Grammys Makeup Tutorial & CoverGirl Giveaway

I can't wait for the Grammys this year (big announcement coming soon!) and in anticipation, I decided to create a Grammys inspired alternative music look.  Don't laugh at me!  While I love all types of music, I grew up listening to Nirvana, Bush, Coldplay and The Killers.  Check out my video below to find out how to get my "chick in rock and roll" look and oh yea, there's a big CoverGirl giveaway, too! When I first thought of creating a look based off of alternative music, women like Courtney Love and Avril Lavigne came to mind.  The second – eyeliner.  Inspired by their creative use of makeup as self expression and effortless attitude, I decided to use new CoverGirl products to create my look.  Check out the video!

You can visit Ulta and get makeup like the CoverGirl products I used to recreate my look or win them here!  I'm giving away CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara, Eye Shadow Quads, Bombshell Pow-Der BROW + Liner, Outlast Lip Color and a $50 gift card to Ulta so you can shop more products that'll help you get red carpet ready.  To enter, check out the video above and let me know your favorite part in the comments section below.  I'll announce the winner on Monday, February 9th, right after the Grammys in the comments section below, too.

And of course, good news for all... everyone's a winner, because from February 1st to February 21st, if you purchase any CoverGirl product on Ulta, you can get  an additional CoverGirl product for 50% off!

*This post is sponsored by P&G and Ulta, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

5 Favorites

Confession: I've been indulging lately in beauty products that cost a pretty penny. Of course, I typically mix up my vanity with highs and lows, but this "5 Favorites" post doesn't include any drugstore buys.  I almost feel guilty, but I couldn't help but rave about these new products.  Yes, even the $29 hand cream.  Hey, if you're going to spend your paycheck at Sephora, you might as well know what works!

Jane Iredale Hand Drink, $29 at janeiredale.com

I'm completely obsessed with applying cream to my hands as I skeeve dry skin.  That being said, whenever a new hand cream comes across my desk, I use it... all of it.  This time, I fell in love with Jane Iredale's new hand cream, not only does it it sink into my skin quickly and have SPF, but also because it and leave a greasy residue.  When I saw that it was $29, I was shocked.  A bit pricey for a hand cream, but if you're searching for the one, this is it.

Armani Eye Tint, $38 at giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

When I apply these eye tints, I feel fancy.  Armani Beauty just launched 12 shades of this creamy shadow.  To apply, I use the sponge applicator it comes with and then a shadow brush to blend.  They stay put for hours and the give off the most beautiful luminescent color, (which is what I like the most), that can be layered for a more intense look.

Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, $63 at bobbibrown.com

After doing my makeup, I press this moisture balm onto my cheekbones, the top of my nose, forehead and chin to enhance the appearance of my healthy skin.  When it comes to makeup, you should use it to enhance, not cover up and this illuminating balm brings out the best of your skin.  You can also wear it alone to reap the benefits.

YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil, $32 at sephora.com

Now this... is special.  The first of it's kind, YSL created a tinted lip oil that adapts to your natural lip color, making sure it's the most flattering shade for you.  It works the same way as perfume where the same scent smells differently on different women. Available in eight shades, you can layer the color to increase the intensity of the pigment.

Indie Lee Patchouli Sandalwood Moisturizing Oil, $36 at indielee.com

Do you use oil on your skin?  Sometimes I apply this alone right after I get out of the shower and sometimes I mix it with my moisturizer.  My skin drinks it up!  Made with jojoba and apricot oils and sandalwood, this oil is super moisturizing and great to use throughout the winter.  Indie Lee makes several different types of oil, but the scent of this one is to die.

Behind the Look: Rita Hazan

Meet the Celebrity Colorist who's responsible for Beyonce's highlights, Rita Hazan. Most recently she brightened the songstress's hair with honey and platinum shades.  In this interview, she proves you don't need to spend a lot of money to have good hair.

What’s your beauty philosophy? Healthy hair keeps color longer.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?  a. Root Concealer b. Weekly Remedy c. Shu Umera Shampoo and Conditioner d. Ultimate Shine Color Gloss e. YS Park Y3 brush

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Deesse’s Elujuda (Mo) Mellow Oil. You put it on hair while it’s wet, and it makes it easy to blowdry and keeps your hair shiny.

Spill your best beauty advice. Take care of your hair, use good products, and if you’re spending a significant amount of money, do so on your color because your hair is the focus of your look. If it’s not right you can’t take it off and put it to the side – it’s part of you.

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? If you have gray hair, you have to try the root concealer. Spray it around your hairline and you’ll never have roots again. This is amazing for women with brown hair especially.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. My newest launch, Weekly Remedy. It took a long time to create a conditioning treatment that is strong enough to make a difference without going to the salon.

Exercise: The Skin Impact

When thinking of anti-aging, we know we have to protect our skin from stressors like the sun, free radicals and pollution, but have you ever thought about protecting your skin from exercise?  Seems like an oxymoron as we're encouraged to work out for a healthy lifestyle, but according to Dr. Dennis Gross, that too, can cause premature aging.  So what's a girl to do?

"When our cardiovascular system is functioning optimally we have proper circulation, which ensures the optimum flow of blood and nutrients to the skin," explains Dr. Gross.  Exactly our thinking.  Right?  Exercise is crucial for so many reasons.

"That being said, high impact exercise, especially running, may result in fabulous legs, but it can negatively impact the skin. It has been my observation that most die-hard runners have premature lines, wrinkles, and sagging."

Wait, what? It seems we're always sacrificing somewhere.  While I hate running, the risk of aging isn't going to make me stop as it's something I need to do for my body. You with me?  One recommendation Dr. Gross has is to reduce the amount of high impact exercise or alternate your routines to incorporate both high and low impact exercise like yoga to give your skin a break from being “stressed-out.”

Dying to know what you think about this... comment below!

Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatments, Get On Board

Have you ever thought about nourishing your your hair before you shampoo?  Yes, it sounds nuts, since you're just going to wash it out, but pre-shampoo hair treatments are popping up everywhere and the benefits are worth the extra effort.  Incorporate them into your beauty routine once a week or as needed and trust me, you'll love the results.  Here are three pre-shampoo treatments on my radar.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, $49 at philipkingsley.com

This pre-shampoo treatment helps to increase elasticity, bounce and shine in your hair.  When your hair's wet, it stretches.  Leave this light-weight cream on your strands for 10-20 minutes before shampooing to ensure your hair's moisturized and won't break when combing it out after washing.

Hair Essentials Nourishing Hair Oil, $29.99 at hairessentials.com

This hair oil is made with a combination of oils like coconut, rosemary, lavender, cedar wood to help moisturize and nourish your scalp and hair.  Apply a small dollop on dry hair and massage it into your scalp and take it all the way down to your ends.  Leave it on for an hour before shampooing.

Kerastase Metamorph'oil, $44 at kerastase-usa.com

A combination of six different oils, oriander, coco, rice bran, argan, cranberry and rosemary, this pre-shampoo treatment acts like a purifier for your hair.  Think cleanse.  It helps to remove dirt, oil and product build up before you shampoo.  Apply a quarter size amount to dry hair and massage it into your hair shaft. Leave in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.

Fresh Makes Bar Soap Cool Again

Fresh is launching a new line of soaps and we're betting you're going to want one. Why? Because they collaborated with famed astrologer, Susan Miller, to ensure each scented soap fits your astrological sign; 12 soaps for 12 signs. We told you you'd want one!  Curious to see what your sign looks like?  Read on.

If you're not familiar with Susan Miller's work, it's about time you check her out at Astrology Zone! Trust us, it's one of the best astrology readings out there. Plus, she's the sweetest person in the world, so that doesn't hurt.

Each bar of soap contains a sign-specific horoscope from Susan and some great beauty tips! What's not to love? Even the scents, stones, and color schemes are tailored to fit your sign!

Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

Scent: Mangosteen- a lush blend reminiscent of succulent nectarines

Color scheme: orange and red

Stone: tiger's eye

Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

Scent: Sugar- a blend of caramel and sweet citruses

Color scheme: olive and brown

Stone: quartz

Water Signs: Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio

Scent: Waterlily- a sheer aquatic floral blend

Color scheme: turquoise and aqua

Stone: fluorite

Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

Scent: Verbena- a classic bright green citrus blend

Color scheme: blue and gray

Stone: aventurine

There's a lot of things to love about this line, but our favorite is that it's actually a bar of soap. Can you even remember the last time you used one? It's such a nostalgic collection, (maybe even more nostalgic than Breakfast Club).

Maybe... This great line launches February 1st and can be found at Fresh or Fresh.com.

Hot Ingredient for Sensitive Skin: Goat Milk

Have sensitive skin?  Or maybe your skin's been acting up?  Last week while in LA, I visited the Kate Somerville Clinic for a facial and fell in love with goat milk.  Found in many soaps and moisturizers, the ingredient is great for soothing and calming your skin.  Here's the scoop.

"Goat milk treats redness and inflammation and mildly exfoliates with Lactic Acid. I suffered from Eczema as a child and my parents would add goats milk to the bath to calm my skin," commented Kate Somerville.

It's so gentle that anyone can use it, but people with dry or sensitive skin will reap the most benefits.  Kate Somerville makes Goat Milk Cream that saved my skin and with the harsh winter weather, may just be what you've been looking for, too.

3 Lipstick Shades Every Woman Should Own

While you may have a ton of options for dressing your lips, there are only three lipsticks every woman should own.  Consider these three the main staples in your lipstick wardrobe and the rest, well, why not right?  Makeup Artist, Michael Shepherd of GlamSquad, gave me the rundown.

Your Best Red - Whether it's an orange or blue based red, pick your hue and own it.  Because they're less maintenence, choose a matte red lipstick.  They last longer and won't bleed.  I'm a huge fan of NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below and Heat Wave.  A great drugstore option is Maybelline Color Sensational The Mattes Lip Color in Siren in Scarlet.

Your Everyday Nude - To find a nude lipstick that's right for you, match the shade to the center of your bare lip.  Opt for a glossy formula, since matte nudes aren't the most flattering.  Check out the Dior Rouge Dior range.  There are several nudes with a sheen.  Also, L'Oreal has a Perfect Nudes Collection.

Your Pop Color - Think pink or berry.  Your pop color should be your fun, lipstick shade of choice, but keep it matte for the same reasons as using a matte red.  You could always put a gloss over it.  Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop Lipcolor Stick has serious staying power and Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick offers fun moisturizing shades.

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.

Get Her Look: Reese Witherspoon

How stunning did Reese Witherspoon look at the Critics Choice Movie Awards? While most were caught up with the fact that Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie were at the same event (God forbid!), I was obviously paying attention to Reese's clean makeup and soft bombshell waves.  Here, her makeup artist, Molly Stern and hairstylist, Adir Abergel, gave me the step-by-step so you can recreate it.

Makeup

1. Even out your skin tone with foundation (Molly used a bit of Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation on Reese.)
2. Contoured the hollows of your cheeks blending upward and add a pop of color with an apricot blush like NARS in Orgasm.
3. Give your eyes a natural smoke by applying Christian Dior Fusion Mono Matte Baked Eyeshadow in 761 Mirage into the crease of your eyelids and then NARS Eyeshadow in Blondie.
4. Line and smudge your upper and lower lash line using a black liner like Jillian Dempsey Khol Eyeliner in Jet Black.
5. Add two coats of jet black mascara.
6. Apply a lip balm with a hint of color.  Reese is wearing Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands.

Hair

1. Spritz John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray on damp hair from mid-shaft to ends to create a foundation for optimum volume and hold.
2. Part your bangs in the middle and blow-dry your hair smooth with a medium round brush for a full, sexy blowout.
3. Take  a 1” inch curling iron and loosely curl your hair, leaving the ends out.
4. Use John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray to break down the waves and give them separation.
5. Tease the crown area.
6. Finish with a light weight styling cream like John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-up Crème on the ends for perfect detailed texture.

Join Me at Bloomingdales

Calling all makeup fanatics, save the date!  You're invited to join me and some of my favorite makeup artists at Bloomingdales on 59th Street in NYC next Thursday, January 22nd to learn about the hottest new products.  Think exclusive makeup artist tips, champagne, giveaways from your favorite brands and more.  Sounds like a fun girls night out to!  It starts at 6:30pm and costs $25 to reserve your space, which will go towards the purchase of your choice.  Hope to see you there! RSVP to 212-705-3248 or [email protected].  Space is limited. 

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.

Behind the Look: Sabrina Bedrani

Recently responsible for Felicity Jones's makeup look at the Golden Globes, Celebrity Makeup Arits, Sabrina Bedrani, is known for creating clean, beautiful looks.  With a roster of clients like Sandra Bullock, Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Lizzy Caplan, and Elizabeth Moss, I'm sure you've seen her work before. Here, she dishes on her go-to beauty products and advice to live by (for all of you lovers of a red lip)! 

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. I recently worked on an editorial shoot with Peter Lindbergh and Amber Valletta. Even though I worked with Peter quite often now, having Amber there made it such an iconic Peter Lindbergh shoot, like the ones I used to look at in magazine when I dreamed of being a makeup artist.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I always try to have a fresh, youthful approach to my makeup. I believe you should enhance one’s beauty with makeup, not hide them behind it.

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

1- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, nothing opens up the eye more than nicely curled lashes, and the Shu Uemura is just the best one on the market, it fits any kind of eye shape.

2- Dior Crayon Eyeliner Waterproof in Trinidad Black, because I can create so many looks just with that one pencil, you can just put it inside of the eye on the waterline, or line the eye all around, use it to line just the top along the lash line for a cat eye, or use it all over the lid and smudge it ( with fingers or the little sponge at the end) for a smokey eye, and it won’t budge.

3- Orlane Super Moisturizer Light Cream, because it really moisturizes without leaving a greasy film, it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin supple and ready for your makeup application.

4- Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, because it’s the perfect for under the eye, it seals the concealer, brightens the eye, but it’s super light so it won’t stay in the lines. Most powder are too heavy for the delicate under eye skin.

5- Dior Eyeshadow 5 CouleursCuir Canage, It has the perfect fall colors for day and night. You can use the colors separately, the lightest one is perfect for day time alone or along with the 2 other Medium tone ones ( one more brown the other more plum). The darkest color can also be used on its own or added to the other ones for a more dramatic look. Perfect for going from a daytime to nighttime look. And it is flattering on everyone.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Talika Eye Therapy Patch, Charlotte Tilbury foundations, Dior Fushion Mono Eyehadow.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Don’t over pluck your eyebrows. let them grow, it’s more youthful to have full eyebrows, and if you don’t know how to do it, don’t touch them, go see a professional.

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

If you wearing red (dark) lipstick, the best way to make it last is to apply a lip liner all over your lips before putting on your lipstick. It will make it long lasting and it won’t bleed.

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.

Katie Holmes Turns It Up at the Golden Globes

Draped in an eggplant Marchesa gown, Katie Holmes looked stunning on last night's Golden Globes red carpet.  Her dramatic deep side parted pony paired with intensely lined eyes stood out from all of the other hair and makeup.  Overall, she was a picture of perfection.  Agree? Her makeup artist, Genevieve Herr, and hair stylist, DJ Quinterno, filled me in on how to get her look along with the exact products they used to create it.

Skin

“The most important step to looking amazing on the red carpet is to take care of your skin, and Katie has great skin,” said Genevieve. “Makeup artists cannot work wonders without a great foundation.”  That being said, Genevieve prepped Katie's skin with Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum and Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.

Eyes

Because it's soft and smudges easily, Genevieve always uses kohl pencil.  On Katie, she used Laura Mercier in Black Violet.  Then, using the Lancome Violet Sweetheart set, she applied a dark amethyst color on the lids, and blended in a smokey black eye shadow.

Pony

With the words, "clean" and "modern" in mind, DJ started her dramatic side ponytail by applying Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Pure Kendi Treatment Oil and letting it soak for 10 minutes before shampooing.  Then, on damp hair, DJ mixed a small amount of the Alterna Haircare Caviar Seasilk Oil Gel with the Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Omega (+) Nourishing Oil and brushed it through with a Mason Pearson brush.

After side parting and blowdrying with a round brush, DJ used a thin Sedu Revolution Diamond flatiron, from root to tip, to create a super smooth look.  Securing her hair at the nape of her neck with a bungee, he also wrapped several small pieces of hair around the bungee to hide it, and secured those strands with bobby pins.  DJ finished by spraying a supple amount of finishing spray to the top of Katie’s head, and applied a dime-size amount of Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Micromist to her ends.

Naomi Watts Channels Michelle Williams at the Globes

Naomi Watts looked stunning on tonight's Golden Globes red carpet, but was her look all too familiar?  Maybe, say, Michelle Willams at the Oscars circa 2006?  Well, you know what they say, imitation is the finest form of flattery and this would be the look to recreate.  A yellow dress paired with red lips (Naomi's wearing L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor in Red Infallible 211) – bold and beautiful.  Who do you think wore it better?

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."

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.

5 Celebrity Epic Beauty Fails

New Years is a time for a fresh start, a clean slate, a time for “out with the old and in with the new”, a time to say New Year new… you get the point. Though January is a great time to renew your look, maybe even give yourself a little makeover, make sure you think before you do anything too drastic.  Yea, we know hair grows back, but sometimes being spontaneous isn’t all the rage.  Need proof?  Allow us to remind you of these celebrity beauty mishaps.

Renee's Plastic Surgery

The before and after of Renee Zellweger's plastic surgery is truly shocking - a real celebrity beauty fail. Renee seems nearly unrecognizable after her plastic surgery. We say forget the scalpel; natural is in.

Miley's Missing Brows

This year, Miley Cyrus bleached her eyebrows and though this was quite daring, it's another decision that requires lots of thought before commitment. Dark, thick eyebrows are the way to go.

Angelina's Powder Overdose

We're a huge fans of powder, but Angelina Jolie might have gone a little overboard. If you're going to use a powder, make sure it's light-weight and invisible.

Kim K. Gets Crispy

We can't say how important it is to take care of your skin and use proper sunscreen. Kim Kardashian clearly forgot this important message when she fell asleep in the sun for too long. Can you say ouch?

Britney's Buzz

Britney Spears probably didn't think too much before making this bold decision. Make sure, before shaving your head, that you can really rock it. I recommend a bold lipstick with this look to make it work best.

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.