3 Tips to Tame Flyaways

Flyaways may just be little baby hairs, but they can be a big pain in the you know what. They can completely ruin the sleek look you’ve been working for hours to achieve. Frustrating, we know. Luckily, using just three of simple but effective techniques, we can make sure those baby hairs will never pop out of your desired sleek hairstyle. Try these tips and we promise that frustration you feel for your little baby hairs will go away just as quickly as the flyaways.

1. Hairspray on a toothbrush

Take a brand new toothbrush, spray a little bit of hairspray on the bristles and lightly brush over any areas with flyaways. The toothbrush doesn't disrupt the hairstyle, but it is tough enough to force the baby hairs down. This is also a great way to use the hold of hairspray without applying too much and getting that crusty look we all try to avoid.

 2. Dryer sheets

Tested and approved. This little hack is such a unique trick for taming those pesky baby hairs. Just take a single dryer sheet and gentle rub it over your hair. This will eliminate the static that causes those hairs to come up. You can also rub them on the brushes and combs to eliminate static pre-use.

 3. Lotion on your hands

You obviously do not want to apply straight lotion to your hair because, gross. But it you lotion your hands like you would normally do then run them through your hair. It will provide the hair with some moisture without over doing it. This works best for down hairstyles.

Solution: TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel

One of the best pieces of advice I could give you about aging is that it's better to prevent it than to correct it so always be smart about your lifestyle decisions as they all affect your skin.  There are so many ways in which our skin ages and with every beauty event I go to, I learn more and more about it.  Did you hear about glycation (sugar!) yet?  Well, let me fill you in.

Glycation (or advanced glycation end-products, AGEs) occurs when excess sugars in the body bind with proteins in the skin, causing stiffness and inelasticity, which causes the skin to age.  The solution?  Products that reverse the aging affect when sugars enter the body.

One product I found that tackles this issue is the new TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel. It helps reverse the external effects of damage caused by these advanced glycation end-products.  Containing natural ingredients like noni, Cornelian cherry, olive leaf, blueberry and cranberry extracts, and is super light and moisturizing. With daily use, with or without moisturizers, it will improve your skin's appearance.

TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel is available for $42 at Morinda.com.

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

Animal Inspired Halloween Makeup Ideas

Do you know what you're being for Halloween yet?  As I was searching through ideas on Pinterest, I came across this adorable deer makeup look, which inspired this whole animal inspired halloween makeup ideas post.  Because, who doesn't want to be an animal for halloween?  From different types of cats to a mouse, fox and even a giraffe, here are the cutest and of course, some of the sexiest.

Runway to Reality: Fall Beauty Trends on NBC

When I go backstage during NY Fashion Week I'm always seeking out looks and trends that we can actually wear.  From retro blow outs and metallic smokey eyes to sophisticated burgundy manicures and diffused berry lips, I gave the scoop to New York Live's Jacque Reid.  Check out the segment after the jump.

Body Bronzing Obsessions

Would you rather watch a product review or read about it?  Well, guess who's turning to YouTube?  Thanks to you guys, I'm now using the video channel to do some product reviews.  I've noticed some of the videos I've posted on my channel throughout my career have gotten a ton of hits (almost two million views in total!), so here's a quick video review of my favorite self tanners of the moment. Because it's fall and we're pale.  Hope you enjoy it!

Help Him Get Fuller Looking Hair

Ladies, one of the touchiest subjects when it comes to men's grooming is balding. Yes, receding hairlines and thinning... the whole nine yards.   Is your man starting to go down that path?  Well, I talked to a derm, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz and stylist to the stars, Sunnie Brook to find out how you can help him out.  And I know you're wondering, but my man is blessed with hair I could only dream of having!  Read the scoop in my latest AskMen article.  You're welcome.

Get the Look: Jessica Alba's Cat Eye

This weekend Jessica Alba was spotted at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park looking fierce with a flair – a Lauren Conrad-esque cat eye.  Her makeup artist, Quinn Murphy, gave me the breakdown on the exact makeup she used to get the look.

“To complement Jessica's black dress, I focused her look around black eyeliner while keeping the rest of the makeup bronze and warm.  It was 80 degrees in Central Park so a sun-kissed coral look was unseasonably appropriate," commented Murphy.

To the center of her eyelids, Murphy applied NARS Multiple in Vientaine and blended it up and outward before lining Jessica's top lash line with Estee Lauder Black Gel Eyeliner.  She made the line thicker on the outer edges and gave it a flick for a cat eye effect.  To finish, she applied Armani Eyes to Kill Black Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

Two Face Masks You Need Now

Whether you do face masks to pamper every so often or to take serious skincare matters into your own hands and play esthetician (hehe) by giving yourself facials every other day, I have a theory that you can never have too many.  My medicine cabinet is full of them. When I get sent a new mask, it's a product I'll always put to the test.  Two have came across my desk and ended up in my weekly must-do stash that are worth a slot in your Sunday night skincare regimen.

Exfoliation: The Bliss Multi-'Face'-eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Masque is a flexible clay mask that doesn't fully dry and tighten as it sits on your skin.  It contains alpha hydroxy acid along with smoothing quartz, which feel like the tiniest grains of sand, to help exfoliate.  My skin looked brighter and felt softer after one use.  I just left it on for five minutes (directions say five to seven), then took it off with a warm wash cloth.  Using a wash cloth to remove it is essential as it aids in the exfoliation process.

Hydration: The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque, $54, has a potent does of hyaluronic acid and B5 that instantly plumps your skin.  As a fan of the brand's B5 gel, which is a moisture boost that I sometimes use under my nighttime moisturizer, I knew I'd be into this mask before I began using it.  It's great not only for people who need extra moisturization, but also for those who have fine lines and need a boost.  After washing my face at night, I leave it on for 10 minutes and allow it to soak in.  Then, instead of washing it off, I pat what's left on my face into my skin and wear it to bed.

I don't know about you, but in my world, doing both of these face masks in a row is a perfect Sunday night.

Makeover Series with SheKnows: The Reveal

Working with Jessica for SheKnows was a blast. She was so genuinely grateful for her makeover and was eager to learn how to pull herself together. In the consultation video, Candace Cameron Bure and I had her try on a variety of different silhouettes and styles to see what looked best on her body type and what she felt most comfortable in. In the end, she owned her look and exuded confidence. Exactly what we wanted to see! Check out video to see her makeover reveal and my honest thoughts.

Makeover Series with SheKnows: The Consultation

Over the summer I was in LA filming a bunch of projects and when SheKnows approached me about helping out with a makeover, I of course, jumped on board. Working with Candace Cameron Bure and makeup artist, Allison Pynn, we helped Jessica get out of a rut.  Here's my makeover consultation video with the budding fashionista.

Julien Farel's One Stop Beauty Shop

Have you ever been to a salon that made your jaw drop?  I'm not talking about a gorgeous spa.  I mean a real, dare I say, beauty parlor.  Recently, I paid a visit to Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa at the Loews Regency Hotel in midtown NYC to check out what all of the hype about his new Park Ave. location is about.  Let's just say it's a NYers dream as Julien Farel's well thought out menu of services is for the busy, woman who doesn't know how not to multitask.

Located on the second floor of the Loews Regency Hotel, services begin with cut and color, include manicures and pedicures and also delve into spa.  It is a one-stop-shop that understands the sophisticated Manhattan woman and her needs.  One 10,000 sq. ft. room holds 32 unique pod-like hair stations, so you're given as much individual attention as possible in what is normally a busy salon.

Rooms are dedicated to nails, facials and massages, but the beauty of the menu is that all services can be done at the same time.  With "Power Hour," you choose three services of your choice.  Example: Facial, manicure, pedicure ($230).  Yes, there's even a facial bed that accommodates your feet for a simultaneous pedicure.  And of course, there's a mens section.

One of my favorite things besides the well curated menu was the David LaChappelle artwork hanging in the hallways.  In NYC?  Check out the Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa located at 540 Park Ave.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne System

If you typically get pimples or suffer from adult acne, this one's for you.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 40 to 50 million people.  Recently, I was sent the La Roche Posay Efaclar Dermatological Acne System and am incredibly impressed.  Check out my video review below.  If you suffer from adult acne, this is something that's affordable, readily available and efficient.  Plus, I'm giving away 10 kits worth $42 each.

The three step system includes the Effaclar Gel Cleanser, Effaclar Clarifying Solution and Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, which used together help to reduce acne within three days. Check out my video below to learn about my giveaway!  You can win 1 of 10 kits.  Winners will be chosen on October 29th at random.  Good luck!

The La Roche Posay Effaclar Dermatological System costs $29.99 (a $42 value) for a two-month supply and is available on GetEffaclar.com

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

Get Kirsten Dunst's Makeup Look

Kirsten Dunst stepped onto the red carpet last week for “The Two Faces of January” premier in refreshingly elegant makeup – luminous skin, beautiful pink makeup hues and wide, feathered lashes.  We got scoop on how to create this look straight from her makeup artist, Pati Dubroff.  The inspiration behind Dunst’s look came straight from her Chanel Couture dress, with the color palette coming from the beadwork.

Skin

Dubroff started by creating fresh even-toned skin. She prepped with Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist and L’Oreal Miracle Blur applied to the t-zone.  After a light finish of foundation, she evened out the skin with Cle de Peau Concealer.

Eyes

It’s the eyes along with the cheeks that really showcase the beadwork-inspired coloring that stands out against the dewy skin. “I used a Dior matte cream color shadow on the lid and then a Dior matte putty color shadow within the crease to even the lid and give definition.  I then applied a matte bone color on the lid and a matte taupe in the crease that are part of the Pati Dubroff Perfect Palette,” she explained.

Next, using Chanel Long Lasting Eyeliner in silver metallic, she drew a line from the center lash line beyond the outer corner, finishing with a little flick off the end. To accomplish these wide eyes, Dubroff focused on applying the mascara on the outer lashes, to keep the inner eye light and bright.

Cheeks

To mimic the beadwork, Dubroff used Flower Cream Blush in Petunia. She swirled them onto the apples of Dunst’s cheeks for the perfect pop.

Lips

The look is completed with a pale opal pink lip created by Chanel Rouge Allure in 217 Radieuse.

Avon's New Lipstick Has Serious Bite for Under $10

I can’t resist a bold lip. It’s one of my favorite beauty looks to rock for any and all occasions— to the office, on dates and girl’s night. The only issue I have with choosing a bold lip is the maintenance. Constantly having to check in a mirror and reapplying is annoying. While it is worth it, thanks to Avon’s new Ultra Color Bold Lipstick I’m not awkwardly looking into the camera on my phone to check my lipstick anymore.

Avon came out with eight new shades for their Ultra Color Bold Lipstick and they’re amazing. From Magenta Peach, to Ruby Shock and my favorite, Fearless Fuchsia, there’s a color for everyone. Whatever color you choose, the lipstick’s pigment is intense. But if you don’t want such an intense color, a little blot of a paper towel removes the shock factor of the bright color and evenly blends the lipstick into a more subtle color.

Not only does it look amazing, but the way it feels on is not what you think when you think lipstick. It almost feels like a chapstick when you apply it because of how smooth and creamy it is. The moisturizing texture dries to a satin-like finish. This smooth texture also keeps the lines in your lips from showing unlike some other matte-finish products.

With such moisture you would assume that the colors spreads and wears really easily. But it doesn’t. I wore a different color almost every day to shows during NYFW and I every night I came home and had to take a makeup wipe and wash it off. The staying power is really a pleasant surprise.

And the cherry on top... it only costs $8.

NYFW Nail Trend: Negative Space

Backstage at the Spring 2015 shows last week, there wasn't a finger unpainted since you know by now, that the nail look has become much more than the icing on the cake for designers. While there were definitely some elaborate looks like this one at Libertine, my go-to manicurist, Jin Soon Choi claims, “This season is all about simple nail art and negative space.”  All in all, the shows proved that minimalist, negative space will be a huge spring nail trend and the best part, it's one you can begin wearing now. Take a look and fall in love.

Prabal Gurung, Jin Soon Choi used the Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Collection, which will be available next Spring, to create this stripy look.  She even left some nails untouched!

Creatures of Comfort, Alicia Torello used different shades of Zoya polish and left an unpainted stripe inbetween.

Nonoo, Tracylee Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Let it Snow to create this minimalistic look.

What do you think of the negative space nail trend?  Hit or miss?

Interview: Michael B. Jordan

You guys may know him from Friday Night Lights or The Wire, but I became familiar with Michael B. Jordan, because of his explosive Twitter account.  As AXE's latest muse, I had the chance to chat with the actor about his partnership,  his biggest temptations and of course, what type of scents he likes on women.  Check out what he has to say.

What made you want to partner with AXE?

This particular campaign was interesting to me. According to an AXE survey, 75 percent of guys and 60 percent of girls don’t know what tempts each other. I could relate to this topic and wanted to help be part of the solution in a cool, creative way. Not only does this allow me to help solve answers in the modern world of dating, but AXE is allowing me to step behind the cameras and direct some of the content.

Besides AXE, do you have a favorite fragrance, a cologne?

I like fragrances that are fresh and sophisticated – like the citrus and cedarwood combination in Gold Temptation.

Does your fragrance choice change with the character you're playing? 

I do a lot of preparation to get into my characters. I think there’s a strong correlation between fragrance and how it makes you feel. Pairing a fragrance with a specific character is one way to help get into character.

Is there a particular scent that you like on a woman?

I like floral, sweet scents that are subtle – and keep you coming back for more. Like how AXE Gold Temptation has notes of chocolate with citrus and spice.

You host AXE's #TemptationTuesday on Twitter. What are your biggest temptations?

It’s been fun hearing about what guys and girls find tempting – you’d be surprised.  There’s always something you just can’t resist. Staying healthy is huge for me, but if bacon’s an option, I’m adding it. And if I walk past sneakers, I’m walking out with them.

Kendall Jenner's Chic $4 Tattoos

Model of the moment, Kendall Jenner, or I believe she goes by just Kendall now, was spotted on several runways during NYFW, but unfortunately for me, I didn't have a backstage run in with her.  I guess you can say I just couldn't keep up.  Since Tommy Hilfiger's show was music festival themed, lead makeup artist Pat McGrath was responsible for creating a vintage feel to the tattoo stencil and I have all of the info. Yes, she made $4 tattoo stencil from Walmart look chic enough for a runway show.

Believe it or not, you can buy the exact stencil, Twin Stars, from Tattoo Junkie at Walmart for only $4.  But in order to make it look chic like Kendall's, take a note from famed makeup artist, Pat McGrath.

Instead of just purchasing the stencil, make sure you purchase the ink from Tattoo Junkie as well and use a brush, like McGrath did to paint on the tattoo. Taking to the stencil with a marker of any sort won't give you the same look.  To get the same effect as Kendall, paint on the henna matte ink and go over it with a finishing powder like this one from Tattoo Junkie for extra staying power.

How to Look Sexy in Seconds

I enlisted my best friends to show you how to look sexy in seconds on BetterTV. Now, I'm not makeup artist or hair stylist, but I demoed a hair and makeup trick on each of them. If you look closely, you'll notice I leave my friend Michele with a nice black eye at the end. (#oops )But you get the jist! Watch the segment after the jump.

First Look: Pamella Roland's Hair & Makeup Test

Pamella Roland held her Spring 2015 fashion show today, but instead of attending backstage to get the beauty scoop, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak at the creative process at the hair and makeup test held at her showroom last Wednesday. Picture being at a beauty brainstorm with Ms. Roland herself and two of the industry's best – lead makeup artist, Matin Maulawizada and lead hair stylist, Ted Gibson – only the brainstorm was creatively happening on a model surrounded by Japanese inspired pieces that were about to float down the runway.

After looking at the collection and speaking with Pamella Roland about her vision for the show, Ted and Matin started creating the visual – the look all of the models would wear as they walked down the aisle.

As they began, I asked them what first came to mind when thinking of Pamella Roland's collections...

"Chic.  Sophisticated.  Wearable and attainable," - Ted Gibson

"Practical. Fashion concious. Classic. Not too crazy or too safe. Walks a line.  Chic. Desirable.  Beautiful," - Matin Maulawizada

With those thoughts in mind, Matin focused on the eyes and cheeks by creating a monochromatic look by applying Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cocoa at the lash line and blending it up, then using  Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Hot Chocolate, a brown baked eyeshadow with hints of red in it on top of the lids and in the outer corner. On the cheeks, Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour in Bronze Glow helped to created the exaggerated color with a dusting of Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Rosebud on top.  It was blended together so it would stand out in the lights of the runway.  The brows were softly defined, yet underdone and completed with a rosy lip.

Knowing he was going to be working with a corded headband that matched the clothes, Ted began working the hair into an updo and then decided to take it down.  Playing with texture and shape, he ended up adding interest in the 'do by waving the bottom and keeping the top slick and wet looking.  He spritzed L'Oreal Professionnel Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo in the waves and used the Infinity Pro by Conair 3Q blow drier to help distribute to make the texture even softer. "She wants it undone, but still pulled together," he explained about the direction of the look.  In the end, he ended up cutting the headbands and placing the blush color on a barrette to secure the hair back.

Fall Skincare: Pond's Dry Skin Cream

Ready for fall?  I'm more excited about wearing fall clothes than I am about saying goodbye to the summer weather.  Here's where the NY vs. LA debate comes in, again. You're probably just starting to notice that your skin may be a bit dry post summer, and with the change in seasons, it's time to start thinking about switching your skincare regimen to formulas with thicker consistencies.  Unless of course, you live in LA. Everyone else, check this out.

In the summer we all tend to use lighter consistencies when it comes to our moisturizers thanks to the heat and humidity.  Now, keep up with the changes your skin is experiencing or is about to experience and try a heavier cream like POND’S Dry Skin Cream, which moisturizes deeply and even primes your skin for your makeup.

I recommend keeping your skincare regimen simple with a few products that are effective. The POND'S Dry Skin Cream is rich, but absorbs quickly and is good for all skin types – dry to normal and even sensitive skin.  I like to wear it at nighttime.  As the weather gets colder, I become a moisture addict!  You can find it  at drugstores or drugstore.com for under $10.

*This is a sponsored post by POND'S, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.