New Beauty Breakthroughs as Seen on NY Live

This morning I was back on NBC's New York Live with Jacque Reid talking about some of my favorite new beauty products that are real breakthroughs.  Check out the segment below!

Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q Hair Dryer, $120 at drugstores and  3QHairDryer.com

A brushless motor allows for an almost silent blowout and this dryer has almost 70% more air pressure so it dries your hair super fast without the need for excess heat.  Less dry time and heat equals healthier hair.

Rogaine for Women, $29.99 at womensrogaine.com

One in three women notice thinning hair in their lifetime and Rogaine finally came out with a formula as powerful as the mens - with 5% minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth.  Just apply a capful once a day to the thinning area and massage it in with your fingers.

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher, $90 at BergdorfGoodman.com

Popular in Korea, this product acts as a boost for all of your other skincare products. Just smooth it all over your face morning and night after you applied your regular skincare and the Green Tea-Ginseng Complex promotes radiance, slow melanin production and increase collagen production.

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick, $8.99 at drugstores

This lipstick is made of a wax free, high def gel formula.   The clear gel base provides a weightless feel with a smoother, more even application than traditional wax-based formulas and allows the true pigment to come through.

Armani Eye Tint, $38 at Sephora

This innovative eye shadow combines the purity of a powder, the staying power of an ink and the feel of a cream. It comes in 12 unique shades that can be layered endlessly.

Vidal Sassoon Salonist, $14.99 at drugstores

This two-step at home hair coloring technique helps to get an even color from roots to ends.  First, brush your roots using the brush the roots with Vidal Sassoon colour mixture then, add the Vidal Sassoon Serum to the mix and smooth through lengths.

Grammys: Red Carpet Ready

Last night was #amazing.  Did you watch the Grammys?  Between Kristen Wig in a leotard, Katy Perry's lavender lob, and Beyonce's angelic performance, it was a fun show and I'm so thankful to have been in on the action.  If you were following my social channels, you'll know that I was completely obsessed with my hair.  One of the highlights was collaborating with Herbal Essences Celebrity Stylist, Charles Baker Strahan, on a look that perfectly complimented my Donna Karan gown.

"I was initially inspired by the movement and softness of the drapery in your dress," my stylist, Charles Baker Strahan.  With a bit of lift in my crown, my signature side swept bangs and articulate movement in the back, it was perfect.

Dress: c/o Donna Karan Shoes: Steve Madden Clutch: House of Harlow Earrings: Stella & Dot

Did you happen to catch my Herbal Essences promo during E!'s Live from the Red Carpet?  Tune into Fashion Police tonight on E! to catch another one! This one has footage from the red carpet!

Stop Damaging Your Hair

Remember when I chopped my hair into a bob?  It was a like a fresh start and felt so good to get rid of all of that damaged length.  Now that my hair's grown out though, I love it long, but unless I get a blow out, it looks thin and stringy.  Therefore, I'm a blow dry addict (not to mention curling iron obsessed), which only leads to more damage on my freshly grown out strands.  Oh, you heat style your hair, too?  Of course you do!  Well, I found a way to prevent damage, which makes torching my hair almost OK.  

Besides using a heat protectant spray, I added a shampoo and conditioner to my haircare regimen that protects my hair against styling damage.  (Yes, this too, can start in the shower.) CLEAR has a new collection called Active Damage Resist, which is formulated with vitamins and oils to make your hair fibers stronger and help restore your hairs luminosity and smoothness.

So if you're anything like me, blow out obsessed or just heat style your hair often, I strongly advise using the proper protectant products so you don't damage your hair.  Unless of course, you're ready to make a serious chop!

Clear Scalp & Hair Active Damage Resist Ultra Nourishing Shampoo & Ultra Nourishing Conditioner are available at drugstores for $4.99-$5.99.

*This post is sponsored by Clear, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

The Best Drugstore Beauty Buys Right Now

Not only are these the best new drugstore beauty buys, but they're also game changers, proving you don't have spend your whole paycheck for sophisticated, effective products. Out of all of the products I receive to test out, only few are really innovative.

Dove DermaSeries, This new skincare collection was formulated by a dermatologist and the line is clinically proven to moisturize and relieve dry skin better than a prescription.  Boom!  Personally, I'm obsessed with the Intense Repairing Body Cream.

John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss, One of my favorite celebrity stylists, Harry Josh helped to formulate this is a salon-quality weekly color gloss that not only matches your hair color, but also the tone.  I use it once a week to keep my deep brunette hair in check.

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor, This long lasting lip color is intense in pigment and rich in shine.  The two-step lip lacquer has serious staying power (they say 24 hours, but I confess, I've never worn it that long) and the second step keeps lips moisturized.  My fave shade is Red Infallible.

Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water, There was a point in my life where I hoarded cleansing waters.  All very expensive and so luxorious!  This one is a drugstore beauty buy that removes makeup and cleanses your skin.  Just put some on a cotton ball and you'll immediately feel refreshed.

Maybelline Brow Drama, $7.99, This brow mascara has an interestingly shaped brush.  Nervous to use it at first, I then found it gripped every single hair, and the color tint is nice.  To use: Run the wand through your brows from the outside in and then inside out to make sure you coat every hair.

5 Health Inspired Apps Worth Your Time

We're addicted to our phones; Let's just be honest here. It's 24/7, but if we're going to be on our phones we might as well make sure we're using them wisely. Here are 5 health apps to download immediately (you're welcome).

Charity Miles

The premise of this app? Simple; For every mile you run you get to donate $0.25 to the charity of your choice. What could be better than that? You get a great workout and help your favorite organizations. Some of the organizations included in this app are Feeding America, ASPCA, Habitat for Humanity, RED, Autism Speaks, and more!

Trivia Crack

Now, we're sure you've heard of this app but, if you haven't, let's review! This app is great, because it's like a mini trivia game show you get to play with your friends, which is great for you mind. You won't even notice you're getting an amazing brain workout, and really, it's just as important to workout your brain.

Lumosity

This is another great brain workout, except, this is the Insanity of brain workouts. You can download the limited version of this app for free or get the upgrade for $15 a month (and trust us, it's worth it). The best part? You can track your progress and watch as you turn from oblivious to Einstein!

Personal Zen

Honestly, this is one of our favorite apps. Finding zen is an important part of functioning as a human being. This app will help with relieving stress and helping you find the perfect balance in your life by focusing on helping you find the positives and releasing the negatives. You can get this peaceful app for free in the iTunes app store!

Lose It!

This is another great (free) app, and you know how much we love those! This one helps keep track of what you're eating and does the calorie counting for you, because that's the most stressful thing in the world if we're being honest. All you have to do is enter what you're eating in the database. Plus, it has bonus feature like logging your weight or allowing you to store great recipes that make it a must-have.

A Recipe for Red Carpet Skin from Dr. Lancer

It's officially red carpet season!  A-listers frequent LA Dermatologist, Dr. Lancer's, office on Rodeo Drive months before red carpet events to make sure their skin is even in tone, texture, and color, and of course, glowing.  I spoke to man behind the famous faces to find out exactly what he does to his patients and how we can get real results on our own.

"Currently, there is a definite trend towards a more natural, bare-faced look than in the past where heavy, powdery foundation was common on the red carpet," comments Dr. Lancer. "Having excellent skin care helps dramatically, as less makeup is needed, and as less makeup is worn the skin becomes much healthier."

Seems like common sense, but the main ingredient in this equation is good skin, which Dr. Lancer calls  "a lifestyle."  So how does he ensure that all of his celebrity clients end up on the red carpet with flawless skin?  First, he gives them a skincare regimen and they combine it with weekly office check-ins, facials and microdermabrasion.  Sounds like a full time job, and who has time for that?

For us, you know, non-celebs, he recommends making sure you're on a quality skincare regimen tailored to your skin's needs.  "Just because your best friend is using retinol every night and looks amazing, doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you." Once you're on the right track with your regimen, make sure you're exfoliating regularly. "This will give you that dewy "glow" that everyone is seeking."

Kate Upton's Fitness Secret

Deemed People's "Sexiest Woman," Kate Upton seems to have it all.  And while she can thank God for blessing her with those curves, her trainer David Kirsch, is partially responsible for the rest.  So how does the super model tighten and tone?  With platypus walks.  Yep, she walks around like a duck and you can, too.  Here's the how-to.

1.  Grab a medicine ball with both hands and extend your arms overhead.
2. Squat in a sitting position with your knees over your toes and your butt sticking back as far as possible.  Yes, stick it out!
3. Engage your core and walk forward, pushing off through each heel.
4. Walk back and forth across your room until you can't anymore.

That's it!  It sounds so easy, but if you try it, you'll quickly feel the burn and realize why it works so well for Kate Upton.  Let me know how you do.  Hey, we'll be in bikinis again in no time!

Behind the Look: Ken Paves

Meet Victoria and David Beckham's hairstylist, Ken Paves.  Yes, he works with the sexiest people in the world.  I love his philosophy on beauty and his hot tool recommendations may make you think about replacing yours.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. My new hair care range, Ken Paves You Are beautiful available at Walmart.

What’s your beauty philosophy? The most beautiful a woman can be is confident. She must embrace and celebrate her individual and unique beauty and be her own definition of beautiful.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

1. Sulfate free, paraben free, dye free, and synthetic fragrance free shampoo and conditioner regime like my Ken Paves You Are Beautiful Range
2. Mason Pearson mixed bristle brush
3. Super Solano Blow Dryer
4. A hooked elastic band for ponytails
5. Flexible hold hair spray. I can create any look on any hair type with these five tools.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

Mine of course. I also love the new Unite flat iron, it is great for creating a variety of texture from straight to wavy!

Spill your best beauty advice. Break all the rules!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? How to work with their own natural texture and love it!!! For every day hair, I love a cut that works with your natural texture that you can air dry and it looks great!

Look for Ken Paves on the sixth season of Biggest Loser makeovers soon!  You can also follow him on Twitter here.

4 Ways to Step Up Your Beauty Game This Year

Yea, yea... new year new you.  Right?  Right!  Well of course I posted about fitness goals for 2015, but here are some easy ways to take your beauty regimen up a notch, too – without even really trying.

1. Remove Your Makeup Before Bed, Really

Whether you do this via a Ponds face wipe or actually take the time to properly wash your face at night, you’re already a step ahead of the game. Ready for the challenge?  Take cleansing to the next level and try using a brush like the new Clarisonic Smart Profile.  I'm obsessed with my Clarisonic and use it nightly.  This brush cleans your skin 11 times better than washing just with your hands.

2. Step Out of Your Makeup Comfort Zone

Always wear the same shades? It’s time to take risks! Try a new colored eyeliner or texture of blush. Believe me, you’ll be amazed by the trial and error process.  It's my job to try and test everything, whether it's in my comfort zone or not, and I always end up surprising myself as I apply new finds.  Purple eyeliner is now my new go-to.

3. Work Out Topically, Too

Because the stair master doesn’t help fight cellulite.  We all have it and even though there's no way to rid it for good, we have the power to try to minimize it!  Once a week before showering, stand in your tub and use a body brush like this one from The Body Shop.  Yes, it gets rid of dry skin, but also helps with cellulite.  Then of course, lather on that cream!  I like Nivea Skin Firming Cellulite Gel Cream and Bliss Fat Girl Sleep.

4. Master At-Home Hair Color

This can literally save you hundreds of dollars per year.  Now with modern technology, doing your hair color at home is really easier than ever.  For some fun colors like blue and purple, try Rita Hazan Pop Color, which washes out.  You can even ombre your own hair with this kit from L'Oreal.  But for your everyday, single process, Clairol Nice N' Easy makes it just that – easy.

New Year, New Intern: Meet Kayla

Hi, I'm Kayla and I'm so excited to be joining the BeautySweetSpot team! Being a broke college student, my life revolves around great products that are pretty cost effective. If I'm going to spend money, you better believe it's going to be on something that's worth it. These are some of my favorite beauty buys that I currently can't live without, BeautySweetSpot approved, of course!

Marc Jacobs Matte Lip Gel in Scandal, $30 at Sephora

Every girl needs a good red lipstick. What I love about this particular one is its color. The pigment is so bold, it's meant for making a statement. This is the lipstick I use for cocktail parties or to dress up my look when running errands.

Rimmel’s BB Cream Beauty Balm, $5.59 at drugstores

The foundation of a flawless look is... well, foundation. I love Rimmel’s BB Cream Beauty Balm with built-in SPF (what alliteration). I love it because not only does it cover up those finals-week breakouts but it also moisturizes your skin. It's light and moisturizing, which is exactly what I seek.

Urban Decay’s Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder, $29 at Sephora

This product will literally make you shimmer.  Need I say more? I don’t know how I’ve gone my whole life without it. It’s simple to use and there’s really no wrong method as long as you don’t go overboard (really don’t go overboard or else you could look like the newest disco queen). It highlights my cheekbones perfectly and can even double as a pretty wonderful eyeshadow.

The Body Shop’s Glazed Apple Body Butter, $5 at thebodyshop-usa.com

Body butters are vital during winter, especially a winter as cold as this one. If you're going to be using body butter it may as well smell like the greatest thing ever, right? That's just another reason I'm obsessed with this product. Apply a little to your cracking hands and they'll hands will be as smooth as a babies bottom.

Tresemmés Smooth Salon Silk No Frizz Serum, $9.99 at drugstores

Good haircare products are hard to come by, so when you find a great one it becomes the holy grail. I like this product because I have the curliest, frizziest hair the world has ever seen, but it's also great for straight hair. I just put a dab into my hair when it's damp then style.  It keeps my hair silky smooth and frizz-free.

Beauty Values Worth Stocking Up On Now

The holidays may be coming to an end, but I'm still saying ‘tis the season to get the most bang for your buck – especially when it comes to beauty buys. Each season beauty companies create limited edition gift sets that are a real steal, making it OK to splurge on yourself after gifting to everyone else.  I recommend grabbing some of these limited edition values now while they're still in store!

Lipstick: Sephora Give Me Some Lip, $25 a $90 value that includes six lip samplers from brands like Smashbox, NARS and Urban Decay.  How else are you supposed to find a new favorite color?

Bronzer/Blush: Nars Cheek Palette, $65 a $151 value that includes 5 powders, the best selling bronzers, blushes and highlighter.  Again, this is limited edition for holiday, so grab it while it lasts!

Skincare: Origins Super Stars, $61 a $131 value, which includes serum, night cream, face wash, brightening pads, body cream and body wash.

Hair: Chi Travel Tool Kit, $99.95 a $149.95 value that includes three mini, yet powerful hot tools: flat iron, curling iron and blow drier.

Makeup: Tarte Making Waves Set, $75 a $150 value includes Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed, Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess, LipSurgence Power Pigment in Exposed, Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara, Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush and a travel makeup bag.

Taking It All Off on New Year's Eve

For final video project of 2015, I partnered with SheKnows on a very important tutorial for New Years Eve.  It's about taking your makeup off!  That's right, the last thing we all want to do after a long night of partying.  Check it out below!

The Easiest Way to Boost Your Hair Color

How great do you feel after getting your hair color done?  Refreshed and renewed, dying my hair a richer shade of brown always adds an extra bounce to my step.   In between color appointments, I have a recipe for radiance that keeps the shade and tone in check.  Want to make your hair color look fresh for longer?  Here's the easiest way to give it a boost – no salon needed.

I start by using Catwalk by Tigi Fashionista Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner daily.  They help to reduce any brassy, reddish tones that come out after a few weeks and keep my color intense and hair shiny by depositing a bit of color each time.  There's also a set of shampoo and conditioner for blondes that deposit violet hues onto the hair to keep it vibrant.  But sorry redheads and everyone else, that's as far as the collection extends for now.

Then, once a week I use John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for Cool Brunettes, which is an in-shower gloss-like treatment.  I mentioned on my Instagram recently, that this is one drugstore product I actually buy when I run out.  As a beauty blogger, I'm fortunate enough to not have to purchase products that often.  But when I get hooked, I get hooked.  While I'm a huge fan of getting professional glosses in-between colors, this gets the job done, too.  No salon visit required.  Like the shampoo and conditioner, it deposits color at a more intense level to counteract brassiness and keep your shade rich.  Once a week I leave it on my damp, clean hair for about five minutes and rinse.  This collection is available for brunettes, blondes and redheads, and also comes in warm and cool tones, so you can get the perfect match.

Don't dye your hair?  Lucky b*tch.  You can still use these products to enhance your hair color or try using a clear gloss like Rita Hazan's Ultimate Shine Gloss, just to boost your shine game.

Behind the Look: Napoleon Perdis

Welcome to “Behind the Look” – a new feature that showcases the talent behind the looks we love – the real celebrities in my eyes.

When I first met Makeup Artist, Napoleon Perdis, I couldn't stop smiling.  His positive energy lights up a room and his knowledge of painting faces surpasses many.  Trust me, you want to get to know this guy.  Here's his beauty advice, must-haves and use of donkey milk.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

My latest Masterclass tour in Australia! I shared my personal makeup tips and tricks with my amazing partners across and taught them how I prepare a face for the everyday customer, runway, trend, and more.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Beauty is about confidence and empowerment. You are in control of the image you project to others. Be the very best version of yourself you can be, and do it every day.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

Optrex Eyedew Dazzling Eye Drops - These drops make the whites of your eyes pop immediately, helping to diminish any signs of fatigue.

Hand Sanitizer - Clean hands are a MUST when you are a makeup artist! Always store some in your kit and use before beginning makeup application.

Breath Mints - You have to get up close and personal with clients as a makeup artist and nothing can ruin a makeover experience quite like bad breath.

Glycerin - I mix this with water and put the combination in a spray bottle to create radiant, glowing skin all over the body on photo shoots. To really amp up the glow factor, I also mix in a bit of my Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting Primer. The result is gorgeous, super shiny skin.

Brush Cleaner - It is imperative to clean your brushes after each use to keep them in top condition and for hygienic purposes. Always keep a bottle in your kit and spray on brushes after each client.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

Donkey Milk! Cleopatra was known to bathe in the youth-enhancing milk, and I took her ancient beauty secret and made it modern with my Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser. It leaves skin soft, supple, and cleansed. It’s especially amazing for dry or mature skin. I personally use it on my face and body – and I’ll never turn back.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Never forget to bring out your inner celebrity! Treat every day like you’re stepping out on a red carpet. It sounds cliché, but when you look good, you feel good, and that translates to every aspect of your life.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know?

Always use a primer! I can’t say it enough - not to prime IS a crime! One of the makeup mistakes women make is not allowing their foundation to become one with their skin, and primer is an easy but effective solution. It ensures a smooth landing for your base and keeps skin looking fresh all day long. My Auto Pilot Pre- Foundation Primer is gentle on skin and soothes the complexion for a flawless finish. If your skin needs an extra boost of radiance, my Auto Pilot Radiance-Boosting primer will lift and flatter the face thanks to its glow-giving properties.

Beauty Products that Last on BetterTV

I'm sure you've been skeptical about beauty product claims like "lasts 72 hours," so of course, I put them to the test and went on BetterTV to share my results.  Here are the lip, nail and hair products that really last.

5 Styling Products No Short-Hair Girl Should be Without

When you decide to cut your hair short, you're deciding not to allow yourself the option of up-dos anymore, which means in order to create different looks, you need to get creative.  As a former long hair to short hair girl myself, I can tell you styling different ‘dos is tricky, but that’s where these products come in. Here are our favorite styling products for short hair.

Jonathan Product Dirt, $26

Calling on all pixie cut ladies out there, this texturizing paste separates hair with great control and hold. Not only does it allow you to control the texture of your hair, but it also provides a luxurious shiny finish.

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil, $69

Serums like this are important in any hair routine due to their nutrients and moisturizing benefits. But those of us with short hair can't risk the stringy effect some of these products provide. It can weigh down the style and hide those layers, angles and fringe that make short hairstyles so desirable. That’s why we love Shu Uemura’s serum so much. Its formula absorbs into hair so quickly that it does not allow for the oil to create lanky undesirable hair.

Toni & Guy Texturising Glue, $14.99

Providing similar results as Dirt, this texturising glue works best for those longer-short- haired-girls for separating layers and fringe. While it provides hold, it looks soft within the hair. Just rub it in your palms and message up through the ends of hair to make those gorgeous layers in your bob pop.

Living Proof Instant Texture Mist, $26

This product is great for girls with hair from chin-length bob to a lob and anywhere in between. It sprays lighter than other more powerful texturizing sprays dispense, allowing you to build to the desired amount of product. Not only does it separate hair to give you gorgeous tousled look, but it also adds volume. And major plus, it works on damp hair or dry, so you don’t have to worry about showering before using it.

Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray, $23.80

No one likes when the hairspray hardens in your hair. But us girls with shorter hair simply just don’t have enough hair to counter the hardening effects (actually, does anybody?). Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray makes it easy to brush through hair without frizzing and damaging hair. In fact, the infused argan oil makes it healthy for hair, especially during the dry winter months.

Bridal Hairstyles for Any Occasion

We saw all kinds of low buns on during Fall 2015 Bridal Fashion Week. While it may seem like a very simple, standard hairstyle, the runways proved that stereotype wrong. With small braids, sleek twists and knots, the intricate details of these low buns are appealing in so many ways.  Of course, you don't need to be a bride to rock these chic updos.  See one you like? We’ve got the bridal hairstyle how-to’s so you can recreate them at home for any affair.

Sleek Twisted Bun at Carolina Herrera

We absolutely love this twisted delicate bun seen on Carolina Herrera’s runway. If you want to recreate it’s clean details, stylist Stephanie Belly says it’s all about keeping the hair straight and slick.

1. Start by applying a heat protectant on dry hair from roots to ends and rough blow-dry into the hair.
2. Next, slick back the hair using a generous amount of Kerastase Forme Fatale before pulling it back into a ponytail in the middle back of the head.
3. Then, flat ironed the ponytail until it's completely straight and apply a shine serum to the end of the ponytail.
4. Finally, create loop details. To do so, wrap the hair around three fingers, place an elastic over the loop for support and smooth the ends as you wrap and pin around the hair tie as to hide it.

Braided Bun at Marchesa

This braided bun, created by hairstylist Akemi Tamaribuchi, has just the perfect bit of a peek-a-boo braid effect.

1. Start by dividing your hair into two sections at the top and bottom and clip the top.
2. Next, create a classic braid on a 2” section on the right side of the occipital bone and secure it with an elastic.
3. Add subtle texture using Kerastase VIP on the lengths of the remaining hair.
4. Divide the remaining hair into two sections to create a soft side part.
5. Tie the sections into two knots, creating a large chain-type knot and secure with bobby pins.
6. Finish off by wrapping and tucking the remaining lengths into the knot using pins.

Knotted Chignon at Monique Lhuilier

Nina Dimachki created one of the more simplistic low buns seen, at Monique Lhuilier.

1. Start by applying a mousse like Kerstase Mousse Bouffante  to the roots and Ciment Thérmique from mid-length through the ends onto clean dry hair.
2. After blowing dry hair away from the face, create a center part and gather hair at the nape of the neck and secure into a ponytail.
3. Next, curl the ends of the hair and lightly sprayed a hairspray for hold.
4. To finish it off, create a tight, slightly asymmetric knot, tucking in the accessible curls underneath and securing with bobby pins.

with gratitude...

Happy Thanksgiving BeautySweetSpot readers!  I love Thanksgiving Day simply because it's another excuse to get together with my family, but to be honest, I think highlighting the celebration of gratitude one day out of the year is BS.  I want to let you know that I'm grateful for all of you, as without you, I wouldn't be blessed with this career.  I encourage you to remember the feeling you have on Thanksgiving and carry it with you daily – practice gratitude, it's a lifestyle.  We all get so caught up in the grind that we often tend to forget about all that we have.  Live for today, in the present and be grateful for each moment, each encounter and each opportunity.  Have a great day!

7 Holiday Stocking Stuffers Under $20

Who doesn’t love seeing all of the cute holiday beauty collections and packages while shopping through Sephora? It’s almost as vital a part of the season as eggnog and caroling. With so many to choose from we totally understand how you can end up at the check out counter with more products than you have girlfriends. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best stocking stuffers on the market all for under $20.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Travel Treats

One of L’Occitane’s most popular products is now compact into the perfect stocking size gift. And this deliciously smelling hand and foot cream is available at an affordable price of $20. Hard to beat, we know.

Tarte Ladies Who Lash Limited-Edition Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

We’re a little bit in love with this limited edition pearl-decorated eyelash curler and mascara set. Not only will it help achieve gorgeous lashes, but the pearl handle on the curler makes it so easy to find in your mess of a makeup bag.

Bite Beauty Mix n’ Mingle Lip Minis

Another limited-edition, these lip gloss minis come in 13 different colors, making it easy to give to anymore. Not to mention they make seriously cute ornament-packaged

Essie 2014 holiday kit

What a treat this five mini bottle set of Essie polishes make for any beauty-lover. Five colors include Butler Please, Bahama Mama, Smokin’ Hot, Mademoiselle, and a little extra pop with the glitter-filled Jazzy Jubilant polish.

Bliss Mistletoe Gems

A two for one deal is as good as it get with stocking stuffers. And this mini high intensity hand cream and fabulips lip balm set gives anyone just about all they’ll need to keep moisturized during the bitter cold months.

Philosophy Snow Angel Ornament

We love this amazing seasonal scent and now you can have it seasonal packaging too? Perfect. While it may be a smaller size, the good thing about this product is that you don’t need to use a lot of it. It’s all about quality with this gift.

Fresh Verbena Oval Soup

Give a great mini gift with this gorgeous soup that not only smells great with a green citrus scent but also feels amazing on your skin thanks to the shea butter. Plus how chic and luxurious do these look?

How to Create A Dutch Headband Braid

In honor of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, we must discuss braids.  Obvi.  I'm loving headband braids as they're "as practical as they are chic."  I turned to Jackson Simmonds, the Lead Stylist at the Julien Farel Salon at the Langham Place on Fifth Avenue, to get the step-by-step on how to create the look.  Turns out, it's easier than you think and makes for a great holiday hairstyle.

1. Prep the hair. Damp or dry hair works for this braid, just make sure it's well brushed. Remove all tangles and if fly-aways are present mist with water. Brush hair straight back with no part.
2. Gather your hair, starting with a piece from the top front. To include bangs, begin your section directly above forehead, otherwise start behind the bangs. Gather a piece ranging from 3-5  inches wide, and 1 inch thick.
3. Cross the right strand under the center strand.
4. Cross the left strand under the center strand.
5. Repeat the pattern and cross the right strand, then the left strand, under the center strand.
6. Cross the right strand under the center and pick up another small section from the right side of your head.
7. Cross the left strand under the center, and pick up another small section from the left side of your head.
8. Add more hair to your braid by picking up small strands every time you cross pieces under the center strand.
9. Continue the Dutch braid to the nape of the neck.
10. Finish your braid with a regular under braid when you run out of hair to add. Either secure with a small elastic or, to avoid the damage of a hair elastic, use my special trick - tease all the way around the end to lock in place.