DIY spring 2011 hair trends from the runway.

image from backstage at versace spring 2011, via allure.com

still not sure what to do with your hair for tonite? i suggest you skip the salon and get an early start on spring 2011 hair trends.

a few weeks back i met with redken mane man -guido- who was the creative force behind the hair for dozens of fashion shows to hear about the trends for spring 2011. the good news is it's all about "decadent glamor", which actually translates into not much technical know-how needed for hair. it's all about high shine and tame volume with simple styles.

neat buns and ponytails with a hint of volume of the roots and a ton of shine ruled the runway - and hey! you probably know how to make both buns and ponytails. just keep it simple - and keep a rich 80s bitch in mind as your inspiration (that is the definition of decadent glamor).


this coming month - january 2011 - expect to see two new redken products in salons from redken to help you achieve these looks in 2011 - fashion work 12 versatile working spray and pure force 16 non-aerosol fixing spray.




editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com attended an event and received samples from this line for possible review.

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orange lipstick trend picks.

like it or love it, orange lips don't care what you think -- after seasons upon seasons the trend has proved it's here to stay.

this winter, the trend is as apt as ever. whether your trudging through nyc's snowmageddon aftermath or escaping to the beach - orange lips look equally pretty on a backdrop of snow or sand. after trying dozens of oranges, these are my two favorites.

if you're looking to invest in a high quality orange, givenchy rouge interdit satin lipstick in fruity orange is for you. a true popping orange, for $28.



having some orange commitment phobia? perhaps a budget friendly option like revlon colorburst lipstick in coral is for you. this is coral as in the red/orange type from the mediterranean, not the softer pinker type that coral lipsticks usually evoke. somewhere between a true orange and a red orange - this lipstick offers you a very eye catching option at approximately $8 a tube.

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neutrogena anti-residue shampoo - an oldie but a goodie.

it's time to clean the (h)air of 2010!


neutrogena anti-residue shampoo may not be new (it's celebrating it's 30th anniversary this year), rather it's a classic. this once a week shampoo treatment eliminates build-up from your regular shampoo and styling products. you see, it's not that you become "immune" to your favorite shampoo, it's just that you need to be stripped from product accumulation, so you can start anew!

i recently rediscovered this product and couldn't believe how shiny my hair was after using it, and how much better my other products worked again in the days following.

$8.59 at amazon.com, also available in drugstores nationwide.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com a received sample from this line and blow out for possible review.

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shobha holiday deal!

still haven't bought your best friend a gift?

tsk, tsk. well, you're in luck because for every $100 gift card you buy a shobha, nyc's hottest threading/waxing/sugaring spot, you get $10 off your treatment -- from now until january 31st.

so get gifting - for her and you!

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bergdorf welcomes niche skincare brand, sulwhasoo.

still looking for a holiday gift for the lover of esoteric brands on your list? try sulwhasoo (sool-waa-su).


this korean line is a niche brand lovers delight. while sulwhasoo is the most popular in skincare line in korea, stateside it's available at almost exclusively at bergdorf goodman. the line is 100% herbal and uses ancient asian medicine as the basis of the line (such as the cycle of 7 - apparently every 7 years our bodies go through a major change - think at age 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, etc...). an individual's daily/nightly regimen in usually 7 products. i did a modified 4-step regimen for the last few weeks and my face is the softest i've ever felt it.


see the line at bergdorfgoodman.com or visit the sulwhasoo counter at bergdorf's for a custom regimen.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this line for possible review.

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the newest lash procedure: lash dip.

beauties, two weeks ago i visited new york's premier lash boutique, courtney akai, and had famed makeup artist christian zamora apply lash dip to my upper lashes, so i could give you the scoop on the latest lash craze. here's what you need to know about lashdip:

• it's a semi-permanent mascara applied in the spa - meaning you have it on continuously for approximately 6 weeks - it's there first thing when you wake up in the morning and lasts all day (and nite) long (great for that new relationship).
  
• it's not lash extensions - this is a much more subtle look (it looks like mascara vs false lashes). that said, at courtney akai you can get it mixed with lash extensions for a look that's somewhere in between.
  
• the application is less laborious than lash extensions. my appointment took a little under an hour from start to finish (extensions usually take me close to two hours).
• have a semi-permanent mascara saves time in the morning and prevents makeup mishaps (no smudging or dark flakes to on the cheeks as day wears on).
• follow the same care rules as with extensions - try to avoid excess rubbing, scrubbing and sleeping on the face.
  
• it's not cheap, it will run you $250 for top and bottom lashes, with a free "lash refresh" 2 weeks in.
  

image from the lashdip site.

editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received this service for possible review.

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philosophy holiday gifts 2010.

philosophy always makes some of the most adorable holiday gifts.


this year my favorite is the warm and toasty holiday gift set. the gift set includes 3 philosophy shower gels - double rich hot cocoa, hazelnut espresso, and hot buttered rum - all housed in a reusable and lovable cylindrical box. the body washes put you in the holiday mood while you wash up, but don't linger after, which might interfere with your perfume.


bonus! philosophy is having friends and family right now - so use the promo code holidaysparkle through tonite for 30% off on philosophy.com.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this line for possible review.

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clinique holiday gifts 2010.

this is a great holiday gift for everyone you know, except maybe your dad.

this gift box contains 3 gorgeous clinique glosses and 3 versions of clinique happy. depending on your (or your giftee's) mood you can combine your color and scent du jour, drop the combo in your purse and go. is this not brilliant? $28, macy's exclusive, already sold out online.

not headed to macy's anytime soon? try:



connect the gloss gift set- same concept, but instead of scents, six glosses. the glosses include some of their best sellers; air kiss, bamboo pink, bonfire, juicy apple, kissyfit and mystic. $25, clinique.com and clinique counters.

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merry moisturizing with mara!

beauties - mara's been moisturizing....here's what she has to say about it:

if you're like me and have skin that starts flaking even at the thought of december, you might be looking to give your skin some extra moisture for the holidays. i've put together a list of my top 3 moisturizing solutions that should be on every beauty's wishlist!

1. boots no. 7 lifting & firming day cream; from their new no. 7 line. this moisturizer is similar in texture to cold cream, but leaves absolutely no greasy film, so it's perfect for everyday use. in addition to fighting the flakes, it also firms up the skin and provides a visible lift with consistent use. i've been using it for about 2 weeks now, and i'm hooked ($19.99, target and target.com)!



2. philosophy hope in a jar; the caption on the jar reads: "you can't change the weather, but you can change your moisturizer." who could argue with that? i slather this rich cream on at night and let it soak into my skin during my beauty rest. it does the trick without clogging pores ($38.00 for 2 oz.).
3. josie maran argan oil; i'm not totally sure what an argan is, but it works. DO: dab a few drops on dry problem areas and sweep lightly over cheek bones for a winter glow. DON'T: use over entire face... this is oil we're talking about! ($48 for 1.7oz).

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MAC holiday 2010: a tartan tale.

if you're not in love with MAC's holiday 2010 collection: a tartan tale, the problem lies in you.


the collection is filled with plaid; plaid tins, plaid makeup bags, plaid boxes and even plaid embossed eye shadows -- it's all tartan! i'm pretty creative about reusing packaging -- but this packaging requires no thought, you'll be reusing this stuff for years to come. plus, of course, it's filled with MAC goodies we love all year long, including lip, eye, face, nail and brush sets. gift sets range in price from $25.50 to $49.50.

my single favorite item comes from the color collection - a tartan tale eye shadow (see below), i can't resist an artful piece of makeup. available in 6 shades for $19.50.


stock up at maccosmetics.com.
editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this line for possible review.

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smashbox 2010 holiday gifts.

it's already hanukkah! surprised? i was too! but never fear, if hanukkah harry has a long list of beauty lovers, smashbox has you covered. they have over 20 gift sets, all offering amazing savings.


but for the true smashbox fan, you must gift yourself the holiday brush set (shown below). any girl who loves makeup will love the luxurious feel and magnificent application of smashbox brushes. the kit contains 4 full-sized brushes housed in a cute snake-skinny bag (that you can re-use as a clutch after).

visit smashbox.com to stock up on holiday gifts.



editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this line and attended an event for possible review.

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