My diet is crappy, but it helps my girlfriend’s hair look sassy.

Being a guy bound to a beauty merchandiser at a local high-end salon means that I am constantly serving as resident guinea pig. My life is a tumultuous parade of trial sizes, courtesy of my buy-curious girlfriend who’s obsessed with beauty products.

So when she brought home some news along with her over-stuffed goodie bag from a day’s work, my interest was piqued (mainly because my bad habits would actually help for once). “Digame Por qué?” says I, in broken Spanish.

My girlfriend answered that Kayla Fioravanti RA, Chief Formulator and co-founder of Essential Wholesale had shared some insight with her about everyday items in our kitchens that may be used for adding softness, control and shine to our hair.

Even better news is the fact that I am a normal slob of a man who over-consumes all of these hairstylist helpers on a regular basis. And now I have an excuse to over-indulge even more in the interest of keeping the sassy do of my domestic goddess shiny and sheer.

What are the top three tasty kitchen items that can help work wonders on your head and shoulders?

1. Real Mayonnaise. It’s a conditioner that’s not just for sloppy sandwiches. All you do is dampen your hair, apply a thick layer of mayonnaise from your scalp to the ends of your hair. Comb it until you have lots of creamy coverage and then sit back and let it dry for 20 minutes. Be sure to keep your hungry domestic partner at bay until you’re ready to wash it out. All you have to do after that is rinse and shampoo.

2. Salt. It’s the favorite non-liquid flavor of sports fans everywhere. It’s also a great ingredient to giving your hair amazing volume and control. You can boost the body in your hair by adding a tablespoon of salt to 4 oz of water in an empty spray bottle. After washing and conditioning, spray this mixture over your hair and allow some time for it to air dry.

3. Beer. Obviously the thought of having more beer in the house just so my girlfriend could retain some shine made me extremely happy. The fact that the best conditions to use it are when it’s warm and flat (meaning, my leftovers) is glorious news indeed. So I started donating my leftovers of flat, warm beer into her shower container. It worked amazingly. Now that’s what I call synergy.

If you’re in makeup school or thinking about going, chances are you love makeup. But as many of us already know, all makeup and cosmetic products are not necessarily created equal.

Maybe you’ve already stopped to think about what those cosmetic ingredients actually mean. But if you’re not an expert scientist, the words might seem like mumbo-jumbo. (That’s how I feel most of the time, anyway).

Now, there’s a website to the rescue! It’s called Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database, and it’s brought to you by the Environmental Working Group. No matter what type of product you’re interested in learning more about – makeup and cosmetics, skin care, hair care, eye care, nail care or fragrances – Skin Deep can tell you what products to buy, what not to buy, and what can be downright dangerous.

If you’re serious about becoming a makeup artist or other beauty professional, but also serious about keeping your clients healthy, the information you find on this site might change your mind about the products you use. Next time you’re beautifying yourself or one of your makeup clients, this new knowledge might come in handy!

How did your favorite makeup and cosmetics products fare on this site? Spread the word about the good, the bad and the ugly in makeup and other beauty products.

It seems that the summer blockbuster movies all have a theme: horror movies. District 9, The Final Destination, Halloween 2, and there are only more to come! But, how does all this scary cinema tie into beauty training and careers? Well, all these movies have a major common factor: special-effects makeup artists.

All of the gore and alien arms need to be attached and they need to look real – so, that’s where the special-effects makeup artistry comes in. Even the not-so-scary movies need makeup artists on set to make the stars looks beautiful – or, in the case of the horror movies, scary!

Makeup artists are a huge part of the entertainment industry; and not just for movies, so the move to Tinsel Town isn’t necessarily a must! Runway shows, theater and plays, and photo shoots are just a few opportunities where there is a need for a skilled makeup artist. There are numerous makeup artist careers one could pursue.

Some makeup artists start their training at beauty schools then continue to learn their craft in special effects and other specialized areas by continuing their education with additional makeup classes and courses. You, too, can learn how to take your passion for makeup and make it into rewarding, successful career with a professional makeup artist school.

Sarah Hunt is a professional freelance makeup artist based in Omaha, Nebraska who has styled a variety of clients from U.S. Senators, to sports legends, to actors and actresses.

I am a professional freelance make-up artist in the second half of my 30s. I’ve been working as a make-up artist in the film and print industry for 14 years. I have had the pleasure of styling a wide spectrum of personalities - U.S. Senators, sports legends, journalists, CEOs, billionaires, actors, actresses, and everyday people. Two years ago I approached my local YWCA about their domestic violence awareness campaign. I wanted to donate my talent to the women in need at the YWCA - a need I recognize, because I myself am a survivor of sexual assault.

Here are some startling statistics that illustrate the growing epidemic of violence:

• 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men are victims of sexual violence in their lifetime.
• College women are 6 times more likely to be a victim of sexual assault.
• In 2007 248,300 people reported a sexual assault in the U.S. That’s 1 person every 2 minutes.
• 60% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police.
• Approximately 73% of victims know their assailants.
• Only 6% of rapists spend even a day in jail.

The YWCA provides help to women, including survivors of rape and domestic violence, in times of crisis. They work to eliminate racism and empower women through counseling, career training, health and fitness, and childcare. This is how I met Felicia, the most beautiful person I have had the chance to style. She is my age, married young and raised five children with her husband - who beat and raped her repeatedly for more than a decade. Eventually, she made the decision to rise up and free herself and her children from this violence with the help of the YWCA. He is now in jail.

For one of their domestic violence awareness campaigns, I was asked to re-create the injuries she sustained the last time he beat her using makeup techniques. Law enforcement would not release the actual injury documentation photos because they were considered state evidence and could only be obtained by paying a fee. Because the cost was too much for the not-for-profit YWCA to pay, and they still needed to make a graphic statement about their awareness campaign, I was presented with a perfect opportunity. I used several products to re-create her injuries:

• Ben Nye EW-4 master bruise wheel
• Ben Nye CK-5 FX burns and blisters color wheel
• Modeling putty/wax
• Fake blood
• Neutral setting powder
• Dappling sponge, and my favorite brushes

Felicia handled the experience with strength and grace. I applied the bruises and gashes as she explained to me each injury and how it happened. In the span of 30 minutes we traveled back to the darkest time of her life. My work complete, I asked her if she wanted to see - she picked up the hand mirror and looked deeply at her reflection, nodding with approval as she looked back at me with satisfaction and spirit in her eyes. We quickly snapped the photos and removed the make-up with Bobbi Brown skincare products:

• Lathering Tube Soap
• Exfoliating Cream Wash
• Soothing Face Tonic
• Philosophy Hope in a Jar Moisturizer

Then, for the next half hour we talked about her children, her family, her goals and dreams, and how far her personal journey had taken her as I transformed her back into the stronger, even more beautiful woman she has become. We went full circle, from normal to nightmare and back, in 60 minutes. This was a difficult journey for me as a survivor and a professional makeup artist, but it illustrates to me the power of the human spirit.

Girls love to smell pretty. Don’t argue – it’s science. “But high-profile aromas in cute bottles can get pretty pricey,” you’re thinking. Stop right there. Wherever your thought process is leading you, it’s wrong. Don’t be frugal when it comes to fragrance. This goes double if you’re buying a special someone a swanky gift for a steamy occasion. So listen carefully: Do NOT buy these fragrances for anyone. Ever.

#5 - Whale Vomit
What do you mean it doesn’t sound like it smells good? This one probably makes you the Bell Of the Ball at SeaWorld. Who wouldn’t want that title? And honestly, whale vomit is used in almost any fine fragrance in the world, so why not just get a bottle directly from the source?

#4 - Republican
Yes, it’s true - the Grand Old Party just barely beat out whale vomit on the scent scale. After losing the Presidency earlier this year, they’ll take any good news they can. This fragrant oil is a complex blend that stands for conservative values, love of country, and a strong family unit. Translated into scent, the Republican fragrance smells like apples and roses.

#3 - K.I.S.S.

Just to clear up any confusion, this scent isn’t named after the act of love, but after the act of Dr. Love. Yes, you too can own the personally-endorsed smell of the rock band K.I.S.S. to wear to special concerts, night clubs and for trips to Detroit Rock City. Don’t worry, guys, the K.I.S.S. fragrance line is made for both men and women.

#2 – Play-Doh
Searching for that fresh, just-out-of-the-can, “eau de Play-Doh” aroma? You’re in luck. To make your gift extra special, Play-Doh Perfume also comes in a  50th Birthday Limited Edition bottle. Classy!

And finally – #1 - Burger King!

Yes, the King created an entire line of foodstuffs, a website, and a video game named after his legacy, but it just wasn’t enough. Something was missing from his empire that discriminating consumers demanded. Meat perfume. World, meet FLAME by B.K. So the King waved his bejeweled hand and voila! - a perfume that promises to be a “scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat.”

The package says “organic,” but how do you know for sure?

In the world of beauty schools, beauty products and beyond, “organic” has become one of today’s hottest buzz words. As more and more consumers learn about the importance of Earth-friendliness, an “organic” label can make or break many people’s purchasing decisions.

But who decides what exactly makes a product “organic?” In Europe and the United States, consumers are still trying to decode the organic certifications they find on the labels of their favorite brands.

Amarjit Sahota, the managing director of Organic Monitor, explains that the one word that defines the organic certification process in Europe and the United States is “confusion.”

Companies and manufacturers that produce organic beauty products want their customers to feel confident in the product’s organic certification. But with three different organic certifications in the United States and two different certifications in Europe, many companies don’t know which standard to choose.

Unfortunately for consumers, beauty schools and salons, this means confusion for them as well. Each beauty product on the shelf may carry a different certification logo, and many consumers are torn between trusting that logo, or trusting a brand name.

Like many professionals in the organic product industries and the beauty industry, Sahota would like to see one global organic standard. He believes that uniformity and cohesion within the industry will benefit everyone involved – not to mention, planet Earth!

What are your thoughts on the organic issue? Do you work at a salon or beauty school going green? How do you choose your organic beauty products when you’re standing in front of that shelf in the beauty aisle?

It’s no surprise to this green beauty girl that Aveda has won the Cradle 2 Cradle’s Gold certification for 7 products. The award-winning news was out faster than the latest hair trends and Aveda garnered the endorsement through their dedication to the environment for the last 30 years. I guess you can say they had a jump-start on things.

Since the new trend sweeping the beauty industry is going green – and with Aveda setting the bar high for not only salons but also beauty and cosmetology schools and engage in this new trend – most of them are stepping up to the plate and going green. And, we have found some salons are making the commitment to go green as seriously as Aveda has.

More and more, we are seeing beauty products change from the old school, chemical-laden concoction that our mothers used in the ‘70s and ‘80s into more organic, preservative-free products. While the movement is still gaining steam, some salons are making a commitment to the environment and their bodies through green products. Not only do people want to see more variety on shelves and in their salons, they want to make sure they don’t carry the laundry list of harmful beauty product ingredients that are bad for them and Mother Earth.

The salons that are changing their ways, including Aveda, range from big chains to locally-owned shops. The public has spoken, and they want green, eco-friendly products and practices. In addition to adding all natural or organic beauty products, some salons and beauty schools are also using water sensors, energy-efficient light bulbs and hair styling tools, and setting up recycling bins.

Only time will tell if Aveda will be the Michael Phelps of the Cradle 2 Cradle certifications for beauty products.

How is your hair looking these days? Is it a little dreary and dull? If so, the reason for your hair’s condition may not be what you expected…

According to some dermatologists and professional hairstylists, Americans are addicted to shampoo. A study by shampoo-maker Procter & Gamble revealed that we use about twice as much as our Italian and Spanish counterparts. As in, about 4.59 shampoos per week. All that shampooing sounds like it’s keeping us pretty clean, right?

Actually, these cosmetology professionals think too much shampoo can do more harm than good to some hair types. Many dermatologists say that daily washings strip the hair of its natural and beneficial oil (called sebum), and can damage the hair.

So, where did our obsession with shampoo come from? Some suspect that an article in The New York Times on May 10, 1908, started this trend. The article advised women that one shampoo every two weeks was a good cleanliness standard (previously, washing one’s hair once a month was the norm).

Now fast-forward to the 1970s. Farrah Fawcett’s hair is the American woman’s new beauty standard. On TV, Farrah’s face (and hair) is impossible to escape, even during the commercial breaks. A Faberge ad for Farrah Fawcett shampoo showcases some slow-motion beach running and shiny, flowing locks. The message is clear: buy this shampoo, use it every day, and you, too, will look like Farrah.

Today, consumers are rethinking their shampoo practices, for both ecological beauty and health-related reasons. Environmentalists know that less plastic waste is always better, so they diligently search for new ways to conserve. As for the health-conscious, they are concerned with taking better care of their locks. Michelle Hanjani, a dermatologist at Columbia University explains that, “If you wash your hair every day, you’re removing the sebum. Then, the oil glands compensate by producing more oil.” In what seems to be a vicious cycle, the more frequently you wash your hair, the more quickly it becomes oily again.

How often do you shampoo? How do you feel about forgoing shampoo? Have you ever tried any of the natural alternatives to shampoo? If so, what did you think of the results?

With gentle breezes and warm, sunny days just around the corner, I’m already penciling in some of my summer plans. And by now, I’ve learned not to neglect my skin during these warmer months. Every time I walk into the drugstore or my favorite department store, I see new evidence that the skincare market is booming. The shelves are lined with skin creams and potions that all make pretty awesome-sounding claims, but it can be hard to know where to begin.

What’s a good way of getting back to basics and choosing the right product for your skin? The answer yet again lies in understanding the ingredient list. But as always, talk with your licensed esthetician or dermatologist to get a professional opinion on what products will work for you.

In her article “What Are Those Ingredients?” Stacy Colino asks some dermatologists to decode some of the most common skincare ingredients. Here are a few of the big-name players:

1. Vitamin C:
• Also known as: ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palimate.
• Great for: almost all skin types, except very sensitive skin
• Treats: aging and sun damage

2. Salicylic Acid
• Alias: beta hydroxy acid (BHA)
• Great for: normal and oily skin
• Treats: acne and skin irritation

3. Ferulic Acid
• Alias: 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
• Great for: normal and dry skin
• Treats: aging and sun damage

4. Retinol
• Alias: retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate
• Great for: normal and oily skin
• Treats: aging, acne and sun damage

5. Idebenone
• Alias: ubiquinone, coenzyme Q-10
• Great for: almost all skin types
• Treats: aging, irritation and sun damage

6. Hyaluronic Acid
• Alias: sodium hyaluronate
• Great for: almost all skin types, especially for dry skin
• Treats: aging

7. Green Tea
• Alias: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
• Great for: almost all skin types
• Treats: aging, irritation and sun damage

8. Niacinamide
• Alias: nicotinamide
• Great for: dry skin
• Treats: aging, irritation, sun damage

9. Alpha Lipoic Acid
• Alias: lipoic acid
• Great for: almost all skin types, except very sensitive skin
• Treats: aging and sun damage

Some of these wonder ingredients have pretty long aliases, but paying attention to the label next time you’re in the skincare aisle can pay off for your skin. Have any great brands to recommend for skincare during the warmer months? Let us know!

If you’re anything like me, you find something you like and you stick with it. I’m definitely not known among my friends as the “adventurous one,” because I usually stay loyal to anything I already know that I like.

However, one thing I can’t resist experimenting with is a great fragrance. This week, I found a cool online feature from one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple. This article listed some fragrances that are perfect for dreary winter days. A new fragrance really can be a refreshing break in your winter routine.

I’m no perfume scientist (or esthetician, or makeup artist), but this article did a great job of separating and categorizing scents and fragrance notes. Here are some of their favorite fragrances that cost less than $50. Because smelling nice doesn’t have to break the bank!

Soft and Warm Fragrances
These fragrances share an amber base note (the base note adds depth to a fragrance and serves as its foundation). Amber scents are often described as rich and powdery, with a hint of sweetness.

Try these “soft and warm” fragrances:
• GapBody White Amber Eau de Toilette, $28
• C.O. Bigelow Chemists Perfume Oil in Amber, $15

Spicy and Flowery Fragrances
These floral scents are a little bit deeper and richer than the light, summertime florals. These scents are described as complex and inviting.

Try these “spicy and flowery” fragrances:
• Ralph Lauren Notorious Body Lotion, $45
• Susanne Lang Midnight Orchid 72, $50

Woodsy and Earthy Fragrances
Fragrances with woodsy, earth notes often combine the strength of masculine scents with more delicate, feminine notes.

Try these “woodsy and earthy” fragrances:
• Kiehl’s Original Musk Essence Oil, $16
• Tokyomilk Parfum in Dead Sexy 06, $28