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More to Cosmetologists That Meet the Eye

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

shutterstock_76301704Often times cosmetologists, who attend cosmetology school for their specific beauty interest whether it’s hair, makeup, or nails) are publicized as not being as smart as women who went to traditional colleges. Personally, this issue is unfair. It’s wrong to judge someone based on the type of education they have decided to obtain. This is coming from a recent conversation between friends as we all huddled around the TV a few nights past to watch the Amazing Race. Being a huge supporter of Jill since she is a successful hairstylist and going strong in the race, one of my non-cosmetologist friends thought it was “okay” to say she was surprised that Jill had been competing so well against the other constants, being that she is just a hairstylist.

Cosmetologists are just as smart as traditional college grads and can be, if not even more successful.

Three famous cosmetologists to help me make my point:

Madam C.J Walker was the first African American to make hair care products and a grooming system, becoming the first black woman million.

Mary Kay Ash was the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. It’s a little hard to create cosmetics and beauty products without a cosmetology education.

Which brings us to Coco Chanel, this fashion icon also invented her own perfumes. She’s a legend to us.

Power to the cosmetologists!!

From the Patch to the Spa: Our Favorite Pumpkin Beauty Products

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

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Want to look your best this fall? Give pumpkin a try. No, we don’t mean pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. To do something really good for yourself, tap into pumpkin’s beauty benefits!

Why is fall’s favorite ingredient showing up in spas and salons everywhere? Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A—the main ingredient found in retinol which promotes anti-aging benefits. Pumpkin is also very high in antioxidants that will sooth your skin and give you a beautiful fall glow!

Spas are incorporating pumpkin products into their facials, pedicures, peels and massages this fall. Want to make your own pumpkin spa treatment? Here’s a way to indulge in a calorie-free pumpkin treat!

Pumpkin Facial Mask

2 teaspoons of canned pumpkin
½ teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon milk
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions
Mix ingredients together. Brush onto clean skin and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Also, check out these beauty products that feature pumpkin. Just don’t try to eat these, most of them do smell like pumpkin pie!

5 of Our Favorite Beauty Products

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel- Use this as an exfoliater to remove dead skin cells and to keep your skin radiant and hydrated. The best part of this peel? It smells delicious!
Where to Buy: www.sephora.com

Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel—This shower gel is autumn in a bottle. The sweet, spicy scent of pumpkin will engulf your shower leaving you with a clean, fall-ish allure.
Where to Buy: www.bathandbodyworks.com

Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Pumpkin Detoxifying Shampoo-Packed with pumpkin enzymes, aloe, wheat germ oil, and vitamin A, this shampoo fights free-radical damage to the hair. You’ll crave pumpkin pie every time you take a shower!
Where to Buy: www.monsterhair.com

Lamas Pumpkin Spice Polish – This scrub uses apricot and pumpkin enzymes to give you a clean, healthy complexion. The pumpkin helps to cleanse skin and unclog pores.
Where to Buy: www.peterlamas.com

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice Lip Gloss-You’ll lick your lips with this scrumptious lip gloss. Philosophy’s sulfate-free shine will give your lips a radiant sparkle and remind you why you love pumpkin pie so much.
Where to Buy: www.sephora.com

The Justin Beiber Nail Polish Collection, Are You Gonna Buy It?

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

If you haven’t already heard, we’ll be happy to tell you! Justin Beiber, the 16-year-old singer has partnered with Nicole by OPI to launch his very own collection of nail polishes. Every little thirteen year old girl will be stocking up, and what’s even smarter – only the first six shades of the collection will hit stores beginning with Wal-Mart this December. Christmas shoppers prepare! The One Less Lonely Girl Collection will include fourteen brilliant Beiber shades named after his hit songs including Me + Blue, Step 2 the Beat of My Heart, and OMB.
The entire fourteen shade collection will be released in January 2011 and be sold at Sears, Target and Ulta by February.

The Most Expensive Manicure in the World

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

How much would you pay for a top of the line manicure? The London elite are more than willing and ready to book an appointment at the “hard-to-get into” Leighton Denny’s nail boutique at the Urban Retreat Spa and Salon in Harrods London. Once they are able to get through the doors, the most privileged order the Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Encapsulation. A simple buff, a polish and nine karats of diamonds lined on your fingertips for just $32,000.

Gotta get one or you’re out of your mind?
If money wasn’t an object, would you knock down Denny’s doors for one of these diamond manicures?

The Beauty Behind Birthmarks

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

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Birthmarks are natural occurrences in many babies during infancy. Although many children’s birthmarks fade away with time, some individuals retain their welcome gift into the world and learn to cope with their parting gifts from birth. In fact, some people have made careers off of their so called “unwanted birthmarks.” Just look at Cindy Crawford or Marilyn Monroe. Both women practically made their mark (pun definitely intended) in beauty history by proudly sporting their moles.

For those of you who aren’t quite sure exactly what a birth/beauty mark constitutes as, it’s an area of discolored skin present on the face or body which is noticeable at birth or shortly afterwards. Birthmarks can also take numerous forms. As stated above, moles are a very common form of birthmark, as almost everyone has moles – unfortunately not everyone’s moles are conveniently located on their upper lip region – talking about you Cindy Crawford and Marilyn Monroe. In fact, their iconic moles have become so popular that many girls today are piercing their upper lip and wearing jewelry to simulate the infamous mole.

Other common birthmarks that don’t tend to fade with time include the café au lait and port-wine stain birthmarks.

Those born with these common and apparent birthmarks must learn to embrace them. The café au lait birthmark gets its name from the drink meaning coffee with milk. In effect, the birthmark looks just like the drink – a light, caramelized brown colored patch on the skin.

The port-wine stain is similar to the café au lait in that it is a patch of off-colored skin. It too derives its look directly from its name. It looks as though someone poured red wine on the skin. Just ask Tina Turner or Smashing Pumpkin’s front man Billy Corgan what they think of her port-wine stains. They seem to be pretty content with their “welcome to the world” gifts.

Whether you have a birthmark or not doesn’t deter from the fact that these natural imperfections in appearance play a vital role into a person’s individuality. The answer to true beauty is imperfection. It’s the flaws that make us who we are and as a result turn our birthmarks into beauty marks that we can wear proudly and fashionably.

Looking on the Bright-side or Going to the Dark-side: Tips for Dying Your Hair

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

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Change can be good especially when you’re in a rut with your current hair color. The great thing about changing your hair color is that if you don’t like it you can change it back easily. Although changing your hair color isn’t permanent, there are a few things you need to know before you move to your new shade to produce the best results.

If you’re ready to become a blonde bombshell here are a few tips to prevent any outcomes that aren’t quite Marilyn Monroe worthy.

• Don’t try to go blonde at home, you’ll end up with a horrible hair color! Going from a dark brunette to light blonde is just too much of a change to trust a box hair color. Go to the experts. It will save you time, money and from pink hair.

• Bring a picture of the color you want. There are so many shades of blonde. From honey, golden, platinum to baby blonde. Your stylist won’t know what exact shade you want unless you tell them.

• Don’t try to go from dark to platinum all in one day. If you try to go too light too fast you could end up with dry, damaged hair and miss the color you were aiming for. The key is to be patient and follow the schedule your colorist sets for you.

Who says that blondes have all the fun? Maybe you’re ready to see if brunettes have fun, too.

If you’re darkening your light hair, here are some tips for you:

• Don’t go to extremes. If you’re used to looking into the mirror at bright, blonde hair, don’t give yourself shock therapy by going super dark. Tones close to black can look give you that “Goth” look. Also, if you’re a natural blonde stay with lighter brunette colors that will still complement your natural skin tone and eye color.

• Blonde hair that’s been dyed will eventually lose its color over time. Use a color-enhancing conditioner to maintain your rich brunette color longer.

• If you’re still nervous about going completely brunette, you can always test the water with a few lowlights.

Good luck and enjoy your new hair color! You may decide that your original color is best for you, or you may discover a whole new you just by moving up or down the color spectrum!

The Top 10 Beauty Blogs On Our Fall Reading List

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

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We’ve read and searched and gathered and gawked. Hunting for the best beauty blogs on the web takes a keen eye with a knack for discovery. But we did it and narrowed down our Top 10 Beauty Blogs for our fall reading list.

1. Temptalia
Why It Rocks: We want a quality score when it comes to insurance, us divas deserve the same when it comes to our makeup. Temptalia’s blog spot reviews popular products to determine the answer to “love it, leave it, or is it just lust?” Offering honest reviews based on value, ease of use, packaging, recommendations and an overall letter grade, Temptalia is THE final exam for any beauty looking to ace her look.
Check It Out: http://www.temptalia.com

2. Kandee the Makeup Artist
Why It Rocks: We’ve always admired beauty professionals who’ve had mega success then decided to blog about it. Kandee the Makeup Artist is a celebrity makeup artist and has worked for companies like MTV, VH1, CNN, ABS, CBS…you get my point! She’s awesome and her blog let’s you into her daily life.
Check It Out: http://kandeethemakeupartist.blogspot.com

3. Bad Hair Day Blog
Why It Rocks: A comical way to feel better when having a bad hair day, the Bad Hair Day Blog is decided to pointing out celebrities with “crazed, why-did-you-do-that” hair days. Packed full of tips to avoid your own bad hair days, you can’t help by partake in an under-your-breath chuckle, while learning the ins of what to avoid.
Check It Out: http://badhairday.typepad.com

4. The Makeup Divas
Why It Rocks: We all love free stuff so if you’re looking for the ultimate blog for product giveaways, this is your stop. The Makeup Divas also review all your favorite products and let you ask questions. Scoring high points for user interaction, this blog makes us feel like we are flipping through the pages of our most gossiped about magazines – after it’s read, it’s always worth gabbing about.
Check It Out: http://www.themakeupdivas.com

5. The Dermatology Blog
Why It Rocks: An upbeat blog that’s never boring, you’ll skincare IQ will increase with every read. The Dermatology Blog has a way of making you feel a little bit smarter when it comes to knowing how to take better care of your skin. It’s skintastic!
Check It Out: http://thedermblog.com

6. Makeup and Beauty Blog
Why It Rocks: Only being up for a little over two and a half years, Makeup and Beauty Blog (ran by Karen) has grow into one of the hottest beauty blogs in America as deemed by “Beauty in the Blogosphere” — Matthew W. Evans, Women’s Wear Daily. Her obsession is makeup and her daily posts will always keep you on your toes when it comes to the hottest new products to hit the streets.
Check It Out: http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com

7. All Lacquered Up
Why It Rocks: For nail technicians wanting to know the newest nail polishes, brands and tips in nail care, you’ll have it all in one place. All Lacquered Up is the web’s first nail focused beauty blog allowing lacquer fanatics to unite.
Check It Out: http://www.alllacqueredup.com

8. Beauty Addict
Why It Rocks: One of the largest independent beauty blogs on the web and featured in The New York times, Allure and Women’s Wear Daily, Kristen Kelly aka Beauty Addict has taken her makeup obsessions to a skyrocketing height. Something for everyone, Ms. Kelly offers her creative reads in the areas of makeup, skincare, body and fragrances. Plus, a special area highlighting upcoming Steals and Deals, this blog has it all.
Check It Out: http://beautyaddict.blogspot.com

9. BellaBeautyReview
Why It Rocks: Bella’s Beauty Review offers educational, cosmetology-focused advice, along with tips for taking the state board exam and finding jobs after cosmetology school. Plus, they throw in “good to know” secrets for beautifying yourself, creating a well-rounded mix of seriousness and fun reads.
Check It Out: http://bellabeautyreview.com/blog

10. womenTalk: The Beauty Blog
Why It Rocks: A lighthearted educational blog, womenTalk discusses the hot topics that concern us as women. Advice by guest bloggers in the fields of dermatology and esthetics offer a satisfying break in the day of beneficial tidbits to improve our lives.
Check It Out: http://www.healthywomen.org/womentalk/blog

The Worst Hairstyles From the Past 30 Years

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

So, you’re constantly on tap with the hairstyles you should be sporting, but how up are you on the hairstyles that were hip 30 years ago? What once was a sexy turn-on has overtime become inaugurated into the hall of fame for WORST hairstyles of all time. Can you believe these hideous hair supporters were the ones that ran with the mouth-drooling popular crowd? Just goes to show how tastes change over 30 years.

P.S. These awesomely-bad hairstyles are in no particular order of ridiculousness.

7. The Mullet

That’s correct; we are starting this list off with a bang. The business in the front, party in the back hair style that so lovingly graced our presence in the 80’s has never withstood the test of time; although a few still pop up from time to time.

6. The Rat Tail

Can any style that uses the words “rat” and “tail” possibly sound good? Closely related to the mullet, in fact in the same family – probably a cousin Mickey – the rat tail emerges on the list. The rat tail may in fact personify the characteristics of an actual rat-like person. A person who is called a rat typically appears normal and trustworthy on the surface, but in times of trouble their real identity emerges and their rat-like nature surfaces. Well, the same can be said about this atrocity of a hairstyle. It may look natural up front, but as soon as they turn their back and that tail whips across their neck, the true nature of the hair comes out. Trustworthy in the front, a rat in the back.

Thinkstock_dv14360605. The Emo/scenster

This hairstyle is relatively new to the awful ‘do genre, even though it has strong ties to the new age movement in the 80’s – “Flock of Seagulls” anyone? However, unlike its new age predecessor, the emo/scenster look simply makes the wearer seem sad, like they need a hug because their dog just died. Nevertheless, the hairstyle is like a chopped salad, with the hair being clipped and snipped to various lengths all around. “Sigh, my dog just croaked.” Well, maybe you can dry those tears with the crazy amount of hair that’s in your eyes.

Thinkstock_865422654. The Poofy Bangs

Going back to the Full House days, poof bangs were a hit! In fact, bangs in general have made quite the come back over the last few years. However, good-looking bangs don’t always turn out right and as a result the unfortunate wearer gets the poof look. As a result, those girls strutting around with poofy bangs look like they’ve taken a stroll back to 1st grade. It sort of screams my mom just finished curling my bangs in the morning, right after my daily bowl of Froot Loops and sippy cup of apple juice.


thinkstock_780018983. The Bowl Cut
The 90’s gave us Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mania, the game Guess Who?, Super Soakers, Skip It, Tamagotchi pets and of course, the bowl cut. In the 90’s, any boy with a bowl cut was H.O.T. Now we can’t help but ask ourselves “what the hell were we thinking?” Other than the fact that the bowl cut was as bad as it sounded – literally, it looked like someone put a bowl on your head and just cut around the rim – the style proved that no matter how old you actually are, you will never look older than a 12-year-old boy.

Thinkstock_200293987-0012. Riot Hair
There’s blow dry blasted and hairspray doused Jersey hair, and then there’s riot hair – taking big locks to a whole new level. Made popular in the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s and still into the early 90’s, riot hair looks as if a large, furry woodland creature crawled upon a women’s head before keeling over. It’s big, it’s out of control and it’s dead, hopefully forever. It’s almost safe to say that if riot hair comes back, then we will also witness the reemergence of shoulder pads. They seem to go hand in hand.


Thinkstock_d00017241. Semi-bald Comb Over

It’s bad and chances are your dad or someone you know has committed this heinous hairstyle crime. Let’s face it. Going bald is an unfortunate subject for any man, but what you do with that oncoming brigade of baldness really defines your desperation for hair. If you’re balding, then just let it bald. Heck, shave it all off if you need to, but don’t ever try combing over what remaining strands of dignity (ahem… I meant hair) you have across that shiny, bald dome.

First Day of Beauty School Tips

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

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One can never overlook the importance of that nerve-raking, angst-filled first day of beauty school. It’s the day, probably more important than any other. It’s the time to physically show yourself and showcase your talents. Ultimately, looking your best isn’t an option – it’s a necessity, and we’ll help you get there with a these four beauty school tips.

Beauty Tip #1: No bad hair days here.
You know that besides the clothes you pick out that your hair is the biggest priority on the first day of beauty school, especially if you are attending a hair design school. Here are some pointers for good-looking, fashionable hair styles.

Many beauty students want to retain that trendy look when getting back in the swing of things but they also want to appear sophisticated and be taken seriously. Opting for versatile, creative haircuts are essential for beauty students. Fashions like Sedu hair styles (the sleek, straight look), French twists and medium length hair styles are popular options for beauty students. Some of today’s most popular trends are the bob or short-hair styles that are quick, easy and manageable. Hair styles with bangs or fringes are in, as well as blending a layered look with an intimate form of personal expression.

Tip #2: Keep that skin soft and glowing.
Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean that your tanned body has to be. Achieving that extra bit of color physically implies that you had a good summer – got outdoors, refreshed and took care of yourself. Always remember to exfoliate and keep moisturized to prevent any flaking or dryness as the air begins to change from summer to fall to the harsh winter. Also is a great one to tell your fellow students in your esthetician program.

Tip #3: Make your eyes a focal point.
Playing up the eyes with fun and colorful eye shadow affords you creativity and originality. Interesting tones like gray and silver are subtle, but add just enough edge to look visually vibrant. Blending colors together is also ideal if you’re looking to create a custom shade. Checking out the current colors that celebrities are wearing is a good idea and also brings inspiration for looks to try out in a makeup artist program.

If you’re going to do something prominent with your eye makeup just make sure that the rest of your face makeup is toned down. Being young, your skin doesn’t need an excessive amount of foundation of blush – keep it simple. Some black mascara and a little clear lip gloss will give you just enough of that desired chic look without going overboard.

Tip #4: Let your nails match your colorful personality.
Use the latest colors when it comes to your nail polish (a very important tip for nail technicians in training!) Remember to keep your nails short and squared or oval when rocking dark colors like burgundy, navy or black. Keep in mind your skin tone when choosing dark colors. Those with lighter skin can use the same color scheme but in a lighter shade to stay fashionable. It’s all about expressing yourself, your personality. Let you nails reflect that.

Now that you’ve got the scoop on the beauty school trends this year, it’s time to put them into action. Make a statement when you go to beauty school – make a statement and show your skills.

Mineral Makeup – The Hot New Trend in Beauty Schools Today

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Do you ever wish there was an alternative to your normal makeup routine? There is. It’s called mineral makeup, a hot new trend in beauty today. Many beauty schools include mineral makeup in their makeup artist program.

Let’s brush on some of the benefits of mineral makeup. It’s all natural. These minerals come straight from the Earth. Fans of mineral makeup rave about the lightness and the long-lasting glow. Some claim it’s healthier on the skin.

Now let’s take a harder look in the mirror. Critics dispute the health-enhancing benefits and claim most other cosmetics have mineral compounds anyway.

But let’s not bat an eyelash. A hot trend is a hot trend. Discover what the fuss is about. Mineral makeup ranges in price from under $10 to over $50. One top brand in mineral makeup is Bare Escentuals. The company won a 2010 Glammy Beauty Award for its foundation product sold in department/specialty stores.

Other noted brands include PUR Minerals, Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup, Colorscience Mineral Makeup and Mineral Hygienics Mineral Makeup.

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