mother's day beauty: industry pros share their favorite tips & tricks

some advice moms give their children may go unnoticed, but sometimes they really do know best. just in time for mother's day, some very fabulous beauty industry pros have shared with me beauty tips and some words of beauty wisdom they received from their moms {and grandmothers} that highly influenced their success.

i'm loving the advice they shared, and think you will too! 

take a look…

before Charlotte Tilbury become an international makeup artist, she spent her childhood years on the island of ibiza with her parents, Patsy and Lance. what’s the best piece of advice that Patsy gave to her daughter? take your pick:

*lipstick gives instant glamour, so there is no excuse for not doing your makeup every morning.

*always protect your skin. growing up on an island, Charlotte’s mom always insisted that Charlotte use the best sunscreen available.

*moisturizer is important. not only for your face, but to prevent the aging of the hands as well.

*always wear high heels!

mother's day isn't just any other day for Miko and Titi Branch, the founders and CEOs of Miss Jessie’s. the company name itself pays tribute to their grandmother Jessie, better known as "Miss Jessie". Miko and Titi still take their beloved grandmother's teachings to heart:

*the importance of deep conditioning hair. Miss Jessie once created a softening, deep conditioning crème with an egg and mayonnaise.

*carefully blot curly, wet hair with a towel in downward motion. randomly drying hair can cause excess frizz that turns curly hair into a complete disaster.

Katie Jane Hughes, butter LONDON global colour ambassador, learned her beauty basics from her mother and grandmother.

*Katie's mom believed in the power of lipstick saying, "you never know who you’re going to meet!"

*her grandmother faithfully used L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray! to this day the smell still reminds Katie of her.

what's the best beauty advice or fave beauty tip that you've received from your mom or grandmother?

keep skin looking its best this holiday party season!

office parties, cocktails with friends, family get-togethers, late night "ugly sweater" parties...

soirees that come along with the holidays are fun, but all the festivities can leave you looking less than lovely the morning after. thankfully, my sources that have shared some tips and products you can use to reinvigorate your skin and maintain a wide-eyed and bushy-tailed look.

consider trying the following list of beauty essentials ~ they just might be what you need to help your skin recover from all that fun you've been having...

start the morning after by cleansing away last night. Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase HydraBalance Foaming Cleanser is a soap-free, non-drying cleanser that contains a balancing formula to restore the skin's natural protective barrier, as well as help it regain and retain lost moisture.

wake up your skin with a cooling spritz! Jurlique Chamomile Soothing Mist gently calms and soothes tired skin; this beautiful formula will leave your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated {and one step closer to your former glory}.

lock in the moisture. Kinerase Advanced Lotion conditions while supporting your skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid. this gentle lotion also boasts in aiding the improvement of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

wake up your complexion. follow this skin rehab with a light layer of Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm Multi-Benefit Skin Care Makeup all over to even out your skin-tone.


if your face is feeling fresh, but your eyes still look a little bloodshot, here are some easy tricks to brighten up those peepers...

start with the Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Under Eye Recovery to soothe and deflate puffiness for a bright-eyed appearance {this affordable wonder also decreases dark circles as it brightens}, then neutralize the redness and draw attention outward with a pale reflective shadow like the Too Faced Exotic Color Eyeshadow in Firefly.

complete the illusion of bigger eyes by tight-lining with the Too Faced 3 Way Lash Lining Tool and finish your look with a quick tap of Too Faced Full Bloom Full Bloom Lip & Cheek Crème Color in Sweet Pea. your fresh-faced look will leave people thinking you spent the morning doing yoga.


keep your skin happy and healthy looking this festive season. have fun of course, and remember that simple things like staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, and getting as much sleep as possible are also always beneficial!

happy holidays!

Total Beauty: Easy Ways to Customize Your Makeup

bonjour, beauties! hope your week has been a pleasant one. here in so cal it's been beyond blazing, complete with a heat warning from the weather service. thankfully, stay inside has its benefits. i've started {and finished} some books, watched a few movies {via netflix streaming and borrowed movies from the library}, listened to podcasts, and of course, been fascinated by the Olympics!

i've also enjoyed reading some fun and very informative articles, including this one from Total Beauty regarding mixing products to make products already owned work to be even better. from mixing your highlighter with moisturizer for a glowy, pretty base to creating new lip colors using my that ever-growing MAC pigments collection and lipgloss.

fun tips are ahead! enjoy...

Makeup Mixology: How to Create Your Perfect Blend

Having a tough time finding the right shade of foundation or lipstick? You may already have the solution -- and it's in your makeup bag

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tips article Before you head out to Sephora for a long and possibly unsuccessful trip to find that perfect match, try makeup mixology. By combining your favorite go-to staples, you can customize your products for all of your beauty wants and needs. See how you can get the DIY technique that experts are using now. Customize now

5 Expert Tips for Gorgeous, Glowing Skin

actresses Rachel Bilson and Vera Farmiga flaunt glowing complexions every time they step onto the red carpet. these ladies regularly turn to Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist {and author of the new book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist} to keep their skin in top shape.

i'm happy to say that i have 5 tips from the doctor herself, so you and i can also achieving celeb-worthy skin! and because i feel it's my beauty-loving duty, i'll add my "two-cents" with product suggestions. enjoy...

tip #1: remove makeup before going to sleep ~ Dr. Jaliman says, "i cannot emphasize this enough: never go to bed without cleansing your face. if you don't, the results will be clogged pores and breakouts. if you’re really too exhausted to wash your face with water and cleanser, at least have cleansing pads by your bed and use them to wipe makeup off."

cleansing wipes are a must-have for any beauty girl! my faves include MAC Wipes and Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

tip #2: exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate ~ "even the best skin in the world will look dull if it's not well exfoliated. you can exfoliate on a daily basis with your cotton washcloth or a disposable cotton pad and a cleanser. if you have normal or oily skin, in addition to your daily exfoliation, once or twice a week use something stronger, like a scrub with fine granules or microspheres," advises Dr. Jaliman.

this couldn't be more true! for my oily skin i use a washcloth daily and reach for ExfoliKate by Kate Somerville for more intense exfoliation 2-3 times a week.

tip #3: the wrong makeup can make acne worse ~ "people with acne cannot use heavy foundations and oily concealers, period. i've had several celebrity clients whose acne did not clear up until i personally spoke to their makeup artists -- all that heavy TV makeup was ruining my carefully prescribed skincare regimen. every major makeup company now makes oil-free and non-comedogenic foundations. people with very oily skin can use mineral foundations, which keep skin matte longer."

when it comes to mineral makeup, i love BareMinerals and CoverFX, but i recently started using a powder foundation from a brand called Mia Mariu. they offer fabulous botanical products and a full line of mineral color cosmetics {i'll be featuring my experience soon}.

tip #4: don't wait until wrinkles appear to start using anti-aging products ~ "collagen production starts decreasing in the late twenties, so that's when people should start using retinols, antioxidants and collagen boosters, especially around the eyes," says Jaliman.

when it come to skincare, prevention is always the best {i have my mom to thank for that knowledge}. though, i admit, i thought it was a little silly to begin using anti-aging products when i had no wrinkles in my mid-twenties, but i am definitely glad i did {still no wrinkles at 32!}. when it comes to anti-aging products, my go-to products come from Estee Lauder and L'Oreal.

tip #5: store your makeup and skincare in the fridge ~ ;"the warm, steamy environment of the bathroom makes products deteriorate faster. if you have very expensive creams or have bought several jars of lipsticks that you don't use every day, keep them in the fridge for best results," recommends Dr. Jaliman.

i love this tip! for eye creams, the cold temp of any formula on the skin will help decrease any puffiness; for face creams, especially since it's summer, this makes for a refreshing treat.

hope these tips have taught you something new-- many thanks to Dr. Jaliman! visit her website and stay tuned -- i'll be bringing you my thoughts on her book, Skin Rules soon.

Total Beauty: Save Time on Your Beauty Routine

who doesn't want to save time when it comes to beauty prep? or at least be prepared with knowing the best products to use when the time comes around for such a situation?

from stick-on nail polishes to multi-purpose products, take a look at this fabulous article from Total Beauty to discover what you can do to save precious minutes when it comes to your beauty routine...

9 Best Timesaving Beauty Products

These amazing, multi-tasking beauty products will save you from wasting precious minutes in the morning

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article We know -- with everything you've got to do in the morning, you don't have time to futz with a complicated get-ready routine. That's why we talked to top makeup artists and got them to dish about the best multi-tasking products that are guaranteed to shorten your morning makeup routine. You know, so you can hit that luxurious snooze button just one more time. See products

Tips to Soothe Sunburned Skin

this week the temperatures have been and will be in the 80s which made think of all the hot days ahead...ugh...

while i'm not the biggest fan of summer, i know many of you are. spending too much time in the sun, however, can leave you feeling fried. while i must stress that you use sunscreen and apply regularly thruought the day, you can find quick relief when you may experience sunburn.



celebrity esthetician, Scott-Vincent Borba has given me some at-home skin recipes to share with you that will soothe your skin that are cost-effective and fast-acting. let's learn more, shall we?




to achieve instant, head-to-toe relief, take a milk bath! milk contains essential fats that help create a temporary barrier on the skin and soothe pain. to do this, fill your tub with cool water and add one gallon of milk (rich in vitamin D) plus two Alka-Seltzer tablets. the carbonation will work immediately, calming any skin irritation. add in 12-24 ice cubes, slowly-- this will allow your body to acclimate to the cool temperature.




yogurt, like milk, contains different types of fat that create a temporary protective barrier on the skin and soothe pain. to make a soothing smoothie, fill a large ziplock bag with yogurt and place in a freezer for at least thirty minutes. remove the bag from the freezer and puncture the front and back with a fork. wrap a towel around the bag and set it on the sunburned area.




sour cream offers a cooling sensation that can last longer than aloe vera (it, too, contains fatty ingredients that work to alleviate the pain and redness that comes with sunburn-- i'm noticing a pattern here...). slather a dollop of sour cream on burnt skin and cover with an ice cold wash cloth. repeat until any stinging or burning sensations dissipate.




starch found in potatoes can offer an immediate relief from overly sun-kissed skin. take two large potatoes, chop them and toss them into a blender. add a tablespoon of honey to give the mixture adhesive qualities. puree the ingredients and place them on sensitive areas of skin, you should feel instant relief. you can also use green granny apples instead of potatoes, this popular fruit contains high anti-inflammatory agents that work to reduce the redness in sunburned skin.

thanks, Scott!

these are great tips, don't you think? though, if i'm being honest, i'm hoping you won't have to use these recipes too often this summer! :)

xo

Robyn Cosio of Sally Hershberger Shares Some Helpful Beauty Tips

makeup artist and eyebrow specialist Robyn Cosio, of the Sally Hershberger salons in los angeles and new york, has amazing skills that set her apart in the world of beauty. she has not only worked with some of the most recognizable faces in hollywood (including Nicole Kidman, Kate Bosworth, Marisa Tomei, Christina Applegate and Cat Deeley), but she makes "everyday" women look amazing as well (and she's even written a book!).

Robyn has shared some fab tips with me that i just had to pass along. hopefully you'll adopt one, or all, of these easy-to-do tidbits to ensure you maintain your best look throughout this spring season and beyond.

take a look...

tip #1: never tweeze nude

"before you tweeze your brows, make sure you use a pencil to fill your desired shape. without a guide in place, you will always over tweeze! once you have the shape in place, simply pluck the hairs outside the line for perfect brows."

tip #2: let your lips speak

"bright red is hot for lips this spring and will command attention all on its own. adding eyeliner into the mix will make you look over the top and drown out your lip color. a gorgeous summer lip color and great brows are all you need to frame your face and stay on trend this spring!"

tip #3: add color to brows

"if your brows are looking pale, fill them in using a brow powder. avoid using a pencil as they can make your brows look fake and one dimensional. brow powders are softer and applied with a small brush (look for one that is stiff and angled) and help to give your eyes that extra pop. blondes should go one shade darker than their natural color to avoid looking monochromatic."

tip #4: sun, surf and mascara don't mix

"avoid applying mascara in summer when you spend more time outdoors and at the beach. the humid weather and water will cause your mascara to run. try having your lashes tinted – this is an easy way to keep eyes looking beautiful and eliminates the need to reapply waterproof mascara."

xo

Applying Makeup with Fingers or with Tools to Achieve the Perfect Makeup Look

do you use your fingers or brushes when you apply your makeup? did you know there is no right or wrong, better or worse way to do so? it's basically a matter of preference! both methods are equally effective, and really ends up depending on what you are most comfortable with.


Galit Strugano

Galit Strugano, celeb makeup artist and creator of Girlactik Beauty makeup, explains the techniques of applying makeup with your fingers and applying with tools to achieve the perfect makeup look.

finger application:

Galit says: mind your pressure points!

each of your fingers has a different pressure point affecting the pressure of touch. knowing them can be useful in applying makeup. a bonus with finger application is the oils and heat from your skin melts the product better when it transfers to your skin and provides the coverage you want!

use your ring finger for concealer applying concealer with your ring finger gives a soft touch around the eye area with no pulling of the skin. the ringer finger pats product perfectly.

use index finger for shadow application: this finger possesses a little more pressure making shadow spread evenly but still has that soft touch.

use the middle finger for eye crease: the middle finger has the most pressure so it is perfect to use to frame your eye, creating definition as you move your finger back and forth.

use your pinkie for inner eye: your smallest digit is perfect to apply makeup to those hard to reach parts and great for applying an eye brightener or when you want to highlight. your pinkie has a light touch so you won't accidentally glob on makeup when you're trying to be precise!

brush application:

Galit says: it's all about the texture!

when it comes to brushes, it isn't about synthetic vs. natural but rather the firmness of the brush that affects your makeup look. a rule of thumb:

-the firmer the brush, the more color transfer you'll have.
-the lighter the brush, the lighter the color transfer will be.

think about it this way, you can be using the same exact blush and end up with 2 different colors depending on whether you are using a firmer or lighter brush. switching up brushes is a great way to use your makeup in fun, different ways!

thanks Galit for sharing your tips! be sure to visit girlactik.com-- the products look great!

xo

beauty girl tip: Get Soft, Shiny Hair

to give your hair a natural moisture boost while adding amazing shine, follow this easy hair treatment recipe:

1 ripe avocado
1 tbsp olive oil
optional-- 1 egg yolk

*mash avocado into a small bowl. mix in olive oil (and yolk), then spread through hair. leave in for 20-30 minutes (this is a great time to apply a face mask and relax with a favorite book or magazine!).

*wash out using your favorite shampoo, then condition and style as usual.

*enjoy your gorgeously shiny and soft mane!

xo

Rachel Roy's Favorite Beauty Tips

fashion designer Rachel Roy built a following not only for her beautiful designer and diffusion collections (Rachel Rachel Roy is now available in Macy's stores across the u.s. and on rachelroy.com), but also her amazing personal style and beauty. i was given the scoop on Rachel's beauty secrets and tips on how she expresses her indian ancestry through her makeup. you'll love how simple her personal tricks are to looking bright, fresh and flawless everyday!

read on...


q: have you picked up any great beauty tips or tricks that you can share?

RR: i feel a great mascara can open the eye and instantly make you look as though you've have a good night's sleep, even when that is not the case. i use 2-3 coats of Lancome's Fatale on the top, bottom, and also on the back of the top lashes.





q: do you have a beauty signature? a fragrance or a lip color that you just love to wear?

RR: because of my indian ancestry, i love darkly rimmed eyes-– a messy eye adds a sexy yet natural look to a classic outfit. to make the eyes smoky, i use Revlon's Luxurious Color Kohl eyeliner in Black Truffle on the inside of the lids.


q: what about a lip color that you just love to wear? what do you put on to achieve your favorite look?

RR: bright lipstick is a way to quickly pop an outfit and freshen up a look a la Ava Gardner in "The Barefoot Contessa". my favorite bright is MAC's Morange lipstick-- it's a great way to add a twist to a classic look.


q: any last bits of advice?

RR: i use Bobbi Brown's eye shadow in Navajo and another way to make your face pop is to fill in the eyebrows.


fabulous, no? i always love insider tips! be sure to follow her on Twitter (@rachel_roy) or fan her on Facebook.

what are your favorite beauty tips and tricks?

xo

Beauty Girl Tip: Use Eye Cream

here's a tip for your peepers, the windows to your soul, the...ok, you get the eye-dea (ooh, that was bad, wasn't it?):

use an eye cream. even if you're only 21 and don't think you need one-- trust me you will thank me in ten years. eye creams do everything from reducing puffiness to diminish dark circles to softening fine lines and wrinkles. good ones can be found at every price point!

one i'm enjoying right now:



Lumene Time Freeze Instant Cooling Eye Stick (you can find it at CVS and on cvs.com) is a refreshing eye cream that i have been using in the morning to wake up my tired peepers. i received this while i was in nyc from the some fabulous PR gals. i love the smooth texture, and there's no messing with a tube-- just swipe it under your eyes and pat in until absorbed.


eye creams my beauty blogging gal pals love:

Alyson (@glossmenagerie on Twitter, glossmenagerie.com) loves 100% Pure's Coffee Eye Cream

Erika (@makeupbag on Twitter, makeupbag.net) recommends Chanel's Sublimage Eye-- "so rich and creamy!"

Amy (@thebeautychick3 on Twitter, thebeautychick.blogspot.com) has been using DeClars Lifting Eye Serum


let's dish! do you use an eye cream? why or why not? what is your favorite?

xo
Lumene Eye Stick received from PR for review consideration
eye stick pic taken by me :)

Myth-Busting Advice from CARGO's Top Makeup Artist

CARGO's top makeup artist, Renée Ryan, hears it all when it comes to makeup. women have their own thoughts and misconceptions about the subject itself, but she wants to squash any myths that even you may think are true.

Renée believes makeup should work for you, so take a look at her simple tips, techniques and advice to ensure a flawless look every time and get her take on some of the most common makeup myths:

myth: i can use my lip gloss for years

reality: no, yucky! lip gloss, like food, has an expiration date. "the fact is, lip gloss gets old and goes bad," Ryan says. "ensuring that your make-up is fresh will mean that you're always looking your best."



because it's difficult to remember when you first use a gloss, it just so happens that CARGO incorporates cutting-edge Timestrip® technology into their packaging. this tiny (genius!) strip is embedded in the product's cap and keeps track of how long the gloss has been open. with 15 shades of Classic and blu_ray™ Lip Gloss, you'll never run out of new colors to try!


myth: bronzer is only for summer

reality: don't be afraid to use bronzer year-round to retain that healthy glow! "women are often intimidated by bronzer and sometimes unsure about how to apply it, but there's an easy trick," admits Ryan. "brush it on above the brow bone, under the cheek bone and along the jaw line. basically trace an 'E'nd a '3' on either side of your face. it's that simple!"



CARGO has an award-winning Bronzer that can be applied lightly, for a subtle sun-kissed glow, or layered for a deeper, intense "golden goddess" look.


myth: using eyeliner on the lower lid makes eyes appear larger

reality: this technique actually has the reverse effect, making eyes appear smaller, not larger. think about it: when a woman wears all black, she appears thinner. the same thing happens when we line our lower lashes, "slimming" our eyes. instead, Ryan suggests making your eyes appear wider and brighter by by highlighting the brow and shading the lid of the eye.




CARGO's Essential Palette features shadows that "are embossed with an application guideline-- outer corner; crease; lid; browbone-- to ensure perfectly sculpted eyes every time."


myth: my concealer is too bright

reality: you're probably applying it wrong! "with concealer, less is more-– and application is important," notes Ryan. "always begin with a small amount and blend it, using your fingers for the best coverage."




Ryan recommends CARGO's blu_ray™ Concealer, which comes in two shades, appropriate for all skintones. it was originally designed for high-definition filming and photography, so the blu_ray™ Concealer has light-diffusing pigments that create a fresh, natural look in any light.

myth: blush should only be applied to the apple of your cheeks

reality: no way! blush can be used to create a rosy glow and contour your face. "you can always put a light dusting on the apples of the cheeks, but to get the most out of your blush, simply change the way you use it," Ryan explains. "for denser coverage, select a dome brush and apply your blush below the cheekbones to get lots of definition."



another trick is to trace the tragus line (beginning mid-ear) with one of CARGO's bestselling blushes in Rome, Topeka or Big Easy. this both contours and highlights the cheekbone. "and don’t forget to experiment with color!" reminds Ryan. "CARGO's blushes all have neutral undertones, so the colors work on a variety of complexions. enjoy and have fun with it!"

great info-- thanks Renée!

if you would like more info about the CARGO brand, i recommend you visit cargocosmetics.com or sephora.com.

xo
info courtesy of Janine Gordon Associates

video: Add Volume to Your Curls

if you have curly hair, you know that the top of the hair can go flat while the rest of your gorgeous ringlets stay full looking. want to know an easy trick for giving your roots a lift? watch this video from the curl expert herself, Ouidad!




visit the Oudad YouTube channel for more great-for-curly-hair tips!

xo

Iconic Beauty: Marilyn Monroe

two days ago marked the 47th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's untimely death. i don't know about you, but i think she is the icon of beauty that can never be matched, duplicated or replaced. to celebrate the life of hollywood's golden girl, you can always find inspiration with these timeless tips!



flawless skin: Marilyn always had a flawless, radiant complexion. to get ready for your close up, try Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel. this three-in-one primer, foundation and color corrector gives skin a matte, air-brushed look.




blushing bombshell: never afraid to act the innocent, Marilyn knew the power of a subtle blush. to get a "just-pinched" look try Too Faced Brightening Blush in Pinch My Petals. the pink-mauves brighten the cheeks, forehead and chin for a perfectly pretty glow!





bedroom eyes: master Marilyn's "come-hither" look with Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Pointe-Noire. the rich, velvety formula creates an instant and dramatic finish in a dramatic shade of black. complete the look with Laura Geller's Full Figure Lashes Mascara-- the short and long nylon fibers combine to lengthen and thicken the look of lashes while the carbon black shade finishes off the seductive look.




perfect pout: Marilyn Monroe was rarely seen without her signature red pout. to get the look try coating lips with Michael Marcus's Lipstick in Debbie, a bold red. the classic shade stays put while the silky formula keeps lips kissable.




"beauty and femininity are ageless and can't be contrived..."


xo

Beauty Tip: Give Your Eyeshadow Staying Power

here's a fabulous tip i just learned today:

to lock your eye shadow down and keep it from fading away, dip your makeup brush into a drop of Bausch & Lomb ReNu Multiplus saline contact solution before applying eye shadow. the sodium chloride (aka salt) in the solution will make the shadow extra moist since salt retains water, giving the pigment staying power!

pretty cool, huh?

have any unconventional beauty tips to share? let me know in the comments!

xo

Smashbox Tip: Look Ten Years Younger!

a fabulous brow tip from Smashbox! enjoy:

"it's all about brows!" says pro Smashbox cosmetics makeup artist Hank Hoffman. "when applying a brow product, like our uber-popular Brow Tech, the common mistake most women make is to start filling the brow at the beginning. the real trick is to start applying your product in the arch of the brow and moving out. the way to add ten years is to fill at the beginning (think densest) part of the brow. the way to take off ten years is to fill at the end."

xo

Get the Season's Best Looks from Lancome, LORAC and Dior

i found this video that shows three of the top makeup artists giving their tips on how to achieve the season's best looks-- check it out! links to the products are below...



makeup artist Durais, for Lancome, creates a look of Hollywood Glamour: "fall is all about lashes, liner and lipstick."

Artliner

Oscillation Mascara (now available!)

Le Lipstique Liner

Sensational Effects Lipstick in Red Stiletto.


Carol Shaw for her own line, LORAC, creates the Modern Sexy look: "smoky eye and light, luscious lips."

Multi-Platinum Palette

Lip Pencil in Light Nude

Mocktail Lipgloss

Visual Effects Mascara


Ricky Wilson, for Dior, created the Understated Chic look: "a clean eye, a sculpted cheek and berry stained lip that makes that hot dark lipstick you see in every magazine wearable."

Two Color Eyeshadow

DiorSkin Smoothing Concealer

Crayon Eyeliner in Deep Brown

Ionic Mascara

High Shine Lipstick in Rasberry Rush

Blush in Pink Copper



xo

How to Update Your Haircolor in 3 Easy Steps

sometimes you want a little change when it comes to your haircolor, but it can be a bit scary to do if you don't know how to go about it.

check out these easy steps on how to update your color, then get the latest scoop on what's looks are hot for your hair's hue.

TotalBeauty.com content:

3 Ways to Update Every Haircolor

Bored? Change up your hair with a simple but dramatic hue boost

Is it just me, or is a color overhaul a little terrifying? Sure, chocolate brown looks hot on Jessica Biel, but frankly, a clown wig looks hot on Jessica Biel. So to help you pick the right color, follow this three-step plan and we guarantee you'll end up with killer shine and pretty tone-on-tone dimension. Find your color plan

xo

90210: new season, new beauty trends!

like the new series, 90210*, there is a buzz around the upcoming fall beauty trends! if you've looked through even one beauty magazine this month, you know there are a lot of choices, but as you know, i'm here to help:

backstage at a ny fashion week 2008 show


don't be overwhelmed: from dark lips, to dramatic colorful eyes, which will you choose?

sometimes when there are so many options put in front of us, we have no idea what to choose. why not take inventory of what you do have and what you like. think about the beauty trends that have caught your attention, and go to a makeup counter to try out the colors and looks. once you decide what you like, maybe pick one or two products to incorporate into the old routine. trust me, sometimes this small change makes a world of difference!

luminous skin is in: no matter what look you go for, your skin should look it's best.

faking a flawless face is now easier than ever with all of the fabulous formulations of products available. prime your skin to get longer wear out of your foundation, and why not try out an illuminizer to give your skin extra luminosity? Duwop Doubleglow7 offers both of these benefits. worn under makeup, it acts as a primer, creating the perfect canvas for flawless foundation application, and when worn over makeup it gives the skin that "oomph" that you might get after a day at the spa. also try LORAC Oil-Free Luminizer or bareMinerals All-Over Face Color



choose the features you want to highlight: lips or eyes

unless your getting ready for a costume party, it's never a good idea to overwhelm your face. that's why there are so many products- you have a new choice everyday!



for lips- this season both dark and light lips are chic. unlike spring when the colors are soft and pretty, you have the option to go with your own mood. try a bold color like Boots No. 7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Tulip. if you're feeling more in the mood for a nearly nude lip, try Estee Lauder High Gloss in Tan.


for eyes-- there are so many choices this season! smokey eyes are fabulous using traditional black, but rich browns and greys are great for daytime. metallics and bright colors can also take front and center to give the face a burst of light and color. try Clinique Color Surge in Eye Shadow in Slate, Nars Single Eyeshadow in Galapagos or HiP High Intensity Pigments Bright Shadow Duo in Showy





don't forget your cheeks: soften your look or add new dimension

though blush isn't as emphasized when it comes to talking about fall beauty, it is a must-have no matter what season. a beautiful flush gives your skin life, so don't leave it out! if your afraid of blush or don't know how to use it, start with a sheer or buildable color.

when you are going bold with your look, a softer tone looks best, try Chanel Powder Blush in Horizon. a more punched-up color can add drama to a more shimmery, sheer look. try MAC Mineralize Blush in Merrily



don't feel bad if it doesn't all work for you: safe can be a good thing

not every trend will fit into your lifestyle, and not every trend will make you feel your best. so what if you always love a nude lip? keep you look updated by trying different variations on your favorite look. experiment, have fun! that's what makeup is all about, and it's always changing, so we always have new choices!


if you've noticed, this season's makeup is all about extremes, dark and light, bright and muted, shimmery and matte. so have fun with it, take your time and you'll end up with some fabulous new products to get you through the season.



xo

*check out the new season of 90210 premiering tonight at 8pm on the CW-- check your local listings
photos: flikr.com