Posts Tagged ‘Beauty Tips’

Beauty Don’ts That Have Become Beauty Dos

Posted on: December 29th, 2011 by Becca No Comments

Don’t wear white after Labor Day. Always match your shoe and handbag color. Choose one or the other: a dramatic eye or dramatic lip. We’ve all heard these types of fashion rules and have added many of them to our own sense of style. But, while these fashion myths are widely practiced and stringently followed by many women, stylists are urging women to break free from the rules. If you’ve been letting outdated fashion and beauty rules hold you back, in 2012, redefine your style and break free from the mold to update your look for the new year.

Cosmetics
Perhaps one of the most widely followed beauty rules is the idea that women must choose between a dramatic eye or dramatic lip. One of the biggest trends for 2012 is a return to the Old Hollywood glamour of stars like Rita Hayworth and Veronica Lake. Modern-day starlets like Taylor Swift and Kristen Stewart have each been spotted pairing smokey eyes with bold, red lip color. Stylists recommend that ladies opt for a creamy and dewy complexion – sans bronzer or heavy blush – that will allow the lips and eyes to shine.

The smoky eye is being redefined with color – blue to be exact. While shades of blue may summon flashbacks from the ’80s, blue is certainly en vogue again. Navy, gray-blue and silvery blue tones can create an attention-catching eye that is great for an evening out on the town or for the office.

Other makeup don’ts that are becoming do’s? Things like, always wear lip liner with lipstick (pro makeup artists say just use a good lip brush to apply it instead); avoid red lipstick if you’re rocking red hair (it’s skin tone, not hair color, that makes all the difference); don’t put eyeliner underneath the eye (it’s been rumored to make eyes look smaller, but it can actually enhance the eye if you apply carefully and use a brown or taupe shade); and only apply blush to the apples of your cheeks (keeping the blush higher up can help contour and enhance your cheekbones).

Skin and Nails
If you are one of those women who likes to have a matching mani/pedi, break free from the mold and try mixing up the routine. If you’d like to become more creative with your nail color, try mixing colors but opt for the same finish. Or, try choosing from a blend of metallic colors.

And just because you’ve already got tan skin doesn’t mean you can’t get some mileage out of a good bronzer; you just have to be strategic about it. If you want to add a little more sun-kissed warmth to an olive complexion, apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheekbones or at the temples.

Hair
Even though most women wash their hair every day, they may be doing more harm than good. Over-washing your hair can cause the scalp to procedure excess oil and can subject your tress to the harsh sulfates in many shampoos. Break the once-a-day rule and trying washing your hair every other day, and you’ll increase your number of good hair days each week.

Delaying coloring your hair because you don’t want to start the endless cycle of root upkeep? The good news is that we’re past the point of pretending that we’ve all just got naturally gorgeous red or brown or blonde hair, and thanks to the ombre trend, it’s okay to show a little root these days. Using a mix of high- and lowlight shades will help add depth and avoid the “color line” when hair starts to grow out.

Beauty trends come in and out of style, but what we love about the industry these days is that the strict rules of yore are giving way to more flexible individuality. And beauty specialists are using their creative skills to turn so many “do nots” into fabulous “dos”.

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Beauty picks for fall

Posted on: September 13th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Times change, seasons change and fashion does, too! (Thankfully – the ’90s can keep their neon mascara.) So, switching out your beauty regimen should coincide pretty easily with switching out your seasonal wardrobes. But how do you know how to make it work? We’ll tell you!

One thing that’s in style every season is a clear complexion and a good foundation. Keep moisturizing, exfoliating and fighting blemishes. And make sure you’re not using the same shade of foundation year-round. It can either make you look too pale in the summer or too dark in the winter. Not good! Once you’ve got the facial basics down, dive into the details:

Animal Prints
To go along with those fabulous leopard-print heels you’re wearing, try neutrals and browns on your eyes, lips and cheeks. The prints are bold and so should you be. You can also take a walk on the wild side with hand-painted or transfer prints for your nails. Rawr!

The Blues
For once, they’re a good thing. Cobalt blue is especially hot – think bright, bold true blue, almost like a sapphire. For a dramatic eye, try an opaque shade on your lids with some black mascara. Or, if you’re not quite that daring, mix it into your nail polish collection.

Heavy Metal
Step into the spotlight with metallic shades this fall. Sparkle with silver, glimmer with gold and be brilliant in bronze. Whether you go for a light layer or serious shimmer, these hues work perfectly on your eyes and nails.

Lash Attack
Eyelashes: the only facial hair a girl wants. And right now, the more and the bigger, the better. Mascara is no longer a one-size-fits-all product. Whether you need to lengthen, curl or thicken your lashes, there’s a tube out there for you. Take it one step further with some false lashes for an extra bold look.

Hair Beware
Volume is the name of the game when it comes to hairstyles this fall. Get pumped with volumizing shampoos, conditioners and styling products that will give you a lot of lift. And if your style starts to sag, bulk it back up with a dry shampoo.

Nail It
The fashion industry has brought back the ’30s with the appearance of half-moon manicures on the runway. Think either an unpainted or different-colored semicircle right above your cuticle. Perfect for two-tone animal prints, no?

There you have it – fall fashion for your face and nails! Day or night, simple or dramatic, these trends can put you on the cutting edge of seasonal beauty.

Blinded by the White

Posted on: September 6th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Why overusing bleach in teeth whitening can be counterproductive

You’re having a good hair day, your make-up is flawless, and you’re rocking a fabulous new outfit – what’s missing? It may be a blinding, white smile. Americans seem to be obsessed with whitening their teeth, making it a must-have accessory. But how far is too far with this bright, white trend?

In an attempt to get white teeth, it seems many Americans are bleaching their teeth obsessively and to unhealthy extremes – bleaching multiple times a day and using multiple treatments. Dentists are beginning to call this addiction “bleachorexia.” While it may not sound that bad, some people go so far with their bleaching kits and agents that they’re left with eroded enamels, sensitivity, and extremely weak and unhealthy teeth. Overbleaching as part of your teeth whitening process can actually backfire – wearing away the protective enamel and exposing the naturally yellow underbody of the teeth.

Like many things, dentists tell us moderation is key. Overbleaching is only going to ruin your teeth and make them look worse in the long run. Also, you should not have unrealistic expectations of your teeth whitening products. Clean, bright teeth are attractive, but shooting for glow-in-the-dark, blinding white is unhealthy and unnatural-looking.

Let us know – do you bleach your teeth? Do you know someone who may have “bleachorexia”?

Five Beauty Tips From Dancing with the Stars

Posted on: November 23rd, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

If you’re like me, and well, about 30 million other fans, you’ve been getting your weekly dose of samba and sparkles this fall thanks to a little show called, “Dancing with the Stars.” Each week I look forward to the glittering outfits and fast-moving cha-chas on the show. Although most of us will never get away with wearing some of those frou-frou outfits or waltzing with those professional dancer cuties, we can take a cue from some of their beauty tips.

In fact, just last week, I put a little extra sparkle on my eyelids and realized that I have been bitten by the Dancing with the Stars beauty bug! Here are the top five beauty tips you can get from tuning into the show each week! Try some of these beauty ideas. Unlike the contestants on the show, you won’t be judged, promise!

1. Spray tans are the answer for instant glow. Each week all the dancers float onto stage looking like they’ve spent a week sunbathing in the French Riviera. Their sunny golden glow is addictive—and makes most of us want to run to our nearest tanning salon. But they’ve got the right idea, sprays tans are the way to go. We all know how damaging fake baking can be—wrinkles, leathery skin and of course the worst, skin cancer, are all brought on by tanning beds. Follow the dancing stars’ lead (sorry, had to!) and spray on your glow.

2. Sparkles make everything better. I’m a sucker for sparkles. I drool over the stars’ glitzy dresses and shimmering make-up every week. Maybe all-over sparkle just won’t do for your workplace, but adding a little shimmer or sparkle here and there can really make an impact on your usual wardrobe or make-up routine. The key is to just add it in a few places. Try a sparkly pair of flats, dangly, glittery earrings or a little touch of silver eye shadow. As we know from the show, a little sparkle can go a long way!

3. Refuse to get in a rut with your hair. Have you noticed how often the hairstyles change on this show? Every show! One dance the star may have a slicked-back ponytail, for a samba she may have long luscious curls, and another dance it’s fun waves. Watching this show not only gives you great ideas to try with your own hair, but it also encourages you to change up your look often.

4. High heels really do make your legs look longer. Don’t have long, lean dancer legs? No problem! A pair of heels can make any pair of gams more gamourous, er, glamourous! Heels also add a little attitude to any outfit—even an ordinary pair of jeans. So, don’t be afraid to break out those red heels more often—just don’t try to shimmy in them all day like the stars on the show. Ouch!

5. Exercise brings more than weight-loss. Ever notice that the stars on the show are glowing, smiling and just seem, well, happy? It all goes back to what a famous Elle Woods once said, “Exercise releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy.” Yes, the stars on the show may lose a few pounds from the increased activity but they also seem to realize exercise’s other benefits—improving your mood! It’s a reminder to all of us to get more exercise to not only keep us physically fit but mentally sound as well.

Ever considered going to beauty school or cosmetology school? Search for nearby cosmetology schools and beauty schools now. Stop delaying! Start your beauty career!

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Freshen up your look

Posted on: January 21st, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Winter blues got you down? Well, BSD.com has a way to help you ditch the gloom and get a new you! Start with a fresh, new look that will brighten up your face and put a spring in your step. There are several different ways to freshen up your look, begin with a clean face and add just a splash of color. Think light, pretty and pink and we can help you keep it under budget with CoverGirl, Stila and Revlon. Want to get the look of your favorite celebrities ? Try out some of these products that can help you achieve a new, springy look as well as help your wallet.

Your shopping list:

•    Neutrogena Oil-Free SPF 15 moisturizer
•    CoverGirl Clean Makeup foundation
•    NARS blush in Super Orgasm
•    Stila Illuminating moisturizer
•    Neutrogena Skin Soothing Undereye Corrector
•    Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Shadow in Petal Shimmers
•    L’Oreal HIP Bright Duos shadow in Adventurous
•    CoverGirl Exact Liquid Liner Pen in Very Black
•    Maybelline Great Lash mascara
•    Smith’s Rosebud Salve lip gloss
•    Revlon Moon Drops lipstick in Snowsilver Rose
•    Sephora eyebrow pencil

You don’t have to wait for spring to liven up your look!

Straight Hair in 6 Easy Steps

Posted on: January 9th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 2 Comments

If you’ve been blessed with naturally straight hair, consider yourself lucky. In fact, you can kick your curling iron to the curb, because long, straight locks are in. But, if your hair is of the wavy, curly or frizzy variety, don’t fret.

You can still get this hot look by following these 6 steps:

1. Wash it. Make sure your hair is clean when you start the straightening process, or you could end up with oily, stringy looking hair instead of the voluminous shiny tresses you’re trying to achieve.

2. Partially dry it. Instead of completely drying your hair, use a wide toothed comb and get rid of the excess water.

3. Add volumizer. When hair is still slightly damp, add mouse or another volumizer to give your hair more body. Apply from root to tip of hair.

4. Blow dry. Using a large round brush, blow dry your hair from root to tip. Don’t tug on your hair, but try to keep a bit of tension with your brush. Follow the motion of your brush with the dryer until your hair is completely dry.

5. Flat iron. Section your hair and flat iron your hair from root to tip.

6. Finish your look. Use a dime-sized amount of gloss to de-frizz your hair. This step will help manage any unruly fly aways and give your hair a pretty shine.