Quick solutions for common beauty problems

Notice a few beauty booboos but don’t have much time? Here are a few faster alternatives for four common beauty issues.

1. If you’re looking old and tired…
Reddish or purple under-eye discoloration can make you look old and tired. Change this in minutes with a good concealer. Prep your eyes with a good eye cream and apply a color that exactly matches your skin color. You may use a brush to apply concealer or your middle or ring finger. Gently pat on and set with pressed or loose powder.
Done in: 2 to 3 minutes.

2. If you have dry, after-beach hair…
If you notice that your usually soft and healthy hair is suddenly out of control after several beach trips, it’s because saltwater, mixed with the sun, zaps moisture out of your hair like it’s nobody’s business.

If you don’t have time to spend hours on a salon chair, use a deep conditioner or hair mask twice a week. Shampoo hair as usual and apply mask. Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes and rinse. Voila, instant healthy hair, without having to sit on a chair for hours. Remember to do this every day for a week after a beach trip, and twice a week after that.

Done in: 3 to 5 minutes on top of your usual shower time. TIME-SAVING TIP: while your conditioner or mask is on, grab your tweezers and fix your eyebrows!

3. If you have short eyelashes…
Lash extensions are fabulous, but the aftermath, not so much. While this is not a 5-second lash-growing remedy, applying a lash serum twice a day will strengthen and lengthen your lashes over a period of time.
Done in: 5 to 10 seconds, once a day.

4. If you’re looking pale and pasty…
Pale and pasty does not equal sexy, but we all know that too much time under the sun can cause serious problems such as skin damage and even cancer. So what’s a woman to do when she wants a golden tan sans the sun? Use a self-tanner or bronzer to give your color an instant lift. Apply where the sun usually hits such as the nose, chin, cheeks and forehead.
Done in: 1 minute for powder bronzer on face and about 30 minutes if tanning the whole body.

Your ultimate guide to beautiful hair

It is said that a beautiful hair is a woman's crowning glory and a head of beautiful hair begins with proper maintenance and care. Read on to find out how you can achieve beautiful and healthier hair all year long.

Boost hair with superfoods
The key to beautiful, healthy locks is eating well. Protein and omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and nuts generate a healthier scalp. Nutrients found in leafy vegetables, beans, and carrots are also good for your hair. Stay away from fad diets designed for quick weight loss as most of these diets lack proper nutrients, such as zinc, biotin, or protein - all these can lead to brittle hair or hair loss.

Protect hair from sun
Like your skin, sun exposure is no kinder to your hair. It dries out your hair, especially if you have very sensitised hair (colour treated). With our sun-blazing climate in Malaysia, it's essential to guard your hair with a light hair spray packed with SPF protection.

Lukewarm water for shine
Although many of us enjoy a nice, hot shower, it is actually bad for the scalp. Hot water strip the scalp of sebum, which is the protective oil that acts a natural conditioner and gives hair its shine. This doesn't mean you have to endure through cold baths. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your hair.

Protein for split ends
We all know, perfectly coiffed hair doesn't come without some sort of styling, however frequent hair styling, perming, colouring or bleaching can damage your hair's protective outer layer, known as the cuticle. A damaged cuticle will result in the dreaded split ends, but don't fret just yet as proteins are known to restore the damage. Look for conditioners that contain protein. What they do is penetrate the hair shaft and repair split ends. The fix only lasts until the next shampoo, so you'll need to use it regularly.

No oil treatments for dandruff
It's a misconception that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, but in actual fact, it is caused by an inflammatory process that affects the scalp. Rubbing oil into the scalp can make the inflammation worse, resulting in more unsightly white flakes. That is why medicated shampoos are your best bet at treating dandruff.

Do not brush your curls
It is true when they say curly hair is harder to maintain, because they are more likely to break and become dry and brittle. The key is to use a pick as it keeps curls looking better as opposed to brushing or combing your hair. Conditioners with polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone also help to smooth hair and make it more manageable. Avoid excessive use of flat-irons and relaxers, - this can damage your hair further.

Do not comb excessively
The 100 brush strokes a day is a myth. In fact, too much brushing will break off more of your precious hair. Most people lose an average of 50 to 100 hairs every day, so a little hair loss is normal. To minimize additional hair loss, use a brush with ball-tipped bristles and avoid brushing while your hair is wet.

Avoid intense hair dye jobs
Most of us are no strangers to hair colouring process and are likely to experiment with various colours. But the next time you plan on having a hair makeover, know that you're risking damage to your hair with more extreme colour changes. If you absolutely want a colour change, some stylists recommend staying within three shades of your natural colour to minimize the damage.

Shower before swimming
The rule of thumb is to always rinse your hair before entering the pool. This will prevent harm to your hair caused by chlorine. When your hair is soaked with water, it won't absorb as much chlorine contained in the pool. For added protection, use a pH-balancing hair product to safeguard further chemical damage.

Take a styling break
Some days it is wise to leave your hair alone. You might not realise this, but all the combing, tugging, blow drying, and chemicals from styling products are detrimental to your hair shafts. If you have damaged hair, avoid excessive styling and give your hair a break. Sometimes, less is more.

Bizarre Hollywood Beauty Secrets

A-list celebs have unprecedented access to cutting-edge beauty treatments the rest of the world could only dream of. But sometimes those beauty secrets sound more like a nightmare than a dream.

Remember when Demi Moore revealed she was using blood-sucking leeches to "detoxify?" Or how about when Madonna was reportedly using a face cream made out of human placenta? Think it can't get any stranger than that? Think again! Here's our roundup of the latest and strangest Hollywood beauty secrets.

1. The Bird Poop Facial:
Yes, you read it correctly. It's a facial… using bird poop as its main ingredient. And celebs are 'flocking' to spas to get the odd treatment. Also referred to as the Geisha Facial because of its Japanese origins, several high-end spas are charging hundreds of dollars a pop to slather on this 'unique' ingredient, which is said to leave skin shiny and smooth. Both Victoria and David Beckham reportedly indulge in the facials that use a mixture of Nightingale excrement, rice bran, and water.

2. Synthetic Snake Venom:
Gwyneth Paltrow, Katie Holmes, and Debra Messing are all reportedly opting for a "muscle shocking" synthetic snake venom-based product called Syn-ake. This anti-aging treatment supposedly acts like a topical Botox, smoothing out wrinkles and relaxing facial muscles.The theory is that when snakes attack, they paralyze their victims with their venom. Swiss beauty chemists soon realized by copying the venom, they could hope for the same effect in humans.

3. Vodka Mouthwash:
When Listerine just isn't cutting it anymore, some celebrities are turning to a mixture of vodka, mint sprigs, and lemon or cinnamon, says Manhattan-based celebrity dentist Jennifer Jablow DDS, who works with several of the Victoria's Secret supermodels.

Dr. Jablow says some patients are turning to this homemade concoction believing it freshens breath and prevents staining, but in actuality, it will "dry out the mouth and give more bad breath." Breath mints anyone?

4. Earthworm Poop Wrinkle Cream:
Stars will try almost anything before a red carpet event, apparently even a skin cream that uses the excrement of Earthworms. Recently featured on the TV show The Doctors, the product purports to reverse the aging process and even cure skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. While its creator, Fresh Beauty Market, won't reveal which celebrities are ordering the earthworm casting-based Wrinkle Butter, they say at least a dozen are slathering on the wormy-cream.

5. Vajazzling:
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt isn't shy about her biggest beauty secret. Brazilian wax? That's for novices. J-Love gets "va-jazzled," the process of applying Swarovski crystals to your, you guessed it, va-jay-jay. She credits it for 'perking her up' after a big breakup. In fact, the Client List star has been so open about her affection for the body bling that the spa that made the treatment famous has even named a design after her, says Alexis Wolfer of TheBeautyBean.com, who has also tried the down-there décor.Once I heard about this, I sent a daring friend into New York City's Completely Bare Spa, owned by former Real Housewife Cindy Barshop, to try it out for herself and report back to me (call me a prude, but I'm not so keen on blinging out my lady parts). She loved it!

The treatment even has an entire website dedicated to it, and the term "vajazzle" has been added to the Urban Dictionary. As for Love Hewitt? She recently complained that women now come up to her and pull down their pants to show off their bedazzled designs. Eek.

6. Fish Pedicures:
Whatever happened to using a pumice stone to get rid of dead skin on feet? Now, places offering fish pedicures are popping up around the world. Literally, you dip your feet into a vat of fish and "relax" as they dine to their heart's content nibbling off all of the dead skin. As if a celeb trying this isn't bad enough (we're talking to you, Jessica Simpson), Angelina Jolie told Vanity Fair last year that she sent her young sons for this bizarre foot-bath.

5 Tricks to Smell Gorgeous

The right fragrance can lift your mood, entice your guy, and boost a blah workday. Just follow these steps to find the best perfume for you.

1. SPRITZ CONTROL!
Apply fragrance to pulse points like your neck, inner wrists, and behind your ears; these areas give off heat, which diffuses the scent. Also, consider the concentration: One or two drops of perfume and three to five sprays of eau de parfum or eau de toilette are plenty. If you over-douse, rub the area with a wet, soapy washcloth or a little unscented baby powder; it'll absorb the smell.

2. SMELL SEXY (NOT VAMPY)
For a soft, sultry fragrance, "try a mix of light florals, such as orchid and lavender, with musk or woody notes," says Laurent Le Guernec, a senior perfumer at International Flavors and Fragrances. And why do we love pink grapefruit? A study found that men thought women wearing it were six years younger than their actual age.

3. LET IT LINGER
Heading out after work but hesitant to re-spritz? Make your fragrance last all day (and then some) with this a.m. trick from Vasnier: Rub an unscented body lotion where you plan to mist. "It captures the scent so it stays on the skin without evaporating," he says.

4. GO FRESH AND CLEAN FOR DAY
Unless you work on, say, the Macy's beauty floor, you may wonder whether it's appropriate to wear fragrance to the office. After all, you don't want to be the coworker leaving a thick trail of tuberose in her wake. But stick with gentle or crisp fragrances and you'll be golden. "Studies show that people feel safe around the scent of baby powder, while the smells of green apple and cucumber help decrease anxiety," says Alan Hirsch, M.D., founder of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.

5. STILL NERVOUS?
Instead of wearing full-on fragrance, buy a body lotion from a perfume collection and smooth it on only your arms or décolletage. These formulas are infused with just a dash of the notes-plus, at about half the cost of the actual juice, it'll save you some cash.

How to Combat Adult Acne

As I write this, I can't help but poke at the enormous pimple that appeared on my cheek this morning. (It hurts!) Acne in your late-twenties? Completely unfair if you ask me, especially if you've already been through it once before. The only bit of news I can take solace in is that I'm not alone with this whole adult acne thing.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a recent study shows that "late-set or adult-onset acne is becoming increasingly common in women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s." Apparently, 45 percent of women in my age range (21 to 30) are dealing with similar pimple problems. That number decreases to 26 percent once I reach the next age range (31 to 40). Yay?

So, all that's good to know, but what about the red, swollen mountain on my cheek? Well, I just learned about these three surprising tips I'm definitely going to try tonight gathered from some of the best dermatologists around:

1. Change your pillowcase.
Every night when you lay your head down on your pillow, your hair transfers all of the hair products that you wear every day, like gel, wax, and hairspray, not to mention smog, grease, smoke and dirt, to your pillowcase. Then, you put your face in it. Bad news. Instead, change your pillowcase every day, every other day or every third day.

2. Sleep with your hair pulled back.
Again, hair is the collector of all that is dirty, so if you keep it pulled back off your forehead and the rest of your face, you'll start to see a difference.

3. Stop the caffeine.
Avoid anything that ends in "ine" that means caffeine because caffeine acts as a diuretic and dehydrates skin. So if you're a coffee drinker and you have problems with breakouts, loosen the grip on your mug.

Causes of adult acne
We all thought we’d put acne behind us, but all of a sudden, the pimples of our teen years are popping back—and with a vengeance! What happened? Wrinkles are bad enough, but to have to endure acne all over again is downright unfair. Find out what causes adult acne and what you can do to treat and prevent it.

1. Blame it on stress
When we are under stress, our body releases a hormone called cortisol. This, in turn, amps up our body’s production of oil. And when that oil gets clogged, by dirt or makeup, you know what happens next. A huge zit, usually in the most conspicuous part of the face.

2. Goodbye sleep, hello acne!
When we were teens we grabbed every chance stay up to party all night. And most of us are still up burning the midnight oil, but for less entertaining reasons: cramming an important presentation, staying up with a sick baby, or fighting off stress-induced insomnia. Well, those late hours are affecting our skin. Hormones go haywire when we mess up our sleep patterns. So, when you wake up, you not only have to worry about dark circles, but pimples too!

3. Hormonal fluctuations
We’re more prone to acne during adolescence because of hormonal fluctuations. The hormones settle down in our twenties, but they can act up again: pregnancy, menopause, or when we stop taking birth control pills.

4. Best anti-acne treatments
Many skincare products are designed to treat acne breakouts. Read the label. Look for benzoyl (which kills the bacteria that leads to acne) or salicylic acid (which helps break down any clogs in the pores). You can also ask for prescription products from dermatologists (these usually have higher levels of acne-fighting ingredients).

Wash your face every day with a gentle cleanser. Don’t pop pimples (which can lead to scars) and never scrub your face very hard (irritated skin is more prone to breakouts).

The Secret to Looking Beautiful at Every Age

It's no secret that we're a society obsessed with youth. We sign up for baby Botox at the sign of our first wrinkle, plonk down our plastic at the dermatologist's office for that laser therapy insurance won't cover, and collectively spend an estimated $115.5 billion per year on anti-aging products.

So it's somewhat shocking that it took a 90-year-old fashionista to remind us that beauty isn't only reserved for the 25-year-olds: "We have an insane love affair for youth," says Iris Apfel, MAC Cosmetics' newest spokesperson. "Youth is lovely and wonderful, but … life doesn't stop when you're 30."

Apfel may describe herself as a "geriatric starlet," but according to MAC, her face is selling just as much product as Gaga these days. "I find it pitiful that people lie about their age. What's wrong with getting old? I think if you're lucky enough to get old, you should celebrate," says Apfel.

We couldn't agree more. Instead of trying to erase the wrinkles, why not embrace your (aging) skin? To help you do just that, it helps to know what skin care products will make you look amazing at every age.

1. If you're in your … 20s

The issues you're most likely facing are acne and some discoloration from sun damage. The most important thing for you to do is to keep your skin protected with sunscreen everyday. And "start protecting your neck, chest and hands along with your face," says Dr. Heidi Waldorf, New York dermatologist.

Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser that will remove makeup and excess oil, but won't over dry your skin.
Moisturizer: Use a light moisturizer that contains sunscreen, and provides UVA and UVB protection. Look for a product that contains either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl. Sunscreen is the best way to prevent premature aging, and it's even more important to use if you are taking/using acne medications that make skin more sun sensitive.
Treatment:
Plan A: For acne prone skin
If you get mild breakouts use a spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. And whatever you do, don't pick it can lead to long-lasting scars.
Plan B: For the partiers
If you are one to stay up all hours drinking, smoking, etc. you might want to kick start your anti-aging program now by applying a serum at night that contains Vitamin C. It'll help fight the free radical damage your lifestyle is causing.

2. If you're in your … 30s

Discoloration caused by sun damage or melasma (aka the mask of pregnancy that can also be caused by birth control) are two of your biggest skin challenges. "At this point you need to start exfoliating regularly because skin only exfoliates naturally every 35 days as opposed to every 14 in your 20s," says Lorencin.

Cleanser: If you used a foaming cleanser in your 20s, it's time to switch over to a non-foaming, non-drying cleanser.
Moisturizer: Before applying sunscreen use an antioxidant-rich moisturizer. "There is some evidence that antioxidants act synergistically with sunblock to help guard against photodamage," says Waldorf. "They can also help reduce old damage," she says.
Treatment: Add a retinoid to your regime to help improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. The highest strengths of retinoids are prescription only, but over-the-counter retinol is a close second. Apply retinoids at night, and avoid putting them on your upper eyelids -- they'll be too irritating on your delicate area.

3. If you're in your … 40s

In your 40s, the lines of movement between your brows and around your eyes and mouth don't disappear like they did in your 30s. "Your estrogen level is tapering so your skin will become dryer," says Lorencin. Overall you'll need to add moisture and collagen-building ingredients like peptides.

Cleanser: Cleanse using a basic non-foaming, non-drying cleanser in combination with a gentle face cleansing brush to help remove dead skin cells. Because you'll use retinol regularly, you'll need to get rid of any flaking skin.
Moisturizer: Use SPF daily to prevent further damage and choose a product that contains antioxidants to fight free radicals and help reverse some of the damage you already have.
Treatment: Retinoids and peptides are two ingredient groups that you should add into your routine if you haven't already. Peptides can help rebuild collagen, especially when used in combination with skin texture-improving retinoids like retinol. To get both ingredients in one dose, opt for a serum.

4. If you're in your … 50s

"Moisture, moisture, moisture," says Waldorf, should be your main concern in your 50s. Loss of tone and sagging are your biggest issues. Start using more powerful products that contain peptides, retinoids or alpha hydroxy or amino acids.

Cleanser: Use a cream cleanser that will hydrate skin while it cleanses.
Moisturizer: Choose a moisturizing cream that contains SPF to keep skin hydrated and protected. Because ingredients like retinoids can make skin more sun sensitive, daily use of sunscreen is a must.
Treatment: Apply a peptide rich serum under your SPF daily to help build collagen. Look for one that also contains antioxidants to fight free radicals or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.

The Zero-dollar Plan to Erase Wrinkles

It's been drummed into us that using the right products and staying out of the sun are the keys to looking young. But here's another tactic that has just as much impact: slowing down and living a saner life.

Research shows that when we're highly stressed, neuropeptides (chemicals in the skin's nerve endings) are released into our skin and create inflammation, which, in turn, speeds up the skin's aging process. Now, the good news: Experts say there are easy, free-and super-relaxing-ways to combat these "stress molecules." Try them and prepare to look radiant. A possible side effect: You'll feel like a million bucks, too.

1. Catch your breath
When we're rushed, our bodies launch into stress-reaction mode: our hearts race, our blood pressure may spike. "Taking deep-breathing breaks stops our nerve endings from firing off damaging neuropeptides," says Susan Blum, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of preventative medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. To slow down, inhale deeply so that air expands your abdomen, then exhale slowly to flatten it. Repeat a few times to calm yourself.

2. Wash your face right when you get home
Doctors say that women often skip their nightly anti-aging skin-care regimen when they're stressed or tired, so don't wait until you're zonked. "My patients tell me this really helps them keep up with their routines," says Jessica Wu, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California and author of Feed Your Face.

3. Have more sex!
"It releases beta endorphins, which help protect skin's collagen, and oxytocin, which lowers the stress chemical cortisol," says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a New York City dermatologist and an adjunct assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. Okay, we know, twist his arm...

4. Try an ultra-low-impact workout
Exercises like yoga can calm your nerves, but if you're not rolling out the mat for 90 minutes, don't worry, says Blum: "It's less about how long you exercise for and more about doing it regularly, which trains your body to relax quickly." Just 10 minutes of yoga stretches five times a week can lower cortisol levels (see page 66 for some quickie moves). Prefer a no-impact workout? Try meditation. Sit for 10 minutes, eyes closed, taking deep breaths and relaxing every muscle in your body. To shush your internal to-do list, "repeat a calming phrase, like 'I am at peace,'" Blum says.

5. Massage away the lines
A five-minute facial rubdown makes skin instantly firmer-if you hit the right spots. "You have to massage the lymph nodes in order to drain the water that causes puffiness," says facialist Joanna Vargas of Joanna Vargas Salon in New York City, whose clients include Rachel Weisz and Sofia Coppola. On each hand, hold your index and middle fingers together. Starting right below each ear, rub in circular motions down each side of your neck to your collarbone; repeat five times. Next, look up and do the same motions starting under your chin, massaging right under your jawbone out to your ears, then down the sides of your neck; repeat five times. If your under-eye area is swollen, gently massage the skin from the inner corners to the outer corners, then from your temples down the sides of your face. Final step: Check out your glow in the mirror.

Best lip color to flatter your skin tone

We talk a lot about dressing for your body type instead of following trends simply because they’ve been anointed as the look of the season. The same idea applies to makeup. Just because a certain lip shade is in fashion doesn't mean it's flattering for your skin tone. In this episode, Emmy Award-winning celebrity makeup artist Valenté Frazier talks us through the colors that work best for fair, yellow-toned, olive and dark complexions using me and three Thread viewers as examples.

Bright, bold lips are an easy attention-grabbing statement. The key to picking the right hue is to think about what works best with your skin’s undertones. Valenté helped three viewers-- and me!--find our ideal shade using COVERGIRL’s new line of Blast Flipsticks. Each Flipstick has two sides--a creamy and a shimmery one--which allow for serious customization because you can add a lot or a little of each to get the color you’re in the mood for.

1. Fair skin
Those of us with pink or porcelain undertones should go for a vibrant pink shade such as Pucker, says Valenté. Start with the creamy side and then add a little (or a lot, in my opinion) of the shimmer for a daring nighttime option. Wardrobe-wise, amp up the look by wearing deep pinks and berry colors.

2. Yellow-toned skin
If you have beige or yellow undertones you want to go with a cooler lip shade. A lovely deep purple like Flashy looks amazing, especially when paired with a vibrant jewel-toned dress.

3. Olive complexion
Valenté suggests warm pink shades with a sultry bronze shimmer such as Whisper. Show off your lips with a look in a subtle pastel hue which is one of the season’s big fashion trends that those with olive skin can easily pull off.

4. Dark skin
Lock in an attention-grabbing look with a warm peach lip-- Valenté loves Smooch-- and a dress in an electric primary color.

Beauty Secrets from Around the World

When it comes to beauty routines, the grass is always greener. Japanese women have it made with their long, glossy hair and Greek women's olive-toned complexions are always luminous. But how do they do it? Put down your passport-you won't need to go anywhere to find out. We got insider beauty information from experts on how women across the globe stay gorgeous. Read on to find out their secrets, and learn how you can recreate them at home.

Australia
Australian makeup artist Napoleon Perdis says yarrow extract is used by Australian Aboriginal women to prevent stretch marks, thanks to its moisturizing and hydrating properties. "Yarrow root is also an anti-inflammatory, which soothes the skin." Calm your complexion with his Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer, which contains the extract as a key ingredient.

Chile
Chilean women credit the antioxidant powers of red grapes for their luminous skin. They create a paste by mashing up a handful of the fruit and adding 2 tablespoons of white flour. They then apply the mask to their face and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off. "It wakes up the appearance of tired and fatigued skin to give you an amazing glow," says Shalini Vadhera, author of Passport to Beauty.

Dominican Republic
"If you ever meet a Dominican woman, look at her nails--chances are they're super-strong," says Vadhera. What's their secret? Women in the Dominican Republic swear by garlic to keep their nails tough as…well, nails. They chop up fresh garlic, add it to a bottle of clear nail polish and let it stew for 7 to 10 days. "There will be an initial smell, so if you want to ward off vampires this is a great way to do it," jokes Vadhera. "But the scent goes away. Garlic has so many strengthening properties and is naturally antibacterial as well."
Learn what else to eat for healthy hair and nails.

Egypt
According to Vadhera, Cleopatra's beauty secret was taking milk baths to soften her skin and remove dead cells. To try the treatment at home, Vadhera recommends adding 2 cups of powdered milk to your bath. "It will make your skin look absolutely gorgeous and feel so smooth, silky and soft."

France
"The French woman sticks to a scrupulous and preventive skin and body care routine," says Shannon Gallogly, lead aesthetician for French beauty brands Decleor and Carita. "This means she has weekly facials, regular massages and religiously takes her makeup off each night." Gallogly's recipe for an at-home facial without the price tag of a spa version: Mash up cherries and pomegranate seeds and apply as a mask to the skin for about 6 minutes. "This mask will help brighten skin with natural enzymes while firming at the same time." Remove the mixture with a warm towel to help boost circulation.

Greece
"Greek women are blessed with Mediterranean skin, which is light in color but has enough melanin to shield and absorb harmful UV rays," says New York City dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, who is half Greek. But even if you aren't genetically blessed, you can still take a cue from the women of Greece. "There are other factors that contribute to their glowing complexion: They eat a Mediterranean diet high in fish, which provides skin-rejuvenating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as fruits and vegetables, which provide antioxidants and vitamins. They also believe their intake of olive oil contributes to their great skin." So, start reaching for the olive oil instead of butter for better skin.

Israel
Cygalle Dias, owner of New York City's Cygalle Healing Spa, was born in Israel and believes in the healing powers of sea salt. "When you swim in the Dead Sea, all of the salt helps your body rid itself of toxins, and it has also been known to help cure skin diseases." To get the detoxifying benefits of sea salt at home, Dias shares her spa's Lavender Sea Salt Scrub recipe: Mix together ¼ cup sea salt, 1 pinch seaweed powder, ½ cup massage oil and 10 to 15 drops lavender oil. Apply to skin to gently exfoliate.
Turn your shower into a spa.

Italy
How do Italian women maintain their glossy locks? According to Fabio Scalia, Italian hairstylist and owner of Fabio Scalia salon in Brooklyn, New York, the answer is right in your kitchen. Italian women keep their hair shiny by combining yogurt and olive oil and using the mixture as a conditioner. "The protein in the yogurt gently nourishes and conditions." To whip up the rich treatment at home, Scalia recommends mixing 1 cup of plain whole-milk yogurt with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Then apply the mixture to washed hair, let it sit for 5 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Japan
Titi Branch, the half-Japanese cofounder of Miss Jessie's hair care line, credits seaweed for Japanese women's long, silky hair. Nori is a rich source of the trace mineral iodine, which is essential for healthy hair growth. (According to Branch, the iodine added to table salt isn't the right kind to nourish your hair because your body doesn't easily absorb it.) Seaweed is also a rich source of other mane-strengthening minerals-including iron, zinc, selenium and copper. "Japanese women either eat nori seaweed or boil it and apply it to dry hair as a nourishing paste." Head to your local Asian grocer or health food store to pick up sheets of nori. "It's traditionally used to wrap sushi, but you can use it like a tortilla to wrap up veggies with a dash of soy sauce, or crumble the sheets and sprinkle them on a salad, rice or stir-fry," advises Branch.

Spain
Spanish women bring out natural, subtle highlights in their hair by rinsing it with cranberry juice, says Vadhera. Try mixing ¼ cup pure juice (not cocktail blends) with ¼ cup water and doing a final rinse with it in the shower. "If you're going to be in the sun, the cranberry juice brings out the rich hues in your hair," she says. "It works amazingly on brunettes, but if you're blonde you'll want to use lemon juice instead to avoid ending up with pink hair."

Sweden
Swedish women attribute their glowing, healthy skin to their diet of antioxidant-packed fresh berries and grilled fish, says Petra Strand, Swedish makeup artist and creator of makeup line Pixi, now available at Target. Give yourself a hit of antioxidants by trying Strand's at-home treatment: Boil mineral water with a green tea or white tea bag, let the tea infuse the water and then freeze it into ice cubes to use instead of a toner. "Saunas are also a big part of Swedish culture," says Strand. "The dry, clean heat rids your body of toxins." To get the effect of a sauna at home, Strand says to take a handful of rock salt and add a dash of olive oil and about 10 drops of pure eucalyptus oil. Rub it all over your body and rinse with a blast of cold water.

14 Beauty Rituals Men Will Never Understand

There's no ideal place to get into a tiff with your significant other, but at a black-tie family wedding just before his birthday and Valentine's Day has to be on the list of most inconvenient. But that's what happened with my guy and me this past weekend.

We sparred over something which I knew in retrospect would seem really silly: My shoes. I had put together my entire ensemble for said wedding at the last minute, and that meant I was wearing adorable, sexy, but completely new, stiff, and uncomfortable patent leather peep toe pumps all night. When the band started grooving, my instinct was to slip off those bad boys and party rock barefoot. But the BF said it was inappropriate to be sans shoes at a black-tie event ...

After an unfortunate 20 or so minutes filled with me stumbling around whimpering and us trading curt words, I figured out what was really at the heart of his issue with my attempt to ditch the heels.

He honestly did not understand that high heels as in, 99 percent of them are ALWAYS painful as hell. Maybe not right away, but eventually or in my case, an hour into a reception they give us blisters, tear up our heels, pinch our pinkie toes 'til they're numb, etc.

I explained to him that his well-meaning request for me to "please just try to find more comfortable dress shoes" is simply not an option. It got me thinking ... besides shoes, what other things do women wear or do for the sake of fashion and beauty that (straight, obviously) men will never be able to wrap their heads around? Let's see ...

1. Eyeliner, especially liquid eyeliner. They want to know why we're trying to poke our eyes out or blind ourselves with something they see as a Magic Marker.

2. Similarly, eyelash curlers. These terrify men. Are we trying to inflict medieval-style torture on ourselves, they wonder ...

3. Spanx. Ever have your guy walk in on you as you're trying to put on one of these lifesaving undergarments? It's inevitable when you live with them, but there's absolutely no way to do it gracefully. He's bound to look at you like you're a monkey from outer space.

4. Threading our eyebrows/face. Again, to them, this looks like a form of scary torture from the Dark Ages. Why are we subjecting ourselves to it? Well, so we don't look like monkeys from outer space, that's why! Hellooooo.

5. Changing outfits ... more than two or three times. This leads them to believe that we are indeed crazy. Or at the very least, super indecisive. We're just trying to look nice -- for them!

6. Putting on makeup in general. They say they like us better barefaced, and that's sweet and all, but sometimes a girl just needs a little mascara to look awake, am I right?

7. Having an arsenal of various eye shadows, blushes, mascaras, lip glosses, etc. in a train case you may rarely, if ever, use. Who knows when you might need that fire engine red cream blush or that lip plumping gloss? Plus, it cost $20, so you totally plan on using it at some point. Just like he has his tools, you have this. Why is that so strange?

8. Carrying a clutch purse we can't fit much of anything in. Sorry, it's not designed to hold the keys or his camera! Just my lipstick, iPhone, ID, and some cash thankyouverymuch.

9. Carrying a huge purse we can fit everything in. Sometimes we just want to rock a big huge bag!

10. Wearing big sunglasses. We're thinking of emulating Jackie O. or Audrey H., but they're thinking Nicole Richie or Kim Kardashian. Ick.

11. Collecting jewelry! So what if we have to start using dresser drawers to store our Lia Sophia and Jewelmint collections? Hrrmpf. A woman can never have too many accessories to accentuate her wardrobe.

12. Shopping online. From web sample sales to HauteLook.com to Birchbox and everything in between, I'm pretty sure guys will never get why we're stalking that Kate Spade or Lilly Pulitzer or Coach sale that starts ... at ... 3 a.m. EST!

13. Using various hair products. Some guys seem to understand this. As in, the ones who are weird about their hair. But there's also a limit to even what they understand. Their product vocabulary is one note: They just want their hair to look good. We, on the other hand, need options curling mousse, straightening gel, straighteners, curlers, anti-frizz, beachy spray, practical shampoo and maybe a frivolous, fun-scented one, etc.

14. Taking time. It takes time to look lovely and put-together. We ladies do not have the luxury of just being able to, in the immortal words of one Cher Horowitz, "fall out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take our greasy hair and cover it up with a backwards cap" like guys. We care more than that, and that's just something they really should take their time to understand.

Can You Eat Your Way Beautiful?

Beauty lotions and potions are so 2011. The newest way to make your skin glow, clear up acne, and brighten your eyes isn't with a little bottle of face cream but rather chocolate creme-as in the case of Borba's slimming chews and Frutel's new acne fighter both made out of, yes, chocolate. Apparently eating it doesn't make you break out or gain weight! That is, if you buy into it.

While women have long ingested pills and vitamins in order to grow healthier hair, stronger nails, and glowing skin, this next generation of edible cosmetics sees your puny Flinstone vitamin and raises you with a range of delicious products that include vitamins, herbs, fruit extracts, and a host of other good-for-you compounds. But why should we eat our makeup when we could get the same vitamins in their natural form by eating whole, healthy foods?

Tanya Zuckerbrot, the official dietitian of the Miss America pageant and co-creator of the edible Beauty Booster, says succinctly, "Juices have a ton of calories. Who wants to sacrifice their behind for their face?" Did we mention the Beauty Booster is calorie- and sugar-free?

Long popular in Europe and Japan, the new industry is just catching on in America, thanks in no small part to celebrities seen carrying the products and their almost-as-famous doctors. Designer Norma Kamali even has her own line of specialty olive oils said to be based on her Spanish-Lebanese upbringing saying, "Olive oil was part of our lives and not just on the table. My mother knew it was good for so many things, so I was indoctrinated quite early."

Designer olive oil is one thing, but gummy bears that give you "gorgeous skin and anti-aging power?" Edible cosmetics are available in a variety of forms, including candy chews, gummies, drinks, and concentrates that range in potency. But the real question is do they work? Doctors and nutritionists are, naturally, dubious.

"Good skin does not come from slickly marketed beauty drinks and foods, but from vegetables, whole foods, and plain water," critics say. The FDA is staying out of it, as they don't regulate cosmetics. It might be a while before all the research gets sorted out. In the meantime if you're going to eat a granola bar, would it hurt to try one that also "improves skin tone" like the Nimble Bar?

5 Face-Washing Tricks for Glowing Skin

If you've been lathering up the same way for years, it's time for a clean slate. Use these tips to learn how. Upgrade your cleanser, tweak your routine, and reveal glowing skin - tonight.

1. Splash with care:
Here's the cold, hard truth: Rinsing your face with icy water won't tighten your pores. And using hot water, though it may feel good, can dehydrate skin. Lukewarm is best, and if you have redness, try cool - not cold - water, to help constrict blood vessels, Waldorf says. What can impact your skin is hard water (check your supply with a simple water-testing strip, available at the hardware store). "Over time, it can cause skin irritation," Baumann says. "Putting a purifier on your bathroom sink will filter out some of those harsh minerals."

2. Figure out your skin type:
"I've found that the majority of women guess their skin type incorrectly, which means they could be using the wrong cleanser," says Leslie Baumann, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at University of Miami. Baumann stresses that it's best to let a dermatologist diagnose your skin type, but she says you can get a good read from this D.I.Y. test: Rinse your clean face with 10 splashes of lukewarm water, then pat it dry and wait 45 minutes. If your face feels tight or looks ashy, you probably have dry skin. If it's shiny all over, it's oily. If just your forehead, nose, and chin - the T-zone - are shiny, you likely have combination skin. And if your skin is easily irritated, that usually means it's sensitive.

3. Use the right cleanser:
"The drier your skin, the fewer skin-stripping suds you want while cleansing," says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. And - bargain alert! - drugstore cleansers are just as good as pricier options. "Any fancy ingredients may wash right off your skin anyway," she says. Non-foaming formulas (creams, milks, lotions, oils, and cold creams) are best for dry or combination skin because they have few surfactants, i.e., the stuff that lathers. For sensitive skin, "look for soothing ingredients such as soy, feverfew, or green tea," says Baumann.

4. Stash wipes:
For nights when you're too exhausted to wash your face, keep a box of pre-moistened face wipes in your bedside table. "They clean almost as well as a regular cleanser," Waldorf says.

5. You can skip
Washing your face every morning. So long as you cleanse before bed, "you can nix it the next morning every now and then," says Baumann. (But if you have breakouts, wash twice a day.) Using a separate makeup remover. "Your cleanser or face wipe will take off everything," says Waldorf. The exception: heavy or waterproof eye makeup, which you should dissolve first with an oil-based makeup remover.

The nubby washcloth. "It's too abrasive for most skin types," says Waldorf. Instead, exfoliate two to three times a week with either an electric face brush (ideal for sensitive skin) or a scrub with beads (granules can scratch skin).

How to Wear Spring’s Hottest Nail Polish Colors

Although it's unseasonably warm here in New York today, it still feels like it's a little early to start thinking about spring fashion and beauty trends. To me, at least. To fashion designers and beauty tastemakers, it's the perfect time to be thinking about spring fashion and beauty trends. Enter pastel nail polishes.

Yes, those colors reminiscent of Easter eggs and Jordan almonds are what's hot for the warmer months. Light pinks, baby blues, faded mint greens. And to that I say: Gross.

I've never been a fan of any colors in the pastel family. I'm not sure why, but I've always been more of a bold -- or neon! -- person. Probably because those shades work best with my skin tone.The lighter, more muted tones make my pale self look washed out -- which is never a cute look.

But looks like pastels it is this spring. I say I don't like the nail colors now, but I know myself -- all it will take is me seeing one woman with a really great, super flattering pastel-colored manicure, and I'll give this trend a go. But which colors work best for whom?

So, okay, like I said, in the winter, I'm pretty pale. And those really light, soft colors -- the almost-white baby pinks and the pale yellows -- look horrendous on me. They actually make my pasty hands look like I have no nails whatsoever. The color just blends into the color of my fingers -- it's not attractive. So, if I -- or you, fellow untanned person -- am going to give any of the really light colors a whirl, I suggest we get our fake tan on first. My no-fail, go-to is Kate Somerville's Somerville360 Tanning Towels -- I swear, you won't streak or stink. If you're naturally more dark-toned, lucky you -- you can really wear any pastel polish and it will look good.

Another tip for rocking the pastels is to trim your nails! I know, this is obvious to most, but there are some people out there who still wear their nails super long when they've got crazy colors on them. It's not a cute look. And if you keep your nails long when wearing a mint green, you're going to wind up looking like you have dinosaur talons or something. Seriously, give them a little trim.

Lastly, when the polish starts to chip, take it off for God's sake. Chipped polish is always bad, but chipped blue polish is whole 'nother ball of wax.

5 Beauty Treatments that Can Go Horribly Wrong

Do you remember that Sex and the City episode when Samantha decides to get an impulse chemical peel, which promptly burns off the first two layers of her skin? Ladies and gentlemen, that was me. Last week.

Except it wasn't a chemical peel, but an upper lip wax I impulsively decided to get during my lunch hour. The wax was too hot, and my skin responded with a red, bumpy rash. And yes, I had to walk into the office with my upper lip lit ablaze. Thankfully it blended into the crimson shade that was my face.

To make sure this never happens again, I talked to Sharon Elizabeth, a California-based skin care expert and freelance makeup artist who has seen the results of many a well-meaning beauty treatment gone awry. She shared which treatments are most likely to backfire, as well as her best tips on how to prevent a beauty emergency.

1: Waxing
A fresh wax may help keep stray hairs away, but it could also cause redness or breakouts (same goes for threading). Depending on how quickly your hair grows back, get your lip and/or eyebrow wax done one to two weeks before a big event -- but no sooner. "Make sure your technician applies a prewax oil to your skin before waxing," Elizabeth says. "It prevents burns, and skin pulls far better than the baby powder many people use." Before your next wax appointment, find out what happens behind the scenes at your salon here.

2: Tanning
Looking like a bronzed goddess is a dream -- especially when you end up resembling a lava-colored lobster. Don't forego sunscreen and lay out in the hopes of getting some color. Layer on the SPF 40 and beware of tan lines (which can make even the best cocktail dress look weird).
If you're a spray tan lover, schedule a session for about three days before you want to be presentable. "This will give the solution time to settle on the skin, reducing the chances that it could end up sweating on your clothes," Elizabeth says. "And if the shade is too bold, this lead time will give you a chance to subdue it." If you end up a little orange, try scrubbing your body with a loofah and your face -- more gently -- with a washcloth. Want to get a tan at home? Check out the 9 best self-tanners here.

3: Deep conditioning
A deep conditioning treatment can improve the texture and luster of your hair, but if you'd like to give one a go, do it at least a week before you're going to try that sleek, waterfall ponytail or other trendy updo. (If you have thick, coarse hair, you're the exception -- condition away!) Hair that's too soft can be hard to manipulate and too slippery to hold a style. Give yourself a deep conditioning treatment at home with one of these reader faves.

4: Hair straightening treatments
Addicted to straightening treatments? You may be tempted to book your appointment just before a big event so that it's "fresh," but doing so can make it stiff-as-a-board straight and lifeless. To get the look you're after without looking like you had a close encounter with an ironing board, give yourself a two-week window between the treatment and show time.

5: Over-exfoliating
While you're scrubbing and scrubbing (and scrubbing) in the hopes of making your skin squeaky clean, you're definitely removing dead skin cells -- but you're also nuking the healthy ones as well. This results in a duller appearance, ultimately making it harder for makeup to be applied and have staying power - basically the very opposite thing you're after.

Treat your dry hair the right way

Dry hair can be caused by chemicals, exposure to sun or water and by the over use of heating tools. All these things damage the hair cuticle, making tresses frizzy and dry and results in split ends. While there are no magic remedies for split ends – they have to be cut off – there are ways to treat your hair and keep it looking luscious.

The first step is to look over your hair care products. Sulphates cleanse, but also dry locks so look for a sulphate-free shampoo if your hair is dry and damaged. You will notice a big difference within five to ten washes. Sulphate-free shampoos are also ideal for curly hair. Also, try to limit hair washing to twice or three times per week.

Use a hair treatment once every seven days to really moisturise tresses. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy - try applying olive oil on your ends and covering with a heated towel for 30 minutes. It does wonders!

When it comes to styling products avoid the ones with alcohol as it dries locks out. Also, make sure to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of all the build-up that styling products can cause.

New Axe Body Spray for Women

By: Joanna Douglas
Men have been dousing themselves in Axe body spray since 2002, but grooming brand, Unilever, has decided it's time to let women in on the action. While typically Axe commercials show women succumbing to "The Axe Effect" from guys who use the product, the tables are turned in ads for their new scent called Anarchy, which will soon be available both for men and women.

According to the New York Times, the campaign is by the London office of Bartle Bogle Hegarty and commercials are scheduled to run in the US on Jan. 29. The first teaser commercial (below) has already appeared on Axe's YouTube account and shows a female police officer chasing a thief, both shedding layers of clothing. When they come face to face, the officer has dropped her gun and the criminal ditched his stolen goods and they're unable to resist each other. The ad says "Anarchy is coming" and "Nothing will ever be the same again." The company is encouraging viewers and Axe consumers to weigh in on how the story will unfold and they're launching an Axe graphic novel on YouTube and Facebook with Aspen Comics. Some fans with good ideas will even be written into the comics.

We located a second ad (below), which apparently is already being aired oversees. In this TV spot we see men lusting for every woman they encounter and creating a chaotic sequence of events culminating with fires and a car pileup. The females reciprocate and walk towards the males like zombies, ignoring the scene around them. The ad says "Unleash the chaos. New Axe Anarchy for him and for her."

The intention of the new ads is "subverting expectations of what an Axe commercial is," David Kolbusz, a creative director at Bartle Bogle Hegarty in London told the New York Times. "Before, an Axe commercial was always about a guy spraying himself and a girl being attracted, and Axe giving him an edge in the mating game, whereas now women also have something to spray on themselves, and consequently there's more of an equilibrium between the sexes."

What no one is mentioning though, is the stigma associated with Axe. While yes, many guys love it, some women consider the scent an indicator of a type of male overly obsessed with his appearance. Vain metrosexuals, womanizers, wannabe players, jocks, and the men of "Jersey Shore" have all been known to love Axe. And whether or not women enjoy the scent of Axe on their male counterparts, is this something ladies are really interested in wearing themselves? Barret Roberts, the senior brand manager at Axe, told the New York Times that 25% of Axe's 2.3 million "likes" are women.

"We've been hearing for some time that females have been asking for and looking for their very own scent of Axe," said Roberts. Alrighty then, perhaps we stand corrected. The women's Anarchy body spray will only be limited edition, but the brand may make it a permanent addition to the line if it performs well in stores.

10 Mind-Blowing Beauty Tricks for a New You in 2012

It's a whole new year, and everyone everywhere is telling you it's time for a whole new you. I like you just the way you are, but nevertheless I thought I'd share some seriously helpful beauty tips and tricks.

This day and age, it's understandably difficult to take much time to primp up, but these tricks might actually save you time while helping you feel a little bit better about your look. Throw your hair into a sock bun and the effortless curls that appear when you take it out for date night will totally surprise you. Since scheduling a day at the spa is practically impossible, make some of your own pampering products at home. These tips and tricks are easy to do and will make you feel great. Always remember to take a little time for yourself. I'm pretty certain that you deserve it.

1. Scotch Tape Cat Eye. Make a cat eye with scotch tape and no shame! (Starring me and my hideous putting-on-makeup-face.)
2. Tightening Green Tea and Grapefruit Toner. Keep your skin looking rejuvenated and toned the natural way.
3. Homemade Dry Shampoo. For busy mamas dry shampoo can be your saving grace.
4. Aspirin Face Mask. Aspirin as a mask? You will be shocked to see just how it works.
5. Hair Growth with Coconut Milk
If you cut your hair and miss those long locks this remedy will guarantee you a couple good inches.
6. Cutting Your Own Bangs. You know you've done it. You know you've done it wrong.
7. Exfoliate With Sugar. Brown sugar can work as a wonderful skin exfoliant and leaves you smelling sweet.
8. Shaving Cream for Cracked Heels. Borrow a bit of your husbands shaving cream to soothe your cracked heels. He'll never know.
9. Spuds for Dark Circles. A potato a day keeps the dark circles away.
10. Sock Bun Curls. Save your hair from being damaged by heat by changing to sock bun curls.

Your At-Home Mani is Ruining Your Nails

When it comes to manicures, some steps are considered no brainers. For example, apply a base coat. It's the first lesson in Manis 101. So, imagine my surprise when I sat down with celeb manicurist Debbie Leavitt and the first words out of her mouth were "never use a base coat."

Leavitt says it's not only unnecessary, but also it causes polish to chip faster. (To read why, click here.) And that's not the only big bombshell she shared.

Ditch Your Nail File
According to Leavitt, most women are using the wrong nail tools when it comes to DIY manicures. One of the top offenders? Your nail file.

Here's why: The most common emery boards, like the ones you buy at the drugstore, have extremely tough grit. Nail files are identified by numbers -- the higher the number, the finer the grit. Common nail files rank at 80 or 100, but Leavitt insists that's too harsh. "I find those traditional emery boards shred the nail," she says. Leavitt's professional nail files fall between 180 and 320. "I say 180 is the lowest number you should ever file a natural nail," she advises. To find a great emery board, Leavitt suggests checking out the ones sold at professional beauty stores.

Skip the Lotion

Look at your cuticles. Are they dry, cracked, or hard? We hate to tell you this, but lotion won't fix the problem. Instead, head to the kitchen and grab some olive oil and massage it into your cuticle. Leavitt says it's the best way to hydrate the nail and the cuticle. "I just find oil really seeps into the skin, whereas lotion tends to sit on top of the skin. Plus, lotion often leaves us feeling more greasy than oil." Fricke agrees, "Oil moisturizes, minimizes hangnails, helps protect the polish 'till dry, and can make scruffy nails look fresh. It is the miracle product!"

The RIGHT Way to Apply Polish

Let me guess: You take your brush, wipe it once on each side, and begin to apply the polish. Sorry to tell you, but that's the wrong way to apply polish. In fact, that method often leads to clumping and overloaded brushes. According to Leavitt, the correct way to load the brush is at the heart of a good polish application. "You should wipe the brush back and forth on the tip of the bottle several times. Eventually your brush should become flat and the lacquer will move to the base of the brush. You'll end up with a nice dollop of polish, and since the brush is flat, it's easier to maneuver the polish on the nail," she says.

Shine Beauty Gurus Review: Maybelline Baby Lips

One of the biggest winter beauty gripes is dry, chapped lips, so we couldn't resist offering up Maybelline's new Baby Lips Repairing Lip Balm to our Beauty Gurus this month. There are six different flavors-two clear balms (Quenched and Peppermint) and
four tinted balms (Cherry Me, Pink Punch, Grape Vine, and Peach Kiss). We opted to test the tinted shades since they're supposed to add a hint of color while they protect lips with SPF20, moisturize, and renew skin all for $3.99. Let's see how well these Babies fared.

Color, scent, and packaging
Cherry Me: Jennifer Rose says, "the fun, orange tube is a nice complement to the cherry red stick" and was "impressed with the amount of color delivered on single swipe of balm." Carol B says "the color was nice and the smell fantastic." Leigh Ann had a very funny experience after underestimating just how much the color stained her lips ("I have learned not to put the balm all over my mouth").

Peach Kiss: Emma Mae says it "glides on and smells like peaches. The tint is a soft shimmery nude. It does not feather, it does not settle into lips lines."

Grape Vine: MJ says, "It was practically nonexistent against my complexion. I wish it went on like the deep, purple color it is in the tube."

Pink Punch: Megan says it smells great that a light application provides a soft pink shade. "I kind of like to cake it on, [but] when I do that my lips look straight out of the '80s." But Michelle disagrees saying, "what I love most is the punch of color that comes with it." She says the pink tube is adorable. Christina thinks it's the perfect shade for her fair skin and "it smells so good; like fruit punch or something else sweet and heavenly." She also notes that "like a regular lipstick [it] twists up and down from the base."

Results
"I love Baby Lips and it does keep your lips super duper soft and smooth," says Leigh Ann. "After a month of use, you will notice a softer lip." CarolB is typically not a fan of balms, but she loved the non-greasy Baby Lips. She says, "I would say it is a lip balm breakthrough in offering cell regeneration of the lips thus making lips more smooth and supple. After the first application my lips felt smooth and silky and didn't give that greasy feel like some balms do." MJ says, "As soon as it goes on the icky feeling of dry lips goes away immediately leaving my pout very soft and happy." She appreciated the SPF 20 since she lives in sunny Florida and only needed one midday reapplication. Emma Mae says she "noticed an improvement starting with the initial application on day one." Christina says Baby Lips "smells good, feels good, and actually does keep your lips hydrated, but it does not renew dry or chapped lips." Jennifer Rose agrees. She hasn't seen complete renewal but says "the balm has been an indispensable lip moisturizer, with the added glamour of sweet pink tint, as the temperatures continue to drop."

Feedback
MJ says, "The test of a true lip balm for me is how long it stays in my purse! I'm happy to say that this one has found a home amongst my other favorite lip balms!" Megan says it may not have lasted eight hours but "it did last longer than Carmex or Chapstick!" Michelle says, "at $3.99, it is a steal and would make a great little stocking stuffer!" Emma Mae says,"I don't work for Maybelline and do not have access to their labs, but I can tell you what is in this formula: MAGIC!

Bonus
This is the first time our Gurus loved the product so much many of they went out and bought other shades. Sarah Michelle picked up Cherry Me," Emma Mae got Pink Punch, and Megan wants to buy Peach Kiss.

5 Ways You Should Be Wearing Your Eyeliner

I recently had to admit to the cold, hard truth about myself: I'm slightly obsessive compulsive. Exhibit A: When I like a song, I play it on repeat from 9 to 5 for a week straight. (This week it's been Bruno Mar's "It Will Rain." OK, so it was the Twilight theme song -- don't judge.)


Exhibit B: I like my office supplies to sit in alphabetical order on my desk: antibacterial hand gel, pens, ruler, scissors, scotch tape, stapler, and whiteout. (Go ahead and judge me on that one. Heck, I judge me for that one.) Exhibit C: When I finally figured out how to master the perfect winged tip, I worked that bad boy for months.

But while I figured I shouldn't mess with a good thing, my snarky cube-mate had other thoughts about my new go-to eye makeup. "Do you ever wash your face?" she asked in that I'm-joking-but-not-really tone. "Is that eyeliner tattooed on or something?" She had a point.

So, true to my obsessive compulsive ways, I tapped the best eye makeup guru on the west coast for the 10 most stunning ways to wear eyeliner. Even better, I got her to fill me in on the tricks and techniques it takes to master these looks on the first try. Here are the 5 looks that I've started wearing in rotation this month. Take a look:

COLORED BOTTOM LINER

Eye makeup guru Taylor Chang-Babaian says it's easy to wear a statement look even if you don't have a steady hand or hours of practice. All you need for this bold look is a long-wear pencil liner in a bright color of your choice. Long-wear liners are usually twist-up pencils, so you can't control the sharpness of the tip, which prevents drawing a straight edge. However, unlike kohl pencils, long-wear pencils will give you bold matte color that'll last for hours. (I like Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner, $23.) Apply the liner to just your lower lashline from the inner to outer corners, using short strokes. To pull it into a cohesive look, you can apply eyeshadow in the same color family to your upper lids, but make it two shades brighter. Break up the bright color by applying a thin black line to your upper lashline and apply mascara.

NATURAL DEFINITION

The upper inner rim doesn't always get as much attention as its lower counterpart, but I found out it's an equally important area to define. Applying black liner to your upper rim will intensify your lashline, giving you natural looking definition without the hard edge of a liner. All you have to do is lift up your upper lid, while looking down into a mirror, and apply the black pencil in short strokes.

ELONGATED EYE

For those with close-set or small eyes like me, you can lengthen the width of your eyes by focusing your liner at your outer corners. Using a cream liner, draw a line from the middle of your upper lashline to the outer edges without winging it. Then apply the liner to the outer third corner of your lower lashline, connecting the tip to the line you made above. "This is perfect for rounder eyes to create more angles and add a hint of sexiness," says Chang-Babaian.

DOUBLE WINGED TIP

"This take on the winged tip is a little bit edgier," says Chang-Babaian, but totally wearable. After drawing your winged tip on your upper lashline, take your cream/gel liner and mimic the winged tip on the outer corner of your lower lashline. First, draw the line for the tip starting from your outer corner and making it parallel to the tip above. Then, line your lower lashline from your outer corner to about half of your lashline. Finally, connect the two endpoints, creating a triangular shape and fill it in. To provide contrast, you can apply a highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes on your lower lashline.

'60S-INSPIRED WINGED TIP

For this throwback to the '60s look, you'll need a black liquid liner (try Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $18). Using the liner, apply a thick line to your upper lashline, then angle it at the outer corner of your eye at 45 degrees, creating a dramatic winged tip until you hit your crease. Work the liquid liner into your crease from the winged tip. Expert tip: If you have oily lids, apply the liner slightly above your crease to prevent the makeup from transferring. For an extra bold look, apply a matte, bright-colored eyeshadow to your lid before doing the liner.