The perfect dress is nothing without the perfect wedding hairstyle to complement it. Your hair is basically an accessory that you must plan for accordingly, so you look and feel beautiful on that special day. You can make sure you look amazing and feel confident by heeding a few suggestions.

Prioritize Your Pre-Bridal Appointment
Your pre-bridal appointment is a crucial step in preparing you to walk down the aisle. People think that it’s only for the hairstylist to practice, but it’s just as important for you to see the hairstyle in action and tweak what you do or don’t like. Ask your stylist for advice regarding which hairstyles will look best based on the neckline and other aspects of your dress. You’ll also want to inquire about how long you should grow your hair because longer doesn’t necessarily mean better. After your stylist finishes your hair, you can decide whether you like it or not. Even if you aren’t fond of it, you still learn what not to do for your wedding. Remember to bring all of your hairpieces and accessories with you.

Get Real
If you expect to bring in a picture of your favorite celebrity’s tresses and leave the salon looking exactly like her, you’ll probably be in for a little disappointment. Her style cost her thousands of dollars and may have taken all day. Not to mention, her look may have used extensions and other added features that your budget may not allow for. Instead, pick pictures as inspiration and allow for some flexibility based on your own hair’s thickness, length and texture.

To Wash or Not to Wash
You’ve probably been told not to wash your hair before you style it because it holds curls and other styles better, and this is true for most people – to a point. The natural oils in your hair can help to maintain a healthy shine and keep your hair in place, so you shouldn’t wash your hair right before your wedding. Instead, wash it the night before. Note: You’ll still want to consult your hairstylist for exact washing instructions in case you have hair that is prone to oil buildup.

Weather Isn’t Always Your Fair-weather Friend
Make sure you take into consideration the weather when you’re planning. If you’re not going to get married in your area, you may want to do some research. You’ll want to know what the average humidity is because curls and low-flowing styles don’t withstand high humidity well, especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony.

Trending This Year
Each year brings new trends for wedding hairstyles. Updos are still very much in style, but nontraditional, softer looks are what’s in this year. For 2012, many hairdos are starting at the nape of the neck for a more laidback look. It’s not all about bejeweled tiaras and diamond-studded barrettes anymore. Many brides are opting for real flowers give their hair a fresh and whimsical look. You may opt for silk flowers, as well.

Leave the Crewnecks in Your Dresser
The absolute No. 1 tip for having great hair the day of your wedding is to wear a zip-up hoodie or a button-up blouse when you go to get your hair done on your wedding day. You don’t want to mess up your wedding hairstyle when you remove your tight shirt over top of your head.

Like most women, you probably have invested in a number of pricey skin care products that aim to help women achieve healthy, clear skin. But have you ever stopped to think about how your makeup might be affecting the quality of your skin? If you are still using makeup from the last decade, you could be contaminating your skin. A recent study performed on British women revealed most women continue using their old makeup well past the product’s expiration date. Furthermore, the study also revealed that 89% of women were unaware of the fact that their makeup has an expiration date, although in many cases it is not listed clearly on the product.

While most women understand the risk of sleeping in makeup (although 81% of us regularly do so), few actually understand the implications that can arise from using expired makeup. Old make-up can cause a host of skin problems including skin infections, acne, sties and peri-oral dermatitis, a condition that causes the development of rash-like red bumps. If you are one of the 60% of women who shares their old makeup with friends, you are not only exposing yourself to harmful bacteria, but also exposing your friends as well.

Considering the staggering cost of most makeup, it is understandable why many of us, 68% to be exact, only replace make-up once it runs out, opposed to when the product expires. So the next time you get ready to apply that year-old mascara and eyeliner, think again. If you’ve been using old makeup, check out some of our recommendations for proper makeup usage and disposal.

Eye Makeup
Of all makeup items, mascara is the one you will need to replace regularly. According to the study, most women kept their mascara for a year, even though it should be replaced every two to three months. Mascara can breed icky bacteria that can lead to eye irritation, conjunctivitis and sties. While most women keep their powdered eye shadow for 180 months, it should be replaced each year. Cream-based eye shadows can grow bacteria more quickly than powders and should be replaced every 6 months. Liquid or pencil eyeliners should be replaced four times a year.

Foundation and Concealers
The study of British women also revealed that women tended to keep their concealer for two years, even though it should be replaced every 12 months. Generally, powder and stick concealers can last up to a year, while liquid concealers, which are more prone to breed bacteria, should be tossed after 6-12 months. If you buy your foundation in bulk, don’t worry. Unopened foundation can last for a few years.

Storage and Cleaning
Unfortunately, most of us store our makeup and makeup brushed in our moisture-rich bathrooms. You can extend the life of your favorite products by storing them in a dry, dark place. If you find you have frequent acne breakouts, you might be one of the 72% of women who never wash their make-up sponges or brushes. Be sure to wash these items regularly and you will surely see a difference in your skin.

Courtesy of binababy123 via Flickr

Going to a costume party this Halloween? If so, chances are you have some accessories to spice up your costume – maybe a witch’s hat, crazy jewelry or some festive makeup. If fun Halloween makeup is in your costume plans, you might want to read some of our tips before you go hitting the glittery eyes for that awesome Ke$ha costume you’re planning.

While glitter can add instant glitz and glam, it can also cause eye injuries, discomfort and infections if not used correctly. Big chunks of glitter that fall into the eye can scratch the cornea and leave your eyes bloodshot. Unless you’re going for monster or zombie makeup, you probably don’t want that.

Here are a few Halloween makeup tips on how to have glittery, yet pain-free, eyes:

• Never use glitter that isn’t intended to be makeup! Don’t think you can sprinkle craft store glitter on your eyelids. It is often cut in bigger chunks and made out of metal which could scratch your cornea or irritate your eye.
• Before you pile on a bunch of glitter, test it out on your skin. Does it irritate your skin? Does it fall easily into your eyes? Make sure you know before you wear it all night.
• Is it a loose glitter or liquid? If it’s a glittery “goo” that has to be applied with a brush or stick, it’s better to put on your eyelids than “loose” glitter. Loose glitter will fly into your eyes and irritate you – or worse, scratch your eyes.
• Read the instructions! If it says, “not intended for use around the eyes” or “avoid eye area,” don’t put it on your eyes! Some glitter is made to brush on your cheeks but not meant for eyes. Stick to the directions.
• Apply the glitter over a layer of liquid or cream eye shadow. If glitter has a “sticky” base to hold on to, it’s less likely to fall into your eyes throughout the night. A bonus is you can make some cool colors combinations!

Enchanting, sparkly eyes can really add to your magical Halloween costume. The trick is using the right kind of glitter and applying it correctly so your Halloween makeup looks beautiful from start to finish.

Wish you could get up out of bed and be instantly prettier? Of course you do. If you could altogether avoid or cut in half the daunting task of dolling yourself up for the day – wouldn’t you? Absolutely!

Well, now you can with this list of 5 ways to wake up prettier. No more of those days at work having someone tell you, “Ooh, you look tired.” Nope! You can kiss those days goodbye.

Shower it – then braid it

If you want to achieve that nice wavy look, then stick to this old motherly secret. You’ve heard the saying, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, this bedtime beauty secret is old school for a reason – it’s not broke, so don’t fix it!

Double layer it

Wearing primer over skincare products at night might sound odd, but it allows them to sink in and work their magic. Try it out if you’re a non-believer and see how good you look in the morning.

Keep it tamed

Want to protect yourself from the reincarnation of ‘80s riot hair? Then flip your hair upside down, pull it into a ponytail and secure it tightly (but not too tight – you’ve got to sleep comfortably after all) with a hair tie. No more striking a morning pose looking like Madonna.

The rub

You’re not the only one who wants to be comfortable when you lay yourself down to sleep at night. Your skin wants – no, deserves – to be comfy, too. Next time, moisturize yourself all over – elbows, knees, toes, ankles, armpits. If you can name it – moisturize it.

Get the glow

Self tanner is an important beauty product for maintaining exceptionally vibrant skin throughout the year. The best time to apply it? Right before bed. By self-tanning before bed and letting it dry overnight, you’ll find yourself waking up radiant-er.

By utilizing these 5 beauty-before-bedtime tips, you’ll be well on your way to waking up prettier and saving yourself that bothersome task of getting ready in the morning.

Winter can be tough on hair and skin.  The cold, the dry air and the lack of sunshine leave us with flaky skin, lifeless hair and a dull complexion.  Winter doesn’t have to leave us as ragged looking as we feel though!  With these five winter beauty tips you can get your glow back and feel beautiful.  What we can’t promise, however, is a change in the forecast…

Beat the winter beauty blues:

1)    Moisturize-  Using lotion on your hands and body should be a given year-round, but it’s especially important to moisturize even more this time of year.  Use rich, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner on your hair, use creamy face cleansers rather than gels, and use a leave-in conditioning hair treatment once a week.  Putting lotion on your feet and slipping on a pair of socks before bed is a great way to keep your toes sandal-ready even in the winter.

2)    Put on a mask- Using a moisturizing mask once a week can help retain moisture and keep away those pesky flakes and scales that show up on your skin this time of year. Always remember to put on a moisturizer after your mask treatment.

3)    Watch your time in the shower—A long, steaming hot shower probably is one of the things you most look forward to on a cold winter morning or evening. However, it be damaging to your skin and hair.  Try to either turn down the heat a bit on your next shower or shorten it.  Always slather on lotion in the first few minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in skin’s moisture.

4)    Scrub away dead skin—Winter is the time to exfoliate!  With increased dead skin this time of year, you need to exfoliate more.  By sloughing away dead skin cells, you allow more moisture to penetrate into your skin, too.

5)    The right environment—Blasting the heat in your home may feel great but it can wreak havoc on your skin and hair.  If you’re not willing to budge on the thermostat, try getting a humidifier.  Adding some moisture to the air can do wonders for your skin!  Add some house plants for more moisture, too.

Here’s to looking fabulous this winter! What winter beauty tips would you like to share with us?

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.

Besides being super low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, plus a good source of Potassium and Vitamins A and C (us health junkies are loving this!), watermelon is also a pure and natural beauty enhancer. It’s true! Watermelons act as a natural beauty product. If only women knew about the skin secrets behind this juicy fruit, they’d be rubbing it on their faces just as much they eat it. Okay, maybe not quite like that, but watermelons can act as a natural moisturizer. Not to mention, it’s an effective skin toner and skin tightner! Try it for yourself! Here are some clever beauty uses to try at home using watermelon:

The Watermelon Face Pack

This is the perfect remedy after you

’ve been outside all day in the blistering heat. Take roughly one cup of watermelon pulp, and apply it to the face and neck areas. Rinse after 15 minutes. This will invigorate the skin making it soft and supple, as well as giving it that cool and youthful shine.

Alleviating sunburn is another great use for a watermelon face pack. Watermelon pulp along with cucumber pulp can help heal sunburn and lighten skin complexion. Got a bad sunburn and don’t want to look like a lobster? Then apply about a half cup each of cucumber and watermelon pulp to the burnt region for 20 minutes and watch the pain and redness fade.

The Watermelon Scrub

Grate a watermelon, extracting all of its juice. Then mix with a pinch of gram flour (flour made from ground chickpeas) and wah-lah – you’ve got an authentic beauty scrub! Apply the paste to the face, leaving it on for 15 minutes before rinsing. The end result is an excellent scrub that will leave your skin radiant.

So, this summer when you get ready to chow down on some delicious watermelon at your next BBQ, remember to snag some leftovers for your cosmetics collection.