, double cleansing is increasingly becoming the beauty ritual of choice for a healthy, blemish-free complexion. But is it the right method for you? We’re helping you decide by taking a closer look at this popular skincare trend.

What is Double Cleansing, Anyway?

Let’s face it (pun intended): it’s hard enough to force yourself to wash your face even once sometimes before hitting the sheets — and now you have to do it twice? How much do we really have to suffer for beauty?

More than we already do, apparently. The one-and-done approach doesn’t always cut it when it comes to getting your skin thoroughly clean, and it makes sense. Relying on one product to dissolve makeup and deep-clean your pores is a little ambitious at best; and it assumes that all the dirt, oil, and germs on your face will get eliminated in one measly wash.

Double cleansing harnesses the power of oil-based cleansers and foaming or lotion-based cleansers for the best of both worlds. Excessive? Perhaps. But effective? Absolutely.

woman washing her face

4 Skincare Benefits of Double Cleansing

  1. It helps prevent breakouts. Washing your face twice ensures that you go to bed with bare skin — and that means less chance of a breakout tomorrow. Lingering makeup and oil can clog pores and lead to pesky pimples — and who has time for that?
  2. It dissolves makeup and environmental pollutants. Each day, your skin encounters more than just concealer, foundation, and contour. It also deals with a daily dose of environmental pollutants that can wreak havoc on your complexion. Washing your face with two different cleansing formulas means all that gunk goes right down the drain.
  3. It enhances your skincare products. When your face isn’t fully clean, your favorite moisturizers and serums simply can’t perform at their very best. A study conducted by Lancome found that anti-aging products applied to thoroughly cleansed skin produced results twice as fast. In addition, an Olay study revealed that well-cleansed skin absorbed 30% more anti-aging product overall. (Wow.)
  4. It’s gentler on your skin. Another benefit of cleansing twice? It’s actually a gentler approach compared to many single-wash facial cleansers (which can be surprisingly harsh and drying). Double cleansing allows you to remove makeup using less abrasive products, making it perfect for sensitive skin types. Even better, using an oil-based cleanser first helps your skin retain its natural moisture.

How to Double Cleanse Your Skin

Step One: The Oil-Based Cleanser

Apply an oil-based cleanser to your face, massaging the oil into the skin for at least 30 seconds. Splash your face with lukewarm water just like they do in all those skincare commercials, but always complete the process with a soft washcloth (and not just your hands) for a better clean.

Contrary to popular belief, oil-based products don’t make oily skin oilier. In fact, they’re incredibly gentle and effective at dissolving makeup, sweat, and your daily SPF. What’s especially great about oil-based cleansers is they’re better able to break down oil-based products and silicones (and most makeup is oil-based, FYI). That’s why this first wash is particularly ideal for fans of a full face.

josie maran

Try: Josie Maran Cleansing Oil, $32

Step Two: The Gentle Cleanser

For your second act, you’ll want a cleanser that’s not oil-based. What does that mean, exactly? For starters, it means you have lots of options. Foaming cleansers are a good choice for oily skin types and work well for acne-prone complexions, while non-foaming cleansing lotions are better suited for those with dry skin. This second wash knocks out any residual oils and deep-cleans your pores. As a general rule, go for something lightweight, and apply the product within 60 seconds of your first wash to help retain moisture.

double cleansing

Try: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $38

Step Three: The Hydrating Moisturizer

After you’ve dried off your skin, it’s time to lock in hydration with your preferred moisturizer. If your skin is typically very dry (or if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis), you may want to limit your double cleansing to a few times per week. Now, go get your beauty sleep!

Do you already double cleanse your skin, or are you thinking about giving this intriguing technique a try? Keep the conversation going in the comments!

What’s in Julie Steines’ Makeup Bag?

An award-winning children’s book author, philanthropist, and new mom, Julie Steines and Norbert—her seven-inch-tall, three-pound sidekick with fluffy gray ears and a tiny tongue that’s always sticking out—are best known for bringing love and comfort to people in need at places like hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and disaster areas. A modern Cinderella, she believes that beauty is being the best possible version of yourself inside and out.  “I would tell my daughter [Parker] that less is more and that the most beautiful thing she can wear is her smile,” Steines told Beyond Words. “When wearing makeup, I would advise her to choose natural products that enhance her features.”

From earth-toned eyeshadow to organic coconut oil,  we’re digging through Julie Steines’ makeup bag to discover her favorite beauty brands and products.

 

Julie Steines’ Makeup Bag Must-Haves

“I store my makeup products in a simple bag made by Sephora called The Weekender,” Steines said. Vegan and cruelty-free, it features a built-in hanger, a seven-piece brush holder, and zippered compartments. Available in Frosted Light, License to Leopard, Sweet Perspective, and Sparkle & Shine, this nylon, quilted bag also has dividers that keep compartments organized. “That’s important because as a new mom, for me, simplicity is a priority.”

weekender pephora license to leopard

“I don’t wear lipstick, just gloss or shimmer,” Steines said. “I like neutral shades or light pink, mainly so I don’t have to worry about it smearing on my teeth!”  If she could only wear one brand of lip gloss for the rest of her life, she’d choose Burt’s Bees lip products. One-hundred percent natural, they’re made with soothing shea butter and nourishing beeswax that’ll leave your lips looking shiny, soft, smooth, and irresistibly smoochable.

“I don’t use concealer unless I have a red carpet or television appearance,” she said. “On a daily basis, I love Juice Beauty CC cream because it has subtle mineral-tinted coverage, mineral SPF, and moisturizer.” Not tested on animals, it comes in Natural Glow, Desert Glow, Warm Glow, Sun-kissed Glow, and Deep Glow. A blend of fruit stem cells, it erases fine lines and wrinkles while making your skin glow like a goddess.

stem-cellular-cc-cream-desert-prd
Image courtesy of Juice Beauty

If ever there were a beauty cure-all, it’s coconut oil. “Instead of lotion, I generally use organic coconut oil in the shower,” she said. A hot topic from the tropics, it has an unusually long shelf life—two to three years.  A jack-of-all-trades beauty staple, it also has a natural SPF 4. It even reduces under eye bags, irons out fine lines, heals chapped lips, and gives your skin a glowy, dewy look. “It works great as a makeup remover and in lieu of shaving cream,” Steines said.

Lipsticks may get all the love for being multitaskers, but the title truly belongs to your eyeshadows: your makeup bag’s secret double agents. Makeup artists use neutral and earthy color palettes for everything from touching up hair color to concealing tattoos. So it no wonder she’s obsessed with Urban Decay’s Naked Ultimate Basic Eyeshadow Palette—whether she’s strolling the red carpet with her husband, Home & Family-host Mark Steines, at Children Hospital Los Angeles’ ‘Once Upon a Time Gala, or popping in for a Today Show segment.

“I’m open to trying new things as long as they are safe,” Steines said. “I did try those magnetic lashes, and they were a bit too clumsy for me.” While she usually dresses up her eyes with Mineral Fusion’s waterproof mascara and eyeliner, her makeup bag has at least one daring item: Greensparkly Eyeliner by Urban Decay.  Completely vegan, this dreamy and creamy formula dries in 30 seconds and has a metallic, tropical hue that’ll have everyone batting their eyelashes at you. (Pun totally intended.)

Green Sparkly Eyeliner Urban Decay
Image courtesy of Urban Decay

To make her perfume last all day, she sprays her ankles, knees, elbows,  collarbone, hair, and hands with Philosophy’s “Falling in Love” or “Fresh Cream”. One smells like blackberries. The other smells like vanilla. “They are subtle, clean, and fresh,” Steines said.

When it comes to shopping, Steines is just like the rest of us: she loves affordable makeup finds.  She recently purchased Yves St. Lauren’s Touche Eclat Neutralizers:  one-click highlighters that instantly cancel color imperfections.

She also bought a variety of skin care items by MyChelle. “I love their line and I believe a fresh face starts with good skin care,” she said. The brand is an essential part of her daily beauty regimen. In the morning, she cleanses her face with Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser. Then she follows that with Supreme Polypeptide Cream. “In the evening, I always…wash my face and neck before bed,” she said. “Then I apply either Remarkable Retinal Night Cream or Remarkable Retinal Serum. I also dab Vitamin E oil all around my eyes and put Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly on my lips.”

Image courtesy of Mychelle

Julie Steines keeps  it simple and stylish with vegan and cruelty-free makeup that reduces her beauty carbon footprint. Which natural beauty brands do you use on the regular basis? Tell us in the comments section below!

10 Beauty Myths Debunked

There will always be an unspoken bond and instant level of trust formed between women, so when we played telephone with these commonly held beauty beliefs, we didn’t question what we heard. We took it as fact and kept it moving right down the line.

Beauty truths like sunscreen being one of the best anti-aging products you can use, and picking your face being one of the worst things you can do for your skin, are inarguably true. So they all must be created equally, right? While there are plenty of beauty basics that are fail-proof and proven true time and again, there are some major beauty myths floating around out there that just don’t hold up.

We’re here to set the record straight and save you from wasting any more precious time (that could be spent doing better things like crafting the perfect blended eyeshadow) following a ritual that won’t do you any justice. Next time you hear these 10 beauty myths, you can be sure to throw caution to the wind and never mistake them as a rule again.

10 Beauty Myths Debunked

Myth 1: You have to wash your face in the morning.

The truth is, you’re not going to be picking up much dirt or bacteria after a good night’s rest (unless you’re to bed with your makeup on!). In fact, over washing your face can lead to dryness and irritation by stripping the skin of its natural oils and sebum. For sensitive skin, a good rule of thumb has always been less is more. Wash your face when it’s necessary, and leave it alone when it needs to be left alone. A simple toner in the morning followed up with moisturizer should be plenty enough.

Myth 2: Makeup causes acne.

removing makeup

 Speaking of sleeping with your makeup on, otherwise known as the biggest beauty blunder under the sun, wearing makeup alone doesn’t cause those pesky breakouts. It’s forgetting to thoroughly take it off at the end of the night that does the real damage. This is not to say that all makeup products can’t adversely affect certain skin types, or that it will heal any existing acne, but that the real culprit is the bacteria and sweat buildup from a full day’s wear of makeup that’s an open invitation for clogged pores and acne-breeding bacteria.

Myth 3: You need to switch up products for maximum effectiveness.

It’s often been said that your skin or hair will “get used” to certain products and that you’ll need to switch up products up for maximum effectiveness. However, if you’re noticing that months later skin is no longer changing, it’s actually reached a threshold and is maintaining the positive improvements achieved.

Imagine trying to fill a cup that’s already full. You can’t add anything more, but nothing’s being taken away. And while it isn’t bad to switch up products or try something new, it isn’t a rule to reach your desired results. When it comes to hair, flat, dandruffed, or damaged hair is usually due to product build up from hairspray, serums, oil, or heat tools, which is often overlooked.

Try going without those products to see if you do need to change up your shampoo, or try a clarifying shampoo once a week and continue regular use of your favorite ‘poo.

Myth 4: Drinking water keeps your skin from drying out.

This is a major myth that’s out there since it’s so easy to confuse. While beauty starts from within and diet plays a major role, skin can still look dry even if you’re drinking 8 glasses of water a day. This is because it’s oil that keeps skin moist, not water. If you’re not hydrating properly, that can give the skin a wan appearance, but it won’t make skin look anymore hydrated if you’re not moisturizing consistently, too.

Myth 5: Shaving will cause hair to grow back thicker.

shave legs

Hair is widest at the base and most narrow at the tip. This is why when the hair starts to grow back in between shaves, the hair gives the illusion of being more thick, stubbly, and dark since each piece is short and growing in unison. The longer the hair is, the thinner it appears.

Myth 6: Use of castor oil increases the growth of eyelash and eyebrow hair.

While castor oil has long been regarded as nature’s Rogaine, application of the oil itself does not affect the rate of hair growth. However, when applying the oil, it’s suggested use is massaging it onto the desired area for a few minutes. It’s the stimulation that’s associated with the massage action that likely causes boosted hair growth.

Myth 7: Hair products, serums, and oils can repair split ends.

split ends

While products can temporarily “glue” split ends back together for an extended period of time, they cannot magically make a split end fuse back into one solid hair strand. Some swear by shea butter or Argan oil, which are actually very effective at sealing rough ends, though not permanently. The only true “remedy” for split ends remains a good trim followed by protective styling.

Myth 8: Brushing hair more will make it shinier and grow faster.

Remember being that little girl standing in the mirror with her paddle brush in hand, eagerly counting down each hair stroke knowing that with every stroke made, you were closer to having the shiniest, most glamorous hair of your life? Well, what you didn’t realize back then was that the Marcia Brady method of stroking hair over 100 times a day does more damage than good. Over-brushing actually irritates the scalp and causes more breakage.

Instead, focus on gentle, quality strokes that still remove the same amount of impurities. On top of that, steady stroking will distribute oil evenly from the scalp to the ends, flattening hair to ultimately reflect more light and stimulate the scalp, resulting in shiny, healthier hair.

Myth 9: White spots on nails means a vitamin deficiency.

Contrary to popular belief, white spots on nails don’t actually mean you’re low in iron, calcium, or vitamin d. Some superstitions even say it means you have a secret admirer. But most often than not, these white spots are formed due to a previous injury caused to the nail.

Myth 10: Test foundation color on your wrist to find the best match.

woman foundation

Find yourself running back-and-forth from the beauty store to return a mismatched foundation color, only to pick up another dud? That’s because matching your face color to your wrist will get you nowhere. The wrist is one of the lightest parts of your body, and won’t provide an accurate foundation match. Instead, find your foundation color by testing the product out on your jawline or neck and matching it to the natural complexion of your face.

Things You Never Knew About People with Red Hair

Kermit the Frog should step off the lily pad of self pity and stop croaking that, “It’s not easy being green.” Redheads dwell in a gene pool that’s far less hospitable. Sperm banks worldwide politely decline “donations” from ginger gents because the demand for their signature trait is so low. Scientists persistently produce data showing how redheads run a higher risk of developing skin cancers. The gossip media feasts on celebrities’ decisions to dye their hair red; denouncing the choice as a plea for attention. Meanwhile, the advertising industry floods our attention with an exaggerated stream of models with red hair because their rare existence – in reality – is so titillating to the eye. Some historians trace redheads’ scorn and allure back as far as the 11th Century, when Nordic Vikings pillaged the British isles. They may be dwindling in numbers, but redheads command our attention as much as the beasts of “Jurassic Park.”

RED HERRINGS

The advertising industry blatantly fosters the false impression that redheads are far more prevalent in society than they actually are. While researchers generally concur that only two percent of Americans are redheads, an extensive study conducted by Upstream Analysis showed that one-third of the 1,700 commercials aired during prime time in a five-day stretch on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox featured red-headed characters, and more than half of those ads cast redheads as the main character. The study concluded that advertisers rely on the fact that consumers tend to act on impulse when exposed to visual novelties.

Beauty portrait of tender woman with beautiful long red hair

CODE RED

Researchers agree that red hair is a mutation that comes from the rare MC1R pigmentation gene. And the journal LiveScience has identified five distinct health risks that those who carry the gene have in common.

1) People with red hair have twice the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease than their black-haired counterparts.

2) Carriers of the MC1R gene may suffer a higher rate of tooth decay and gum disease due to their lower tolerance for pain and requirements for larger doses of anesthesia at the dentist’s office.

3) Endometriosis – the painful growth of tissue outside of the uterus – afflicts women with red hair at rates of up to 30 percent more than it does other women between ages 25 to 42.

4) Lab experiments on mice bred with the MC1R gene showed a higher propensity for skin cancer.

5) One out of every 20,000 carriers of the MC1R gene is at risk of developing Congenital Melanocytic Naevi skin discolorations.

Other research indicates that as children, redheads suffer from diminished self-esteem and high rates of self-imposed isolation from their peers.

brother sister red hair
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

RED SCARE

While the general consensus among researchers is that redheads represent two percent of the worldwide population, there is rampant speculation over whether their genetic mutation could be wiped off the face of the earth entirely over time. Some analysts, like those at the gene-tracing firm ScotlandsDNA, say climate change could be blamed if redheads go the way of the dinosaur. Their reasoning: Global warming could drastically reduce the number of cloudy days, leaving carriers of the MC1R gene defenseless against ultra-violet sun rays over time.

red hair man

RED WHINE

Ever since one of the world’s pre-eminent sperm banks Cryos International stopped accepting donations from male carriers of the MC1R gene five years ago, there’s been an outcry from redheads who resent being pushed to the fringe of desirability. Sperm suppliers reason that – with the exception of Ireland, where 10 percent of the population has red hair – the existing supply worldwide already far exceeds demand. Even in Scandinavian countries where blonde hair and blue/green eyes are most prevalent, sperm recipients show a distinct preference for genes associated with dark hair and brown eyes.

red hair girl
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Ask a Pro: The Five Biggest Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

I think as far as beauty mistakes women make, in general, it boils down to the time they take to buy it and apply it. Specifically, there are a few mistakes I see women make on a daily basis, some with pretty simple fixes. But, everyone is in such a hurry and they miss those couple extra moments to sit down with an artist and learn from them.

With makeup being a beauty standard, women are now starting to take more notice and advice from the professionals, although that advice and the time of an experienced artist costs money. These are some of the biggest makeup mistakes I see almost every day, and I’m giving them to you free of charge 🙂

model makeup
Model: Jessica Quillian | MUA: Tiana Holiday | Photo: LHGFX Photography

 

1. Foundation not matching your skin tone

Regardless of if you want to look tanner, you do not like your skin tone or you are trying to hide dark circles or dark spots, everyone should get a color that is correct for them. Spending some time asking questions and trying products on in a makeup-based store will save you many headaches and over time will save you money. Makeup artists are trained in those products and deal with different skin types and tones day in and day out.

The best way to find a great foundation is to pay attention to what your skin does during the day. Is your skin oily, dry or a combo of both? Then the formula comes into play – do you prefer powder, cream or liquid?

The best way to color match is not on your hand or chin but along your forehead and down into the neck. Pay attention to the neck tone – is it warmer and more pink, or cooler and more yellow? Does it pull a reddish or green tone? All of these questions and concerns need to be addressed, and every person wearing makeup has different needs. You will only know the answers to them all if you go to an artist or consult a makeup line that has trained professionals in their arsenal. If you don’t happen to gel with that artist, nicely ask for another artist to help you. We only get what we want if we are polite and inquisitive and that goes for makeup shopping as well.

2. Dry skin

No foundation or combo of products will look good if your skin is dry or not taken care of properly! So invest in good cleaning products, a good moisturizer, eye cream and exfoliator, either in the form of a buff pad, Clarisonic or volcanic ash exfoliator. They do not have to be expensive but they should have benefitting ingredients in them.

woman face water

I am a huge fan of simple solutions like drinking more water and putting coconut oil on my face, hair and body every day. I even take my makeup off with coconut oil. Trader Joe’s coconut oil (for only about $5) is the best investment one can make; I keep one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen.

3. Not cleaning your brushes

You cannot have pretty, long-lasting makeup with good skin if you do not take care of your tools, especially any brush or sponge that touches a cream or liquid. I suggest using MAC’S brush cleaner with a paper towel daily; but along with that, I highly recommend cleaning them weekly with warm to hot water and a gentle liquid hand soap or baby shampoo. Lay them flat and let them air dry overnight. Pro sponges and beauty blenders need to be cleaned after every use. That extra time here is not only recommended but mandatory for your overall skin health and makeup looks. Makeup Artists are only as good as their brushes are clean.

woman face makeup brush msutache

 

4. Too much bronzer and too much blush

Now don’t get me wrong, I love love love blush and bronzer but a little goes a long way. Bronzer should go on after your powder and use it to shade the face and add warmth. Also blend it into your neck; the chin shields the sun from your neck so go ahead and blend a little bronzer there.

woman bronzer blush

Bronzer should be a nice golden yellow tone for lighter complexions and a little reddish for darker complexions. Use a big fluffy brush to apply a small amount first.

Blush should be applied in a dabbing or circular motion, not a sweeping back to the temple motion. Try using a small fluffy brush with an angle. Blush color depends on your skin tone, lip or eye colors being used. You can use many different shades, shiny or matte or you can mix a couple of different shades. Start with the blush color in between the apples of the cheek and the hollows of your cheek.

5. Black eyeliner in just the water line

I am a huge fan of black eyeliner – pencil, cream, gel, liquid, etc. If it’s black, I want it! It just looks very harsh if it’s not blended with an eyeshadow or softened with a brown bronzy eyeliner or another color.

woman applying black eyeliner waterline

My favorite way to wear a black pencil eyeliner in the water line is by setting it with a black eyeshadow and blending the eyeliner into the lash line and just below. I blend out the black shadow with another color as well, so the look is more of a faded smokey rather than a harsh line.

 

Tiana Holiday is a professional makeup artist with 17+ years experience in the industry working with celebrities, on music videos and commercials, weddings, private clients, photoshoots and fitness models. She is the owner of Tiana Rae Artistry.

tiana holiday
Tiana Holiday