Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Oh, the 1990s. We wanted to hang out with Saved By the Bell's Zack Morris, go shopping with Clueless's Cher (taking separate cars, of course!), and make out with the bad boys on Beverly Hills, 90210. And our hair would have looked perfect the whole time, of course. After all, the '90s were chock-full of awesome hair products and accessories.
Whether we were flipping our ponytails with the Topsy Turvy Hair Loop or shocking our parents with Manic Panic's cotton candy pink, our hair was always ready for prime time. Ready to reminisce?
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.'Tis the season ... to stock up on beauty products! Oh, and, erm, of course, to start your holiday shopping! Heh. Whatever your motivation, there are some serious Black Friday beauty deals to be had -- and you don't even have to leave your house!
Whether you're looking to save money on your stand-by must-haves, or you want to have an excuse to try some fun new products, now is the time! Beauty junkies and gift givers alike will revel in these awesome deals.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Bombshell blowouts and tousled waves are standard hairstyles of Hollywood's elite, but a select few actresses and singers decide to go bold with shorter lengths. We always admire a woman who can pull off a pixie cut, and we're also partial to the bobs and lobs than many celebrities have chosen to rock lately.
In a world of long locks, these 20 celebrities prove that short hair is always cool.
Ah, Cyber Monday ... the awesome sale day for those of us who prefer to do our shopping in our pajamas, from the comfort of our own couches. Yes! If a beauty steal is what you're after, this is the day for you -- we've rounded up the very best Cyber Monday beauty bargains.
Whether you want to nab a favorite for way less, or make a big splurge on a BIG bargain, these really are the best beauty deals for Cyber Monday. Happy shopping!
Holiday party season has arrived -- that lovely time of the year when we get dressed up and celebrate our successes with colleagues. Because you want to look festive but still work-appropriate, this is the perfect opportunity to bring out a sleek black jumpsuit -- chic and sophisticated and just as versatile as your little black dress. If you’re heading to the party right after work, throw on a blazer for the office and then change up your accessories for the party.
Our office holiday party outfit starts with a black jumpsuit and red suede pumps. The season calls for a pop of color, and red is the natural choice. The suede texture of the pumps warms things up. For our phones and small essentials, we’ll carry a red embossed leather clutch. As for the accessories? A statement earring with enough personality to carry the outfit is all we need. The two earrings choices below add just the right amount of sparkle and shine. Lastly, a beautiful wrap coat will keep us warm as we travel to and from the festivities.
I've created two similar outfits -- one that's more budget friendly and one that's splurgier.
Office Holiday Party, Budget Friendly:
Take a look at this beautiful jumpsuit from LOFT (don't miss their Cyber Monday 50% off deal!). Great style and great value. Amazing deals continue with this wool blend coat from H&M for just $39.99. You won't find a better price anywhere else! Our California Poppy red suede pump is from J.Crew (don't miss their Cyber Monday 30% off deal!). For our second pop of red, this embossed Marsala clutch from Nordstrom Rack will hold all of your essentials. The sparkly Garbo Drops earrings from Bauble Bar are $36 and the perfect nighttime statement accessory.
If you’re looking for a splurge- and drool-worthy jumpsuit, look no further because this Pintuck Jumpsuit by Vince has leather accents. It’s an investment piece at $425 (don't miss their Cyber Monday 25% off deal!), but I guarantee that you’ll want to wear this jumpsuit over and over again. The Belted Double-Face Wool Coat by Michael Michael Kors is normally $395 and is currently on sale for $208. I’m considering this coat for myself! It’s the right style for all body types and perfect for the office and an evening out. If you’re looking for a gorgeous holiday shoe, definitely check out the Ted Baker Peetch pumps -- the perfect shade of red, suede, and a jewel embellishment. For your handbag, the Croc Embossed Leather Clutch by Vince found at Nordstrom is another stunner. Are you swooning yet? Well, I’ve saved the best for last. My friend Pamela Bloom designs some stunning jewelry, and these Triangle Spike Earrings are so gorgeous you’ll want to wear them every day.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.It's hard to keep track of all the latest hair trends, right? But fluid hair painting is definitely something to keep on your radar, because it's completely gorgeous. And wait until you see how it's done!
It can result in a gorgeous, dreamy mermaid hair look.
"Fluid hair painting is color that is hand-painted directly to the hair," explains Matrix SOCOLOR STYLEINK celebrity stylist George Papanikolas. He says it requires the client to lie down with her hair separated on a flat surface, while the stylist paints the color onto the hair.
It's great, because it gives the hairstylist complete control over placement, explains Papanikolas.
"It makes it very easy to emulate what the sun would do to your hair color," he says. "The way I approach it is by doing very fine, delicate highlights at the roots, gradually getting thicker and heavier towards the mid-shaft and ends ... much like the sun will do to your hair!"
Here's a cool video where you can see the process in action.
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Rachael Urrico, colorist at Devachan NY, says that hair painting allows you to preserve your hair's overall integrity, by never overlapping previously colored hair.
Also, she says, it's awesome if you have textured hair. "It doesn't change the curl pattern of the hair, which is always a concern with naturally curly girls looking to color," Urrico says. "It is by far the least damaging technique out today."
However, a word to the wise ... Urrico adds you really should NOT try this at home: "Leave this to the professionals," she advises. "Taking on a freehand painting on your own head is risky because you do not have a full view of all angles." Good point!
If you do want to try this out, look for somebody who specializes in freehand balayage, recommends Papanikolas. And before booking your appointment, you should definitely check out a potential new stylist's Instagram account. "That can usually give you the best representation of their work."
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The recipe for great '80s hair? A crimping iron, a giant wrap hair bow, such as the one seen here on Madonna, and about eight gallons of hairspray — no, wait, better make that nine gallons. Back in the day, we liked our hair to be big, bold, and static, especially our gravity-defying bangs.
We spent so much time achieving our looks that '80s hair products and accessories are like our long-lost best friends. Sure, we haven't hung out with them in a while, but, man, do we share some totally awesome memories. Ready to revisit the best hair products and accessories your Caboodle had to offer?
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.If your inbox and mailbox are overflowing with invitations to holiday parties, you're probably freaking out about what to wear -- and how to put together the perfect ensemble without breaking the bank. We found 10 hot dresses, each priced at $100 or less, that will make you feel gorgeous and will leave you with enough cash to complete your holiday shopping.
From the little black dress to those lovely seasonal reds and greens, you may find yourself adding a few extra frocks to your wish list!
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.If you have a lovely lady on your gift list who's perpetually pulled-together and effortlessly sophisticated, you know the struggle of finding them the perfect, on-trend gift is all too real. That's why we've scouted high and low for some of the most stylish options on racks and in apps.
Here, 14 fashionable, covetable picks -- from stocking stuffers to oh-so-merry splurges -- for even the most style-savvy recipients.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.If you've ever even remotely considered dyeing your hair a bold, on-trend hue like purple, there's no better time to take the plunge than right now. With so many embracing the bright color trend, you'll be in good company with vibrant, violet locks.
Here, just a few of the glam ways to rock the color.
A photo posted by Shannon Mcmullan (@shannon_mcmullan) on
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If you're the DIY sort who wants to tackle this beauty project at home, there are definitely some things you should know before you crack open that color kit.
Abbie Thompson, an Ion Color Brilliance Educator with Sally Beauty Supply, offers up some tips for nailing the perfect hue in the comfort of your own home (or anywhere, for that matter).
1. Lighten Up
First you have to consider whether or not you're willing to pre-lighten, which might be helpful if you have particularly dark hair. "Although it may not be a necessary step, it is most likely needed to have the ability to closest match the swatch's intensity," says Thompson. If you decided to go this route, try the Ion Color Brilliance Creme Lightener ($7.99, sallybeauty.com) or Wella Color Charm Powder Lightener Packet ($3.79, sallybeauty.com).
2. Prep School
Aside from lightening, you'll want to take into account the porosity of your hair (meaning its ability to absorb the color). To determine the porosity of your strands, feel it. If the texture is straw-like and rough, it could be overly porous and not the the healthiest time to lay color over it. You also want to keep a close eye on the processing time to ensure great color.
3. Purple Passion
There's a wide range of shades available in the purple family, so you have to choose the one that speaks most to you. Thompson loves Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Hair Color 3vr in Deep Velvet Violet ($10.49, amazon.com), Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids in Violet ($11.88, amazon.com), and Ion Color Brilliance Semi-Permanent Brights in Purple ($5.49, sallybeauty.com).
4. Go Time
You have your color kit, and you're ready to go, but Thompson has some advice to keep in mind. "Like all contemporary colors, the pre-lightened or natural level of the hair will directly impact the end result," she says. "We recommend lightening to a level 7 for Ion Brights Purple. At a level 7, there is a very strong gold tone remaining in the hair. If the hair is too dark, the finished result may not depict the swatch. If the hair is too light, the purple base may just act as a violet toner and cancel out any yellow in the hair, leaving an end result of brown. We highly recommend performing a test strand to ensure the hair is properly prepped for desired results!"
5. Rinse Cycle
When your processing time is up, Thompson recommends rinsing your hair in cool or cold water until it runs absolutely clear. Resist the urge to shampoo. Instead, use an after-color treatment that will help seal the cuticle, like Ion Color Brilliance After Color Treatment ($4.99, sallybeauty.com) or Pureology Zerosulfate Neutralizing Color Sealer ($6.45, amazon.com).
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.There is something so chic and yet cozy about a winter white. Whether the color is on plush sweaters, lace dresses, or in a chunky knit, winter white is a must in your wardrobe -- and we have some incredible selections.
While the color black will always be a wardrobe favorite, winter white is right up there with it. It's neutral and so on point -- we have no idea how that no-white-after-Labor-Day nonsense got started. When it comes to white in the winter, we love to break the rules. Here are some of our favorite winter white pieces.
Images (clockwise from top left) via freepeople.com; urbanoutfitters.com; shoptiques.com; forever21.com; anthropologie.com; modcloth.com;
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Something blue -- that's what you'll want on your nails this season once you see this gorgeous selection of blue polishes. With these colors, we can redefine what it means to have the winter blues.
From velvety matte to a galaxy sparkle, these blues are really happiness painted on your nails. Some have an icy feel while others are more lush and warm, but all these blues will make your must-have manicure list.
There are many things not to love about winter, but one great thing about the cold season is ... cute winter clothes! If you're like me and really need to upgrade your warm -- but boring -- coat, check out these stylish and affordable picks.
Whether you're a faux fur kind of girl, want something more classic and timeless, or feel like trying the super cute new drapey / boxy trend, we've got something for you. The hard part will be choosing just one ... maybe one for you and one for Santa's list!
People spend their money on things that make them happy. I happen to enjoy shedding a few coins on a treatment that brings great discomfort: waxing. Yes, I'm a mom of two. No, it's not a mandatory requirement for my marriage. I just happen to like them.
Have you ever tried one before?
I know it sounds crazy to talk about someone's "vagine," but here we are. Who knew something as personal as south of the border maintenance would be a topic for discussion. I didn't think it was that controversial, but maybe I'm wrong?
Since I'm being honest about my own "lady box," I figured it's important to set the record straight. I get a Brazilian bikini wax, that doesn't take everything off. My monthly regimen is a small upside down triangle, that goes to "the back door." Now one time, at band camp (haha, kidding), I was talking too much with a waxer, who was filling in for my regular gal. I didn't notice I was, erm ... a little bald until I got home.
Now that we're officially acquainted with each other (my blood type is O negative, by the way), let's keep chatting.
To me, I think personal grooming (nothing too crazy) is important. It's been close to a decade since I started my waxing journey, and I can't imagine ever doing anything else -- except maybe sugaring, and laser hair removal (I really love my new waxer, so I feel I can't leave her). Sure, I had an experience similar to The 40 Year Old Virgin when I first started, but I've since learned the importance of thoroughly trimming.
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Plus, things tend to work like clockwork the more you get waxed.
Oddly enough, I started waxing simply out of curiosity. Living in Baltimore, I wasn't exactly a beach bunny, where I had to worry about my tan and bikini line -- but did know a few ladies who did it on the regular.
I hated shaving, I hated those pesky razor bumps, and thus, welcomed the sticky alternative. I was sold on the fact that I didn't have to do any vaginal grooming for 4 to 6 weeks.
That in itself deserves a hand-clap of praise.
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Sure, it's a little odd when you first meet your waxing professional. It's hard to transition from, "How's your day going?" to, "Please don't judge my labia," but you'll survive! Actually, I became pretty close with one of my estheticians before I left the east coast. Not only did we take pole fitness classes together (is that weird? It's actually great exercise, but we can talk about that another day), but she did my entire wedding party's makeup on my special day. See, you never know the connections you'll make in life (saved me money too).
When I first met my husband (well, not the first time), he thought I actually waxed for him, hahaha. So cute, but sorry, the answer is no. Don't get me wrong, I love him -- and try (we both do) to keep things spicy in our relationship, but waxing is a personal thing I do for myself ... and if he happens to enjoy the fruits of my hair removal, that's great.
Eight years (almost four married) and two little boys later, some girlfriends of mine still scratch their heads at why I continue. I think, if you have funds in your monthly budget (diapers are no joke), it might be worth making a priority. After all, you don't want to go back to razor days if you're used to waxing. Trust me. I've also tried to save money with those diy wax kits. Let's just say I'm not savvy in that department. Plus, my new esthetician happens to be a fellow mom with her own waxing business. My cooch is literally helping her live her dreams (I'm all about the entrepreneurial endeavors).
As far as time goes, most sessions only take 15, maybe 20 minutes, so it's not like you can't carry on with your day. Aside from finding someone to watch your kiddo, a wax session can still be manageable in a mom's life.
"Isn't that selfish to spend that much money on your vagina, now that you're a mom?" one of my friends asked me. My response is, why not? You do so for your hair and nails, and those don't personally benefit your child. Is waxing really that different?
In fact, I don't see anything wrong with moms wanting to steal a few minutes for themselves each month to enjoy something that doesn't involve their kid -- wine included.
It doesn't make you selfish at all.
Waxing, however, can make you feel like Beyoncé. Now, I don't know if she uses honey from her "Bey hive" (silly joke, sorry) to wax -- but girl, I feel like a million bucks after my monthly appointment.
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...Then I remind myself I need to drive home, and come back to reality.
In the grand scheme of things, $50 a month (thank goodness for Oklahoma prices, y'all!) isn't any different from what you would pay to get your toes painted, or hair done weekly or bi-weekly at the salon. In some cases, you might find it's actually cheaper -- even though it won't be on display for the world to see.
And it can last for over a month? Child ... that can save you awkward run-ins with your kid, should he or she happen to bum-rush the bathroom, while you're trying to shave your vagina.
If you want to wax, power to ya. If you don't, power to ya. All I can tell you, is that this mama is a waxer, and unashamed.
Nothing beats a cozy yet stylish sweater when the temperatures start dropping. And this collection has all your essentials to keep you warm -- from cropped to oversized and colorful to the softest hues.
These 15 must-have sweaters will turn your basic jeans and boots combo into a super stylish look, and they will also dress up leggings and allow you to wear your favorite short sleeve outfits with added warmth all through the season. You'll love the textures, open knit, fringe, and asymmetrical hem features of these must-have sweaters.
Images (clockwise from top left) via hm.com; bananarepublic.com; hm.com; anthropologie.com; freepeople.com; anthropologie.com; leilashams.com
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Our nails can be our calling card. There's just something about sporting well-manicured, freshly-polished nails that help us feel our very best. But are you taking care of your nails as well as you should be?
From basic, everyday activities to manicure habits we never think twice about, you may be shocked at the ordinary things that are doing some real damage to your nails.
Joshua Zeichner, MD, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, shared five things you need to stop doing immediately if you want your nails to always be on-point.
1. DON'T: Cut your cuticles too much. "Cuticles protect the base of the nails, where the nail is made," Dr. Zeichner notes. "Cutting away cuticles expsose that area to potential infectious organisms."
2. DON'T: Clean out the underside of your nail too abrasively. "Trauma can lead to separation of the nail from the finger," Dr. Zeichner says. "This allows yeast to grow under the nail, preventing the nail from reattaching. This is known as onycholysis."
DO:Be careful about cleaning, especially while using an instrument that can separate the nail from the nail bed.
3. DON'T: Bite hangnails. Never use your teeth -- no matter how tempted you are to get rid of that sucker in a pinch.
DO: "Cut it with a sterilized cuticle scissor, and apply an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin," Dr. Zeichner explains. "Infections of the cuticle and soft tissue around it is known as a paronychia and can lead to permanent nail deformity."
4. DON'T: Overexpose your nails to water. "Whether it is from household cleaning, handwashing, or doing the dishes -- excess exposure to water can dry out not only your skin but also your nails," Dr. Zeichner says. "Dry nails are brittle, easily breakable, and can peel at the tips."
DO:Protect your hands. Use gloves when you are doing the dishes, and always moisturize both hands and nails after you feel they've spent a bit too much time under water.
5. DON'T: Get artificial nails. "The glue from fake nails can causes damage to the nails themselves," Dr. Zeichner shares. "While they can provide a protective barrier to the nail when they're on, when they're taken off it causes damage to your nails themselves."
DO: Own your own tips. Take care of your nails and get them manicured regularly if you desire a well-groomed look.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.We all know and love those beauty junkies in our lives. The ones who would gleefully wait in line overnight outside of Sephora for the new Urban Decay Naked palette. The ones who would never be caught without their HG (that's holy grail for the uninitiated) lipstick.
Clearly, these glamazons have some very pretty wishes this holiday season. And that's why we've rounded up 12 of the most coveted options out there for the recipient who believes there's no such thing as too many beauty products in her shimmery arsenal.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.When we're talking about snowflakes and glowy lights, we love winter. It's the best. But when December hits and we remember the way icy winds desecrate our skin, we start thinking twice. It's a good thing, then, that there are so many fantastic body lotions ready to sweep in and save our struggling relationship with winter, because we really want the two of us to get along.
There are SO many lotions floating around that it gets tricky to pick out the good from the greasy. To help, we picked out our favorite lotions from across price points. We promise they'll all save you from sporting scorched desert-like skin this season.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Getting a manicure can be pure bliss for a busy mom. But sneaking out the door and leaving the kids and chores behind is no easy feat. If you've ever had difficulty making the great escape, you'll relate to these 12 stages of one mom just trying to keep her nails on-point.
It's hard to decide which is the best part -- that intoxicating hand-and-forearm massage; the way the manicurist does the adult version of "This Little Piggy" with each of your tired fingers; or how amazing your rejuvenated hands look at the end of the visit. Of course, this all hinges on getting out of the house. Good luck, Ladies!
1.You wake up at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, super-excited, thinking about the manicure you're planning to get today. You don't normally have a chance to indulge, but you're attending a wedding at 5 p.m., and you want to look your best.
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[/code] 2.You'll go just after you make the kids breakfast. You're really psyched. You haven't had any pampering in ages! Visions of fun polish names float through your head as you flip those flapjacks.
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3. Hmm, you should probably do the dishes first, because you definitely don't want to ruin that mani later!
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4. Your daughter wants to visit Grandma. Perfect! You'll swing by the salon on the way home. It's not even 11 a.m. You're carefree with tons of time left.
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5.You left your wallet at home. Shoot. Run back into the house. Do not stop to talk to anyone! Do not even make eye contact!
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6. The younger one is begging for lunch. You're not dirtying any more dishes. You'll make grilled cheese in the toaster oven, and he can eat on napkins. It's almost noon, for heaven's sake!
7.You're about to leave when your partner tells you he forgot to drop off the dry cleaning last week. He asks you to iron the lone clean shirt he has left that he plans to wear to the wedding -- which is now just four short hours away.
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8. You're almost out the door when your phone rings. You don't want to answer it. It's already 2 p.m. You need to get going. But what if it's your mom calling about your daughter? Reluctantly, you answer. It's your sitter ... canceling for tonight.
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9.You spend the next 45 minutes calling everyone who doesn't have a criminal record to come watch your kids.
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10.You've secured a sitter, but you're furious. Even Pauly D. has time to get a manicure -- probably because he's not a mom!
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11. It's 4:45 p.m., and you've had to do your nails yourself. You've also put on your makeup in a huge rush. It's not your best work, but at this point you'll just be lucky to see the bride walk down the aisle.
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12.You're almost there when your guy asks if you tried a new place for your nails this time because, get this, "They're kind of a mess."
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.If you’re lucky enough to get an invitation to a winter wedding, you’ll definitely want to reach for an embellished sheath dress. During this festive time of the year, it’s nice to give your LBD (little black dress) a rest and reach for something with a little sparkle.
I’ve created two similar outfits -- one budget friendly and one splurge worthy -- so you can mix and match the pieces to your liking. The high-end embellished dress is by Adrianna Papell, and our budget-friendly version is from H&M. Throw on a faux fur jacket, black suede pumps, black clutch, and a pair of stud earrings, and you’re ready to celebrate the newlyweds!
You’re going to love this sequined dress because it’s constructed of jersey material, so it will feel as comfortable as a T-shirt. Plus, the sequined design on the front is like a work of art. Sole Society creates beautiful shoes at a great price, and I love these d’Orsay suede pumps -- a classic style you’ll wear over and over again. The faux fur jacket is a fun addition to any wardrobe, and you can also wear it with jeans and a top for date night. The black clutch and double-sided stud earrings are staples that should be in every woman’s closet.
My two favorite pieces from this outfit are the dress and the faux fur jacket. The art deco design on this embellished sheath dress is really gorgeous, and the faux fur jacket both looks and feels luxurious. A dressy jacket like this comes in handy to wear over any cocktail dress in chilly weather. The remaining three pieces -- black suede pumps, black leather clutch, and gray glitterball post earrings -- are all wardrobe essentials that will get plenty of wear.
Oh, the 1990s. We wanted to hang out with Saved By the Bell's Zack Morris, go shopping with Clueless's Cher (taking separate cars, of course!), and make out with the bad boys on Beverly Hills, 90210. And our hair would have looked perfect the whole time, of course. After all, the '90s were chock-full of awesome hair products and accessories. 
