Owner Chas Kuhn, who has styled the tresses of Baltimoreans for years, brings his expertise in coloring, highlights and cuts to Chas Spa•Salon at the Ritz-Carlton Residences. The full-service salon and spa officially opened its doors in May and has already generated plenty of buzz for its customized hair treatments, organic products and cutting-edge spa offerings. Particularly unique is a self-service mini-retreat called the Oasis, where clients detoxify in a eucalyptus-infused steam room while slathered in a mud mask. iPod docks are plentiful so customers can relax to their own favorite tunes, all while taking in the hypnotizing fiber optic light show. The mask is followed by a quick rinse in the adjacent shower and a skin rejuvenating body scrub. For those looking for a more intimate setting, a couple’s package is available. Lovebirds can unwind in a private room with side-by-side massages and a 30-minute soak in a hydrotherapy tub, while nibbling on the requisite chocolate-covered strawberries and sipping Champagne. 801 Key Highway, 410-625-2427

Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue (the sequel to Blue) is the quintessential scent of fresh, as if the last lawn of summer has just been mown, with a fresh Mediterranean breeze coming through. No heavy florals for the women ($62); energizing citrus for the men ($57). At Nordstrom; Towson Town Center and The Mall in Columbia.

The Ultra Correction Line Repair by Chanel has a new revolutionary anti-wrinkle solution that uses FN3K, a natural enzyme found in skin, to keep sugar from binding to collagen fibers (binding that causes those nasty wrinkles). Plus, it’s Chanel! Starting at $85. At Macy’s.

Ready to get kneaded, rolled and soothed with a Toscana Signature Swedish Massage?  Or to have a combination of Swedish, full body Deep Tissue, Myofascial, Craniosacral, Sports and Neuromuscular massage at Spa Sante?  Or maybe you need to go through a luxurious reflexology treatment of “mapping the points” of your feet through acupressure to corresponding anatomy of your body at Odyssey Salon & Day Spa?  A great idea is an Aromatherapy Salt Scrub with Steam Shower at A Day Spa by Zina in Canton (pure essential oils mixed with salts create a deep pore cleansing from head to toe… hello!  Pampering ahead!).  Whatever your pleasure, the time to indulge is now.

From September 13-19, and again from October 11 - 17, choice Baltimore spas will be taking part of National Spa Week, which means that they’ll provide signature spa, beauty and fitness services to consumers for just $50.  Yep.  You heard it right.  Services that originally cost anywhere from $80 all the way up to $450, are going to be $50 during Spa Week.

Toscana Medi Spa, Spa Sante and Odyssey Salon & Day Spa are just some of the spas already on board to participate. Visit www.spaweek.com for more Maryland spas and check out the list below.

A Day Spa & Salon by Zina in Canton Square
Be Lifestyle MedSpa
CFMA Medispa
City Magnolia Day Spa
Dermatology & Clinical Skin Care Center & Rockledge MedSpa
Facelogic Spa - Columbia
Farashe the Day Spa
Hela Spa & Ted Gibson Salon
Jolie the Day Spa & Hair Design
O’HAIR Salon + Spa
Pamper Me Please Travel Spa
Pebbles Wellness
Ravissant Clinical Day Spa
Red Door Spa - Baltimore
Renu Med Spa
RiMahni Glo Day Spa
Robert Andrew Salon & Spa
Roxsan Day Spa
Serenity Zone Medical Spa
Smile Spa at the Smile Design Studio
Soul… Day Spa and Salon
Spa Sante
Strippers Waxing Salon & Boutique
The Spa at Turf Valley
Toscana Medispa
Trendz Rejuvenation Medi-Spa

Happy Spa’ing!

Yves Rocher France, the purveyors of botanical beauty for over fifty years have added a slew of new products just in time for bikini season. Before hitting the beach apply Bust Lift to improve the decollete. The formula, made from Madagascar centella asiatica extract with natural firming power, is applied once in the morning and once at night for a month for optimal results.

Who doesn’t want to shave or wax less often? Try slathering on Rocher’s 2 in 1 Post-Waxing Moisturizer made from botanical-based ingredients which is made from the hair-minimizing scutellaria root from China.

After returning from a long day of fun in the sun exfoliate your skin as you purify it with Rocher’s Botanical Scrub which is infused with apricot kernel shell from the Mediterranean basin.

I made the realization long ago that my pale, almost translucent skin would never be sun kissed. I’ve shied away from self-tanners for fear that the harsh chemicals would cause a nasty allergic reaction on my hypersensitive skin. However, the tides have changed with the introduction of Nature’s Gate Glow Lotion. A combination of moisturizer and self tanner, Glow Lotion uses a natural sugar cane derivative, seven natural moisture boosters and anti-oxidants to give my gams a soft, silky glow all summer long.

Inspired by Australian surf culture, the Bombora Collection from BECCA intersperses shades from sand and sea with bright retro tones for eyes and pomegranate splashes for lips and cheeks. Bombora Palette, $68; Sheer Tint Lip Colours, $24; Cheek Beach Tints, $25; at Kibana Salon & Spa, Silver Spring.

Depth therapeutic body washes are sea-breeze inspired and infused with organic aloe offering a pure, cool clean. $10, at Whole Foods, Mount Washington Mill and Harbor East.

Supergoop’s water-resistant, pre-moistened sunscreen wipes shield you from the sun and deliver SPF 30 and UV protection for the body and face, all with a few easy swipes! $34, at Sephora, Towson Town Center.

Cover FX’s bronzing pressed powder gives a healthy, sun-kissed glow and youthful flush. Ideal for all— even sensitive skin types win with this one! $28, at Nordstrom, Towson Town Center and The Mall in Columbia.

’Tis the season to show off! Flatter toes with OPI’s vibrant Gerbera daisy hues like Atomic Orange and Bright Lights Big Color. $8.50, at About Faces, five area locations, including Timonium, Towson, Pikesville and Canton.

Spring is in the air and so is the humidity. If you’re like me, it’s a constant battle to keep my naturally curly tresses smooth and sleek. I’ve tried just about every type of ionic blow dryer, straightening iron, and straightening serum, all to no avail. It’s time for me be to check out Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy before the summer arrives full force. Created by renowned stylist and salon owner Peter Coppola, this hair smoothing and conditioning system works by infusing keratin deep into the hair’s cuticle. Each hair follicle is encased with a unique keratin bond which promotes healing as well as creating a barrier from heat and humidity. This sounds like the perfect product to set me free of my arduous routine with the added benefit of having the frizz free summer locks I’ve always coveted.

Thanks to Sula’s Paint & Peel polishes you can experiment with nail color hassle free. The quick dry formula makes application a snap. When your mood changes, simply peel off the polish and repaint with these colorful, water-based, eco-friendly shades.

With temperatures on the rise, celebrities are embracing light, natural products to get summer ready. From Heidi Klum’s dazzling smile to Halle Berry’s glowing skin, star style has never been easier to steal—try these products and you’ll be summer-ready in no time!

Luster 1 Hour White
Nothing looks better with a summer glow then a stunning smile. To get a gorgeous grin like super-mom Heidi Klum, try an at-home whitening treatment with zero sensitivity that promises a brighter smile in under an hour! Luster 1 Hour White is a revolutionary tooth whitening system that revitalizes your smile for a sexy summer look!
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Paul & Joe’s Lip Gloss G
Take a cue from natural beauty Jessica Biel and opt for a natural, pink pout courtesy of Paul & Joe’s Lip Gloss G. Available in a variety of natural, pretty shades that work on both the red carpet or on the beach, these little tubes of lasting shine are the perfect way to complete your warm weather style.

Depth Hand & Body Lotion
Covet Halle Berry’s supple, flawless skin? Hydrate and detoxify throughout the day with a rich but light moisturizer like Depth Hand & Body Lotion .  Enriched with sea botanicals and pure essential oils, this natural lotion comes in four scents and is 100% vegan and cruelty-free so you can hydrate without worry.

If you are looking for a style that won’t take too much of a backlash from the heat, I recommend trying the beachy wave. For this look, curl your entire head of hair in spiral curls that are loose on the top and loose on the ends. For some pieces, don’t curl the ends in order to get that fun, messy, beachy look!  Another easy hair trend to try is adding a flower above your ear or even above a side ponytail in the back. When wearing a side ponytail, it should be sassy, so make sure it has a lot of texture. You can curl and even backcomb it to add body and place at the nape of the neck for a flirty look.

Gina Pieper is the Artistic Director at Empire Beauty Schools, the nation’s largest provider of cosmetology education in North America.

A fabulous product, if I had to only pick one would be HD Powder. I like HD Microfinish Powder by MAKE UP FOR EVER and E.L.F Cosmetics also makes a great new HD Powder. HD Powder completely evens out your complexion for a drop dead gorgeous, flawless finish. It works on all skin tones to help hide any imperfections and gives a soft-focus look.

Gina Pieper is the Artistic Director at Empire Beauty Schools, the nation’s largest provider of cosmetology education in North America.

Most recently spotted inbetween our wallet and blackberry, CleanWell Hand Sanitizers are among the top 5 items we trudge around town in our overly large handbags.

Why are we so in love? CleanWell is the only hand sanitizers proven to kill 99.99% of germs without using alcohol, Benzalkonium Chloride, Triclosan or other toxic chemicals. This travel-friendly spray (also available as a soap, wipes or foam) is made from renewable plants. With a first-of-its-kind natural chemistry, CleanWell introduces a unique formula of plant essential oils proven to meet FDA standards for eliminating microorganisms. Besides being safe, these remarkable germ fighters smell incredible unlocking an irresistibly fresh scent. Orange vanilla, ginger bergamot, lavender and our favorite, spearmint lime, not only keeps us clean but is managable for kids, which means keeping them smelling fresh is actually attainable.

Want to read more? Visit www.cleanwelltoday.com.

As said by nail pro Shari Gottesman, “When it comes to nails, there is a color for everyone and a right way to experiment with every trend, no matter how intimidating it may seem at first.” Read on for her suggestions on wearing your most thought about lacquers.

1. Opaque Nudes
This has been one of the biggest, yet most unconventional summer color trends, and it shows no sign of abating come fall. These “greige” tones can easily be over-the-line unflattering, so there are a few important things to be aware of. First, your manicure must be perfect. Nails do not need to be extremely short. Mid-length or shorter will be most flattering and either square or slightly rounded. Go for a browner tone if you still feel uncomfortable at the office.

2. Whites
Turning up all over the place on runways, find a shade that is not 100% white. It’lll be a little more forgiving if it has a slight tone to it. A very sheer coat looks great on all nails but is a tad more favorable when taken to its opaque extreme. Go for one gorgeous piece of jewelry as a focal point to balance out the hand.

3. Bold, Heavy Metals
This is a very fashion forward look, so if you’re going to go there… then GO there!  Use a mattifying top coat for a total fashion slave effect. Also, this look loves lots of bold jewelry, so break out your rings and bracelets.

4. Bright Oranges & Pinks
The easiest trend to pull off by far, vivid hues looks just as good on feet as on hands. A suited match on long nails and short, round, oval or square, the most important thing to do is use a high gloss top coat to keep the color looking wet and unabashed. Plus, chips must be tended to immediately! Beachy bangles that won’t compete too much are best, jewelry-wise.

As said by nail pro Shari Gottesman, “When it comes to nails, there is a color for everyone and a right way to experiment with every trend, no matter how intimidating it may seem at first.” Read on for her suggestions on wearing your most thought about lacquers.

1. Opaque Nudes
This has been one of the biggest, yet most unconventional spring/summer color trends, and it shows no sign of abating come fall. These “greige” tones can easily be over-the-line unflattering, so there are a few important things to be aware of. First, your manicure must be perfect. Nails do not need to be extremely short. Mid-length or shorter will be most flattering and either square or slightly rounded. Go for a browner tone if you still feel uncomfortable at the office.

2. Whites
Turning up all over the place on runways, try to find a shade that is not 100% white. It will be a little more forgiving if it has a slight tone to it. A very sheer coat looks great on all nails, but it is a tad more favorable when taken to its opaque extreme. Go for one gorgeous piece of jewelry as a focal point to balance out the hand.

3. Bold, Heavy Metals
This is a very fashion forward look, so if you’re going to go there… then GO there!  Use a mattifying top coat for a total fashion slave effect. Also, this look loves lots of bold jewelry, so break out your rings and bracelets.
4. Bright Oranges & Pinks
The easiest trend to pull off by far, vivid hues looks just as good on feet as on hands. A suited match on long nails and short, round, oval or square, the most important thing to do is use a high gloss top coat to keep the color looking wet and unabashed. Also tend to chips immediately! Beachy bangles that won’t compete too much are best, jewelry-wise.

The next part of the Crescent Row eau de toilette will mirror the theme from the first Crescent Row collection (shown above). Three brand new exclusive flats, home to Carmella, Eva and Rita, make up Crescent Row (the second story), a sensational summer scent released this July from Benefit. Welcoming wearers into a happily smelling fairy tale, the crafty packaging exposes the inside of a trendy condo. Home to three fictitious characters, each take on their own persona in an expected affair filled with twists, turns and delightful debauchery. Be sure to look for:

1. Garden of Good & Eva: A crisp citrus scent, freshly bundled with top notes of pear and watermelon
2. Lookin’ to Rock Rita: A fruity green unleashing splashes of lemon, coconut, freesia and juicy fig
3. So Hooked on Carmella: A floral vanilla uniting grapefruit and rhubarb in the most delicious way

The Gossip Girl actress looks stunning on and off screen. Steal her summer makeup style using Glamorous Cosmetics’ Mediterranean sun-kissed skin and eye palette, which for us is just another reason to get excited about summer!

To Prep:
1. Moisturize skin with a daily face cream.
2. Apply foundation and a sheer powder to hold in place.
3. Use a blush with a pop of color, and dab on the apple of your cheeks.

How to Get The Look:
1. Apply a green shadow to the lower part of your eyelid, and bronze shadow in the crease slightly above the eyelid.
2. Use the blue shadow along the water line of your eyes to create a pop.
3. Sweep a hint of beige shadow in the corner of eyes to brighten.
6. Apply dark mascara on lashes.
7. Add any glossy lip gloss to make lips glisten.
8. Finish with a bronzer to complete your summer glow.

What to Use:

Summer Set, $16.80

Dawn Del Russo is a fashion expert and lifestyle stylist, owner of Bella Dawn Boutique (belladawn.com), and the author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle.

Getting the chance to sit down with Brittany “McKey” Sullivan was like a dream come true. The ANTM Season 11 winner talked hair, makeup and thoughts on being on the show. Read the full interview here.

What is your favorite facial feature?
I have really bright lips naturally. Everyone in my family does so I don’t like covering them up.

What’s your morning make-up tip?
White eyeliner inside the eye because it makes the eyes look bigger, but I don’t wear makeup normally.

What CoverGirl product do you use the most?
Surprisely, I love the Amazemint lip gross. I wear it every single day. I have very dry lips, and it works really well.

How is it different than other glosses?
It has peppermint oil in it, which makes your lips tingle, and it’s a good feeling and not sticky, which is really nice.

Which color do you recommend?
The blue one! It goes on clear.

What make-up style do you support the least?
I am not a big fan of the smokey eye, pale lip look, which is commonality for the runway. I modeled in the past and that’s all it was.

With all the different hair styles on America’s Next Top Model, what have you learned about yourself that surprised you?
That being blonde is not so bad! I always thought it would be bad to bleach your hair, but I learned your hair is never beyond repair. You can always go back and fix it, and straightening your hair adds a lot of shine. 

What shampoo and conditioner are currently in your bathroom?
Alba is my favorite line of shampoo and conditioner. It’s a vegan company.

What skin care product do you never leave home without?
Johnson’s Baby Lotion. I travel with it everywhere and keep it in my carry-on. 

Any other facial product fixations?
I love Clean & Clear Morning Burst.

Online Beauty Editor
Jessica Krznaric

If you’re looking for the perfect, natural lip balm, Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is exactly what you need. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is made from organic products, and it is not tested on animals.

• The main ingredients include:
     

     

  • Coconut oil
       

  • Beeswax
       

  • Sweet Almond oil
       

  • Peppermint oil
       

  

A springtime skin-saver, Pürminerals Hot Rocks all-over face color uses pressed minerals to brighten eyes, lips and cheeks with a subtle glow. $23.50, at Ulta, Hunt Valley Towne Centre and The Avenue at White Marsh.

Infuse water-rich nourishment back into parched skin. The H20+ Oasis Collection’s dual-action exfoliator, ultra hydrating lotion and energizing serum is packed full of sea botanicals and other ocean goodness like sea fennel and sea lettuce. Starting at $24, at Ulta, Hunt Valley Towne Centre and The Avenue at White Marsh.

Made with therapeutic salts, One With Nature bar soaps not only promote healthy skin, but the flowery scents are delightful. $13, at Whole Foods, Harbor East and Mount Washington.

Collector’s Edition Candles from Jo Malone unleash nonstop whiffs of Caribbean island breezes and exotic fruits from the provinces of Spain.  Let loose the freshness of zesty mandarins, sun-warmed figs and white grape citrus. $65, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase.

One’s Solid Shampoo lets you lather up in just three or four rubs and comes in an adorable, bio- degradable package equal to three 8 oz. regular-sized bottles. Not to mention, the silver tin makes it totally portable. $7, at Target.

Hunting for a bronzer that isn’t too dark, tacky or unnatural looking doesn’t have to be a chore if you know what to look for. These six tips will set you straight as your browse the shelves.

1. For a natural looking tan, pick a bronzer that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone.
2. Avoid overly shimmery bronzers. The added sparkles appear fake looking and can make you seem older if they clump up between creases. Stick to a slight sparkle instead.
3. The safest type of bronzer is a sheer, neutral light brown.
4. A fluffy brush with shorter bristles allows for greater control over the application and helps with blending the bronzer to your skin.
5. The four targeted areas to apply bronzer are your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.
6. Don’t forget about your eyes! When deciding on the right color, the eyes are just as important as your skin tone. If you have:

Four We Like:

Benefit’s One Hot Minute – a rosy, gold sheer

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder– a smooth, pressed powder

No Worries Cosmetics Barrier Reef Bronzer– an Australian babe look

Nars Multiple Bronzer– a sun-kissed, natural glow

Achieve the luscious lip look like Transformer star Megan Fox with Glamorous Cosmetics.

1. Exfoliate your lips for a smooth base.
2. Apply a long-lasting lip color.
3. Blot lips to remove excess color.
4. Apply a shade of gloss close to your lip color for high glam glossy lips.

What to Use:

Long Staying Lipstick, $8.85

Classic Lip Gloss, $8.55

Dawn Del Russo is a fashion expert and lifestyle stylist, owner of Bella Dawn Boutique (belladawn.com), and the author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a woody meets floral sweet scent, you’ll find your match with Halle Berry’s new fragrance, Pure Orchid. The Masdevallia plant, a rare and exotic orchid, reveals a mélange of scents to drive the senses wild. Just as mouthwatering as Berry’s signature perfume Halle, blackberry crème concentre mixes nicely with top notes of crisp Italian lemon, papaya nectar fizz and jungle cactus flower. It’s a must for a warm evening out.

It’s shiny – we’re obviously hooked. Pop Beauty’s Petal Jamsare enough to satisfy our morning sugar rush. Tasting like crushed sugar petals, this unique lip-loving bloom-balm binds hydration and restores the natural moisture barrier. Though constantly licking the sweetness from your lips is tempting, here’s a tip that offers temporarily distraction. Rub Petal Jams on elbows or cuticles to eliminate dryness!

Whether in the market for a quality moisturizer or a softer skin conditioner, here are four sites to make a mental note of.

1. Kiehls.com – Providing unique and efficacious formulas for skin and hair since 1851 proves to be a winner time and time again.
2. Getjackblack.com – The De-Tox and De-Stress products come highly recommended.
3. Lushusa.com – We can’t get enough of this organic, handmade bath and body store.
4. Clinique.com – Not just for women, the cosmetic brand known for its superior dermatologist testing offers top male grooming products and how-to videos for men only.

An ionic blow dryer is faster and leaves your hair shinier and healthier than the traditional blow dryer. It emits millions of charged particles called ions that bond to your hair, breaking down moisture molecules without frying hair like the old blow dryers do. Second, thermoceramic brushes produce more consistent heat for your hair, which is less damaging and smoothes the cuticle, minimizing breakage and split ends. Lastly, boar bristles on brushes help smooth the hair strands individually for added shine and protection.

Gina Pieper is the Artistic Director at Empire Beauty Schools, the nation’s largest provider of cosmetology education in North America.

Creating nail color collections for some of the most well-known beauty companies in the industry, Shari Gottesman, Vice President of Cosmetic Coatings Corporation and founder of Perfect Formula, is a major player when it comes to setting trends. For spring, Gottesman confirms she is continuing to see some very untraditional, not-so-subtle color styles. “Spring used to always be about feminine pastels, but we are really seeing very little of those sweet and natural shades this year,” she says. “No one wants pastels of any kind right now. The trend toward bright shades is continuing, though they are a little toned down from the electric heights of last season.”

What to Buy:

1. Bright Gerbera Daisy shades will replace last seasons’ crazy neon’s. Fluorescent tones were fun, but now super vibrant oranges, reds and pinks much like a tropical garden will be more flattering and great for toes!

2. Effects that showcase a whimsical effect are a major trend on the horizon. For instance, mood polishes that basically change color depending on body temperature are becoming increasingly popular. Look for them!

3. Bold, heavy metallics from bright cobalt to deep fuchsia and C-3P0 gold have moved away from the matte chrome look of winter and amped up the shine wattage. It’s all very Terminator!

Editor Brian Lawrence gives advice on maintaining facial hair in warmer weather.

Editor Brian Lawrence tells what to look for. Plus, is it okay to snag your spouse’s?

When it is okay for men to use self tanners?

I recommend staying away from nylon bristle round brushes. They can start to melt and bend when coming in contact with heat. Using these types of brushes often cause hair to tangle during your blowout creating split ends and breakage. Also, I recommend staying away from non-ionic blow dryers. They are extremely damaging to your hair. Avoid using a blow dryer that is more than 15 years old. It may contain asbestos, which was formerly used as a heat resistant material in the power cord.

Gina Pieper is the Artistic Director at Empire Beauty Schools, the nation’s largest provider of cosmetology education in North America.

It’s almost as if we flew off to Hawaii, found the largest tree possible and chopped open our very own coconut only Desert Essence’s Organic Hand Washes does it for us at a much lesser cost. Four distinct smells (grapefruit, vanilla chai, lavender and of course, coconut), all apart of the new organic line to join Desert Essence, are known for their fresh “as if you are there” smells. These gentle hand soaps, made with jojoba oil and shea butter, effectively clean without drying out skin. Plus, they add a little something extra to mundane chores like doing the dishes!

Finally, a skincare collection just for men and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Dove’s Men + Care line includes body and face washes, bar soaps, antiperspirants and sprays in three titles that make you feel clean just by thinking about them – Clean Comfort, Deep Clean and Extra Fresh. What’s even more reassuring? Dove’s Active Clean Dual Sided Shower Tool serves as the best body wash applicator, encouraging extra scrubbing power and a deeper exfoliation that you can’t get from using your hands. Click to check out Dove’s newly released commercials.

Officially the coolest thing we’ve seen in a while, Paula’s Choice 2-Minute Teeth Whitener (brand new for spring 2010) looks like a lipstick and has the texture of a lip balm. This wallet-friendly, pocket-friendly, smile-friendly stick eliminates stains on an area we’re most conscious of, our teeth! An instant addiction for those fixated on wine, berries or coffee (or all of the above), indulge stain free thanks to a highly effective whitening ingredient geared to improve stability and block sensitivity. Plus, the fresh minty aftertaste leaves breath feeling refreshed.

How to Use: As Easy as 1, 2
1. Apply a light coating to your smile-zone (the area of your teeth that are visible when you smile) as often as needed. If large clumps appear, use less pressure.
2. Wait approximately 2 – 5 minutes until coating dissolves. No need to brush or rinse after!

Where To Get It: www.paulaschoice.com

How Much It’s Gonna Cost: $14.95

For the Stylist:
Right now big and sexy tousled curls are in. Keeping up-to-date and having the newest hot rollers is a must. I recommend The Babyliss Pro Ceramic and Ionic Hair Setter as my choice of tool to accomplish this style. Stick straight hair is becoming a thing of the past, but having the right flat iron to twist some locks into a sassy wave is without a doubt a necessity. The Babyliss Diamond Titanium Flat Iron is a favorite of mine because it leaves the hair soft and shiny.

For the Consumer:
A great “cheater tool” for someone that is not a professional is the InStyler, getinstyler.com. I also suggest having a professional ionic blow dryer at home to avoid damaging your hair everyday.

Gina Pieper is the Artistic Director at Empire Beauty Schools, the nation’s largest provider of cosmetology education in North America.

Sometimes staying up-to-date on a weekly mani and pedi is just not an option, but that doesn’t mean the great tricks of the trade can’t be duplicated in a cost effective, comfort of your own home sort of way. “Nail and hand care needs always make for perfect at-home spa treatments,” says Shari Gottesman, founder of Perfect Formula. “It is so easy to do things to care for these workhorse body parts that are inexpensive, effective and incredibly pampering all at the same time.” Read on to learn Shari’s top at-home spa tips for hands and nails.

1. Drop your bottle of cuticle oil into a glass of hot water for a few minutes before applying to maximize penetration and effectiveness. It’s the cuticle version of a hot oil treatment!

2. Nothing beats a warm foot soak with some Epsom salt. It is such a great thing to do for foot health, and it makes it so much easier to buff away the dead skin. Epsom salt is detoxifying. It soothes aches, reduces swelling and is exfoliating. It’s literally the perfect gift for tired, unhappy feet.

3. Mix together olive oil and sugar for a luxurious and wholesome do-it-yourself exfoliating hand treatment.

Follow Dawn Del Russo’s six step smokey eye guide using Glamorous Cosmetics to perfect this seductive look.

1. Apply concealer on the lid and under the eye, followed by foundation and power that matches your skin tone to create a blank, flawless canvas to work.
2. Use an eyeshadow base to enhance and hold the final color. This will also help keep your liner from smudging. To create a base, apply a dark shadow to the lower part of the lid below the crease. Then apply a slightly lighter tone or deep blue shade in the crease itself. Blend colors together well.
3. Trace liquid eyeliner along the upper and lower eye line to define the shape of the eyes. Heighten dramatics a tad more and bring the liner out past your eye in an upward sweeping line.
4. Smudge the lower eye line with a Q-tip or small brush.
5. Apply black mascara to lashes.
6. Add a lighter off white shimmer to the corner of the eyes to brighten.

What to Use:

Duo Eye Shadow, $10

Liquid Liner, $10

Mascara, $13

Dawn Del Russo is a fashion expert and lifestyle stylist, owner of Bella Dawn Boutique (belladawn.com), and the author of 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle.

The latest addition to Jo Malone’s cult classic Vitamin E collection is their Vitamin E Body Balm.Instantly soothing and hydrating, this nourishing cream deeply conditions the skin with a high concentration of antioxidants, bringing maxium smoothness. But what we really love about it, this sweet scent is suited for both women and men offering dual pampering. Should we make a “whoever uses the last of it has to buy more” rule? Yes, I think we shall.

Dr. Nina Naidu, board certified plastic surgeon and founder of Anokha skin care, frequently uses the home remedies that her mother taught her, many of which provided the impetus behind her South-Asian-inspired product line. “I’d raid the dairy aisle for some of the best fresh skincare treats imaginable,” Naidu says and some of those skin treatments happen to come right from the kitchen.

Her Four Favorites: 

1. There is truly nothing more luxurious than cold yogurt for the face. It is an excellent cleanser that will not rob skin of its natural moisture, and it will not irritate sensitive skin. Both milk and heavy cream also make great non-stripping cleansers for the face as well.

2. Good for the skin, milk baths are an indulgence that everyone should be enjoying. Just pour a cup right into your bath water and let the milk proteins work their magic.

3. For a fantastic non-comedogenic moisturizer, try putting one to two drops of pure almond oil in water.

4. My favorite simple, yet incredibly luxurious toner is easy to make by boiling a few rose petals in water. Next time someone sends you flowers, snip a few petals for your at-home spa needs!

Made by the online beauty boutique, www.abeautifullife.com, this is a huge step in the category of eco-friendliness for nail care. The dramatic twelve shade lacquer collection, inspired by hard to find hues, replaces the chemicals found in most polishes with essential oils and natural compounds. Expect the same all natural treatment in the Soy Polish Remover, whose refreshing citrus burst makes us want to kick all our other polish removers to the curb.

The Twelve Shade Collection

Soy Polish Remover

Estee Lauder’s Sensuousmerges femininity with the depths of the forest through a new fragrance category called Woody Amber. Envision molten woods atop a rich, Earthly core intertwined by the atmospheric florals of an orchid-filled greenhouse, releasing a nectar-like warmth. Note to self– don’t forget to come back to reality.

1. David Beckham’s Signature Story For Him
This woody aromatic fragrance embodies modern glamour with seductive undertones of wild basil, violet leaves and rosemary.

2. Diesel’s Only The Brave
A fistful of amber, coriander leaves and mandarin symbolize the power, energy and success of masculinity.

3. Zegna Colonia
La Dolce Vita! That’s Italian for embrace the sweet life with the fresh, warm seductive blends of iris, neroli and cardamom.

Unfold into twilight with Thymes Moonflower Eau de Parfum, a mystical blend of cinnamon, fresh magnolia and dark amber. $49, at National Aquarium Store and The House Downtown, Belvedere Square.

Mix glamour and green with Sukicolor’s 3-in-1 palette for smackers and cheeks, loaded with an organic repair butter to treat chapped lips. $28, at Meadow Hills Wellness and A Brighter Path, Annapolis.

Forget the diamonds this Valentine’s Day. Borghese’s Serenity Now Gift Sets pamper, purify and deep clean for a total body experience. $47, at Fields Pharmacy, Pikesville.

Fountain of Youth, take that! Estee Lauder’s Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler uses intensive therapy to push up and reduce the deepest creases on contact. $40, at Nordstrom and Macy’s.

Tense? Kobi Salon’s European Facial and Swedish Massage Package has deep-pore cleansing, skin analysis and exquisite kneading to relax the muscles. Treatments start at $75 at Kobi Salon, Falls Road.

After your mascara has out used its welcome and you’ve re-enter the search for another “absolutely perfect, I think I’ll call it THE ONE” stick, you must try DiorShow. Followed by a cult of mascara maniacs loyal to the big “D’s” volumizing lash capability, Show’s dramatic pops and lengthening tricks adjoined with height, height, height make your eyes alive. Buried in the bags of makeup artists all over the world, DiorShow delivers long, thick, must-have lashes. We give it an A.

It’s for the taut and young, the loose and old, the scarred, the splotchy, the spotted and the spotless. It’s a full-service collection specifically formulated to ease every skin woe known to woman and man. It is Sleek Skin, our “we can’t make it to the MedSpa for facial rejuvenation, but can still get state-of-the art five-minute skin treatment miracle.”

No matter what your skin type is, Sleek Skin has something for everyone.

The Anti-Aging Skin Kit is for those looking to enhance and maintain in office treatment results at home. It is designed to turn back the visual signs of aging and prevents further damage through the four step process: Glow, Boost, Renew and Transform

The Normal Skin Kit brings daily results, while keeping the skin in optimal condition. This system slows the aging process and creates a health matrix for new skin growth. Perfect for anyone seeking the best skin care the industry has to offer, the four step process: Soothes, Heals, Replenishes and Restores

The Oily-Acneic Skin Kit keeps oils in check and breakouts at bay without stripping and drying out skin. Allowing a reduction in sebum and a clearer complexion, the skin is brought back into balance through the four step process: de-clogging, taming, clearing and matting.

The Dry/Sensitive Skin Kit keeps the face moist, while restoring the hydro-lipid barrier, bringing relief to those who suffer from uncomfortable skin. This kit is customized by the four steps: Soften, Refresh, Calm and Enrich

What is your most important beauty advice for winter?
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Make sure to always drink 8 glasses of water a day. This really does make a difference. Also, keep skin hydrated with a lighter moisturizer during the day and opt for a richer, more emollient moisturizer at night. Another one of my winter “must-haves” is bronzer. It brightens and brings life back to dull skin, but it must look natural!

What is the best way to apply bronzer so it looks natural?
Picking the perfect shade is crucial! Make sure to find a bronzer that is only 2 or 3 shades darker than your skin tone, and be careful that it does not look too orange or your skin will scream “fake tan!” You want to give your skin just enough color for a healthy glow.

How do you know if it’s the right shade for you?
A great way to test the color of a bronzer is by looking at it in natural sunlight. If it appears orange, toss it. Also, only apply bronzer to the areas of the face that the sun hits, so dust a little along the forehead, down the hair line, lightly on the cheeks and even lighter on the nose.  Finally, blend from the jaw line into the neck. This ensures a blended and believably sun-kissed look!

Any tips for minimizing wrinkles?
Nothing is worse than cracked, caked makeup because it enhances wrinkles, and this will happen very easily during the winter months if skin and makeup is not prepared and applied properly. Skip the powder foundation and opt for a liquid or cream foundation or a tinted moisturizer for sheerer coverage and dust a light translucent powder to set. If you need to “spot pat” throughout the day to minimize shine, use oil blotting sheets instead!

How can we keep lips healthy this winter?
Again, drinking water will help keep lips hydrated, but protecting lips with a repairing lip balm is the key to preventing extremely chapped, irritated and painful lips. Also, when applying color, whether it is lipstick or a stained gloss, I recommend using professional colors. They maintain color longer and do not break down as easily as generic brands, which have a tendency to bleed.

What’s your favorite beauty trick?
Can’t find the right gloss to match your lipstick? For a natural lip-gloss look that adds shine and color, draw a circle the size of a nickel on the back of your hand with your favorite lipstick color. Next, add a drop of your favorite clear gloss (or your winter lip balm!), mix together with your finger or lip brush and apply. This eliminates the dry lip look, protects lips and adds more color than just a clear gloss or balm would provide.

Gina Pieper is the Artistic Director at Empire Beauty Schools, the nation’s largest provider of cosmetology education in North America.

- Jessica Krznaric, Online Beauty Editor

An eight-piece ensemble of Sephora’s best-selling, ultra-shiny lip gloss shades. Mini Super Shimmer Gift Set,$20

Unleash a flurry of instant shimmer with just one twist. Borghese’s All Over Shimmer Powder, $29.50

Celebrity Stylist Umberto Savone’s “no measuring, no mixing, no mess,” one-step sachet packet system. Just snip, squeeze and smoosh. U Color, $12

A three-piece fairytale collection packed with all the essentials - shampoo, conditioner and bubble bath – in celebration of the holiday hit, The Princess and the Frog. Magical Beauty Gift Set, $24

Rice oil to intensify color and a splash of provitamin B5 for nourishing make an all natural, gift-giving experience. Abyssinia Oil Mascara,$18

Smoother looking skin after just one use. “Hello New Year’s Resolution. How are you today?” Biore’s Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator, $14.99

Think professional makeup tips in your own home coming straight from the mouth of Sam Fine, the man responsible for touching up Tyra Banks, Jennifer Hudson and Vanessa Williams. FINE: The Basics of Beauty, $24.99

Mastermind perfumer Dominique Ropion notes his most recent love potion as “a captivating fragrance connecting people in a world of movement.” Mr. Ropion, we concur. A lightweight scent easy to fall in love with (really), Love Etc mixes together jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood for a sweet obsession. And the symbolism behind ‘et cetera’? Why, it’s the widespread force binding it all together – friends, family, memories and love.

Say goodbye to razors and razor burn, and say hello to the no!no! 8800. Promising smoother, barer skin, this fit-in-your-hand professional hair remover painlessly gets rid of hair, slowing growth and reducing density by up to 94%. Based on the Thermicon technology, hair growth is delayed by a pulse of heat that’s transmitted from the hair and down to the follicle. The result - thinner, lighter hair!

Think you’re ready to say yes to the no? Hold on a little bit longer. The no!no! 8800 will arrive November 17 for purchase on hsn.com, just in time for the holidays.

Ready. Set. Blast.

Brand new for January 2010, CoverGirl’s LashBlast has expanded to an entire collection of mascaras, shadows and shines. The next best thing since LashBlast’s Volumizing Mascara, LB’s Length Mascara builds extreme, notice-me lashes all day long with its new Elasta-Nylo formula.

Pile on the length; now give me some shine…

For the ultimate shine, ShineBlast Lipgloss (co-designed by celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath), flaunts 4 times more gleam with the help of a unique applicator that hugs the curves of your lips. Visibly bright with a sixteen shade color palate and glittery infusion, your smackers won’t complain once after taking notice to the nonstick factor.

And, finally the cure for anyone who has ever tried to perfect the smoky eye – the Smoky ShadowBlast. This two step shadowing tool opens the gates of simplification for a sexy, smoky allure. No brushes needed. It’s so easy, you’ll want to go smoky during daylight!

Enticed? Go to covergirl.com/blastpresale to hoard the LashBlast Length, ShineBlast Lipgloss and Smoky ShadowBlast before they hit stores. Plus, buy all three and save $5.

Achieve star quality like Hollywood’s timeless actress Audrey Hepburn with la prairie’s new eau de parfum, Platinum. Of the Life Threads collection, this Cyprus scent infused with leathery and floral notes will emanate from your skin allowing you to become the sophisticated “fair lady” of your own screenplay. Wear this elegant fragrance with pride as your most enviable accessory, but remember less is more.

Ever wanted to be pleasantly plump? Probably not. But I bet you’d love your lips to appear larger, “plumper,” and even more desirable. Search no longer. L’Oreal Paris’ Infallible Plumping Lip Glosswill have boys drooling over your beautifully kissable lips. The patented petit couer applicator contours your lips at a 45-degree angle with sparkly, shiny gloss that lasts up to six hours. Ladies, choose from 16 shimmering shades and pucker up!

No room for clown make-up here. With Sonia Kashuk’s Shimmering Loose Mineral Blush, a natural flush is guaranteed every time.  Fine, microscopic mineral powders are kept in a little compact with a self-locking lid. The soft cotton blush pad that is provided catches the perfect amount of blush to give you those tickled pink cheeks. Best of all, its mineral composition means that this won’t harm your skin – it will help it! To accentuate those cheekbones with a glistening touch, ditch the cotton pad and apply this with a big fluffy blush brush instead. Now, those are some cheeks to talk about.

Revolting against aging and dryness is possible with a push from Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell. World-renowned dermatologist and founder of VMV Hypoallergenics, Rowell’s skin sensitive brand catalogs the number of allergens omitted from each product with an easy to follow rating system that diminishes the likeihood of having an allergic reaction. Educating us on the line and tackling our skin concerns (the chapped lips, old age, lifeless hair, etc, etc, etc!), Rowell’s skin smarts will shed enlightenment on your next walk down the beauty aisle.

What defines a product as hypoallergenic?
“Hypo” means less than, and “allergen” is a chemical that goes through the epidermis, or top layer of the skin, and becomes recognized as foreign. Therefore, hypoallergenic is a product that is less capable of inducing an allergic reaction than other products of the same kind.

How do you find the right product for each individual?
I pair products according to skin type and the expected problems for that skin type. Skin types include: dry and prone to wrinkles; dry/oily and prone to pigmentations; dry/oily and prone to allergies; oily and prone to adult onset acne, etc.

What would you recommend for someone who is prone to wrinkles?
Bland cleansers, light moisturizers that contain a lot of coconut oil, and a tinted SPF 60 sunscreen daily in the morning. Overnight, I’d suggest therapeutic products that contain acids like kojic, retinoic, glycolic and antioxidants with growth factors such as kinetin.

Products that fall under Dr. Rowell’s ingredient recommendations include:

Armada Face and Body Shield SPF 60

Glykeros Lift Primer with Glycolic Acid and Kinetin Growth Factor

Illuminants Comfort Cleansing Créme with Kojic Acid

How do alpha and beta hydroxyl acids prevent aging?
Oil based acids (retinoic acid/retinol and beta hydroxy/salicylic acid) are able to penetrate deeper into the dermis than water based acids and produce a thickness of collagen to prevent the clinical evidence of aging. Used over a long period of time, they can improve already photoaged skin.

What are a few guidelines to follow when selecting a facial product?
Start with the number of ingredients. Fewer ingredients are always better. Know your skin type and what it is prone to develop. Select a product that in general is hypoallergenic so that your chance of developing a reaction is minimal, and read the labels for your specific needs.

Is it true facial scrubs with micro beads are bad for your pores?
No. “Micro” beads are not small enough to get through the skin’s barrier layer. The natural exfoliation process of skin ejects any that may lodge on the surface of really wide pores.

What should you avoid to protect the skin from aging?
1. Smoking – causes oxidative damage
2. Sun exposure – onsets aging
3. SIMPLE sweets – affects the skin’s cellular level and makes the skin look old
4. Stress – degrades collagen in the skin

Can certain makeups harm the skin?
Definitely! Ingredients that are allergenic include the preservatives in plasticizers, which allow makeup to go on smoothly, the dyes themselves, and of course the scent. Our powders, eye shadows and blushes have sun protection benefits and are made with iron oxide pigments. Instead of mineral oil, we use pore-friendly, soothing coconut oil whose fatty acids are a natural component of the skin’s barrier to moisturize more effectively.

Shown Above:  Eye Oh My! Eye Colour Trio, Glow Lip and Cheek Tint, Lip Bliss Lipstick, Lipped Crème Lipstick, The Big O, Glow Spectacularly Glossy Lip and Cheek Lustre, Skin Savvy 60, Antioxidant 2-Way Foundation, and So Fine Pressed Powder.

Is there a huge difference between a SPF 10 and SPF 50 when it comes to sunblock protection and cancer prevention?
Absolutely! SPF 10 only partially protects your skin against UVB light, sunburn and direct damage leading to skin cancer. If the sunscreen indicates SPF only, this means it does not have a UVA protective effect, which is just as important in preventing skin damage and cancer.

What is the best way to quickly get rid of a blemish?
A product containing retinoic acid or retinol, and monolaurin is great also.

And for a rash?
The best thing is to stop everything you would normally use on that area from cleansers to makeup. Use coconut oil and water only to clean the face and give your skin a rest. Once the rash clears, restart your products one at a time giving a three day interval of no reaction before moving on to the next one.

Besides frizz control and smoother feet, what other at home beauty dilemmas does coconut oil solve?
For starters, it’s great for repairing dry skin. Just apply coconut oil from your face to your toes in the morning and again at night. On blisters or scrapes, use coconut oil to prevent infection and increase healing. If you want to improve dry, colored or frequently styled hair, wash hair in the evening with shampoo and massage coconut oil into your scalp. Then wrap hair with a flexible plastic like saran wrap. Keep on overnight and rinse out in the morning with a mild shampoo. It’s also makes an excellent makeup remover!

How can lifeless hair be revamped during the winter months?
Dry temperatures indoor and out are usually the cause for lifeless hair in the winter months. Try the coconut oil method above to give it some oomph!

What’s the secret to stopping dry skin and chapped lips?
To counteract wintertime conditions that predispose dry skin, just remember two things – adequate oil and water in the barrier layer of your skin. Drink lots of water, apply creams with water, and use a heavier ointment base overnight. Exfoliate on a weekly or semi-weekly basis so your moisturizer is effective. It’s also import to avoid stress, cold showers, low humidity and sun exposure. AND SLEEP 7 TO 9 HOURS DAILY!


To learn more about VMV Hypoallergenics and other skin sensitive products, visit http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com/.

- Jessica Krznaric, Online Beauty Editor

Fountain of youth? Photoshop genius? No, the miracle is Estēe Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Makeup.This foundation delivers a photo-finish flawless look. The 2008 CEW Beauty Award winning foundation, “Best Face Makeup Product – Prestige,” not only gives your skin youthful radiance, but also firms and smooths the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Packed with exclusive ExtremeLift Complex and comforting skin moisturizers, this dual foundation gives you the best of both worlds – more lift and more hydration. Not to mention, it provides a shield from damaging sunrays with its SPF 15. Its rich formula creates balanced reflection and avoids shadows so you are camera-ready anytime. Available in 15 closely matched skin shades, apply this foundation with a brush for that smooth and seamless look. Now, who wants to play the age guessing game?

Don’t cast a black shadow over your beautiful, Spanish eyes with generic, black mascara. Instead be as desirable as Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ with Benefit’s new BADgal brown mascara. Complement your natural eye color with this chocolate brown bliss in a bottle that perfectly coats your lashes while its petite wand separates and elongates them for a dazzling look that lasts all day. 

Short, round nails are in, and they’re polished with dramatic hues like deep reds, dark purples and shadowy browns. When scouring the shelves, keep an eye out for nourishing formulas like Dior Vernis,designed to strengthen nails and produce a long lasting shine. Chances are they’ll be more costly ranging around $20 a bottle, but it’s worth it for a little at home luxury. Plus, achieve the perfect polish with these five easy rules.

1. Before applying, wipe brush on the bottle’s rim to thin out your polish and prevent peeling.
2. Always use a base coat to give the polish something to cling to and make your color lasts longer.
3. Wait for nails to dry in between coats to avoid sloppiness.
4. Finish each coat with a sweep across the edge to prolong chipping.
5. Signs of aging polish are thick and goopy, and decrease in staying power. Add a few drops of polish thinner (not remover) for revitalization.

Besides being contagiously fun, lip crayons go on pencil smooth (no pun intended) creating soft, silk like lips. These freakishly fun sticks define lips in one of two ways - coloring them in all the way or flying solo as a liner. Sonia Kashuk’s Velvety Shine brought love at first sight meeting all the qualifications on our lip stick mate must haves: non-sticky texture, opaque coverage and a super shiny finish. Bobbi Brown’s Lip Crayonscome highly recommended as well. Which is better? You decide. I’ve made up my mind that two crayons in the makeup bag are better than one!
 

Editor Sarah Gilbert Fox plays with parting techniques on Online Beauty Editor Jessica Krznaric.

A touch of pink goes a long way in helping aging skin look more youthful.  And many who have aging skin love liquid foundation.  So here’s a helpful hint on making that liquid foundation turn into liquid gold, um, well, pink!  Add a few drops of Origins Halo Effect Instant Illuminator, Pink Potion. It’s a pearly potion that will cast an ethereal aura all over, taking you back to your glory days!

Oribe has styled the hair of Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Madonna and then some. His new line of hair products for brilliance and shine are a great post-summer hair treat guaranteed to make locks soft and hydrated once more. $44 to $49 at Blue Mercury, bluemercury.com, and at About Faces Day Spa and Salon, http://www.aboutfacesdayspa.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but not every pink has to be girly. Bobbi Brown has taken up the fight with her Pink Limited Edition line. Find Pink Quartz Glitter Lip Gloss and Tulle Lip Color— both offering toned down elegance for a cause. $40, at Nordstrom.

The new Jack Black Rx Series is pumped full of plantago, green tea, bamboo, pea peptides and more natural goodies that combat free-radicals, stimulate collagen and reduce shaving irritation, all while tightening skin. Men, take notice! Protein Booster Skin Serum, $60, and Protein Booster Eye Rescue, $40, at Nordstrom

Dr. Hauschka pulls a 180 on skin care philosophy: At night, don’t wear moisturizer. Let your skin breathe— moisturizers are for daytime. Even better, hit the newest in body oils: Moor Lavender, Lemon Lemongrass, Almond St. John’s Wort and more. All organic, all $29, at One Wellness Spa, http://www.onewellnessspa.com

Calm your stress with a Relaxation Facial ($80) at FX Studios. Request the Pear and Poppyseed Microderm Polisher by ƒminence to smooth your skin. Or, if you’re in the mood for a little spice, go for the Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque facial. FX Studios, fxstudios.com

Lipstick is too dark, and you can’t get it off because it’s stained your lips?  Need a fast fix?  Simply dab loose, translucent powder on your smackers, then add a touch of gloss or lip balm.

Or better, think Estee Lauder Perfectionist Correcting Concentrate for Lip Lines. Instantly, you’ll see up to a 50% reduction in the look of deep, vertical lines, which means that you can wear any lip color… the darker or brighter, the better. The exclusive BioSync Complex amplifies natural collagen to help redefine the contours around lips .How to use: Twist top end of pen clockwise to release the Concentrate into the applicator. Apply A.M. and P.M.  Voila.  That simple.

Pssst. And while you’re at it, girlfriends, give your eyes a wrinkle-removing treat: .

Eye Liner rescues!  If your eyeliner has gone on spottily and not as a smooth line, add a dab of cream to your finger and blend that into the jagged line—this will give your liner a smokier look, bringing out the colors of your eyes.  If your eyeliner was put on too long or just short of its mark, use a Q-tip soaked in cream to direct the line in the way you’d like.

Or just cut to the gorgeous eye chase and use the Guerlain ‘Ombre Eclat’ Duo Liner.  This perfect palette contains everything you need to create a defined, sultry eye. Housed in a chic gold compact created by Herve Van Der Straeten are a trio of complementary hues; the combinations of monochrome browns, grays, coppers and blues feature deep, medium and light tones to create an array of looks. Line and define for a cat’s-eye effect, blend into the lash line and crease for a smoky result, and finish with a touch of shimmery highlight.

Get a Free Gift every Tuesday and Thursday!

Quick fingernail polish fix needed?  Think toothpicks!  If the polish has gotten on the finger’s skin, dip a toothpick in nail polish remover and work the polish off by rolling the saturated toothpick around the unwanted polish.  As well, if the polish has rolled up onto itself on the nail, itself (you stuck your newly manicured fingernail into your handbag too soon, didn’t you?!), then dip a toothpick in the polish remover and roll it around the varnish pileup until it smooths out.  Add/roll the same color onto the area, if color is needed.

Or forget all that nonsense and make sure to have the Essie Nail Corrector Pen on hand.  Talk about easy!  It cleans excess nail polish quickly and effortlessly… plus, it’s travel-friendly and refillable.  Life is good!

Problem: can’t get your foundation to spread and blend easily?  Here’s a simple fix.  If the foundation is liquid or cream, pat your skin with damp hands before applying.  If your foundation is powdery, use a big brush to dot, then swipe all over your face, fast.  Press with a damp Kleenex after to make sure the powdery look is gone.

Or forget the problem altogether. With a harmonizing blend of Safflower, Jojoba and Castor Oil,
NVEY ECO Organic Creme Deluxe Foundation
provides a high definition, full coverage finish. Its base is formulated to soften the skin while antioxidants: Vitamin A, C & E protect the skin from free radicals. Natural earth colourants provide the skin with a pure color match.   

Yikes!  A guilty pleasure?  You bet!  The reality show “Tori and Dean,” featuring Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott, might very well be the most romantic comedy show on television since the Dick Van Dyke Show or I Dream of Jeanie—only Tori and Dean is real life stuff. If you’re looking for a reality show that features one train wreck after another, forget it.  This show is about normal people who just happen to be stars, but go through all the normal crap normal people go through—only they are so dang cute together.  And they’re such a likable gang.  Tori is a real sweetheart.  Which helps answer the question: how can a woman be so completely and utterly gorgeous, when she’s spent her entire career being dissed by critics and non-fans alike as being not very attractive (to put what has been said mildly)?  The answer: she’s just one of those rare people who is so beautiful from the inside, that we’re left mesmerized. This girl GLOWS!  We’ve seen photos of her without her makeup—and she’s actually just as pretty without as with.  However, the makeup adds a touch of glamor.  And as we all want a little glamor in our lives, we, at Style magazine, have compiled a list of some of Tori’s favorite cosmetics and treatments.

Five of Tori Spelling’s Favorite Products

Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation - So sheer (and, if applied twice, can be heavier, for those with blemishes/scars, etc.) with a perfectly flawless result.

TheBalm Two-Timer & Balms Away Duo ($38 Value) Two-Timer & Balms Away Duo - just one swipe and makeup is gone—and better yet, your skin is left hydrated but not greasy!

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Damned

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder 0.35 oz

IOIB Institute of Instant Beauty KIWI Body Scrub Wash Souffle Tori Spelling Treatment

So you want a nice scent, but not an overpowering scent.  However, the light scents just don’t last very long, do they? Here’s a secret to making sure light scents last longer: put a hot compress on the place where your skin will be sprayed or dabbed.  Let the pores open.  Then spray or dab. The perfume will go deeper into the pores, and when the pores close up, they’ll release the scent a little all day long.  Talk about pretty!

Three of our favorite light perfumes:

JEANNE LANVIN by Lanvin for WOMEN - a delicious mix of blackberry, raspberry and pear musk.

Calvin Klein euphoria blossom - A lighter floral bouquet of white orchids, lotus flowers and peonies roses.

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey - A floral aquatic scent with juicy melon, lily, lotus, freesia and more, reminiscent of spring waters.

You’ve applied your mascara and… yikes!  The lashes dotted the mascara all over your skin and the stuff won’t come off.  What to do?!  A Q-Tip soaked in eye makeup remover is the only way to go.  But better yet, next time you apply your mascara, hold a Kleenex under your lashes before the application, so the mascara dots the Kleenex instead!

Best mascara to try this summer: Suki Rich Pigment Mascara Copper Brown (soft natural coppery brown)
is 100% natural, non-clumping and non-smearing, and with organic rose wax added to protect and enhance your lashes, it’s like a multi-vitamin for your lovely batters.  Perfect for enhancing your sun-kissed look.

Get creative with the basic headband braid and the French braid headband.

Learn how the difference between the hair pin and the bobby pin, and how to keep those darn pins from falling out of your hair.

We love— love, love, love, love, love, love, love—Yes To Carrots Pampering Carrot Juice Shampoo, as in, if it were our boyfriend, we’d marry it!  This is a must-try-immediately product. The shampoo suds up into a big, pampering bubble-bath for the hair, and we’ve just never smelled such a fresh smell—during the shampoo or after.  Plus, this shampoo leaves the hair soft and shiny.  It’s available at Target (always a plus, to have yet another reason to shop at Target, right?!) or, heck, just purchase it online right now, at drugstore.com..

Achieve the highly sought after “Hollywood Poof.”

Fox expands braiding basics with the fishtail braid, otherwise known as the Herringbone braid.

Nothing makes us more chuffed than to grow healthy, lovely nails.  What a challenge in the summer.  The drying sun, scuffy sand, chlorine, etc., cause more wear and tear than any one fingernail ought to have have to face.  And we have ten of them!  Thank goodness for L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle Cream—it’s zen for the fingernails.  This cream offers miraculous repair.

And for those who are having trouble with a horrid nail biting habit, try this helpful read: How To Stop Biting Your Fingernails.  You might finally be able to stop!

One doesn’t have to have flashy colors to be noticed, and Dior Vernis Sweet Orange Fingernail Polish is rich, high-gloss, long-wearing nail color that’s both subtle and chic—who’s not going to notice that?

And for those who are just desperate to wear nail polish but are stuck with a bad nail biting habit, read How To Stop Biting Your Fingernails.  You’ll be happy you did!

Similar to the French braid, learn how-to create an Inverted French Braid, a zipper like braid that uses the technique of crossing hair underneath your braiding sections.

Senior Editor, Sarah Gilbert Fox demonstrates step-by-step how to achieve the classic French braid look.

Expensive? Yes. Worth it? More than yes. Lancome ‘Absolue Progressive Cure’ Absolute Intensive Replenishing Program will most likely do for your skin what 225 visits to your dermatologist will—make the skin on your face as smooth and beautiful as it was, say, fifteen or twenty years ago. Once used, you’ll keep coming back.

Everything is in this kit, including the colors: a Le Rouge Absolu Replenishing & Reshaping LipColour, a Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quartet, a Blush Subtil Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush Duo, a Definicils High Definition Mascara and more.  And that’s just in the makeup department.

What makes this product sing exquisite is the skincare line within: a Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base, a Primordiale Skin Recharge Visibly Smoothing & Renewing Moisturizer SPF 15 Sunscreen Cream, and four weeks of the Absolue Treatment—a unique series of formulas containing wild yam, soy and sea algae that progressively rejuvenates and revitalizes the skin. Radiance, luminosity, uniformity, elasticity, resilience, tone all seem to be reborn—your skin, once again, comes alive.


Lancome ‘Absolue Progressive Cure’ Absolute Intensive Replenishing Program - $225 at Nordstrom

If champagne were perfume, it would probably be the elegant L’Eau The One by Dolce & Gabbana. A touch of vanilla, vetyver, and bergamot, mixed with a tweak of madonna lilies and jasmine, then splashed with the oils of sun-warmed lychee nuts and peaches, and a breathe of musk, this perfume becomes the newest for those who love a classic, fresh-like-water scent.  Inspired by supermodel, Gisele Bündchen—the scent also carries a note of self-confidence for the woman who wears this.
L’EAU THE ONE by Dolce & Gabbana for women - $52 at Frangrance.net

This shampoo amazes us! One application is almost too much.  Oh-la-la, the suds!  You can feel your hair grow and poof up and out and get lusciously clean all with one small quarter size application.  And even better, it can be used on the body, too. This is luxury at a small price, for sure.
Philosophy Inner Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel - $30 at Sephora

What’s all the fuss about foundation?  What if we don’t have the money to plunk down for expensive beauty products?  Are we really stuck with thin, transparent eyelashes?  Help is on the way! If you’ve got questions about your beauty regimen, a new product—or want real information to cut through the hype, you’ve come to the right place. Send your questions to Beauty Beat expert, Meagan Shea’ at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Question:
I never wear foundation. When I go to makeup counters, the people working there always seem so shocked, as if I’m the only living woman walking around foundation-less (gasp!). Do most women need to wear foundation? If so, why? If not, why? What are the benefits and drawbacks of wearing or not wearing it?

—Bare in Baltimore

Answer:
You don’t wear foundation? What kind of woman are you? I’m just kidding… No woman on this beautiful, green and smoggy earth NEEDS to wear foundation—it’s all a matter of choice. It’s like saying all women need to wear stilettos, and well I’m sorry that’s just not realistic. I am a makeup artist, and on an “off day” (whenever I’m not working) I don’t wear any make up (waits for the cringing sounds of disappointment)!

If you choose to wear foundation, all that I ask is that you be sure to get matched properly for color (most important), coverage and finish (the last two are all about choice). And a word to the wise women of the world: before you buy a foundation, please go outside in the sunlight and look at yourself in a mirror! Those department store lights will make you look like Angelina Jolie on her best day, and then you get outside and you look like Courtney Love in the mid to late 90’s. No offense—I love Ms. Love, but the 90’s were not her friend! If you want more information on understanding coverage, color and finish, send in your questions.

Question:
Times are tough, but I’m willing to splurge on one skincare item that’s really worth the cash. What’s most crucial for a 30ish woman? Eye cream? Moisturizer? Night cream? Help a sister out!

—One-splurge Sue


Answer:
Skincare is important on so many levels, especially for a woman in her late 20s/early 30s. Your cleanser is important, your treatment product is important and your moisturizer is so important! At this stage in the beauty game we should be focusing on prevention! So, while I could talk all day about so many wonderful products, I will focus on the one that so many women don’t realize is THE most important: (drum roll, please!) a daytime moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15!

The sun is beautiful and radiant and warms our souls, but it is not a friend of our faces! UVA (aging), UVB (burning) and UVC (cancerous-usually only found in areas really close to the Equator) will do a number on your youth.  I could go on and on about SPF, but the most important thing to understand is that a moisturizer with a SPF is a necessity. It will prevent fine lines, age spots and other forms of hyper-pigmentation, and ultimately help to protect you from burning your face.

I recommend Peter Thomas Roth’s Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion with SPF 30 (available at Sephora and online).  I use it and it’s lightweight and offers lovely protection.  If you need more moisture, they also have richer, creamier version with the same SPF protection.

Question:
Lately, I find myself jealous of little babies with long eyelashes (lash transplant, anyone?) What’s a short-lashed gal to do to make her lashes stand out? I’ve tried lots of different mascaras with no luck. And false eyelashes look a bit…dramatic….for everyday wear. Help!

—Lash-challenged in Lutherville

Answer:
My favorite topic: mascara! I am a mascara freak! I actually wear two mascaras everyday (that I wear make up)...Yes, I am aware I have a problem, but don’t judge me! I realize all women do not need or want to wear two different mascaras daily, so I have a basic question that will help you narrow down what your needs are and determine which product will suit you best: Do you want volume, curl, length, definition—or all of the above?

If you desire to treat your issue of shorter lashes and want to try a product for growth, here are three options (all available at Sephora).

• 1. Talika - Eyelash Lipocils
  
  
  Talika Eyelash Lipocils - $40 at Sephora



• 2. Tarte - MultipleEYE
  
  Tarte - MultiplEYE - $40 at Sephora



• 3.  Peter Thomas Roth - Lashes to Die For Conditioning Treatment
   
  Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Night Time Eyelash Conditioning Treatment - $125 at Sephora

Makeup artist and beauty consultant Meagan Shea’, a Baltimore native, has been in the industry for more than nine years. She has worked with international and national designers and photographers from France, New York and Sweden, as well as the best talents in Baltimore.

meaganshea.com
modelmayhem.com/MeaganShea
iqons.com/meaganshea

No time for that laser treatment? Rid your face of acne and sun discoloration without leaving the house, with the ANSR at-home LED.  $185. Available at Bliss Spa, opening in D.C., July 8, at 515 15th St., N.W., or ansr.com

Green tea, vitamins C and A, maritime pine bark extract, sea buckthorn and titanium dioxide make emerginC spf 30+ tinted sunscreen one of the most lightweight, non-greasy, powerful sunblocks for the face. $35 non-tinted, $37 tinted. Ahava Skin Care, emerginc.com

Get plumping power and an instant dose of moisturizer with Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster SPF 15 Lip Gloss. It protects and conditions with lip-enhancing colors to create the perfect pout for your kisser. $25 each, at Blue Mercury, The Gallery at Harborplace, bluemercury.com