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."

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.

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.

Behind the Look: Jenny Cho

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

Stylist Jenny Cho works regularly with leading ladies including Jennifer Lawrence, Amanda Seyfried and Jennifer Garner.  Not only should you read this interview to get to know her, but also because her best piece of advice is to, "Keep it dirty."  My kind of girl!  Enjoy!

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

It seems like every project is as exciting as the last one so it's hard for me pick just one!

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Be your own kind of beautiful.

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

Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray – I love this hairspray because it locks in style without leaving hair stiff or crunchy.

Suave Professionals Natural Infusion All Day Body Leave -In Foam with Seaweed – Effortless waves is one of my favorite styles and this leave-in foam helps you get it. I’ll usually apply this foam to towel-dried hair before blowing it dry for added volume and movement.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Flat Iron – It’s important to invest in a good hair dryer and straightener, and Harry Josh makes excellent ones.

Hot Tools 2-inch Curling Iron – I can do almost anything with this iron, whether it’s beachy or wavy hair, adding body, or giving a slight bend.

Ibiza CX1 Brush – I'm really loving this brush right now. It's amazing for detailing hair.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? I'm seriously so impressed and in love with the new Suave Professionals products for 2015, but you’ll have to wait till January! Lots of exciting innovations to come!

Spill your best beauty advice. Keep it dirty. Don't wash your hair every day; second-day hair is always better for styling. Second-day hair doesn’t have to mean greasy though!

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

One tip that every woman should know is having gorgeous hair is healthy hair. Keep your hair in good condition by using weekly deep conditioning treatments and follow up with regular trims. It doesn't have to be every 6-8 weeks, but you can tell when your hair doesn't behave and move the right way. That's when you know you need to put a little life back into that hair of yours, and get to the salon!

You can follow Jenny Cho on Instagram and Twitter to see all of her work.

Charcoal: Hot Ingredient for 2015

The latest ingredient causing a buzz in the beauty industry is charcoal.  Why?  Because it helps to absorb impurities in your skin (think toxins and gunk, ew).  Interested?  Of course you are!  Here are some ways to start using it right away.  Say good-bye to your black heads!

Biore just released a whole collection with the hot ingredient.  Because of the added ingredient, even their famous pore strips are more effective.  Try using the Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser or the Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar (yes, a black soap bar) to help draw out the gunk in your pores.

To take things a step further use Origins Clear Improvement, an active charcoal mask, once to twice a week to really rid toxins in your skin.

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!

From my home to yours... Happy Holidays!

So this is what Christmas looks like in my home.  Happy Holidays BeautySweetSpot readers!  With the year coming to an end, I wish you all health, joy, prosperity and great brows.  This is my sixth holiday season writing here and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for all of your support to have made it this far.  Also, for the ambition to keep blogging.  Cheers to 2015! Love, Jeannine (and baby kitty Stella)

Get the Look: Kate Hudson's Waves

Kate Hudson looked stunning at the People magazine awards with her signature beach waves. Hairstylist David Babaii, created what he calls, the “classic Kate."  Want to get the look? You’re in luck, because we got the how to.

To start off, tousle your hair upside until dry to add volume. Once dry, mist a heat protectant spray evenly throughout. Then, grab a two inch section of hair and using the ghd Curve Classic Curling Iron, wind the hair around the iron while keeping the iron open. This technique creates a soft, bouncy wave. After you’ve curled your hair to that Kate Hudson effortless perfection, separate a few strands with your fingers and gently tousle your hair at the roots with your fingertips.

Stubborn flyaways ruining your look? Babaii says to use the iron to smooth at the root. Start at the root of the two inch section, run your iron through the first four inches of your hair two times. If you have thick hair, try doing smaller sections.

Look for Me on Taxi TV

If you've taken a taxi cab in NYC lately, you might have caught one of my Taxi TV commercials for Glamour mag.  That's right, there are three running throughout the holiday season!  Each one showcases great holiday gift options from Ulta Beauty.  Let me know if you happen to catch one.

Behind the Look: Joanna Pensinger Ford

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

With clients like Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Bacon and Ewan Mcgregor to name a few, Men's Groomer Joanna Pensinger Ford, has had her hands on some of the hottest men in Hollywood (Leonardo.  Enough Said.).  Here, she talks about her most exciting project, must-have products and grooming tips, which we can pay attention to, too!

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

My most exciting project was working on Kevin Bacon for Jimmy Fallon when we made a mock Footloose skit. Not only is Kevin an amazing person but Footloose has always been one of my favorite movies. I was dancing and giddy for the whole shoot day.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

My beauty philosophy is "Quick and Effective". Whether it be my work or the product I use. Men do not like a lot of fussing yet they enjoy seeing and feeling improved.

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

My must haves in my kit to achieve that feeling is:

1) La Mer's Oil Absorbing Lotion which hydrates yet combats shine.

2) Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye Depuffer is an immediate result product it both cools and depuffs tired eyes.

3) Wahl beard trimmer, I love the nose trimmer attachment which is also great for the ears.

4) My mini flat iron by Sedu Revolution. It's a quick way to tame curly or frizzy hair around the roots and neckline.

5) V76 Molding Paste is an amazing hair product with hold and great flexibility.

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

The best new product that I just discovered is by a new company, Montez Renault. It is the No. 15 Jojoba Smoothing Scrub, they created an exfoliator that is both extremely effective and hydrating. I also like that they use a majority of organic ingredients.

Spill your best grooming advice.

My best grooming advice is Exfoliate. Men tend to skip the important steps for better skin. Exfoliating decreases your chance of getting ingrown hairs and keeps your skin youthful.

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

My tip to all men is, invest in Tea Tree Oil. I make a tonic that I spray on every client before I start because it preps their skin by balancing the bacteria on your face. If you have oily skin it neutralizes the oil on your face. However if you have dry skin it soothes and moisturizes.

Coffee Scrubs, Because Cellulite

Whether you're into buying or DIYing, coffee scrubs are always a good idea.  Not only do they help exfoliate dry skin, but they also temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite. That's right, cellulite.  So if you're toughing out the cold this winter, or are heading out of town and will be putting on a bikini, you need this in your life.  Here are one of my favorite coffee scrubs (worth the money) and of course, a DIY option.

BUY: Juara Invigorating Coffee Scrub, $37

This is one of the most invigorating, delicious and pampering scrubs I've ever come across.  Made with French Roasted Indonesian Coffee, it smells like the strongest cup you've ever had and helps to smooth cellulite by stimulating circulation to the skin.

DIY: Coffee Scrub

Besides coffee, one of the key components to this scrub (or any DIY scrub) is coconut oil.  It's moisturizing properties can't be beat.  With three ingredients, this one's easy to mix up.  Just make sure you melt the coconut oil before beginning your mixture.

1/2 cup ground coffee 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar 1/4 cup coconut oil

So what's the plan?  Are you buying or DIYing?

Holiday Gifts Beauty Editors Would Die For

What do you get a girl that has everything?  Well, my beauty writer friends who spilled the holiday gifts they'd be gifting this season also shared the holiday gifts they'd die for.  Without further ado, here's our wish list.  Hopefully this helps you, too!

A beauty item I'd die to receive?  A week long trip to a wellness retreat that's all about eating clean, doing yoga and meditation.  I'm dying to go! - Yours Truly

My dream gift is a four-handed massage at a fancy spa, where post-treatment champagne and truffles are the standard. The idea is so decadent, and I'm too practical to save up for it, but doesn't that sound amazing? - Annie Tomlin, TheGlowHow.com

I'd die to receive the Charlotte Tilbury Uptown Girl set.  Everything you need for a chic, sultry makeup look all in a single package. It just speaks to my soul. - Amber Katz, Rouge18.com

A spa weekend in northern California wine country. The combination of massages, spa treatments and red wine is pretty much my idea of heaven. - Jamie Stone, HonestlyJamie

All I ever want out of my beauty lifestyle quiet time to sleep, so in a perfect world my husband would magically surprise me with 6 or 8 new Hastens pillows, a cup of that herbal tea, and some serious sleep time. - Bryce Gruber, LuxurySpot

The beauty gift i'd DIE to receive is lipo (I won't even lie, it's that and always will be). – Aly Walansky, ALittleAlyTude

My husband and I are buying an apartment, and we're doing a little work to it. I'm majorly lobbying for a vanity. Nothing fancy, just a place to sit while I get ready. - Polly Blitzer, BeautyBlitz

I would love nothing more in AMERICA than to receive an all expense paid spa getaway for some serious, much needed R&R. The Canyon Ranch Lenox in The Berkshires reads like a dream come true! - Andrea Arterbery, TheArtofBerry

It's really important for your sanity to take time off from crazy schedules and exploding email inboxes, and I've been dying to try Aire Ancient Baths in TriBeCa, where you can soak in pools and steam baths until there's not a care in the world. A relaxing massage plus a few hours to zen away in the baths would be heavenly. – Courtney Dunlop, youlookgreatingreen.com

Dry Bar Big Hair Don't Care Holiday Kit - I mean come on with this. It has everything I'd need to style my hair from day to day. Not only am I in desperate need for some new hair brushes, Dry Bar products are hard to come by anyway and they're amazing. The use I would get out of all of these luxurious products makes it worth the steep price point. – Emily Rekstis, BeautySweetSpot contributor

I'm OBSESSED with the Endless Silky Eye Pens from Pixi -- the gift set is only $18.  The liners go on like butter, are highly pigmented and STAY PUT. These are my favorite affordable eye pencils, and I tell everyone about them. I would never refuse a gift set of 5. – Sheyma Azam, BeautyandtheFeastBlog

Drybary Barfly Blowout membership – I am so lazy about my hair and it looks pretty much the same every day. With someone else in charge of the heat tools, I'd mix it up a little. Plus, nothing puts me in a good mood like a blowout. – Liesa Goins, freelance beauty editor

You know the “One day if I was really rich…” fantasy scenraios where you could have a personal chef or a water slide in your backyard? I’d take an on-call masseuse. The knots in my back never go away thanks to endless hours craned over my laptop, and I don’t think I’d tire of a massage every few days. – Joanna Douglas, Yahoo! Beauty

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.