Embarrassing Beauty Disaster Solutions

Note: This post is inspired by Valentine's Day, but the lessons learned will help you in life. Here are quick and easy solutions for your most embarrassing beauty disasters.  You know, that pimple that pops up right before you're meeting a new fling for drinks, dreaded self tanning streaks, ingrown hairs (yes, even down there) and more.  

Self Tanning Streaks “Since self-tanners dye the skin the best way to remove any streaks is by sloughing off any dead skin cells. You can create a great DIY at home natural remedy with two simple ingredients, Lemon and Sugar. In a bowl squeeze 3 lemons and add 2 table spoons of sugar, creating a paste. Work the paste in circular motions until all steaks are removed. Wash off any excess. Your skin tone will not only be even but also baby soft.“ - Natalie Soto-Carlisle, Global Educator for jane iredale

Ingrown Hairs “Prevention is better than the cure – throw away the razor, and switch to waxing with an all natural, elastic wax applied by professionals to ensure you won’t get an ingrown hair.  Not only is the wax beneficial for your skin, and ouchless when it removes hair, the highly trained waxers apply an individual cold pack, this closes the pores to prevent bacteria from entering, which is the main cause of ingrown hairs.

However, if you are looking for a cure at the last minute, exfoliate with a gentle scrub as exfoliating will remove dead skin cells and release that ingrown hair, allowing your skin to return to its clean unblemished self.” – Noemi Grupenmager, CEO and Founder of Uni K Wax Centers

Pimples “Put Aspirin on a pimple (liquid from a liquid el or crushed up aspirin with water). Aspirin is a common household medicine. Almost all acne treatments on the market contain the ingredient, salicylic acid, which is also found in aspirin. Salicylic acid works to clean pores, exfoliate, and remove dead skin cells. As an acne treatment, aspirin is a safe and pretty effective method. However, it may take up to 24 hours to see results.

Put eye drops on pimples. Eye drops contain agents that constrict blood vessels which can reduce inflammation and redness in eyes. For this reason, it is possible to use eye drops on pimples in an effort to soothe swelling and irritation. It is key to find eye drops that specifically advertise “redness relief”.

For breakouts, look for products with benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, sulfur, or mandelic acid in them, all of which work to kill bacteria, clear up oil, and getting rid of dead skin cells.” - Dr. Ariel Ostad, NYC dermatologist

Cold Sores “As soon as you feel a cold store coming on, apply ice directly to the sore. It will bring down the swelling and ease the pain temporarily. If you use this tactic early enough in the game — at the first sign of tingling — you may end up with a smaller sore than you otherwise would have.

For a cold sore, use an over-the-counter medication like Abreva. OTCs like this are most effective if you take them as soon as you feel the telltale tingle of an oncoming cold sore.” – Dr. Ariel Ostad, NYC dermatologist

The Truth About Transcendental Meditation

Is this just a big mind f*ck?  I'm being mind f*cked right now.  Those were my exact thoughts as I sat through a four day course on transcendental meditation (TM).  Then I realized, maybe just maybe, I'm actually not being mind f*cked and this is for real.  My interest in TM started about a year ago after attending one of Gabby Bernstein's lectures.  She swore by it and promises it leads to a more fulfilled life.  The fact that it can cure migraines didn't hurt either.  Enter the new year.  Learning and practicing TM was one of my goals and now I can say, I'm an expert at it.  So what exactly is it and more importantly, is it working?

Transcendental Meditation (according to the Mayo Clinic) is a form of meditation that allows your body to settle into a state of profound rest and relaxation and your mind to achieve a state of inner peace, without needing to use concentration or effort.  A delve into the unconscious mind.  By practicing TM for 20 minutes twice a day, the benefits – all backed by science – include reduced stress, reduced insomnia, normalized blood pressure, lower risk of a heart attack and stroke, reduced anxiety and depression and overall improvement in brain function and memory.

I began practicing meditation at my yoga studio, Integral Yoga Institute New York, about six months ago.  Focusing on the breath or sometimes maybe a candle light, it came easy to me and I found a true appreciation and love for it.  My anxiety has lessened and I have an overall feeling of calmness and peace afterwards.  Plus, it's the ultimate version of "me" time.

After attending an introductory lecture at a TM center in NYC, I realized that if I was going to take the time to meditate, I might as well get the most out of my practice and signed up. Studies prove the benefits, so what did I have to lose?  I eagerly jumped into a four day course (despite the fact that it costs $1,000) and my open mind was 100% on board.

The first meeting, I met privately with an instructor, (instructors become certified after a five month long meditation retreat, working on TM 24/7), and she preformed a ritual in Sanskrit where I gave a offering on an alter of three sweet fruits (in my case all oranges), 12 flowers (I gave yellow tulips) and a new, white handkerchief to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the man who bought the practice of TM to the world.  Then, I was given my mantra (a vehicle for transcendence) and taught the simple, effortless technique.

Bright eyed, I went home and practiced what I learned later that afternoon.  The following three days, I met with a class of about 30 people who were in the course that was lead by four teachers. This is where the mind fucking comes in.  We all shared our experiences of how our TM practice was going each day, and no matter what the experiences were, (thoughts, flashing lights, even headaches) they were all positive results of TM.  The answer – they're a result of stress leaving the body.  All of them! As long as you use your mantra and practice two times a day for 20 minutes, you're good!  So did I just pay a grand to learn how to sit still for 20 minutes?  No, it's more than that, but what really got me was the fact that it's completely effortless.  There was no magic spell.

And you know what, after practicing twice a day for a little over a week now, I believe in it.  I believe that my TM experiences allow stress, which is the cause of so many poor health conditions, to leave my mind and body.  I've been happier (living my life by the laws of The Secret, I'm a pretty happy person, but this is a more of a peaceful, blissful state), clarity has improved, I'm more productive and efficient with my time, sleep better and maybe best of all, my anxiety has settled.

Truth is, if everyone practiced TM, our world would vibrate at a higher frequency and there would be no war – within ourselves and others.

Grammys: Red Carpet Ready

Last night was #amazing.  Did you watch the Grammys?  Between Kristen Wig in a leotard, Katy Perry's lavender lob, and Beyonce's angelic performance, it was a fun show and I'm so thankful to have been in on the action.  If you were following my social channels, you'll know that I was completely obsessed with my hair.  One of the highlights was collaborating with Herbal Essences Celebrity Stylist, Charles Baker Strahan, on a look that perfectly complimented my Donna Karan gown.

"I was initially inspired by the movement and softness of the drapery in your dress," my stylist, Charles Baker Strahan.  With a bit of lift in my crown, my signature side swept bangs and articulate movement in the back, it was perfect.

Dress: c/o Donna Karan Shoes: Steve Madden Clutch: House of Harlow Earrings: Stella & Dot

Did you happen to catch my Herbal Essences promo during E!'s Live from the Red Carpet?  Tune into Fashion Police tonight on E! to catch another one! This one has footage from the red carpet!

Red Carpet Prep, I'm Heading to the Grammys

Who's excited to watch the Grammys?  I'm pumped!  I'll be reporting live from the red carpet and the show thanks to Herbal Essences!  (So make sure you're following me on Twitter, Insta and SnapChat - for exclusive behind the scenes pics.)  During the day, I'll be filming commercials for Herbal Essences that will be broadcasted on E! before and after the show.  About what?  Well, read on.  Oh and PS: Which dress should I wear?

On Grammy day, I'll be in LA priming for the red carpet at the Herbal Essences Suite with E! Host, Ali Fedotowsky, my blogger BFF, Sydne Summer and Vine comedian, Brittany Furlan.

Celebrity Stylist, Charles Strahan Baker, will be using the new Herbal Essences Wild Naturals collection on each of us during our red carpet prep.  Have you heard about the new collection yet?  Each shampoo smells divine!  There are three shampoo and conditioner pairings– Rejuvenating, Illuminating and Detoxifying– plus, stylers that go with each.  Made with cassia (an Ayurvedic herb), the products help to strengthen and restore your hair by protecting it from damage and breakage in its most vulnerable state, when it’s wet.  Perfect for red carpet prep.

Want to check out my journey to the red carpet?  Make sure you're watching E!'s Live from the Red Carpet before the show on Sunday and then Fashion Police on Monday to catch the commercials.

*This post is sponsored by Herbal Essences, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Behind the Look: Charles Baker Strahan

Besides coifing celebs and models like Leighton Meester, Kathy Griffin,  Lauren Conrad, Lily Aldridge and Molly Sims, I've also had the privilege of having my hair done by Charles Baker Strahan, Celebrity Hairstylist for Herbal Essences.  He's one of the most genuine people in the biz and truly, I mean truly, knows his craft.  His beauty philosophy is so well thought out, it might make you think twice about your hair the next time you leave the house.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. There are so many varied experiences that I have had and that I am truly grateful for. From being the celebrity stylist for Herbal Essences, to being on the E! Series "Scouted" and other on-camera experiences, and even the transformational color/cutting work I get to do in the salon - it's all so exciting.

My current highlight is working with Kathy Griffin on set for the E! Fashion Police.  We have had a relationship for over four years now, which is hard to believe how fast time flies, but our relationship has evolved and she gives me a lot of freedom to change her color and cut and style her hair in so many different ways. The show gives me the license to kill and I'm determined to make her hair different every episode!

What’s your beauty philosophy? Beauty and truth are constantly evolving. The greater the relationship I have with my clients and the more that I know them and their "essence,” the easier it is for me to open up their esthetic and show them how the physical expression of beauty is the truth of the moment they are in.

I love showing people how far they can stretch themselves and how varied they can be in that expression. Beauty and your physicality are your unspoken ways of telling the world around you who you are and how you would like to be received. Be intentional in your choices but open to the possibilities of how you can change. Being fluid with your identity lends to being graceful and that is truly beautiful in any situation.

1. What are your top five must-haves in your kit and why?  Herbal Essences Naked Volumizing Soufflé – it is an ultra-light and flexible mousse ideal as a base product to do just about anything
2. Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Dry Oil – helps to restore taxed and tired follicles needing shine and softness
3. Boar bristle round brushes - they polish the cuticle and create shape that allows hair to have life and movement which is essential
4. GHD Air Blowdryer - the tri-zone technology provides even heat that reshapes the hair but doesn't "cook" it. So, if you straighten the hair you can go back and add curl after
5. Marcel Irons Hot Tools – you can be more dexterous with them – I can do almost anything with these

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

The things most important to me and impressive are the ones that have been around forever. However, I do love it when they take a product and update it, like dry shampoo. Dry shampoo has changed SO many people’s “hair life” in the last few years!

Spill your best beauty advice. The thing I tell EVERYONE is not to try too hard. If you have a look that you are going for, use it as inspiration but leave room for the unexpected. Watch how your hair is responding to what you are doing without judgment and you might suddenly find that what's happening is better than what you were initially going for.

Also, my favorite aha moment is when someone was caught in the rain or they are running late and don't have time to “do” their hair so their hair has the chance to just do its thing and ends up looking great. Be easier on yourself - chances are you'll learn to embrace your uniqueness instead of lamenting why you don't look like someone else. You're always going to be you!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? If you just took a hot shower and turned your bathroom into a tropical rain forest, don’t try and style your hair in that environment!

Put your product in your hair while it's still wet. Use the water in the hair to give you an even distribution and wring out the excess moisture before letting it dry. If you are spending most of your effort blow drying really wet hair with a round brush, you are mostly just wearing yourself out. Let the product do its thing and this will likely cut your styling time in half.

It’s also important to remember heat changes the shape of hair and coolness sets it in. So when heat styling, let your hair cool in order to lock in your style.

Keep up with Charles Baker Strahan on Twitter and Instagram.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Your Man

Valentine's Day is a weird holiday; not in theme, but in gift giving. You can't give something too extravagant, but a box of chocolates is très dull. It's the perfect holiday for something logical. Here are 5 gift ideas your man is sure to love (and you probably will too)!

Polo Black Cologne by Ralph Lauren, $64.00 at Sephora

Cologne is always a smart buy. Not only is it something your man will love to use, but you'll love when he uses it (you know you want your guy smelling great)! Nothing is more telling about a guy than the scent he wears.  This Ralph Lauren scent is a subtle hint of that manly musk all women love!

"Eglinton" 5-Piece Classic Wet-Shaving Kit, $101. 86 at Fendrihan

Can you think of a man with more class than one who uses an old-fashioned shaving kit? We can't! If your guy is someone who enjoys the finer things in life, we recommend this elegant kit for him (if he's not, just go with socks). This is just a great buy in general and pretty reasonably priced if you ask us! This kit comes in classic black and ivory.

Penguin Canvas and Wool Duffle, $150.00 at Original Penguin

A great duffel is always a good investment, especially if your man likes to workout. This duffel makes for the perfect gym bag, even though he swears he doesn't need one, you know he does. This bag is even large enough for you two to share! Couples who workout together stay together! Speaking of...

Insanity 60-Day Total Body Conditioning Program, $119.85 at Beachbody

You'd have to be insane not to buy this for your man! See what we did there? But really, this is a great nudge toward keeping him healthy.  Plus, you can use it, too!

Monthly Subscriptions to Pretty Much... Anything

Prices vary, but there are monthly subscriptions to some great foods, drinks, and other awesome things! Some of our favorites: Jerky of the Month for $24.95 a month, Dollar Shave Club for $1 a month, Craft Beer Club for $39.00 a month. These are great because they give your guy something to look forward to every month! We just spruced up your relationship, you're welcome.

If all else fails, a couples spa day never hurt nobody.

Souping, the New Juicing

Souping is the new juicing.  Yes, you read that right.  Some genius health foodies in LA are starting to cash in on the latest trend and it's only a matter of time before the rest of the country (or NYC at least) catches on.

Unlike juices, which often leave one hungry, soups focuses on fiber, fat, protein and the veggies that need to be cooked for maximum nutritional benefits.  I'm a huge fan of drinking green juice in the morning, (healthy green juice recipe), but can definitely appreciate this new souping fad.

Sold separately or as a complete cleanse, there are currently two companies on the cutting edge - Soupier and Soupelina, both in Los Angeles.  Soupure has they're own chef and recipe developer as well as a nutritional specialist and nutritionist on board.  With a large of products, the brand is part your grandmothers elixer part food science part modern health program.  They specialize in both cold and hot versions of soup and even make soup smoothies.  Yum!  Whether you're vegan or not, their bases range from vegetable, chicken and beef broth.  All all-natural, of course.

Grammys Makeup Tutorial & CoverGirl Giveaway

I can't wait for the Grammys this year (big announcement coming soon!) and in anticipation, I decided to create a Grammys inspired alternative music look.  Don't laugh at me!  While I love all types of music, I grew up listening to Nirvana, Bush, Coldplay and The Killers.  Check out my video below to find out how to get my "chick in rock and roll" look and oh yea, there's a big CoverGirl giveaway, too! When I first thought of creating a look based off of alternative music, women like Courtney Love and Avril Lavigne came to mind.  The second – eyeliner.  Inspired by their creative use of makeup as self expression and effortless attitude, I decided to use new CoverGirl products to create my look.  Check out the video!

You can visit Ulta and get makeup like the CoverGirl products I used to recreate my look or win them here!  I'm giving away CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara, Eye Shadow Quads, Bombshell Pow-Der BROW + Liner, Outlast Lip Color and a $50 gift card to Ulta so you can shop more products that'll help you get red carpet ready.  To enter, check out the video above and let me know your favorite part in the comments section below.  I'll announce the winner on Monday, February 9th, right after the Grammys in the comments section below, too.

And of course, good news for all... everyone's a winner, because from February 1st to February 21st, if you purchase any CoverGirl product on Ulta, you can get  an additional CoverGirl product for 50% off!

*This post is sponsored by P&G and Ulta, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

5 Favorites

Confession: I've been indulging lately in beauty products that cost a pretty penny. Of course, I typically mix up my vanity with highs and lows, but this "5 Favorites" post doesn't include any drugstore buys.  I almost feel guilty, but I couldn't help but rave about these new products.  Yes, even the $29 hand cream.  Hey, if you're going to spend your paycheck at Sephora, you might as well know what works!

Jane Iredale Hand Drink, $29 at janeiredale.com

I'm completely obsessed with applying cream to my hands as I skeeve dry skin.  That being said, whenever a new hand cream comes across my desk, I use it... all of it.  This time, I fell in love with Jane Iredale's new hand cream, not only does it it sink into my skin quickly and have SPF, but also because it and leave a greasy residue.  When I saw that it was $29, I was shocked.  A bit pricey for a hand cream, but if you're searching for the one, this is it.

Armani Eye Tint, $38 at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

When I apply these eye tints, I feel fancy.  Armani Beauty just launched 12 shades of this creamy shadow.  To apply, I use the sponge applicator it comes with and then a shadow brush to blend.  They stay put for hours and the give off the most beautiful luminescent color, (which is what I like the most), that can be layered for a more intense look.

Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, $63 at bobbibrown.com

After doing my makeup, I press this moisture balm onto my cheekbones, the top of my nose, forehead and chin to enhance the appearance of my healthy skin.  When it comes to makeup, you should use it to enhance, not cover up and this illuminating balm brings out the best of your skin.  You can also wear it alone to reap the benefits.

YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil, $32 at sephora.com

Now this... is special.  The first of it's kind, YSL created a tinted lip oil that adapts to your natural lip color, making sure it's the most flattering shade for you.  It works the same way as perfume where the same scent smells differently on different women. Available in eight shades, you can layer the color to increase the intensity of the pigment.

Indie Lee Patchouli Sandalwood Moisturizing Oil, $36 at indielee.com

Do you use oil on your skin?  Sometimes I apply this alone right after I get out of the shower and sometimes I mix it with my moisturizer.  My skin drinks it up!  Made with jojoba and apricot oils and sandalwood, this oil is super moisturizing and great to use throughout the winter.  Indie Lee makes several different types of oil, but the scent of this one is to die.

Behind the Look: Rita Hazan

Meet the Celebrity Colorist who's responsible for Beyonce's highlights, Rita Hazan. Most recently she brightened the songstress's hair with honey and platinum shades.  In this interview, she proves you don't need to spend a lot of money to have good hair.

What’s your beauty philosophy? Healthy hair keeps color longer.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?  a. Root Concealer b. Weekly Remedy c. Shu Umera Shampoo and Conditioner d. Ultimate Shine Color Gloss e. YS Park Y3 brush

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Deesse’s Elujuda (Mo) Mellow Oil. You put it on hair while it’s wet, and it makes it easy to blowdry and keeps your hair shiny.

Spill your best beauty advice. Take care of your hair, use good products, and if you’re spending a significant amount of money, do so on your color because your hair is the focus of your look. If it’s not right you can’t take it off and put it to the side – it’s part of you.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? If you have gray hair, you have to try the root concealer. Spray it around your hairline and you’ll never have roots again. This is amazing for women with brown hair especially.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. My newest launch, Weekly Remedy. It took a long time to create a conditioning treatment that is strong enough to make a difference without going to the salon.

Exercise: The Skin Impact

When thinking of anti-aging, we know we have to protect our skin from stressors like the sun, free radicals and pollution, but have you ever thought about protecting your skin from exercise?  Seems like an oxymoron as we're encouraged to work out for a healthy lifestyle, but according to Dr. Dennis Gross, that too, can cause premature aging.  So what's a girl to do?

"When our cardiovascular system is functioning optimally we have proper circulation, which ensures the optimum flow of blood and nutrients to the skin," explains Dr. Gross.  Exactly our thinking.  Right?  Exercise is crucial for so many reasons.

"That being said, high impact exercise, especially running, may result in fabulous legs, but it can negatively impact the skin. It has been my observation that most die-hard runners have premature lines, wrinkles, and sagging."

Wait, what? It seems we're always sacrificing somewhere.  While I hate running, the risk of aging isn't going to make me stop as it's something I need to do for my body. You with me?  One recommendation Dr. Gross has is to reduce the amount of high impact exercise or alternate your routines to incorporate both high and low impact exercise like yoga to give your skin a break from being “stressed-out.”

Dying to know what you think about this... comment below!

Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatments, Get On Board

Have you ever thought about nourishing your your hair before you shampoo?  Yes, it sounds nuts, since you're just going to wash it out, but pre-shampoo hair treatments are popping up everywhere and the benefits are worth the extra effort.  Incorporate them into your beauty routine once a week or as needed and trust me, you'll love the results.  Here are three pre-shampoo treatments on my radar.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, $49 at philipkingsley.com

This pre-shampoo treatment helps to increase elasticity, bounce and shine in your hair.  When your hair's wet, it stretches.  Leave this light-weight cream on your strands for 10-20 minutes before shampooing to ensure your hair's moisturized and won't break when combing it out after washing.

Hair Essentials Nourishing Hair Oil, $29.99 at hairessentials.com

This hair oil is made with a combination of oils like coconut, rosemary, lavender, cedar wood to help moisturize and nourish your scalp and hair.  Apply a small dollop on dry hair and massage it into your scalp and take it all the way down to your ends.  Leave it on for an hour before shampooing.

Kerastase Metamorph'oil, $44 at kerastase-usa.com

A combination of six different oils, oriander, coco, rice bran, argan, cranberry and rosemary, this pre-shampoo treatment acts like a purifier for your hair.  Think cleanse.  It helps to remove dirt, oil and product build up before you shampoo.  Apply a quarter size amount to dry hair and massage it into your hair shaft. Leave in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.

Fresh Makes Bar Soap Cool Again

Fresh is launching a new line of soaps and we're betting you're going to want one. Why? Because they collaborated with famed astrologer, Susan Miller, to ensure each scented soap fits your astrological sign; 12 soaps for 12 signs. We told you you'd want one!  Curious to see what your sign looks like?  Read on.

If you're not familiar with Susan Miller's work, it's about time you check her out at Astrology Zone! Trust us, it's one of the best astrology readings out there. Plus, she's the sweetest person in the world, so that doesn't hurt.

Each bar of soap contains a sign-specific horoscope from Susan and some great beauty tips! What's not to love? Even the scents, stones, and color schemes are tailored to fit your sign!

Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

Scent: Mangosteen- a lush blend reminiscent of succulent nectarines

Color scheme: orange and red

Stone: tiger's eye

Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

Scent: Sugar- a blend of caramel and sweet citruses

Color scheme: olive and brown

Stone: quartz

Water Signs: Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio

Scent: Waterlily- a sheer aquatic floral blend

Color scheme: turquoise and aqua

Stone: fluorite

Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

Scent: Verbena- a classic bright green citrus blend

Color scheme: blue and gray

Stone: aventurine

There's a lot of things to love about this line, but our favorite is that it's actually a bar of soap. Can you even remember the last time you used one? It's such a nostalgic collection, (maybe even more nostalgic than Breakfast Club).

Maybe... This great line launches February 1st and can be found at Fresh or Fresh.com.

Hot Ingredient for Sensitive Skin: Goat Milk

Have sensitive skin?  Or maybe your skin's been acting up?  Last week while in LA, I visited the Kate Somerville Clinic for a facial and fell in love with goat milk.  Found in many soaps and moisturizers, the ingredient is great for soothing and calming your skin.  Here's the scoop.

"Goat milk treats redness and inflammation and mildly exfoliates with Lactic Acid. I suffered from Eczema as a child and my parents would add goats milk to the bath to calm my skin," commented Kate Somerville.

It's so gentle that anyone can use it, but people with dry or sensitive skin will reap the most benefits.  Kate Somerville makes Goat Milk Cream that saved my skin and with the harsh winter weather, may just be what you've been looking for, too.

3 Lipstick Shades Every Woman Should Own

While you may have a ton of options for dressing your lips, there are only three lipsticks every woman should own.  Consider these three the main staples in your lipstick wardrobe and the rest, well, why not right?  Makeup Artist, Michael Shepherd of GlamSquad, gave me the rundown.

Your Best Red - Whether it's an orange or blue based red, pick your hue and own it.  Because they're less maintenence, choose a matte red lipstick.  They last longer and won't bleed.  I'm a huge fan of NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below and Heat Wave.  A great drugstore option is Maybelline Color Sensational The Mattes Lip Color in Siren in Scarlet.

Your Everyday Nude - To find a nude lipstick that's right for you, match the shade to the center of your bare lip.  Opt for a glossy formula, since matte nudes aren't the most flattering.  Check out the Dior Rouge Dior range.  There are several nudes with a sheen.  Also, L'Oreal has a Perfect Nudes Collection.

Your Pop Color - Think pink or berry.  Your pop color should be your fun, lipstick shade of choice, but keep it matte for the same reasons as using a matte red.  You could always put a gloss over it.  Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Lipcolor Stick has serious staying power and Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick offers fun moisturizing shades.

Stop Damaging Your Hair

Remember when I chopped my hair into a bob?  It was a like a fresh start and felt so good to get rid of all of that damaged length.  Now that my hair's grown out though, I love it long, but unless I get a blow out, it looks thin and stringy.  Therefore, I'm a blow dry addict (not to mention curling iron obsessed), which only leads to more damage on my freshly grown out strands.  Oh, you heat style your hair, too?  Of course you do!  Well, I found a way to prevent damage, which makes torching my hair almost OK.  

Besides using a heat protectant spray, I added a shampoo and conditioner to my haircare regimen that protects my hair against styling damage.  (Yes, this too, can start in the shower.) CLEAR has a new collection called Active Damage Resist, which is formulated with vitamins and oils to make your hair fibers stronger and help restore your hairs luminosity and smoothness.

So if you're anything like me, blow out obsessed or just heat style your hair often, I strongly advise using the proper protectant products so you don't damage your hair.  Unless of course, you're ready to make a serious chop!

Clear Scalp & Hair Active Damage Resist Ultra Nourishing Shampoo & Ultra Nourishing Conditioner are available at drugstores for $4.99-$5.99.

*This post is sponsored by Clear, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Get Her Look: Reese Witherspoon

How stunning did Reese Witherspoon look at the Critics Choice Movie Awards? While most were caught up with the fact that Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie were at the same event (God forbid!), I was obviously paying attention to Reese's clean makeup and soft bombshell waves.  Here, her makeup artist, Molly Stern and hairstylist, Adir Abergel, gave me the step-by-step so you can recreate it.

Makeup

1. Even out your skin tone with foundation (Molly used a bit of Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation on Reese.)
2. Contoured the hollows of your cheeks blending upward and add a pop of color with an apricot blush like NARS in Orgasm.
3. Give your eyes a natural smoke by applying Christian Dior Fusion Mono Matte Baked Eyeshadow in 761 Mirage into the crease of your eyelids and then NARS Eyeshadow in Blondie.
4. Line and smudge your upper and lower lash line using a black liner like Jillian Dempsey Khol Eyeliner in Jet Black.
5. Add two coats of jet black mascara.
6. Apply a lip balm with a hint of color.  Reese is wearing Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands.

Hair

1. Spritz John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray on damp hair from mid-shaft to ends to create a foundation for optimum volume and hold.
2. Part your bangs in the middle and blow-dry your hair smooth with a medium round brush for a full, sexy blowout.
3. Take  a 1” inch curling iron and loosely curl your hair, leaving the ends out.
4. Use John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray to break down the waves and give them separation.
5. Tease the crown area.
6. Finish with a light weight styling cream like John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-up Crème on the ends for perfect detailed texture.

Join Me at Bloomingdales

Calling all makeup fanatics, save the date!  You're invited to join me and some of my favorite makeup artists at Bloomingdales on 59th Street in NYC next Thursday, January 22nd to learn about the hottest new products.  Think exclusive makeup artist tips, champagne, giveaways from your favorite brands and more.  Sounds like a fun girls night out to!  It starts at 6:30pm and costs $25 to reserve your space, which will go towards the purchase of your choice.  Hope to see you there! RSVP to 212-705-3248 or eventsrsvp@bloomingdales.com.  Space is limited. 

The Best Drugstore Beauty Buys Right Now

Not only are these the best new drugstore beauty buys, but they're also game changers, proving you don't have spend your whole paycheck for sophisticated, effective products. Out of all of the products I receive to test out, only few are really innovative.

Dove DermaSeries, This new skincare collection was formulated by a dermatologist and the line is clinically proven to moisturize and relieve dry skin better than a prescription.  Boom!  Personally, I'm obsessed with the Intense Repairing Body Cream.

John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss, One of my favorite celebrity stylists, Harry Josh helped to formulate this is a salon-quality weekly color gloss that not only matches your hair color, but also the tone.  I use it once a week to keep my deep brunette hair in check.

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor, This long lasting lip color is intense in pigment and rich in shine.  The two-step lip lacquer has serious staying power (they say 24 hours, but I confess, I've never worn it that long) and the second step keeps lips moisturized.  My fave shade is Red Infallible.

Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water, There was a point in my life where I hoarded cleansing waters.  All very expensive and so luxorious!  This one is a drugstore beauty buy that removes makeup and cleanses your skin.  Just put some on a cotton ball and you'll immediately feel refreshed.

Maybelline Brow Drama, $7.99, This brow mascara has an interestingly shaped brush.  Nervous to use it at first, I then found it gripped every single hair, and the color tint is nice.  To use: Run the wand through your brows from the outside in and then inside out to make sure you coat every hair.

Behind the Look: Sabrina Bedrani

Recently responsible for Felicity Jones's makeup look at the Golden Globes, Celebrity Makeup Arits, Sabrina Bedrani, is known for creating clean, beautiful looks.  With a roster of clients like Sandra Bullock, Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Lizzy Caplan, and Elizabeth Moss, I'm sure you've seen her work before. Here, she dishes on her go-to beauty products and advice to live by (for all of you lovers of a red lip)! 

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. I recently worked on an editorial shoot with Peter Lindbergh and Amber Valletta. Even though I worked with Peter quite often now, having Amber there made it such an iconic Peter Lindbergh shoot, like the ones I used to look at in magazine when I dreamed of being a makeup artist.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I always try to have a fresh, youthful approach to my makeup. I believe you should enhance one’s beauty with makeup, not hide them behind it.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

1- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, nothing opens up the eye more than nicely curled lashes, and the Shu Uemura is just the best one on the market, it fits any kind of eye shape.

2- Dior Crayon Eyeliner Waterproof in Trinidad Black, because I can create so many looks just with that one pencil, you can just put it inside of the eye on the waterline, or line the eye all around, use it to line just the top along the lash line for a cat eye, or use it all over the lid and smudge it ( with fingers or the little sponge at the end) for a smokey eye, and it won’t budge.

3- Orlane Super Moisturizer Light Cream, because it really moisturizes without leaving a greasy film, it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin supple and ready for your makeup application.

4- Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, because it’s the perfect for under the eye, it seals the concealer, brightens the eye, but it’s super light so it won’t stay in the lines. Most powder are too heavy for the delicate under eye skin.

5- Dior Eyeshadow 5 CouleursCuir Canage, It has the perfect fall colors for day and night. You can use the colors separately, the lightest one is perfect for day time alone or along with the 2 other Medium tone ones ( one more brown the other more plum). The darkest color can also be used on its own or added to the other ones for a more dramatic look. Perfect for going from a daytime to nighttime look. And it is flattering on everyone.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Talika Eye Therapy Patch, Charlotte Tilbury foundations, Dior Fushion Mono Eyehadow.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Don’t over pluck your eyebrows. let them grow, it’s more youthful to have full eyebrows, and if you don’t know how to do it, don’t touch them, go see a professional.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

If you wearing red (dark) lipstick, the best way to make it last is to apply a lip liner all over your lips before putting on your lipstick. It will make it long lasting and it won’t bleed.