Summer 2010 makeup guide

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

FUN IN THE SUN KIT

Each year a new Sephora Sun Safety Kit hits the beauty mecca's aisles. The Sephora Sun Safety Kit 2010, $25, is filled with the latest products (from notorious brands like Bliss, Peter Thomas Roth, and Bare Escentuals, to name a few) to keep your skin happy and healthy despite the heat and immense sun. Pack it on your next trip or give it as a gift to your best friend!

Summer 2010 makeup guide

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

FUN IN THE SUN KIT

Each year a new Sephora Sun Safety Kit hits the beauty mecca's aisles. The Sephora Sun Safety Kit 2010, $25, is filled with the latest products (from notorious brands like Bliss, Peter Thomas Roth, and Bare Escentuals, to name a few) to keep your skin happy and healthy despite the heat and immense sun. Pack it on your next trip or give it as a gift to your best friend!

Summer 2010 makeup guide

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

SALACIOUS SKIN

Arnold confirmed that tinted moisturizers are always a summer essential for a “real soft, flawless matte look; just a soft color, but not too much.” Try the AVEDA Inner Light™ Tinted moisturizer SPF 15, $28. It's oil-free and provides sheer coverage with that envious dewy finish.

Arnold also reiterated the importance of exfoliating your face at least two to three times a week in the summer. Her favorite exfoliator is the Botanical Kinetics™ Exfoliant, starting at $9.50, with chamomile and lavender. And, of course, always use sunscreen with a high SPF before enjoying the warm sun rays.

To safely tan your bod, Arnold says she can't live without SUN Tan Overnight Instant Self Tanning Lotion, $28.50. It goes on brown so you can easily see it, doesn't stain clothes and looks natural – the perfect combination for saving your skin without comprising some summertime color!

To make sure you slough off those gross layers of skin that naturally peel and can easily ruin a posed tan, pick up Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate® Body Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, $65. Kim Kardashian has even endorsed this product via Sephora's website, saying, “I love her body scrub (ExfoliKate Body Intensive Exfoliating Treatment) because it's really important to exfoliate in-between spray tans."

Summer 2010 makeup guide

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

DIY SPA GADGETS

Beauty gadgets for correcting problem skin and applying flawless makeup used to be expensive machines that only professionals could get their hands on. But now, these gizmos can be a part of your daily beauty ritual – and they're easy to travel with for those long overdue summer vacays!

Here are the top-rated DIY gadgets:

That serious flawless model canvas can only be achieved one way – airbrush! And now we can all bask in the unblemished summer look with the Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System, $225. This self-proclaimed fool-proof system is perfect for foundation and blush application, which can both be achieved in minutes. This makeup phenomenon is the epitome of immaculate summer skin.

The bliss Bikini Perfect Deluxe Spa Edition, $70, personal grooming set is obviously a necessary summer widget. Quickly get rid of unwanted fuzz in your bikini area and beyond with this power tool. Hasta la vista razor burn and in-grown hairs – not on this beach babe!

Unless you live in a bubble immune to beauty technology, you've probably heard of the world-renowned Clarisonic. But now, you can get the same amazing clear skin benefits from its little sister, the travel-sized Clarisonic Mia™ Skin Cleansing System, $149. With daily use, you won't have to fret about dead skin cells sitting on your facial canvas; smooth skin is here to stay!

Summer 2010 makeup guide

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

NAIL NUANCES

Very bold nail colors are this season's showstopper! You just can't live without the OPI Havana Nights Collection, $18, inspired by the colors that adorn the tropical utopia each night. Rumba Romance, Caliente Coral, Read My Palm, and Teal We Meet Again are sure to show off your fabulous summer tan. This polish is also long-lasting and chip resistant for protecting your coifed mani while playing sand volleyball the next day!

Summer 2010 makeup guide

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

EYE SEE YOU

A new trend this year that has caused some to raise an eyebrow in curiosity is the smoky eye meets bronzed babe look. Ava Arnold, an aesthetician at Mood Swings, a top salon that focuses on personalized attention for a full-on sensory experience in Tempe, AZ, admits the dramatic smoky eye look is a bit out-of-the-norm for summer makeup. So we're suggesting this look for those dreamy summer nights when you dress to impress after a day on the beach.

AVEDA has just introduced two new eye colors: Blue Electric, which they claim is reinventing the smoky eye, and Powerful Force, a summer play on Goth. Arnold suggests pairing these dramatic eyes with a red lip color for a hot summer night! Watch this video by ULTA on how to perfect the smoky eyes and sun-kissed look.

Arnold also recommends shadowing in the brows to fill in spaces where hair may be sparse or unruly for a more dramatic summer look. Try Smashbox Brow Tech to Go, $26, a double-ended travel-friendly wand with a waterproof pencil on one side and gel to hold the brows in place on the other end.

Brow and lash tinting are a perfect summer beauty treatment and a service that continues to gain in popularity, dishes Arnold. The lash tint is a vegetable-based tint made without peroxide or ammonia that lasts for three to four weeks so you don't have to apply mascara every day. She says it is completely safe and takes less than 5 minutes to apply at her salon.

The brow tint, she confirms, is great for maintaining the color of your natural brows so they don't fade when you spend time in the sun. Arnold sums up these great beauty conveniences by stating, people can “wear less makeup without feeling like they have layers on.”

And finally, false eyelashes have made their way back to the limelight. For a more enhanced lash look, try Make Up For Ever Eyelashes Strip, $15. The styles and variety of looks are endless! And while you're working on your lashes, go ahead and add this great Professional Heated Lash Curler (only $16) to your everyday routine.

CUSTOM MADE LASHES TOP AND BOTTOM WITH MAKE UP FOR EVER AND MAC COSMETICS.

Summer 2010 makeup guide

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

BRONZED & PEACHY CHEEKY

A healthy-looking summer glow never goes out of style. This year try the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer by Smashbox, $39. This special formula is actually good for your skin, infusing it with much-needed hydration while also giving you a glow to die for.

For a bronzed and peachy look, try LORAC Blush/Bronzer Duo in Hot & Spicy, $29. The peach shimmer blush will add soft color to your cheeks while the light bronze shimmer can be added to the areas of your face the sun naturally caresses.

Glamorous makeup trends: Red lips, false eyelashes

Instant Impact With False Lashes

Natural makeup is great for daytime -- but if you are attending a party or going out on a special date, add some glamour to your makeup with deep red lipstick and fabulous false eyelashes. Just look at Christina Aguilera below -- she's got that classic glam look down!

Some women don't try false eyelashes because they think they are impossible to apply. But with a little know-how and some practice, you can look red carpet ready in no time!

Applying the lashes

1. Purchase a set of false eyelashes. My favorites are from MAC, but you can actually find them at most department store makeup counters and drug stores -- and you can even buy false lashes online! You will also need eyelash glue, a pair of tweezers and a small pair of scissors.

2. Trim the false lashes to fit your eyes. Hold up the strip of lashes to your eye. If they are a little longer than your lash line, use your scissors to trim the edges.

3. Apply eyeshadow primer over your entire eyelid from the lash line up to the browbone. The primer will help the glue adhere.

4. Place a line of lash glue on the back of your hand. Allow it to set for a few seconds to get tacky (follow the instructions included with your lashes or glue).

5. Using your tweezers, glide a strip of lashes in the glue. Make sure the glue is totally covering the edge.

6. Place the strip onto your eye as close to the natural lash line as possible. Press it into place, pushing down on the edges.

7. After you are sure it's firmly attached, repeat with the other eye.

8. Use a cotton swab dipped in eye makeup remover to clean any glue around the eye area.

Adding the finishing touches

1. After applying your foundation or powder to your face, add light brown eyeshadow to just the lid. You can actually use any color you'd like, but brown works well for most skintones.

2. Add a deeper complementary shadow into the crease of your eye to create some depth and definition. Blend the shadow upward and outward toward your browbone.

3. Use a black liquid eyeliner or ink lining pen to line your top lashes, filling in any gap between your natural lashes and the false eyelashes.

4. For a little bit of a cateye look, extend the liner just slightly past the outer corner of your eye, extending it upward.

5. Apply a coat of black mascara to your eyelashes. Apply the mascara to both the fake lashes and your natural lashes to help them blend together.

6. Choose a deep red lipstick and matching lip liner. Avoid brick reds, which make your teeth look yellow and skin sallow. Instead pick true reds or blue reds.

7. Line your lips and fill in with lipstick using a lipbrush for thorough application. Add a dab of clear gloss in the center of your bottom lip. Smack your lips together to spread the gloss.

8. Keep cheeks bare or very light. If desired, apply a pale pink or peach blush on the apples of your cheeks to finish off the look

Taking off false eyelashes

1. You should never sleep in false eyelashes. Remove them by using petroleum jelly or an oily eye makeup remover. This help to dissolve the eyelash glue. Don't tug to pull off the lashes -- you might take some of your natural lashes off with them. Instead apply more petroleum jelly and it allow it to sit for about 30 seconds, then gently lift off the false lashes.

2. Don't throw away your fake eyelashes after one wearing. You should be able to wear them about three times. Be sure to place them back in their original container so they will retain their shape.

With a little practice, you'll soon be the most glamorous girl around -- and might even give Christina Aguilera a good run for her money!

Summer 2010 makeup guide

Get Glowing

Itsy-bitsy bikinis, daydreams of Mai Tais and the aroma of Coppertone sunscreen in the air. Yep, summertime is here! Step onto the beach – or your office cube – showcasing these summer beauty trends. Your pampered skin will thank you, too!

LIP OFF

Summer trends are all about the 'barely there' makeup for a soft, sun-kissed look. This year, lip stains are all the rage!

Check out Sephora's latest line, tokidoki, which offers the Fantastico Lip Stain, $15. Five shades of pinks and purples are available in a sweet mango flavor. This buildable coverage stain is also made without parabens.

For a completely natural lip stain, try Tarte Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence™ Technology, $24. Not only is this stain infused with soothing peppermint oil in gorgeous summer shades of roses, peaches and berry colors, it is formulated without all those nasty chemicals like sulfates, synthetic dyes and GMOs. (And speaking of those bad chemicals, another summer trend is healthful beauty products, formulated without a laundry list of questionable ingredients that have been linked to cancer, birth defects and more.) Perhaps the best part of this lip stain is the LipSurgence™ technology, which increases your lips' moisture by 6000%, plumping them for a healthy, smooth and kissable look.

For those steamy summer evening romances, opt for the Sephora Collection Stain and Shine Lipgloss, $15. This dual-ended summer must-have comes in three fun shades: coral stain with gold shimmer gloss, merlot stain with clear gloss and plum pink stain with sheer pink gloss. Grab this secret weapon for stained lips by day and more pronounced lips at night!

Best multipurpose beauty products

One of the easiest ways to save money on your beauty routine is to find products that serve multiple purposes. Not only will you save cash, but you'll also save space in your bathroom. These six multipurpose beauty products should definitely be on your shopping list.

Johnson's Baby Oil

Baby oil is one of the most versatile products out there. It can quiet a squeaky hinge, remove bubble gum from hair and fix a sticky zipper. In addition to a number of household uses, Johnson's Baby Oil is a must-have in your bathroom.

Use baby oil to:

• Remove eye makeup
• Shave your legs
• Massage your partner
• Add to your bath
• Untangle a necklace
• Treat a leather handbag

Also look for moisturizers that double as sunscreen, shampoos that can be used as body wash, and lip gloss that is also cheek color.

With these multipurpose products, you can save money on your beauty routine while still looking like a million bucks.

Best multipurpose beauty products

One of the easiest ways to save money on your beauty routine is to find products that serve multiple purposes. Not only will you save cash, but you'll also save space in your bathroom. These six multipurpose beauty products should definitely be on your shopping list.

Epsom salt

You can get epsom salt for just a couple bucks a pound at your drugstore. You probably know to add it to your bath to sooth muscles, ease stress and lower blood pressure, but it does a whole lot more. Here are some beauty usage tips from the Epsom Salt Council:

For a relaxing soak: Add 2 cups epsom salt to the water in a standard-sized bathtub; soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat and refreshing scent, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil.

To exfoliate: Mix 2 cups epsom salt with 1/4 cup petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil to gently scrub away dry skin patches.

Facial: Mix 1/2 teaspoon epsom salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

Spa treatment: After showering, massage handfuls of epsom salt over wet skin to exfoliate the body. It's the same treatment many upscale spas use, without the upscale price!

Bath crystals: Mix 2 cups epsom salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 teaspoon glycerin if you like. Store in an airtight container.

Best multipurpose beauty products

One of the easiest ways to save money on your beauty routine is to find products that serve multiple purposes. Not only will you save cash, but you'll also save space in your bathroom. These six multipurpose beauty products should definitely be on your shopping list.

NARS The Multiple

For women on the go, NARS The Multiple is a God-send. The creamy stick goes on smooth but never greasy. It's available in a number of colors, the most popular of which is The Orgasm (probably because of the name), a peachy pink. You can use it on cheeks, eyes and lips. Some shades also offer a little shimmer or gold sparkle, so you can glide it across shoulders or cleavage as a highlighter. The cream-to-powder formula results in a youthful, dewy glow. The $38.00 price tag might seem expensive, but a little goes a long way. Get it at NARScosmetics.com or your local makeup counter.

Best multipurpose beauty products

One of the easiest ways to save money on your beauty routine is to find products that serve multiple purposes. Not only will you save cash, but you'll also save space in your bathroom. These six multipurpose beauty products should definitely be on your shopping list.

Bliss Problem Salved 20-in-1 Wonder Balm

Got chapped lips? Sunburn? Insect bites? This balm solves all these problems and a whole lot more. It can tame flyaways, prevent shoe blisters and everything in between. Regularly $18, it's on sale right now for just $9 at Blissworld.com. Keep it in your purse (and in your desk drawer at the office) to solve all those little emergencies

Best multipurpose beauty products

One of the easiest ways to save money on your beauty routine is to find products that serve multiple purposes. Not only will you save cash, but you'll also save space in your bathroom. These six multipurpose beauty products should definitely be on your shopping list.

Korres Milk Proteins 3 in 1 Cleansing Emulsion

This milky cleanser is ideal for dry, sensitive or mature skin. But it's more than just a cleanser: It's also a toner and eye makeup remover. It leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh but not tight. I recommend replacing the top with a pump, so you don't waste too much of this milky, hydrating formula. You can find this 3-in-1 product at Sephora.com, priced at $21.00.

Skin care dos and don'ts

Loving Your Skin

The first thing we notice about a beautiful woman is her skin -- smooth, soft, clear and glowing. Your skin can be gorgeous whether you are 20 or 60 by following a simple skincare regimen. Here's what to do -- and what to avoid.

DO: Wear makeup with the most natural ingredients possible. Mineral makeup provides flawless coverage while allowing your skin to breathe. Fewer ingredients often means the makeup's better for your skin.

DON'T: Smoke. Smoking prematurely ages your skin at a rate second only to sun damage. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, blocking the flow of oxygen to your skin.

DO: Exfoliate regularly. Once a week works for most. If you have oily or combination skin, use a chemical exfoliator like glycolic or salicylic acid. Those with normal or sensitive skin will reap the greatest benefit with a microdermabrasion formula exfoliator -- the kind with little beads that scrub your face.

DON’T: Forget to wear sunscreen! Make your moisturizer do double duty and wear one with an SPF of at least 30, even in the winter, and even if you are only outdoors a few minutes a day.

DO: Use eye cream every day! The skin around your eyes is very thin and fragile. Protect it with an SPF 30 eye cream.

DON’T: Forget your neck, chest and hands. These areas age the fastest and are all but ignored in our skincare routines. Sunscreen, exfoliation and moisturization are just as important in these areas as they are on your face. Look for anti-aging ingredients like vitamin A, kinetin, copper and vitamin C.

DO: Eat and drink healthful foods. Great skin starts on the inside. Drink lots of water to keep hydrated, and ingest lots of antioxidants like those found in green tea and foods high in vitamins A, E, C and beta carotene. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which can cause cell damage. (Bonus: Antioxidants also help protect against cancers and heart disease!)

DON’T: Overdry your skin. Many women make the mistake of staging a full-scale drying assault on their entire faces when confronted with a pimple. This only makes the problem worse. When skin is stripped of all its natural oils, it produces even more sebum to make up for it. This substance is what clogs pores, causing pimples. A gentle cleanser and regular exfoliation is kind to your skin, yet effective enough for most women -- but do see your dermatologist if you feel you have an acne problem.

DO: Follow a regimen regularly. Caring for your skin should be a twice-daily occurrence. Don’t be slapdash about your regimen or follow it only sporadically and expect to see any lasting results.
DON’T: Forget that your skin is the largest organ in your body. Treat it well!

Best multipurpose beauty products

More Bang For Your Beauty Buck

One of the easiest ways to save money on your beauty routine is to find products that serve multiple purposes. Not only will you save cash, but you'll also save space in your bathroom. These six multipurpose beauty products should definitely be on your shopping list.

Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Liquid Soap

How can you pass up a soap that is gentle enough for your body, can suds your hair and can be used for laundry, dishes, floors and countertops? To top it off, this magic soap is certified fair trade and biodegradable organic. Priced at just $6.00 from drbronner.com, this liquid soap can't be beat.

How to save money on beauty products

Look Beautiful For Cheap

The cost of makeup, skincare products, haircare items and other beauty products can really add up. However, you don't have to go broke to look beautiful. Follow these simple to tips to save money on beauty products.

Shop online

Shopping online is your best bet to save money on cosmetics and other beauty products. Comparison shop and use retailers such as drugstore.com and strawberrynet.com.

Go generic

Gasp! As horrible as it may sound, it's really not that bad. I don't mean that you have to give up your favorite lipstick or body scrub. But the generic version of many staple products will suffice, such as soap, body wash, body lotion and even eye cream.

Buy products that do double duty

Your body lotion can double as a sunscreen. Your tinted moisturizer can be your anti-aging cream. Products like baby lotion and astringent are great because they have multiple uses. Mineral makeup is another fine choice because a little goes a long way.

Get your beauty fix

If you haven't heard about BeautyFix, you should definitely check it out. By signing up with BeautyFix for $50 every quarter, you will receive 7-10 full size (or deluxe sample size) beauty products. You save a significant amount of money because the total value of the products is over $400. For example, this is what's inside the first Beauty Fix.

• Amarté Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum - Full Size
• Amarté Natural Wonder Cream - Deluxe Travel Size
• Jane Iredale Shimmer Powder in Rose Gold - Full Size
• Kronos Phyx Overnight Repair Masque - Full Size
• M LAB Anti-Aging Treatment Cream - Deluxe Sample Size .5 oz.
• PCA SKIN pHaze 9 Purifying Mask - Full Size
• PerriconeMD Firming Neck Therapy - Deluxe Sample Size
• Redpoint Noc-Out Cover-Up Compact - Full Size
• Sensa Weight Loss System - 15 Day Supply

I am part of the beauty panel that selects the products (after testing them) that go into each BeautyFix kit. So I can tell from personal experience that these products are top notch. One of them retails at $105, so you are getting your money's worth with nine products. After signing up, you can be involved in the BeautyFix community and get some fabulous perks - like gift cards, special prices, and a chance at a free BeautyFix too.

Use homemade beauty products

Many facial scrubs, cleansers, makeup removers and other products can be made from ingredients in your own kitchen. Here are a few fabulous homemade beauty products.

Homemade beauty treatments

• Homemade hair treatments
• Hydrate your skin with honey
• Homemade facial cleansers
• More homemade beauty products

More money saving ideas

1. Don't shampoo every day
2. Don't use too much makeup
3. Clip local store coupons
4. Stock up when favorites are on sale

How to get beauty products for free

Sweet Swag

What's better than getting beauty products on sale? Well getting them for free! You don't need to pull a Winona to get your hands on the products you want, we've got some ideas that will land you the goods you want without landing you in the slammer.

Magazine giveaways and awards

Women's magazines have got your back with opportunities for free beauty products in two ways. The first and more obvious of the two is that they frequently host product giveaways. While these giveaways are publicized in the hard copy of the magazine, you don't have to a subscriber to enter the giveaway contests: so just keep your eye on their websites. For example in February Allure is giving away a bunch of products including Shiseido skin care and Rimmel mascara. In addition to giveaways, a number of magazines do beauty awards and to be able to test out all of the products they rely on volunteers. Self, for example, seeks willing and able testers every year for their beauty awards, just keep checking out their site for when they call for volunteers. If you're selected, they'll send you the product (or products!) to try for free.

Sample sites

There are a number of websites out there that do all of the sample finding work for you and list sample offers. For example try All Free Samples and Free Beauty Stuff. Sites like these link to offers offsite so you need to judge the validity of the offers for yourself. Do it with a grain of salt, knowing that giving up your contact info for samples will probably increase your spam intake.

Just ask

How many times have you milled around the makeup counter awkwardly hinting that you'd like samples or just waiting hoping that they'll be offered to you? And how many times has this been successful? The answer to the first question is probably a lot and the answer to the second is probably not that many. So how to swing the balance? Just ask. If you ask politely, chances are they'll feel bad saying no. Obviously not everyone will just hand over samples but hey, worst case scenario is they say no.

Journalism

How do beauty writers and bloggers get their hands on beauty products to test and try out to write about them? They very rarely pay for them - that's for sure. More likely, they've been sent the product for free via the product's public relations representative. If you're only in it for the swag, launching yourself into the beauty writing biz will be more trouble than it's worth. Public relations reps won't send out samples to just any gal with a blog - your writing has to reach a significant number of people for it to be worth their while. But if you're always had a hankering to try your hand at beauty writing to begin with, the freebies are certainly a noteworthy perk. If you're interested, starting a beauty blog is one of your best bets to get your start. There are many free blogging platforms out there for you to try, but one that we'd particularly recommend is Blogger. Once you've been blogging for a substantial period of time and have a large amount of readers, you can try your hand at hitting up the public relations people for samples. To do so, go to the product's website and then look for the press contact. (If they don't have one, just use the regular contact email address they have listed.) Send an email introducing yourself and your blog and request a sample. The worst that can happen is they don't get back to you or say no. And unlike the makeup counter, these samples are almost always full-sized.

How to get the old Hollywood look

Beautiful Lashes And Lips

If you are looking for that "Old Hollywood" look with big beautiful eyelashes and a red pouty lip, the makeup is relatively easy to achieve using false eyelashes and a blue-red lipstick.

Here in this video, makeup artist Amy B. demonstrates how to perfect the Old Hollywood style by applying the false lashes properly, extending your eye liner and using a pale sheer cheek color on the apples of your cheeks. She also fills in her lips completely with lip liner before adding red lipstick from MAC and topping it off with a red gloss.

Makeup used in this video:

• Mac false eyelashes
• Lashgrip glue
• Shiseido liquid eyeliner
• Rimmel London eyeshadow - no.241 Matte White
• Napoleon brown eyeshadow
• Lancome Definicils mascara - black
• Chi Chi red lip liner
• "Mac Red" Lipstick
• Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in "Foolish Me"

Skin care: Get it right every night!

5 Skin Care Rules

We know, we know: Your days are busy, and by the time bedtime rolls around, you don't have the energy to treat your skin with the care it deserves. So we've streamlined your routine down to five simple steps that will keep your skin glowing.

Fixing your face at night is just as important as the time you spend making it up in the morning. Clear, even-toned skin helps you look -- and feel -- your best. But you can't wake up fresh-faced without a little prep work the night before. Get into the habit of taking care of your face by following these five skin care laws every night. You'll be so glad you did!

The 5 laws of skin care

Wash your face.

Daily washings keep your skin healthy and beautiful. "Washing in the evening to remove daily residue buildup is even more important than a wash in the early morning," says Sasha Prince, a skincare specialist and aesthetician at New U Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas. She recommends using only mild products and avoiding harsh scrubs and cloths. "To cleanse your face properly, use warm water to cleanse, and cool water to rinse," adds Dr. Bernard Gram, creator of GRAM Skincare.

Use a toner.

Toner will deep-clean your pores and remove any dirt and grime that a cleanser might have missed, says Gram.

Apply retinoid cream and salicylic acid.

Vitamin A retinoid creams "penetrate the cell wall to encourage genuine health on a cellular level," explains Prince. Use them daily during the week, but give your skin the weekend off. Follow with salicylic acid, which "penetrates the oils that can clog pores and cause breakouts," she says. Bonus: Salicylic acid also reduces redness and inflammation.

Apply eye cream.

"The skin around the eyes has fewer hair follicles and does not absorb creams as readily as the skin on other areas of the face," explains Prince. That's why it's important to use a product specifically designed for eyes. Gram Skincare's eye rescue can decrease dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. It also helps keep the delicate skin around your eyes healthy. Gently apply the cream on the eyelid and all around the eye. Prince's pro tip: Wipe any excess cream left on your fingers on your upper lip.

Moisturize.

"The most important thing to do nightly is to moisturize," says Gram. Your evening moisturizer doesn't need to include sunscreen, and Prince notes that your nose and chin may not need as much moisturizer as the rest of your face.

That's all there is to it! Five easy steps for one beautiful face.

The importance of regular facials

Soothe Your Skin

The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but it's our faces that people often notice first. For the past 30 years, Deborah Coffey (deborahcoffey.com), esthetician and nutritionist, has been helping women keep their skin young and healthy looking. She says that regular facials help slow the aging process, improve the look and feel of skin and ultimately can prevent the need for more involved measures, such as plastic surgery. Here's her take on how the basic steps of regular facials can help you keep your glow.

Cleaning

“The increased level of pollutants we are exposed to leave dirt, grime and even chemicals on our skin,” says Coffey. “This step in a facial helps clean out clogged pores so the skin can breath — preventing blackheads and breakouts.” In addition, the cleaning phase of the facial helps address the free radical damage done from sun exposure. Coffey says new professional, sonic-powered, hand-held cleansing machines, combined with recent skincare product breakthroughs, allow for deeper penetration into the skin.

Analyzing

According to Coffey, the latest technology in skin analysis allows a facialist to more accurately analyze a client’s skin and prescribe appropriate products. Clear LED light illumination systems that are built into magnifying lenses can help a client pinpoint where problem areas are occurring and take preventative or corrective actions — sooner rather than later. “If a client knows they have a clump of skin damage on their forehead, they can work with their facialist to more aggressively treat the situation,” says Coffee.

Exfoliating

While traditional facials have always involved removing dead skin as part of aiding cellular renewal, in the past few years, peels and microdermabrasion have taken this process even further. Coffey says the result of this type of exfoliating is the stimulation of collagen and elastin production. In general, when the skin is well exfoliated, the top layer of dead skin comes off and the face glows. This step of the facial also helps boost the immune system of the skin and improves circulation which helps refine pores and lessen wrinkles.

Feeding

The ingredients contained in today’s professional skin care products are designed for deeper penetration into the skin. In addition, when microcurrent technology (which is noninvasive) is used, it helps the products to penetrate even more deeply. Coffey says that increased hydration helps stimulate the energy centers of the cells to work more efficiently. This, in turn, helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, gives skin a smother and firmer texture and improves facial contour.

Calming

“The last phase of a facial is designed to calm the skin and bring it back into balance,” says Coffey. The biggest breakthrough is the use of LED light, which helps take down inflammation and targets conditions such as premature aging, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

Coffey says that by getting regular facials at every phase of the process, you are taking small steps to buck the effects of aging on your skin — making it less likely that you will have to spend the big bucks on bigger, more expensive techniques down the road.

Prevent Workout Sunburns

Despite the obvious health benefits that come with working out, your risk of skin cancer may increase if you spend lots of time exercising outdoors. In fact, more than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in the U.S. -- meaning 1 out of every 5 Americans will develop the disease. Here's what you can do to keep safe in the sun!

SKIN CANCER STATISTICS

The stats are staggering. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, and melanoma is listed as the third most common cancer in women aged 20 to 39 years old. And if you spend time exercising outdoors, your odds for sun damage only increase. In fact, a recent study revealed that sweat actually contributes to UV-ray skin damage as it pumps up the photosensitivity of your skin, making you more prone to being sunburned.

On top of that, more challenging outdoor workouts may suppress your immune system as well, meaning your skin could be even more susceptible to the sun’s damaging effects.

Also be aware that several medications -- even those as common as ibuprofen, doxycycline and promethazine -- may heighten your skin's sensitivity to the sun.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT GETTING SUN

There's some sunny news amidst these gloomy stats, however: The vitamin D you receive from natural sunlight may play a role in increasing your bone density and protecting you against hypertension, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Plus, the more you work out, the less flab you have, and the lower your risk for a variety of cancers.

But you will still need to protect your skin as much as possible when you are doing anything outdoors in the sunny seasons -- especially exercise. So, if you are a fan of working out outdoors, consider these tips.

Proper sun protection

Before every workout, slather on sweat-proof SPF 15 or above and shield against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Try Damage Control by Arbonne or Banana Boat’s Sport Performance line. Note that, even though most formulas are designed for all-day protection, you should still reapply often, especially during the hours while the sun is at its peak (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). And toss out any tubes left over from last summer, because most sunscreen products lose their effectiveness over time.

Clothing with built-in sunblock

A typical cotton t-shirt will offer sun protection of only about SPF 7 -- even less once it becomes sweat-saturated. If you are going to spend the entire day outside (or if you are just super sensitive to the su), get gear that offers built in UV protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation sells t-shirts that block 97 percent of the sun’s UV rays, or check out Coolibar for an entire collection of sun protective clothing. (See their Women's Fitness Pant in white at left.) You can also opt to add SunGuard to your laundry; iyd colorless dye gives your clothes an SPF of 30 or more.

Accessorize wisely

A hat with a visor will shield your face -- and keep your scalp (where cancers can develop more aggressively) safe from the sun. Go for lightweight baseball-style caps with mesh panels (try Patagonia’s Airius Running Hat or the Race Hat collection by HeadSweats) that will absorb sweat and keep you cool.

And if you are going to splurge on your workout wear, spring for a solid pair of sporty sunglasses that will protect your eyes, staving off cataracts and fight fine lines around your peepers. Look for lenses that block out 100 percent of UV radiation as well as both UVA and UVB rays. Ryders Eyewear has a affordable and stylish selection of sport-friendly shades (see three examples above).

Finally, don't forget one last item that's important for good skin and overall health, and is vital when exercising: Fluid intake. Be sure to stay hydrated with water and electrolyte-boosting sports drinks throughout your workout as well as after. (Get more advice about working out in the heat here.)

Skin care secrets from the pros

Not-So-Secret Skin Care Secrets

It is spring, the flowers are popping, the sun is shining and your skin routine needs to change with the season! During the winter months our skin suffers from dehydration and dryness.

No matter how many times we've heard these tips, we get busy and stressed and begin to neglect our skin. Here's what skincare experts have to say about keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.

1. Always, always make sure that you wash your face at night

"The weather really does a number on our skin," says Carmen Gramajo, co-owner of Skyline Downtown Salon in Kansas City, Missouri. The residue from free radicals in the environment causes dryness, clogs pores, encourages blemishes and black heads to form, and contributes to the aging process. Since your skin is being assaulted by these little monsters every day, it's important to wash your face well each and every night. Gramajo recommends using something mild, like a moisturizing cleanser to add that extra moisture your skin needs from the dry days of winter. Jurlique Nourishing Foaming Cleanser is a cream-based cleanser that moisturizes while it cleans. You could also try Neutrogena Cream Cleanser -- a foam cleanser that delivers nourishing and moisturizing agents as it gets rid of makeup and dirt.

2. Watch your diet

Fatty acids like Omega 3s are great for luminous, luscious skin. You can find Omega 3s in salmon, flax seed and in plain fish oil capsules. Avocados also contain fatty acids that will help your skin stay supple. On the flip side, a greasy hamburger is only going to add grease to your skin! Before you eat something, consider if you would slather it on your face. If not, it's probably not going to be healthy for your skin, either.

Then there are your drinks. It's a no brainer: The more water you drink, the more hydrated your skin will look and feel. Find out if you are getting enough water. If you simply can't gulp down those eight glasses of water a day, remember that you get water from the other foods and drinks you consume, too. You can also perk up your water by adding cucumber slices or lemon slices and rosemary to a full pitcher of water and allowing it to chill overnight. These extra ingredients will give you a refreshing, tasty drink that's all water!

3. Wear your Sun block

Sunscreen gets a rousing thumbs up from the skincare experts we interviewed. "Sunscreen is the most important anti-aging product anyone can use," agrees Cindy German-Day of the Nuance Skin Boutique in Athens, Georgia.

"Always use a sun block. SPF 30 is a good measure. I know…. you are young and think you do not need it. Believe me! Once you get into your 30s you will be wishing you listened," recommends Gramajo.

Water-based sunscreens are a great alternative to traditional thick, greasy sunblocks. Try DERMAdoctor Body Guard with SPF 30. It is a mattifying solution that absorbs oils and is great for both use under makeup and for working out in the sun. Neutrogena also has a complete line of SPF 30s available at mass retailers.

Check out these sunblock application basics and find out if your sunscreen is working

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4. Trick those tired eyes

If your eyes need a pick-me-up, place chamomile tea bags or cucumber slices in water in the fridge overnight and apply to puffy swollen eyes in the morning - a great trick for allergies, too.

5. Incorporate exfoliation

“The biggest mistake men and women make is not exfoliating enough,” says master cosmetologist Cindy German-Day of the Nuance Skin Boutique in Athens, Georgia. As we age, our skins cells turn over slower and make our skin look dull. It also makes our lines more defined. Like a ditch, if you smooth out the sides, the ditch doesn't look as deep. “Simply using a cleanser that offer an AHA or a light scrub every day allows the skin to absorb more moisture, leaving skin smoother, softer and more hydrated.”

Gramajo adds, "You can use a face cleanser that has an exfoliation agent in it, either in a glycolic (for the more mature skin) or a scrub, at least once a week in your evening routine."

6. Treat yourself and your skin will thank you

After your DNA, environmental damage causes the most aging. “I recommend getting regular facials. It's maintenance like having your teeth cleaned! But if you can't, at least take the time to cleanse your skin at night. Your skin cell turn over at a faster rate at night than during the day. A good night's sleep is just as important to your skin as to your body,” German-Day says.

Best spa facials for your skin type

About Face

Achieving glowing, gorgeous skin can be tricky business. There are a lot of things to consider, most importantly skin type. Every skin type has specific needs that should not only be taken into consideration when buying a cleanser or moisturizer, but also when getting a facial. Spa treatments are a great way to give your skin a boost, but with so many types of facials to choose from, what will benefit your skin most? We got the inside scoop from Kathryn Serviss, lead esthetician at the Bliss in Los Angeles/Westwood to give you a better idea of what to look for on your next visit to the spa.

"Every skin is different, so facials should be customized based on what's going on with your skin at the time of your appointment," explains Serviss. She takes us through every skin type and provides the best facial treatments for each.

Dry skin

Dry skin needs many different treatments, Serviss explains. Dry skin lacks natural lipids or oils, making it prone to dehydration. Because of this lack of water, the skin's natural exfoliating cycle slows down. Facials that include gentle exfoliation (i.e. with enzymes) are a great way to take your skin from flakey to fabulous. Dry skin also needs both oil and water to balance it out, so Serviss suggests looking for facials that include masks, which will help penetrate product into the skin. One example is a mask that will rubberize. It may sound a little strange, but any product you put under this type of mask will be pushed into the skin as the mask hardens, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Oily skin

Oily skin produces more oil than it needs. This oil is a magnet for debris, such as skin cells, makeup and pollution, which then cause congestion inside the pores. Over time, the congestion becomes hardened, just like plaque on your teeth. Look for facials that include a chemical exfoliant (glycolic acid or salicylic acid.) This will penetrate into the pores and melt the congestion. Oily skin also needs extractions to remove any hardened debris within the pores (so long, blackheads!) But don't try this at home. Extractions are something your esthetician is trained to do safely as part of your facial.

Combination skin

Serviss's favorite skin type to work with, combination skin, has both oily and dry areas, so these areas need to be treated separately. Enzyme, chemical or even microdermabrasion exfoliants work very well, Serviss says. Extractions are also needed (usually in the T-zone) to remove congestion, and a professional treatment mask, such as freeze-dried collagen to replenish lost water and soothe the skin.

Mature skin

Mature skin can be challenging. It can be oily/acne prone, dry/dehydrated or a multitude of skin type combinations. Mature skin also slows down (cell production, circulation), so there are many issues to address. Your esthetician will first treat the type of skin (oily, dry, combination, normal).Then she will have to focus on that slowing process to increase circulation and saturate the skin with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for healthier, younger looking skin.

Sensitive skin

"We have to be careful working with sensitive skin," Serviss notes. All skin needs exfoliation to remove built-up dead skin, but this needs to be done gently. Facials that use enzymes to exfoliate work very well, because they don't irritate the skin. Also look for products that don't have excessive fragrances or irritants in them.

Once you're back at home

Serviss has some simple at-home tips for keeping skin looking great:
• Cleanse to remove debris from the day
• Use a toner to rehydrate the skin after cleansing (rehydrating will make your moisturizers penetrate better)
• Exfoliate to help with the natural cycle of shedding dead skin
• Moisturize to replenish
• Protect to inhibit free radicals and shield the skin from UV damage

"Everyone should be doing these steps," Serviss says. The steps stay the same for every skin type, but the products you use to complete the steps will be different for everyone. If you are unsure, talk to your esthetician about what products are best for your skin type.

Dealing with sunburned, peeling skin

Deal With The Peel

After a day in the sun, you may find yourself with an itchy, peeling sunburn. Peeling skin is not only unattractive, it can also be quite painful. Here are a few simple ways to deal with the peel.

Cool it down

If you notice your skin start to peel, the first thing you should do is take a cold shower or bath. The cold water will help your skin cool down and slow the peeling process. When you are drying your skin, be sure to pat dry with a clean, soft towel and avoid rubbing. By rubbing your skin, you can actually speed up and spread the peeling of your skin.

Moisturize your skin

Once you get out of the shower and dry your skin, apply a moisturizing lotion. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed to work on sunburn or peeling skin. Generally, the lotion should contains aloe vera, which will cool your skin, reduce inflammation and slow the peeling. Aloe vera is a natural cactus extract that has long been hailed for its soothing properties. You can actually buy pure aloe vera gel (or break open the plant, if you have it) and apply it directly to the peeling skin to aid healing, fight pain and avoid infection.

Drink up

Now that you have cooled your skin from the outside, it’s time to start working on your skin from the inside. Truth be told, nothing helps your skin as much as a tall glass of water. Healthy skin needs to stay hydrated. When your skin is damaged – like after a sunburn – water becomes even more important. Drink a lot of water to give your skin all the fuel it needs to repair and revive itself. If you notice your skin beginning to peel, be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Stop the itch

At all costs, you should avoid scratching your skin when it’s peeling. You can actually do permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. If you get the urge to scratch, the best thing to do is to use ice to dull the sensation. Put ice in a piece of soft cloth and gently place the cloth on top of the area of your skin that itches. The itch should subside once the ice begins to cool down the skin.

Don't peel it

Flaky, peeling skin is more than just irritating and unattractive. It can also lead to an infection. Peeling skin can become infected if you scratch or try to forcefully peel the skin. If there is a segment of dead skin that is hanging off and you want to remove it, don't pull on it - no matter how temping it is. Instead, get a small pair of scissors and carefully cut away just that section of skin. Be sure you are only cutting away dead skin and you don’t tear skin that is trying to heal. Once you cut away the dead skin, apply an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin) to the area.

Be prepared

Prevention is the best cure for peeling. Plan ahead and don't get sunburned in the first place. By the time your skin starts peeling, that means that the damage has already been done. Before you go out into the sun, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are going into the water, be sure to re-apply sunscreen each time you get out. When applying sunscreen don't forget about hidden areas, such as behind your ears, which are often forgotten and end up burned.

Tween makeup: Sweet or slutty?

Age-Appropriate Primping

We all did it as little girls. You know, sneak into Mom's vanity drawer and gorge our faces with the delicious bounty of lipsticks and eyeshadows, blushes and cold creams. Little girls love makeup -- and as they start to grow, it becomes a key player in forming their grown-up identities. But for moms, it's not easy. How do you draw the line between the fresh, pretty-girl look... and that of the hot, sexy nymph?

It started innocently enough. My 8-year-old daughter got a ring filled with lip-gloss, and naturally, this gloss began appearing on her lips. Enduring what felt like sub-zero temperatures the past couple of winter months, I let it slide. I figured -- it was a barely-there light pink lip gloss. It wasn't as if I were letting her out sporting harlot-red lipstick -- and at least it would protect her lips from getting chapped.

Then, about two weeks ago, I noticed some glitter on her eyelids, at 7:30 am, just as we were about to leave for school. While my first instinct was to march her into the bathroom and vigorously scrub her eyelids, I restrained myself, and said, "Oh honey that glitter is so cute -- but I don't think your teachers would approve. Maybe we'll just save it for special occasions." Code word for, when you're 17 years old.

overcoming mean-mom syndrome

So when is the right time to allow your tween out in public with makeup on? How do you allow her to satisfy her desire to look more grown-up, without looking like a baby prostitute? How can you strike that delicate balance, especially when you're up against Seventeen Magazine feature spreads of Selena Gomez, (an icon to tweenagers everywhere) decked out in three shades of eye shadow and lipstick?

According to Kristen Taylor -- mother of a 14-year-old and owner of online tween clothing store www.Juvieshop.com -- most mothers probably don't want to see anything more than lip gloss on their tween girls. Unfortunately, many middle-school girls these days wear eyeliner and mascara, and it's a tough battle to win.

"Even if your own daughter doesn't own makeup, and leaves for school every morning looking peaches-and-cream fresh, it is almost inevitable that she will eventually borrow some from a friend and come home with those pretty eyes ringed in black," says Taylor. "When this happened to us, I told my daughter that, ideally makeup, is hardly noticeable, and that contrary to what was in-style among her friends, an eye completely lined in black just wasn't flattering. And then I let it go. After some experimentation, she ended up not even wearing makeup every day, and wearing it lightly on others."

Why the rush?

Taylor's advice for moms of tweens: As a parent, the most important thing to remember is that the tween years are highly aspirational. Girls see teens as their role models, and will attempt to match teenagers' looks, music, and other interests. This is definitely a potential source of conflict between girls and their parents, and every family will have different comfort levels with the issues as they arise one by one.

"When your child is approaching their tweens, it helps to think through some of those issues beforehand and consider when you think your child will be 'ready' to, for instance, shave their legs, or start wearing eyeliner," says Taylor. "It's also important to remember that just because you think that 12-year-olds look silly in eyeliner, it's perfectly normal among that peer group. For them, it's considered odd not to wear it. But ultimately, parents can always say no if their kids are doing something that feels inappropriate. Then you can help their girl dial back the glam to an age-appropriate level. The bottom line: The only people who like seeing 12-year-olds with their eyeballs ringed in black are other 12-year-olds."