Back 2 school!
August 28, 2009 by Paulina
The leaves are falling, it’s getting colder and it’s about time to go back to school! It’s also time for new school supplies, new clothes and a new do. A new, improved and more edgy bob is in for fall 2009. You can perk up your existing bob by getting some shorter and more edgy bangs. You can also cut a more jagged and layered body.
Colours for fall? We seem to be going darker, but a multi-toned dark. Try a dark chocolate brown underneath. A darker colour underneath gives the illusion of more volume. For you blondes who want to 
stay blonde, some very thin lowlights all over the body are very popular for this school year. And a hairstyle that hasn’t lost it’s popularity is the side braid. A french braid that goes down one side, starting up at the forehead and usually ending just behind the ear. It’s a convenient yet very cute boho-chic look if you want your bangs out of the way!
For you ladies with long hair, big bouncy curls will never go wrong. Now, girls with medium length - don’t fret! Straight hair and a side swept bang is just what you need, and if you don't want to wait for that stubborn hair to grow, extensions are a girls best friend! If you don’t want to make a drastic change, like going darker or shorter even making little changes like a darker tone underneath or a side bang will go a long way.
Don’t forget to protect your locks from the cold wind that comes around in the fall! You can keep your hair moisturized with sprays, shampoos or conditioners. Oh, don’t forget your scarves, hats, toques and berets!
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
August 18, 2009 by Paulina
The bride, the groom, the dress, the cake – the list can go on and on. A girls wedding day is supposed to be the greatest day of her life. So of course she has got to look stunning! From shoes to guarder to dress to make-up to hair! So many women have no idea what to do with their hair. We all know it must look flawless, because everything has to be perfect for this perfect day.
Typically though, women go with pulled back in curls, with heavy hairspray, bobby pins and sparkles. But sometimes less is more!
Women with long hair should try leaving it down or having it half up in curls. If comfort and practicality is what you’re looking for, a nice side bun full of curls and volume is very trendy and simple to do. Even leaving your hair down and having it perfectly straight is seen more often. The straight hair gives a sophisticated yet sexy look. For women with shorter hair, wearing it wavey and pinned back is very sleek yet convenient.
There are two main concerns women tend to have with wedding hair, 1) the curls will fall out, and 2) bangs. These two concerns drive women to putting their hair sleeked back into a curly bun at the top of their heads – the typical wedding hair. Ladies, do not be afraid of droopy curls or wavey bangs. There are tonnes of pomades, gels, hairsprays that really do the trick with holding hair. And if the hair at the back of your neck is bothering you while you’re dancing, an easy side bun will not only be your best friend, but you’ll look great.
To do the “side-bun”, you’ll need a hair tie and a comb. First what you’ll want to do is pick a side you want the bun to rest on. Then sweep all your hair to that side and tie it into a tight ponytail up just behind your ear. Grab a few strands of hair and tuck them into the band. Then take the last piece and wrap it around the hair tie so the band doesn’t show and pin it in place with a bobby pin. With that simple way to keep your hair back, you should be dancing all night long!
And ladies, don’t forget something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue!
Alright ladies! Don’t forget your sunscreen!
August 15, 2009 by Paulina
Alright ladies! Don't forget your sunscreen!
It’s the middle of summer, the sun is shining, and the heat is blistering! Flow-y skirts, gladiator sandals and one-piece bathing suits are in! Enjoy a freshly squeezed iced lemonade and get your pedicures on!
Trying to keep your body refreshed and safe from UV-A and UV-B rays during a hot day can be tough, but forgetting about your hair is worse.
We tend to take care of our skin, but what about our hair?
The heat can dry out and make your hair brittle, and the sun can turn your beautiful blonde hair into a not so pretty brassy mess. It’s important to take care of your hair. Hats are a good way to stay trendy and keep the sun from drying out your hair. But let’s be realistic, we’re not always going to be wearing a hat, so another way to lock the moisture and color in your hair is a UV-A and UV-B protection spray.
There are many leave in conditioners, hair sprays and gels that have an SPF in them, these usually come with an SPF 12. Also, shampoos and conditioners with an SPF can help protect the hair from sun damage.
A great do-it-yourself-way is to dilute a tablespoon of SPF 25 or 30 sunblock lotion in a spray bottle of water and spray into damp hair before styling. We’ve got to stay away from alcohol, lemon juice, peroxide or any hair lightening products – especially from the sun, this causes dry brittle hair and does nothing to protect our locks!
So ladies, when going out to enjoy the sun, be aware that, just like our skin, our hair needs to be protected too!
How To Give Yourself a Pedicure
May 20, 2009 by Jennifer
I know it seems like I’m obsessed with the approach of summer weather, but I live in a place where there is snow on the ground eight months out of the year. Humor me.
My latest beauty project is getting my toes ready for sandals. I work a lot of hours, so it’s not always convenient to get myself to a salon for a pedicure. But it’s so easy to give yourself a pedicure at home, so why not?
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First, remove any old nail polish from your toes. Then, soak your tootsies in a bowl/bucket full of warm water. Add some soothing bath salts and relax for 10-15 minutes. If you’re lucky enough to own a foot spa, now’s the time to break it out! Ahh.
Dab cuticle cream on your cuticles. While that is soaking in, clip your toenails, if necessary, then file down any rough or pointy edges.
Push back your cuticles using an orangewood stick or other cuticle-pushing device.
Use a pumice stone to exfoliate and smooth out rough skin on heels and balls of your feet. If a pumice stone feels too rough for you, try a loofah.
Rub a rich cream into your feet. Many lotions especially made for your feet have a minty, refreshing feel to them. Sit back again for a few minutes to let the cream soak in. Isn’t this fun?
Swipe nail polish remover across your toenails again. Residual oils from the creams you used could keep your polish from adhering properly, so in order to ensure that your pedicure lasts as long as possible, you want to remove those oils from the nailbed.
Apply base coat and let it dry. Apply two coats of polish, allowing a minute between coats. Remove any stray polish with a Q-Tip dipped into polish remover. Finish it all off with a coat of top coat.
Be sure to allow adequate drying time before sticking your feet into shoes!
Now your toes look great and it's time to show off those cute new sandals! Happy feet!
Revitol Skin Exfoliator: How to Keep Your Skin Glowing
May 16, 2009 by ashwin
No matter what skin type you have, facial exfoliators have their own unique use. When messaged into the skin, they help remove dead skin cells and cleanse the pores. They help prevent acne-breakouts and are instrumental in bringing out a smooth clear skin.
Revitol's Skin exfoliator is your solution to damaged skin. It contains Oatmeal and brings about a youthful skin tone. It contains all natural ingredients.
According to the salonhive product description page, "This Exfoliator is designed to be used daily, especially on oily skin with chronic acne conditions". The Revitol's skin exfoliator has been designed to be used on your skin daily, by applying it thoroughly on your face and neck areas. Message in a circular motion and wash with cold water for best results.
Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte: Solutions for Oily Skins
May 16, 2009 by ashwin
During rainy season, it is best to take to exfoliating lotion-based solutions for your skin care. Anything oily would only intensify the skin problems, if any. The Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte solution is the all-new lotion that could immediately come to your rescue. "It consists of alpha-hydroxy acids in a unique base, to smooth and tone rough or damaged skin" according the product description on the salonhive page.
It is suitable for all skin types and can even treat skin damage, wrinkles and fine lines. Works much like a lotion-based moisturizer when applied on the face. Applying it your skin one to two times a day is more than sufficient to bring your skin back to its lustrous, shiny and young self.
The Obagi Exfroderm lotion contains natural ingredients like pure water and many others which make it one of the most organic skin care lotions available.
Skin Care During Monsoons(Rains)
May 16, 2009 by ashwin
Taking care of your skin during monsoons is often difficult to manage and one of the most common difficulties that arise during these times would be fungal infections. Special care needs to be taken during these times as given below:
- Acne break-outs are pretty common during this season and you may use medicated face-wash to keep that in check.
- Use oil-free moisturizers as your skin gets hydrated during these times. However, avoid using heavy, oily creams.
- Use Oil Free toners, sunscreens. Try to wash your face as often as possible to keep fresh and hydrated.
- If your skin tends to be excessively oily, use an ex-foliate toner or an astringent. One of the reasons why your skin tends to attract fungus is due to the sweat. Use lotion-based moisturizers and try and scrub at least once or twice a week.
- Avoid excessive water contact with the skin on your palms since it this season also causes peeling of skin.
Use sunscreen at all times, even if you think it isn't that hot. UV rays will still hit your skin and it doesn't necessarily have to be hot. To avoid a sticky feeling off your sunscreen, try to modify it into a lotion-based or a gel-based one.
Your skin requires special care during the rains and the above points are only a starting point for special skin during such times. Can you think of any more ideas to protect your skin? Feel free to comment.
How Long Should You Keep Makeup?
May 13, 2009 by Jennifer
While you’re doing your spring cleaning, maybe it’s time to take a look at your makeup bag, as well. To keep your makeup fresh and your skin healthy, you should go through your makeup every few months, check smell and consistency, and take note of each item’s purchase date. Keeping your makeup bag fresh and up to date will help you avoid skin irritation or infection that could arise from using old cosmetics. Let’s talk about a few general guidelines regarding the shelf life of common cosmetics.
First and foremost, if your makeup smells funny, throw it out! This seems like it would be common sense: You don’t want to be putting something IN YOUR EYE that smells like it’s gone off. Please. If any of your lotions or potions smells off, get rid of it, no matter how much is left in the container.
Now, here’s a list of general rules regarding the shelf life of make-up:
- Concealer: 12 months
- Foundation: Water-based, 12 months; Oil-based, 18 months.
- Powder: 2 years
- Lipstick: 1-2 years. Again, if it smells bad, throw it away. Now.
- Lip Gloss: 1-2 years.
- Mascara: 3-4 months. This is the product you’ll want to replace most frequently.
- Pencil eye liner: If sharpened regularly, can last 2-3 years. Same with pencil lip liners. Sharpening these pencils regularly removes the top layers of product and helps keep the surfaces relatively free of residual bacteria.
- Powder eye shadow: 2 years
- Cream eye shadow: 1 year
- Powder blush: 2 years
- Cream blush: 12-18 months
In addition, to help keep your makeup free of bacteria, you should wash your makeup brushes in a mild detergent every couple of months. Makeup sponges should be washed weekly.
A final caution: If you tend to use a lot of “natural” cosmetics which are free of preservatives, these should be tossed sooner. The lack of preservatives and the composition of many botanical ingredients means that natural makeup tends to go bad sooner. Keep your eye on it.
So if you still have that fuschia blush and blue mascara in the back of your drawer from that 80s party you went to three years ago? You guessed it: Time to get rid of it.
Get Glowing!
May 10, 2009 by Jennifer
Who needs the sun? Try a bronzer or golden shimmer powder for a safe and healthy glow this spring. You’ll feel cheerier. I promise.
Get a safe, sunkissed glow like Lauren Conrad by using face bronzer.
Queen Helene Ginseng Tea Tree Hot Oil: Best of Exotic Worlds in One
May 10, 2009 by ashwin
Think of herbal supplements and Ginseng root is probably the first that comes to anyone's mind. It is one of the most popular herbal supplements out there. It is sometimes referred to as " man-root" since it resembles the human shape and the name also indicates that it helps the whole body.
With an illustrous history riding back all the way to over 3000 years, this root has been in use with the Chinese in their Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) practices. Now, what if we can use this for your heat treatment now? With the Queen Helene Gingseng Tea Tree Hot Oil, it is very much possible.
Ginseng & Tea Tree Hot Oil Treatment
Queen Helene Ginseng & Tea Tree Hot Oil Treatment has a unique and highly effective dual action formula "that combines the anti-bacterial benefits of Tea Tree Oil with the strengthening and conditioning properties of the Ginseng root", according to the product description on Salonhive.
This hot oil treatment seepsinto your scalp, works its way into your hair slowly and works its magic in getting that strength, conditioning, lusture and texture to your hair.
