Shampoo, Shampoo Everywhere

Amber Gates admits to feeling a little stressed when she finds herself in the shampoo aisle at her local drugstore in Ada, Okla. "What's confusing is that the price can be so different while the ingredients are so similar, says the 28-year-old finance administrator for a car dealer. "I decided on the type of car I wanted to buy faster than I can pick a bottle of shampoo."

Price alone won't lead you to your shampoo soul mate: A Consumer Reports study of 1,700 ponytail samples that had been washed with a range of products found that none of the expensive brands produced better results than drugstore options. Only trial and error can truly lead you to the right formula. "Whether it's $2 or $20, you just have to try it to see if a shampoo will work for you, says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist for Cosmetech Laboratories in New Jersey.
But understanding shampoo-speak can help you stop pouring money down the drain. Here's a guide to the ingredients you'll find on the bottle:
Surfactants: alkyl monoglyceride, alkyl sulfosuccinate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl, cocamide DEA or MEA or TEA, cocamidopropyl betaine, distearyldimonium chloride, lauramide DEA, olealkonium chloride, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, tetrasodium EDTA
These are the cleaning power in shampoos. Often derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or soybean oil, these cleansers lift the dirt, styling products, and scalp flakes that tend to stick to the sebum your scalp produces. Their unique molecular structure allows surfactants to surround oily substances so they can be rinsed away by water, Wilson explains.
Conditioners and moisturizers: amine oxide, citric acid, fatty alcohols (cetyl, oleyl, or stearyl alcohol), glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, lanolin, panthenol, polyquaternium, silicones, sodium dihydroxide, stearalkonium chloride
If surfactants are the workhorses, conditioners are the show ponies. These agents stay behind on strands. Some flatten the hair cuticle so hair feels smoother. Others deposit a lightweight coating for a silky texture, which aids in detangling.
Preservatives: DMDM hydantoin, guar, imidazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl, isothiazolinone, sodium benzoate
"You need preservatives unless you want your shampoo to eventually walk out of the bathroom on its own, Wilson says. Many ingredients in the bottle are organic and can grow mold, fungus, yeast, and bacteria.
Other shampoo ingredients: alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, natural oils, proteins, vitamins
Hair is a dead fiber, so ingredients that work on skin won't have any prolonged benefit to your strands, Wilson says. Proteins will act as effective conditioners, but the benefits only last till your next shampoo -- they won't repair or restore hair.

What's the Best Shampoo for You?

Want to know the shampoo that will work best for your hair type? Here's what to look for on the label.
Oily hair: Astringents like tea tree oil, citrus oil, rosemary, sage, stinging nettle, and chamomile will help soak up oil in the follicle. Clear shampoos are often a better choice because they contain fewer conditioners that can leave a greasy residue.
Fine hair: Look for panthenol and other volumizing ingredients that help swell the hair shaft and proteins that adhere to individual strands to make them thicker.
Dry hair: The thick, opaque formulas are usually higher in rich moisturizers including nut oils, shea butter, and wheat germ oil that are especially good at bonding to parched strands.

Healthy Hair Essentials

Over-processed hair can become dry, damaged, and just plain ugly. Combat styling abuse and revive your traumatized locks with these helpful tips.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Run deep conditioner through straw-like tips and leave on for several minutes. The product will absorb into your hair shaft and soften strands. Repeat process once a week. Also get into the habit of applying a daily conditioner to hair ends every time you shampoo. This will reduce split ends, discoloration, and heat damage.

• Treat yourself to a massage! Kneading the scalp as you shampoo will increase circulation and stimulate oil glands. Steer clear of products with a high alcohol content; they can be drying.

• Avoid too-tight hairstyles—like ponytails, buns, and braids. Gentle elastic bands and other ouch-less hair accessories will also help prevent breakage.

• Be gentle. Moist tresses are extra vulnerable to breakage, so resist the urge to twist, rub, and brush wet hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle. The result: damage-free locks.

• Prep hair for styling. Apply a thermal/UV protectant serum to tresses to protect hair from heat and sun damage. Can’t limit your time under the blow dryer? Turn down the heat. Lowering temperatures on styling tools prevents over-drying and frizz.

• Get scissor happy! Trim off split ends every six to eight weeks.

Beauty At Every Age

Eternal youth is yet to be chartered territory for eons to come. In the meantime, your mug is at the mercy of time and the elements.
At what age you started caring for your skin could spell the difference in how you look in the future. The steps you took vis-à-vis your skin in your teens, 20s and 30s would have corresponding ramifications decades later. For one, if you avoided sun exposure early in life, you are likely to take years off your real age.
Still, even if you shun that ball of fire completely, you absolutely cannot warp the days. You are bound to see telltale changes as the decades roll by.
Therefore, take charge of your skin as early as possible, partly by seeking help from dermatologists, surgeons, and other medical professionals. Know what to anticipate in your:

Twenties

Upon exiting your teens, prepare to part ways with your so-called “baby fats,” those bodily deposits that made you look less womanly than girly.
At the same time, anticipate the first landing of “crow’s feet,” expression lines around the eyes made by years of squinting and sun exposure. Similarly, look for the appearance of wrinkles caused by movement. “Motor wrinkles,” as they are called, tend to appear first on the brow.
Anticipate, too, the pronouncement of facial hair, particularly on the upper lip and the eyebrows.
Sun exposure (plus hormonal changes and exposure to minocycline, tetracycline, and similar antibiotics) puts you at risk for melasma during this decade. This condition involves brown pigmentations around the cheeks.
What the pros can do for you:
Deal with acne using a combo of laser and light-based devices. Otherwise, fall back on good old Accutane.
Rectify your melasma problem with a chemical peel or Fraxel laser treatment. Bleaching substances for melasma, in contrast, will not work.
What you can do for your self:
Shy away from the sun at all costs. If you could not avoid it, wear sunscreen, which lessens your risk of getting melasma and mitigates existing ones.
For this decade, begin to use retinol-based skin care products. Apply them twice a week. Also, invest in a gel-based and oil-free moisturizer, particularly if you are still prone to acne breakouts. For the health conscious and organic lovers, try the certified organic skincare range from Pai Skincare.

Thirties

You are still in your prime but be prepared to see a more tired-looking skin in the mirror. Crow’s feet around your eyes would continue expanding, while brown spots may spread further. Around your nose, dilated blood vessels may become more visible.
Then there’s the onset of the “11s,” lines that seemingly form the number between the brows. Nasal labial lines, or smile lines, would also deepen, giving you that telling triangle between the corners of the lips and the nose.
What the pros can do for you:
For dilated blood vessels, go for a laser treatment.
Hold the lines and wrinkles back with a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. Around this time, it would be quite hasty—but not drastic—to try Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and other facial rejuvenation treatments.
Some would argue that undergoing these procedures as early as your late 20s would make you thankful in the following decades. But few researches have been conducted regarding the effectiveness, much less the safety, of using them precociously. FDA, in 2008, even investigated complaints stemming from the use of Botox and Myobloc.
In any case, prepare to shell out an average of $2,000 for such a treatment.
What you can do for yourself:
Don’t stop slathering on sunblocks and sunscreens. Better yet, increase the use of retinol-based products to thrice a week of usage. Then shift from oil-free moisturizers to ones that include some oil. Use Pai Skincare certified organic skincare for you organic lovers!

Forties

Lines start forming around your upper lip, especially if you have a smoking habit. If you passed on sun protection in your 20s and 30s, expect sun damage to manifest here before anywhere else.
More wrinkles would appear on your forehead. Crow’s feet would also increase, while smile lines would grow deeper.
What the pros can do for you:
Wrinkle fillers, chemical peels, muscle relaxers, and Fraxel laser treatments could diminish your upper lip concerns.
What you can do for yourself:
Start using a night cream when you hit this decade. Night products work well and seep into the skin better because the body undergoes a nocturnal rejuvenation process. At night, you are also unexposed to dirt and pollution.
Learn to invest in antioxidant-based skin products too. Likewise, get thicker moisturizers, like shea butter, and increase your usage of retinol products some more. For a natural and organic alternatives, Pai Skincare range of certified organic skin products are recommended.

Fifties and above

In this decade, the skin would sag from years of pent-up sun damage and the deterioration of collagen and elastin, fibrous structures that tighten the skin. Some vital fat deposits would also break down, making the skin thinner. As a result, the blood vessels beneath the skin would easily show through this translucence.
Your estrogen levels would also descend steeply. In effect, the skin would appear devoid of moisture, exaggerating your creases and wrinkles.
By this time, untreated melasma would become even more noticeable.
What the pros can do for you:
By the time you’re 60, you will have undergone non-invasive skin-lifting procedures. You will have tried nonsurgical skin-tightening treatments like Thermage, which uses radiofrequency, and Titan, which exploits infrared light.
Otherwise, it would be too late and the procedures would not produce the intended effect as in your earlier years. Your remaining alternative would be a facelift, a major surgical treatment with a long downtime. It can be very expensive too.
What you can do for yourself:
Ditch the soap and get a mild moisturizing cleanser for your mug and neck. Hike up your usage of rich moisturizers. Use retinol products as frequently as six times a week.
Then again, this would be the time to enjoy the fruits of a fastidious skin care regimen. If you have avoided too much sun in your youth, then enter another half-century looking half your age. Natural and organic skincare will be your best bet and certified organic skincare from Pai Skincare is recommended.

A Red Carpet Approach

A star-studded approach to choosing a prom dress based on body type will ensure your personal look is center stage for prom night. 

 

Choosing the perfect prom dress begins with selecting a look that classically appeals to your body type. To select a beautiful show stopping dress determine the dress cut and design that reflects the primary appeal of your body type.
A review of celebrity runway hits on various body types will narrow your dress selection choices to those that complement and reflect your best look. A good prom dress fit will elevate your prom night look to a red carpet hit.
When selecting a body fit for your prom dress for every body type choose a fit that flatters from every angle. A lesson from the red carpet, the camera will be on you from every direction. Un-posed snap shots for the yearbook taken from the dance floor must look as fabulous as posed shots with your date.

Choose to complement every angle of your shape, front, back and sides. Video will record dance floor movement so the way you can move in your dress will also be key.
Choose a dress that will provide movement of freedom while still complementing your unique shape.
The following celebrity inspired body types will provide a focus point for prom dress selection. Select from the four groups of celebrity body types, the group that is most like your own.
Do an Internet search of formal dress styles of the celebrities listed in your body type category. Look at pictures online of these stars at movie premiers, award shows, or other formal events to see what dress designs they wore. Your search for these pictures will deliver a wealth of gorgeous dress shapes that will be body-fit perfect for prom.
Choosing a prom dress identical fit to the ones that you see on celebrities that have a shape similar to yours will ensure your dress is a show stopping success. You might even choose to download pictures of your favorite styles to your phone for in-store reference while shopping.

Choose Your Celebrity Body Type

Curvy Body Type: Dressing for Body Silhouette
Celebrities to Google Search: Marilyn Monroe, Kim Kardashian, Beyonce Knowles, and Jennifer Lopez
Ultimate goal: Your prom dress should cast a balanced shadow of your body’s hourglass silhouette.
Tall Body Type: Dressing for Beautiful Length
Celebrities to Google Search: Michelle Obama, Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and Nicole Kidman
Ultimate goal: Your prom dress should accentuate your frame with great design, texture and/or well placed embellishment.
Slim Body Type: Willow Beauty
Celebrities to Google Search: Audrey Hepburn, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Nicole Richie
Ultimate Goal: Your prom dress should shadow the beauty of your body with fabric or length to showcase the feminine whisper of your frame.
Full Framed Body Type: Dressing for Voluptuous Appeal
Celebrities to Google Search: Star Jones, Oprah, Jill Scott, and Queen Latifah,
Ultimate Goal: Showcase trend-setting looks while creating structure and balance for your frame with embellishment and dress design.
This star-studded approach to choosing a prom dress based on body type will ensure your personal look is center stage for prom night.

The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake

The Beautiful Fallby Alicia Drakehas been classified “pop culture” but it is more much a chronicle of the parallel lives of two of the most famous designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

From the moment Yves St Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld stepped onto a stage together in 1954, the die was cast on the enduring and everlasting careers of these two designers. On that day in 1954 they were competing in a contest named the “International Wool Secretariat.” Yves was eighteen and Karl three years his senior and they were chosen from over three thousand applicants.
At the beginning of their careers, they were friendly and often spent time together, but no one could have guessed the divergent as well as parallel paths that these men would embark on for over 50 years. Yves was the more introverted of the two, given to moods and inner demons, where Karl was the German spitfire who spoke rapidly and sketched constantly.

The two men were polar opposites when it came to how they saw their work. Both were extremely talented from the very beginning, but Yves was more directional and evolving while Karl was of the moment: the newest, the latest, the greatest—each and every season. Yves would labor over the sleeve placement season after season where Karl would be deciding if it should be set in or raglan. Yves was the perfectionist of his art and Karl the revolutionary of his art.

One of the turning points in St. Laurent’s early life was his appointment to be the successor of Christian Dior after Dior’s death in 1958; no one would have guessed the trajectory of this uber talented yet shy designer.
Karl was never offered such an appointment and wasn’t really interested in perpetuating a look/name such as this. At this time, one more famous than the other, but both as charismatic as the other, had begun to form their own little cliques of followers. Yves not only found a few core admirers—who would remain with him till death—but he also found his future business partner and life partner (Pierre Berge). Karl’s entourage was like his design philosophy: more of the moment, his attention span was never the same nor were his needs.

A 50-year Competition

Drake takes us into the groups, into the mindsets of these famous designers and into the needs that each of these groups satisfied for each designer. She has also given some enduring visuals as to how these men portrayed themselves from the 1950s through the new millennium. She was allowed almost total access to St Laurent and associates, while Lagerfeld was far more guarded—as he remains to this day.
The 50-year span of their love/hate relationship is chronicled for our examination and analysis by this insightful writer who has definitely placed her allegiances with the St. Laurent camp. She, however, reports rather than opines about them and lets their confidantes do that for her. The book is a must-read for those with any curiosity about the fashion business, Paris during that time span, or the egos of such great designers. Ms. Drake also provides us with the lingering insecurities that most would never imagine in such great figures, ones that have remained with them all their lives.
Drake currently resides overseas and contributes to various fashion and lifestyle publications.

Try This At Home

　　After 19 months of being puked on and prodded by my beloved son, and just days before my five-year wedding anniversary, I finally womaned up and admitted that I was in desperate need of something that would make me feel–if not hot–then at least warm.
I’d spent the past 20 years experimenting with countless makeup fads, yet my hair never strayed from its natural dark brown roots. The color was rich, I told myself. The maintenance non-existent. And besides, with my dark eyes and olive skin, what other color could I possibly be?
Before

Then I remembered overhearing a stylist once say: “You know how blondes have more fun? Well redheads do what blondes only dream of.” And so, just like Drew Barrymore, Blake Lively, and all those other Hollywood starlets, I heard the siren song of going red.
“You’ll make a great redhead,” Washington, D.C.’s red-hair guru, Derrick Lachney assures me. “It’s much easier for a brunette since you already have the warmth in your hair and skin.” Insert huge sigh of relief here. As a pretreatment, he lightens my ends and darkens my roots to avoid the disastrous dye-job duo of fluorescent roots or hair that’s all one color. “Your ends are always lighter because that’s the oldest hair,” he says. “So the color looks most natural when it goes dark to light.”
Four hours later, I practically float out of the salon, and spend the block-long walk to my car staring at my reflection in every building I pass. Could this dazzling, shiny mane really be mine? The coppery color lights up my face, even without makeup. I look sun-kissed and beguilingly flushed. Even my wardrobe thanks me: All those black staples don’t feel so simple now that there’s a shock of color to wake them up.
After

So I ask you—why let the genetically blessed 2 percent of the population with natural red locks have all the fun? Just heed these pearls—or should I say rubies—of wisdom that are a must for going rust:
Unless you’re Rihanna, skip the violet- and cherry-red
“Just about any woman can go red as long as it’s the right shade—one that’s found in nature,” says Lachney. That means a multi-dimensional, warm, cinnamon or copper-based hue. Because creating a natural-looking red is trickier than any other color, and often involves lightening and darkening pretreatments, this is the time to invest in a pro. While the rule of thumb is not to go more than two shades lighter than your natural color, a colorist will find the right shade based on your existing color and texture, as well as your skin tone.
Beware the brows
Unless you want to look like you’re wearing a wig, don’t forget to dye your brows. Go for one shade darker than the red on your head. If you’re blonde, you can get away with using a colored brow tamer like Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel.
Pick up this trio of must-have shampoos to keep color vibrant
“Red is the largest hair-color molecule, so it fades fast, especially on blondes,” says Lachney. To keep it looking lustrous longer, skip daily washes and keep hair fresh with a dry shampoo like TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. When you do suds up, choose a sulfate-free cleanser like L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo, since sulfates strip the hair of everything, including color. Freshen up color in-between salon visits with a color-enhancing formula like Aveda Madder Root Shampoo.
When it comes to makeup, less is more
For me of the irony of going red was that just as I was falling in love with my new bold hair color, I realized I had to break up with my longtime companion, black eyeliner. It looked way too harsh and overdone. For daytime, I love Maybelline Line Express Eyeliner in Bronze. At night, Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil, in Purple or Green look amazingly fresh. Clashing berry or wine lipsticks have been replaced with sheer gloss that enhances my natural lip color. Try Kiehl’s Lip Gloss in Downtown Peach or Golden Berry. But the star of my makeup show is Nars Blush in Orgasm, which plays up the luminous, sun-kissed look. I use it on eyes and even lips (topped with clear gloss).

Ways To Keep Your Food Safe

Poison can be mixed seamlessly with your food and you won’t even know what killed you. But food itself can be the poison.
When bacteria, parasites or viruses have flourished beyond reprieve on your food or drink, poisoning may occur. Food poisoning can lead to vomiting, fever and diarrhea, which may in turn lead to dehydration.

People are immune to contaminated food, only to an extent. Unless it is compromised by bad health and aging, our immune systems are strong enough to withstand simple contamination. But contamination can become so extensive that it floors the body’s imperviousness.
Proper food handling begets safe food, and food safety equals healthy lifestyle.
Follow these four simple steps for handling food properly:

Always wash hands. Clean countertops often

If you must obey any rule, it is that you should wash hands before handling food. Do not prepare food if you have diarrhea.
Likewise, make sure to keep your countertops and kitchen surfaces clean. As much as possible do not use cloth towels in cleaning countertops and kitchen surfaces. If you must, wash them with non-toxic agent and hot water or in your washing machine’s hot cycle. Alternatively, you may use paper towels.
Always remember that bacteria and other disease vectors thrive in dirty countertops, cutting boards, sponges and utensils. Wash them at least with soap and hot water, before and after preparing food. If you have a choice, go for plastic cutting boards or something as nonporous.

Cook food properly

Bacteria and other disease carriers can have such high threshold of tolerance to high temperature. Anything undercooked, they easily populate. In fact, the CDC has strongly associated some severe diseases with undercooked ground beef. In this view, invest in a clean thermometer for measuring food’s internal temperature.
If you have one, ascertain that you cook whole poultry not below 180º Fahrenheit. Also, cook ground beef patties at no less than 160º Fahrenheit. Prepare roasts and steaks at 145º Fahrenheit. Leftovers, meanwhile, should be heated at 165º Fahrenheit before eating again.
For eggs, cook them until both the whites and yolk turn solid. Try to avoid preparing dishes using raw eggs.
For fish, eat only those that come off easily when forked.
Determine if your food has cold spots before turning it in the microwave oven. Food safety experts would recommend you cover the food and let it rotate on the turntable. If there’s none, use your hand to rotate it once.

Segregate, segregate, segregate

Anything raw is a food of concern. Raw animal food, like meat, seafood, eggs and unpasteurized milk, tend to get contaminated easily. While you could take away some of them by washing, contaminants do not go away from raw vegetables and fruits completely. From this kind of food, contaminants can easily clamber onto other food, setting off the chain of cross-contamination.
With that in mind, move ready-to-eat foods away from raw ones. Distance poultry, meat, fish and other raw food items from other goods in your refrigerator, let alone shopping cart.
Never forget to wash your hands when exposed to raw goods. Clean the utensils, dishes and cutting boards that come into contact with them too. Otherwise, you must not put cooked food on anything that had contained raw goods. As an option, you may cut raw meat on a separate cutting board.

Refrigerate immediately

Refrigerate food as soon as possible. Bacteria’s threshold for cold temperature is as low as its threshold for hot temperature is high. Freezing and subzero temperatures deter bacteria from burgeoning on your food.
Food, be it cooked, raw or leftover, should be stashed away within two hours from preparing. The refrigerator is also the safest place to marinate food. If you must defrost food from the freezer, never let it out at room temperature. Transfer it to the refrigerator. Or you could microwave or pour running water on it.
Here’s a tip: the freezer’s temperature must never hover above 0º Fahrenheit when it holds food, while the refrigerator’s must not drift beyond 40º Fahrenheit. If your refrigerator and freezer have no thermometer, use an appliance thermometer to inspect their coldness.
Cold air must move around the ref to guarantee the food’s safety, so leave space in between items. Keep leftovers inside smaller containers rather than their original ones.

Eat Fish and Be Healthy

A new study has again confirmed that fish is heart-healthy. So what's new about that? This study looked at how often fish was consumed, the types of fish and even how it was prepared. Data were collected from food questionnaires completed by 84,000 postmenopausal women. Here's what the study found:

• Frequency. Women who ate five or more servings of baked or broiled fish a week had a 30 percent lower risk of developing heart failure, compared with women who rarely or never ate fish.
• Preparation. Eating even one serving of fried fish a week was linked to a 48 percent higher risk of heart failure. Frying fish increases trans fats, which researchers speculate may contribute to an increase in risk for heart disease. Low-fat cooking methods, such as baking, broiling, grilling, poaching and steaming, don't produce this effect.
• Types of fish. Eating baked or broiled dark fish, such as salmon, mackerel and bluefish, was associated with a 22 percent lower risk of heart failure. That was not true for tuna and white fish, such as sole, snapper and cod.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers also looked at omega-3 intake from sources, such as fish oil supplements, vegetable oil and other plant products. They found no association between these omega-3 sources and heart failure risk. This suggests that whole fish — not just omega-3 — provided the protection from heart failure.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend increasing the amount and variety of seafood in your diet by choosing seafood in place of some meat and poultry. So, up your intake of fish — especially salmon, mackerel and bluefish. Here are a few low-fat recipes to get you started. Share your favorites too.

• Salmon — Brush with maple syrup and grill. Top with zest of lime or lemon.
• Mackerel — Brush with a little olive oil and season with lemon pepper, then broil.
• Bluefish — Brush with mustard and bake.

Look Pretty in Photos

Tired of getting caught looking less than fabulous in photos? Shelley GoodStein, author of Face This: Real Advice From Real Models, Photographers and Makeup Artists On How to Become Picture Perfect, believes there’s a science to making the camera your BFF. Here, she shares her top tips for scoring your best profile shot ever. Smiiiiilllle…

Bat those lashes
The focal point of a profile picture is always the eyes–so make ‘em pop. For a natural look, you can’t go wrong with cream or taupe eyeshadow. For more fun, try sheer washes of color with a soft sheen, which will add light to your peepers. Don’t forget liner for definition, curled lashes and mascara!
Instantly whiten teeth
Nothing lights up a photo like a pearly white smile. For a quick brightening, use this model trick: after brushing, rinse your tooth brush, dip it into hydrogen peroxide for 30 seconds, and then brush again. Hydrogen peroxide not only lightens teeth, it kills germs and heals canker sores.

Show off luscious lips
A contrast of  lipcolor looks great in photos, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Lipgloss looks best as a highlighter dotted down the middle of your lower lip and outlining the cupid’s bow. Unless it’s Halloweenm, steer clear of glitter in photos, which can add an unnatural glare to your face.
Go for a solid color
When it comes to clothing, patterns and prints can confuse the viewer’s eye, and stripes can make you look wide (Yikes!). Try a vibrant shade like red, purple or blue to enliven your eyes and convey confidence, or rely on basic black for a sleek, elongated look.

Embrace lightweight fabrics
Wondering why the camera adds 10 pounds? It’s likely the fabric you’re wearing. Stay away from bulk-adding sequins, corduroy, terry cloth, flannel, taffeta, velvet and angora sweaters. Say yes to lighter, matte materials made with cotton, silk or lycra.

Legs for days
Work those stems! Heels help define your calves and give your hips a little exaggerated curve, while nude shoes that match your skin tone will make your legs look longer. If you have a cute pedi, don’t be afraid to kick off your shoes and go barefoot–it makes you look approachable.

Make it about you
The background shouldn’t overpower you; go for simple and clutter free. Make sure that objects behind you don’t look like they’re growing out of you. A stone wall, leafy green nature and interesting spaces, like under a doorway or to the side of a window, all set the stage for you to dazzle.

Lashes So Pretty

There’s no way around it: I have unruly eyelashes. Some curl backward, stabbing me in the eye. I’ve tried everything to turn my wayward fringe into complacent Kim Kardashian lashes (one can dream, right?). Nothing worked until I did a few of the lash tips below, gathered from some of our fave doe-eyed beauty bloggers. Now I’m batting a thousand!

“Start by looking down and brushing mascara on the tops of your top lashes. Then, look up and brush them up from the bottom. If you don’t coat the part that shows when you’re looking down, the only person who can see your mascara is you!”
—Amber Katz, beautybloggingjunkie.com
“To make lashes look thicker and more dramatic, lightly dust them with a bit of loose powder before applying mascara.”
—Nancy Houlmont, beauty411.net
“Once you try a metal lash comb, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The tool, a straight row of metal tines set in a plastic handle, combs clumps out of freshly applied wet mascara.”
—Karla Sugar, karlasugar.net
“Any mascara that can give me the false lashes look becomes a staple in my makeup bag. Of course, I don’t want clumps. I’ll apply one coat, let it completely dry—that’s the key!—and then apply a second one.”
—Shannon Nelson, agirlsgottaspa.com
“When you don’t have many lashes (like us), each one counts! Swipe two coats of mascara onto lashes by holding the wand horizontally, moving up and down the lashes. For the third coat, hold the wand vertically and wiggle it up and down to separate the lashes and make them look fuller.”
—Colette Stango and Jill Weiskopf, brooklyndolls.blogspot.com
“Always start at the outer edge of each eye, and work inward. This will ensure a proper distribution of mascara and avoid scary spidery lashes in the center and inner corners.”
—Lily Nima Mohammady, beautymaverick.com
“Wear a lighter shade of mascara on your lower lashes than you do on your upper lashes; think  black on top, brown on bottom. Instead of looking like you’re wearing mascara, people will assume you won the genetic lash lottery!”
—Daneen Baird, spoiledpretty.com

Beautiful Belles: Audrey Hepburn

　　A series focusing on beautiful women throughout history with important contributions to the arts and entertainment industry and charity -- and a fabulous sense of beauty, inside and out!

That classic sophistication. Those red lips. That trademark bun. Those gorgeous high cheekbones. These words more than aptly describe the one and only Audrey Hepburn. Born May 4 in Belgium to an English banker and a Dutch baroness, Hepburn has become an icon around the world for her incomparable elegance. Who among us has not wanted to stand in front of Tiffany's wearing oversized sunglasses and an LBD looking absolutely and utterly perfect?
The graceful actress appeared in more than 30 films throughout her life. Her appealing demeanor and utter loveliness cast spells each and every time the camera fell on her. In addition to the smash hit Breakfast at Tiffany's, Hepburn played lead roles in such films as Sabrina, Love in the Afternoon, Charade, My Fair Lady, Wait Until Dark and Roman Holiday, for which she won an Oscar.
And of course the many men in Hepburn's life must be addressed. While she was only married twice -- to the actor Mel Ferrer and the psychiatrist Andrea Dotti -- she was lucky to work with most of the leading men in Hollywood. Cary Grant, Rex Harrison, Gregory Peck and Humphrey Bogart among them. Of her leading men, Hepburn said, "Actually, you have to be a bit in love with your leading man and vice versa. If you're going to portray love, you have to feel it. You can't do it any other way. But you don't carry it beyond the set."

But Hepburn was so much more than an actress. Her work with UNICEF, for whom she was the Goodwill Ambassador throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, earned her respect worldwide for being a true humanitarian. She worked in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Asia, Africa and South America, often putting herself at great personal risk.
No matter what the situation, Hepburn always looked flawless. Her porcelain skin was always clear and glowing, with a somewhat matte finish that lent her a sophisticated look. Rarely wearing much eye makeup -- though at times playing up her doe eyes with loads of black mascara -- Hepburn opted instead to focus on playing up her full lips with deep red lipstick.
Sadly, Hepburn succumbed in 1993 to abdominal cancer. The exemplification of a Beautiful Belle, she will always be remembered for her graceful approach to life and her true elegant beauty.

Go West, Wine Lover, Go West!

　　Some of our favorite wines come from the West Sonoma Coast. That’s why we are excited to be visiting Occidental, California for the West of the West Wine Festival on August 5th – 7th. Hosted by the West Sonoma Coast Vintners, West of the West will treat both wine lovers and the wine trade to an insider taste of some of the most acclaimed cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah wines on the market.

“We wanted to do a festival based on the region, rather than a particular varietal,” says Carroll Kemp, Hollywood film producer, WSCV member and winemaker, who founded Red Car Wine Company in 2000 with just 50 cases of Syrah from a single ton of grapes. In addition to Syrah, Red Car now crafts Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir and Roussanne. We’re fans of every Red Car wine we have sampled so far. Of the 2007 Cuvee 22, Joe says it’s the best California Syrah he has tasted to date.
The West Sonoma Coast contains many distinct growing areas including Annapolis, Fort Ross/Seaview, Occidental, Freestone, Green Valley and the Sebastopol Hills. If Freestone, Freeman, Red Car, Patz & Hall and Benziger are examples, I can’t wait to taste those wines we haven’t yet sampled!
A new association of wineries and growers on Sonoma’s coastline, West Sonoma Coast Vintners members are wineries and growers who are passionate about farming wine grapes on the coastline of Sonoma County.
They advocate wines with a clear identity that evoke the complexity of the region and the authenticity of its community — wines with balance, integrity, character and nuance. WSCV promotes the following goals:
• Preserve and protect the history, landscape and culture of the West Sonoma Coast
• Promote the wines, vineyards and culture of the region to media, trade and public
• Increase appeal and prestige of western Sonoma Coast wines and vineyards
• Increase collaboration and cooperation among producers and growers in the region
• Remain true to the values and lifestyle of region in all promotion efforts
Kemp says the West Sonoma Coast culture provides a unique appeal. “The culture here is food driven,” he says. “People grow their own vegetables. The winemakers are owner/operators, experience seekers, as opposed to status seekers.”
We have to agree. We stayed off-the-beaten-path in Occidental when we attended Russian River Valley Wine Road in March 2009. (See Wine Country Travel: The Inn at Occidental, and Leaving Occidental) Just an hour north of San Francisco, California, the area is charming and beautiful, with hospitable winemakers like Akiko and Ken Freeman of Freeman Winery nearby. Freestone Vineyards is close, as well, and their tasting room is just a stone’s throw from the popular and decadent Wild Flour Bread Bakery.
The festival promises to give wine loving experience seekers unparalleled access to small production, limited release wines tasted in the terroir where they were grown, as well as a front row seat at exciting seminars featuring prominent guest speakers. A highlight of the weekend is admission to a delectable Whole Hog Feast at the 130-year-old Union Hotel.
• • • Festival Schedule of Events • • •
Friday, August 5th
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Welcome Dinners – Participants are honored guests at the home or winery of one of WSCV founding vintners and will enjoy Sonoma’s renowned local cuisine prepared by talented chefs to pair with the wines. Participating hosts include Failla, Freeman Winery, Freestone Vineyards, Littorai, Peay Vineyards and Red Car.
Saturday, August 6
In-Depth Seminars
Wine lovers and wine industry insiders come together for a series of in-depth seminars exploring the West Sonoma Coast.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Winemakers Studio – Ted Lemon interviews Burt Williams about the early history of West Sonoma Coast vineyards and winemaking. Attendees will enjoy a few of Burt and Ted’s early efforts during the discussion.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Taste the West Sonoma Coast – Five winery owners share 2-3 of their wines and discuss the common qualities found in West Sonoma Coast wines while also revealing the subtle differences within the region. Participants will include: Jasmine Hirsch from Hirsch Vineyards, Ken Freeman from Freeman Vineyards Theresa Hereda from Freestone, Ted Lemon from Littorai, Andy Peay from Peay Vineyards and Carroll Kemp from Red Car.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Terroir – Guests can participate in a Blind Tasting of West Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Oregon Pinot Noirs. Participants will taste 9-12 wines with the goal of experientially learning how each region has a unique style all its own. Rajat Parr from The Mina Group and RN74, Jon Bonne from the San Francisco Chronicle and Ehren Jordan from Failla Winery will moderate.
Grand West Sonoma Coast Wines Tasting
3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
WOW Grand Tasting – Guests will have an opportunity to taste the wines of more than 30 producers and growers-many of them hard-to-find gems, all of them pure expressions of the West Sonoma Coast.
The Grand Finale: Whole Hog Feast
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Grand Finale Whole Hog Feast – The festivities continue at the 130-year-old Union Hotel with a celebration featuring locally-raised heritage pigs slow-cooked to perfection and paired with food-loving West Sonoma Coast wines! Enjoy Live music following the Feast.
Sunday, August 7th
Barrel Tasting and Open House
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barrel Tasting and Open House will be available at all participating wineries. Free with WOW Grand Tasting ticket. A map will be provided.

Pretty in a Pinch

Yikes! You left the house without your cosmetics case (but have a few random makeup items floating around in your purse). Now what? Roll into work sans a stitch of makeup? Or head on that weekend get-away with a bare face? Maybe, if you’re brave (make that really brave). Otherwise try these simple ways to look pretty in a pinch!
Left the house without your lip color?
Look pretty in a pinch: “Take a little cream blush and dab it on your pout,” suggests makeup artist Raychel Wade, owner of Cheek to Chic. “The key is to use it sparingly and create more of a stain rather than a full application.”
Left the house without your blush?
Look pretty in a pinch: “I forget blush all the time,” says Wade. “So I revert back to my grandmother’s trick and pinch my cheeks. After all, it’s about looking flushed and healthy.” Or bend forward at the waist and tip your head upside down like you are shaking your hair out. Do this for twenty seconds or so and when you come back up, your skin will have a rosy little glow.
Left the house without your mascara?
Look pretty in a pinch: You may not have anything to swipe on your lashes, but you can still beautify your eyes. Do so by lining the inside of your eyes with black eye liner. “This will give the illusion that your lashes are longer and your eyes will look more intense,” explains Wade
Left the house without your brow tools?
Look pretty in a pinch: No worries, your brows can still look beautiful. “I was actually in this pinch this weekend when I was away and forgot all my brow tools,” says Wade. Use a clean tissue to wipe as much product as possible off your mascara wand, then use it to brush your brows. “A tiny amount of mascara will be left, which will act like a brow gel,” says Wade. “Even though the mascara is black, there’s so little on the wand that it works perfectly to shape and darken.”
Left the house without your foundation?
Look pretty in a pinch: Simply use concealer as a foundation to even out your complexion. “Apply it to all the areas needed—under the eyes, around the nose, on your chin and between your eyes—and you are left with even skin without full coverage,” explains Wade.

We’d Like To See

　　Beauty products come and go, but there are those coveted few that have changed the course of life as we know it. Okay, perhaps I’m being a little melodramatic here, but think about it. Where would we be (er, how would we look) without the flat iron…or quick dry nail polish…or self-tanner? Following in the footsteps of so many genius inventors before us, the Makeup.com writers/bloggers set out to imagine what the next BIG thing in beauty might be (think: mascara wipes…you rub ‘em over your eyes and oila, your mascara is applied perfectly). Read on for more brilliant ideas.

Nail Polish Chip Eater
“The second your lacquer starts chipping, the polish senses this and automatically peels off so you never have to bother with nail polish remover—or embarrassing chipped nails—again.” —Nicole Pearl
StyleMaker 3000
“It would look like those big, egg shaped hair dryers that you stick your entire head under, BUT it would have buttons on the side that give you a blow dry and style—i.e. ‘the flatiron,’ ‘the volumizer,’ ‘the hipster/bedhead,’ ‘the beach toussled waves’—in under 15 seconds.” –Julia DiNardo
Magic Shampoo
“This cleanser grows your hair an inch after each wash (this way it allows for growth control and you don’t end up looking like Cousin It).” —Jeannine Morris
Robo Hairstylist
“I would love a robotic hairstylist. Or really, just two detached arms that can hover above my head, holding a blowdryer and round brush, to get all those angles that I just can’t do myself!” –Mandy Hendrix
Ambidextrous Nail Polish
“I want a nail polish for both lefties and righties that makes it easy to polish all of your nails perfectly.” —Andrea Arterbery
Instant Leg-Smoothing Chamber
“You walk in, close the door for 60 seconds and when you come out all of your leg hair is gone. No more shaving!” –Baze Mpinja
Mascara Sealant
“So that the lash ends can’t touch your lids and leave tiny black dots.” –Lauren Cosenza
Laser Razor
“Simply run this contraption over your legs (and, um, other ‘body areas’) to FOREVER remove hair for permanently smooth skin.” –Grace Gold
Skin-Perfecting Blotting Papers
“Just pat these on your face for instant complexion perfection. Instead of just absorbing oil, they smooth fine lines, diffuse spots, and shrink pimples.” —Tara Fuller

Book a Weekend Spa Retreat

Squeezing a mani in between meetings or cutting your lunch short to fit in a facial is anything but relaxing. Trust us, we know! Give yourself (and your wallet) a break from the rat race by dedicating your weekend to a few at-home spa treatments. We spoke with Jamie Ahn, president of The Townhouse Spa in NYC, to get insider tips on mimicking your favorite pro treatments in the comfort of your own home. Reflexology anyone?

On Friday night…Give yourself a facial
Start by washing your face to rid any dirt and oil, then go over it with a toner like Kiehl’s Tea Tree Oil Toner to boost hydration and balance out your skin. While your skin is still damp from the toner, rub a gentle exfoliator like Ahava Facial Mud Exfoliator onto your T-zone and cheeks (where oil often gushes). Rinse and pat dry.
Next, (for the true spa effect) use a spatula or paint brush to apply a face mask. “It’s important to include the neck and decolletage too because they’re a dead giveaway of your real age,” says Ahn. For a super moisturizing face mask, try mixing oatmeal with honey and leaving it on your skin for about 20 minutes. If you have oily skin, opt for something more cooling like greek yogurt mashed together with strawberries. Of course, your favorite face mask in a bottle works too! Remove your mask with warm water and pat dry. Reapply your toner and finish with a moisturizer.
On Saturday…Relax with a foot massage
Add some extra oomph to your pedi (it’s tomorrow, by the way) with a DIY reflexology treatment. “The purpose of reflexology is to play around with the pressure points, which are connected to the organs in your body,” Ahn explains. Use a heavy, cream based moisturizer with no slippage like Jason’s Coco Butter, and start off by pressing different areas of your foot with your thumb. Experimentation is key, but for accurate association of pressure points to your organs print out a reflexology map online and follow along.
“Your body and brain will tell you when you’re hitting points with the most sensitivity,” Ahn comments. When you get comfortable with your thumb, try using the knuckle of your index finger. Concentrate on one area at a time for a few minutes for maximum stress relief. Press each area with little knuckle pumps, then slide your knuckle a half inch up and down on the area back and forth and repeat.
On Sunday…It’s mani/pedi time!
Start off by filing your nails following the shape set previously by your manicurist. Once the shape is set, soak them in coconut milk for three minutes to soften the cuticles. “If you allow your nails to soak any longer they’ll expand and you’ll be working with a weak nail that’s out of it’s natural form,” says Ahn. Next, rub a little olive oil, or cuticle oil like Creative Nail Design Solar Oil over each cuticle and gently push them back using an Orange Wood Cuticle Stick. “Don’t attempt to use the silver cuticle clippers at home,” Ahn warns. “If you accidentally clip too much, you can create a space in between your cuticle and your skin where bacteria can harbor causing an infection.” To remove excess skin, gently rub a nail brush back and forth over your nails.
Create a scrub using the coconut milk you soaked in, mixed with a couple of spoonfuls of sugar. Make sure when you exfoliate to rub up to the elbows when preforming your manicure and up to your knees when doing your pedicure. Rinse and use a shea or cocoa butter cream to moisturize your hands and feet. “You never want to use a moisturizer loaded with oils and denser creams are more pampering,” Ahn comments. Since the tops of your hands and feet don’t have a lot of sweat glands, they’re drier, so begin moisturizing there first and use the excess for underneath.
“Ridding excess oil is key to making polish last,” says Ahn. Start by blotting your hands and feet off with a tissue then go over each nail with non-acetone polish remover making sure to get underneath and on the sides of the nails. “Choosing the right base and top coats are essential, as your base coat is like tape and your top coat acts like an umbrella to your color,” says Ahn.

7 Skin Sins: Forgiven and Fixed

Slept with a face full of makeup on? Picked that zit? Skipped SPF…again? When it comes to making major skin mistakes, you’re not alone! We found seven women who are ready to admit their skin sins and fix them once and for all. Read on as our experts solve readers’ most pressing complexion dilemmas.

Skin sin: “I never sleep enough, so I get dark circles underneath my eyes and puffiness. I have also been known to fall asleep once in awhile without taking off my makeup–I KNOW–I just get exhausted!”
Quick fix: That pesky darkness you’re seeing is caused by blood vessels that enlarge under the eyes when the body doesn’t receive enough zzz’s. “Look for an eye cream with caffeine to shrink vessels, and one that has a roller applicator to help massage away extra fluid under the eyes,” says Anne Chapas, MD, a New York City dermatologist.

Skin sin: “I’ve heard over-exfoliating can be harmful, but my skin is dry and I can’t help but go overboard.”
Quick fix: Use a Clarisonic face cleansing brush, which you can pair with a milky cleanser for added comfort while you wash daily. Immediately after cleansing, softly pat on an essential oil product to cocoon your skin in hydration and balance moisture levels, says Dr. Chapas. Stay away from abrasive scrubs and retinols, which may exacerbate dryness and cause irritation and flaking.

Skin sin: “I’ve been going through a hormonal change, and am breaking out along my jaw line. I’ve reverted to being seventeen again, and try to pop the spots.”
Quick fix: Hormonal acne can be a stubborn beast that usually won’t respond to traditional acne treatments, since the inflammation is caused by hormonal fluctuations inside the body. Birth control pills, hormone replacement and a medication called spironolactone can stop breakouts that stem from hormonal changes in your 40s, though they all require a dermatologist’s care, says Dr. Tanzi. To find relief and treat the lesions ASAP, first apply a warm compress to soothe and open pores.  Then, dab benzoyl peroxide directly to the spots to eat up the bacteria causing the eruption and redness, says Dr. Chapas.

Skin sin: “Sun spots from skipping SPF! I can no longer successfully hide them with makeup. Help!”
Quick fix: Most importantly, make sure you’re wearing a daily sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to prevent those stubborn spots from darkening and multiplying. Then try a lightening cream that contains kojic acid or hydroquinone 2%, though you’ll need a dose of patience, as these kinds of creams could take months to kick in, says Dr. Chapas. If it’s immediate and dramatic results you’re after, lasers can significantly improve spots in just one to two treatments, according to Dr. Tanzi.

Skin sin: “For several years now, I’ve banked on the premise that woman of color don’t age. So, in my busy schedule of long days and sleepless nights, I forget to moisturize and don’t have a consistent regime.”
Quick fix: While it’s true that deeper skin tones don’t wrinkle as quickly or as much as fairer complexions, dark skin often experiences aging by way of pigmentation spots, blotchiness and an overall ashy tone that is most commonly a result of sun exposure. If you add only one consistent product to your routine, make it daily lotion with SPF 30. Not only will this help prevent future aging, but it’ll allow skin the protection needed to heal damage that may have already occurred. And if you’re feeling adventurous, go on and add a cleanser or night serum with glycolic acid to brighten your complexion, says Dr. Tanzi. You can also rev skin up with some handy makeup tricks. “The best philosophy for anti-aging makeup is to make your face glow with color and light,” says Sotomayor. L’Oréal Colour Riche Le Gloss is ideal to dab on the center bottom lip for a sexy, pouty look that illuminates the face, recommends Sotomayor.

Skin sin: “Each time I get a new scar somewhere on my body – like from shaving or falling down – I always forget to apply a scar cream.”
Quick fix: Laser treatments are basically the one effective route left, though you first have to figure out what kind of scars you have. “Hypertrophic scars are thick and red, hyperpigmentation scars are dark brown, hypopigmented scars are white, and keloids have a continued risk of growth,” says Dr. Tanzi. While new scars respond best to lasers, it’s fortunately never too late to see some improvement after a treatment. To cleverly cover body scars without obvious caking, Sotomayor suggests using under eye concealer and powder. Tap loose powder onto the area first, and then go in and focus on the scar with your concealer. Set with another light tap of powder. Build up as many layers as necessary for full coverage.

Some Tips On Wash Your Face

Ladies, taking the daily grime off your face is an art, believe it or not. Dr. David Bank, President of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery shares his tips with us.

Step One: Find the Right Cleanser for your Skin Type
ACNE-PRONE: Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. These ingredients will gently exfoliate skin while removing bacteria and dirt that can clog pores and form acne.
ANTI-AGING: Look for cleansers with alpha-hydroxyl acid, vitamins A, B, C and E, and green tea extract. They will exfoliate skin, removing dead skin cells and help new cell growth while repairing skin damage due to environmental assaults.
SENSITIVE SKIN: Cleansers that contain lactic acid, glycerin or hyaluronic acid will work to clean the skin without provoking irritation.
DRY SKIN: Ingredients like vitamin A, C and F and hyaluronic acid work best for dry skin as they help hydrate the skin by holding moisture and drawing it deep into the skin.
REDNESS: Aloe vera, soy and chamomile are ingredients that are gentle and moisturizing enough to the skin so irritation will not occur while cleansing.
Step Two: Tips to Take the Day Off and REALLY Wash Your Face
Start with Clean Hands: Keep bacteria and dirt from hands at bay by washing hands and then be sure to rinse ALL of the soap off before moving on so that chemicals from the hand soap do not react with the sensitive skin on your face.
Remove all make up: Gently remove all make-up with make-up remover towelettes or a cotton pad soaked with olive oil. Removing make-up first allows for a more thorough cleaning.
Lukewarm Water: Start with a warm water flush to open pores and loosen dirt. Caution: Water that is too hot can shock skin and cause broken capillaries.
Activate the cleanser: Apply face wash onto fingertips of one hand. Rub hands together to form lather; this helps to activate the cleanser.
Clean: Work fingertips in a circular motion along the face and neck. It is important to be gentle so that skin does not get irritated. By rubbing in a circular motion you massage the face, stimulating the blood and oxygen.
Rinse: Rinse cleanser off by splashing lukewarm water on the face. Do not rub face as this can cause irritation.
Pat face dry with a clean towel: Cotton towels work best because they have less of an abrasive nature. Also, if you can, wash towels after each use as bacteria clings to washcloths and towels.
How do you normally wash your face? Will you do this routine differently now that you’ve been enlightened? Share your tips with us, below.