Break Your Bad Beauty Habits

Break Your Bad Beauty Habits


Part ways with your beauty sins

They may seem harmless, but your bad beauty habits aren’t so beautiful. In fact, they can even be dangerous to your health. Here’s how to stop them in their tracks:

Stop biting your nails

It may seem like an innocent way to unleash your stress, but when you chew on your nails, you run the risk of ingesting the nasty bacteria that linger underneath. (Not to mention the cracked, split nails and painful hangnails you’ll pick up along the way.) Kick the habit by treating yourself to a manicure. If your nails are pristine and polished, you’ll have a harder time taking out your stress on them. Not the polish type of girl? Tuck a travel-size nail file in your purse for on-the-go weak moments.

Don’t leave home without sunscreen

Sunscreen and summertime always go hand in hand but the winter months pose similar sun threats. Any sun exposure without adequate protection is a direct cause of premature aging, including increased wrinkles and age spots. Extensive sun damage also increases your chances of developing various skin cancers. To break this unhealthy pattern, make sunscreen a part of your morning routine by using a daily facial moisturizer with an SPF already built in (I like Dove’s Deep Moisture Day Lotion with SPF 15).

Don’t pick at pimples

It may be the most satisfying part of your beauty routine, but popping and prodding your pimples will do you no good. Indulging in this nasty habit can leave you with permanent scars, infection, and in a lot of cases, squeezing a pimple will actually push the bacteria and oil even deeper into the glands. Break the habit by using this DIY spot treatment: crush an ibuprofen and create a thick paste with some water. Apply directly to the pimple, let dry, then wash off for reduced swelling and redness.

Not taking your eye makeup off before bed

You just got home from a night out and the first (and only) thing you want to do is head to bed. But leaving your eye makeup on overnight can cause major eye irritation and inflammation while blocking your skin’s natural ability to repair itself. Other awful side effects include clogged glands, dry skin and eyelashes more prone to falling out. If time is your biggest issue, skip the cleanser and invest in some moist makeup remover wipes, which will take off the day’s grime in seconds.

Touching your face constantly

Touching our face is a beauty crime we’re all guilty of doing. The trouble is that you transfer excess oil and dirt from your fingers to your pores, which can cause breakouts and even worse, infection. This habit is especially hazardous during the cold and flu season, when bacteria and viruses are widespread and likely to be on your hands. It may be tricky to break the pattern, so carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse to disinfect your hands before you primp.

Beauty Bad Habits That Make You Look Older

Beauty Bad Habits That Make You Look Older



These bad habits can sabotage the way you look

We have all heard it before: if you don’t want your skin to shrivel up like a raisin, guard yourself from excessive sun exposure. Now that summer has come and gone, relief sinks in. But whether the sun is beaming or forever hidden behind the clouds, there are other aspects in life that can bear the same aging effects on our skin. Here are ways to reduce these problems before they take hold:

Stress
When it comes to creases in our skin, stress is not only the outcome, but also an underlying cause. Medical studies have proven that ongoing stress can expose one to wrinkles at a younger age (yikes!). But if you sleep through the buzz of your alarm and are frantic to get to work on time, don’t fret; stress is a normal part of life. Just make sure you don’t let it get the better of you.

How to deal:
Learn to cope with stress in a positive way. If you feel your anxiety rising and on the verge of bubbling over, turn down the temperature. Whether this means going on a 15-minute walk or listening to soothing music, taking your mind off the issue can help to shed some perspective.

Alcohol
We are well-aware that an over-consumption of alcohol can cause extensive harm to our liver, but your appearance too? Yes, it’s true. Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which can result in brittle bones. In other words, your physique may appear frail long before you hit your eightieth birthday. Alcohol can also lead to aging skin and weight gain. Just remember, for every unit of alcohol consumed, you need to walk a mile to fully ditch those calories.

How to deal:
The sad truth: It takes longer for women to process alcohol than it does men. So as tempting as it may be to prove you are capable of drinking just as much as the next guy (no matter how likely the case) resist the urge. Yes, we have all been subjects to those cringeworthy “what happened last night” evenings, but for the most part, drink in moderation. Before you know it, you will be clinking your glass to rejuvenation.

Smoking
Since alcohol is known to generate aging effects, it’s no surprise that smoking falls under the same category, only worse. A combination of both could be deadly. Apart from sun exposure, smoking cigarettes is the second leading cause of skin damage. Women who smoke regularly tend to notice deeper wrinkles and discolouration in the skin in their early 30s. So not only will you be throwing away money on packs of cigarettes, but on tubes of anti-aging cream.

How to deal:
Even if smoking the occasional cigarette is intended to be a social act, do not be deceived. The nicotine concentration in tobacco acts as a stimulant, which is the reason they become highly addictive. The best solution: quit before it becomes a problem. Aging effects are only one of several damaging outcomes.

Pollution
The last three aging agents may have been predicted, but one typically doesn’t expect to get wrinkles from living in a prosperous city. If you live in a larger urban area, one big downfall is the amount of pollution. Toxins produce free-radicals (highly chemically reactive molecules), which can accelerate the aging process.

How to Deal:
As much as ordinary wrinkle creams can create miracles, most are not formulated to protect against environmental pollution. Yet another reason to benefit from the pureness of nature: avoid walking through highly-polluted areas when possible. You can also purchase a Phase-2 antioxidant, which is to be applied on the skin every morning before stepping outside.

As the years pass us by and we begin to get older, the natural process of aging is inevitable. Just make sure that when the time arrives, your wrinkles are a product of your stage in life and not poor life choices.

Summerize Your Skin

Summerize Your Skin

Transition your skin care routine to suit the changing temps


While the climate changes from sub-zero to sunshine, you need to adjust your skin care regimen to suit the change of seasons (and the dynamic needs of the skin).

Cleanse and exfoliate

In the summer, you're subjected to more dirt, oil and impurities on the skin (since we tend to perspire more and wear heavier sunscreens and makeup that can readily clog pores). That said, skin will need a more thorough cleanse. Try one of the new facial cleansing brushes help to give a deeper clean compared to washing with your hands or a face cloth. We like Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Brusher Gel-Cleanser.

Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells that clog pores (since clogged pores can actually make pores appear larger). Remove the dead skin cells and voilà -- a radiant complexion.

Moisturize

Now that we have said goodbye to winter, you should also bid adieu to the body butters and oil-based creams since they can feel heavy on the skin. Because we sweat much more in the summer heat, go for a light-weight water based moisturizer or lotion. The oil free moisturizer will not feel heavy or sticky on your skin.

Apply sunscreen

Of course this is an important rule all year round, but sunscreen is paramount in summer since the days are longer and we spend far more time outside.

Sunscreen is important for all skin tones to protect from damage caused by ultra violet (UVA & UVB) rays. If you've avoided using sun block until now because you detest the white pasty look and feel, there is a variety of non-greasy, light sprays and gels from which you can choose. You'll want a sunscreen with broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA.

Ingredients with broad-spectrum protection include ingredients like benzophenones (oxybenzone), titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. If you've always wandered what the SPF number stands for like 15 or 45, it means the amount of time that should elapse before you re-apply. A teaspoon size should be applied to the face and remember often neglected areas like the ears, neck and back of the hands.

Remember that last year's left over stock should be discarded since sunscreen ingredients are often volatile and can be degraded.

A Look Ahead to The Biggest Fashion & Beauty Trends for 2012

A Look Ahead to The Biggest Fashion & Beauty Trends for 2012

What you can expect in 2012

With 2011 reflections come 2012 resolutions, and what better way to look forward (literally) to the year ahead than to let you in on what we think is going to be huge? Beauty, fashion and even style icons – this is almost as good as Oprah’s Favourite Things.

10) Bright Colours
A contrast to the minimalistic palette of 2010, neon promises to reign supreme come springtime 2011 – meaning that it’s time to head to your local thrift store and buy that over-the-top windbreaker you otherwise wouldn’t have justified. Suddenly, the phrase “not with a fizzle, but with a bang” has a whole new meaning.

9) Slicked Back
Potentially cringe-worthy, we know, but hear us out. With Spring/Summer 2011 models taking the runways by storm with slick, sleek-looking hair, it’s only fair we assume that a messy disheveled ‘do is less appropriate than something finely polished – at least for formal affairs. (Breath a sigh of relief: that messy bun on a Saturday afternoon isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.)

8) Mini Backbacks
Again? We know. But when we told you that the 1990s had plans to stick around, we weren’t leading you astray. Stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M have been stocking up on the likes of these retro throwbacks for sometime, while thrift and vintage shops have had trouble keeping new arrivals in stock – especially recently. Just be grateful fashion’s taking after My So-Called Life and not the “stuffed animal on your back” look of 1998.

7) Slip-Ons
Thanks to TOMS or our affinity for laziness, slip-on sneakers look like the answer to casual outings come snow’s departure – especially in bright colours and floral prints that have cemented themselves as springtime’s calling card.

6) Desert Aesthetic
Every year, we give our annual nod to either the military or safari-inspired look, and springtime 2011 is absolutely no different. Browns, taupe, blacks and neutrals are making up much of the “transitional” pallet, but instead of linen ensembles and loud prints (though some do exist), fashion’s taking the geometric approach: think less Sex and the City 2 and more desert-in-a-1960s-living-room.

5) Pleated Trousers
We saw them this year, we’ll see them next: high-waisted pleated ankle trousers are continuing to channel nearly three decades with their rise, cut and controversial fit. Suddenly those McDonalds’ uniform pants seem borderline wearable.

4) Emma Watson
It may have been her pixie cut that won her attention at the close of 2010, but having cemented herself as a bona fide icon, 2011 only promises a whole heap of Emma Watson. And with the premiere of the last portion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows out this summer, you can expect her to garner even more love for her take on mid-year trends.

3) The 70s
Don’t worry, grunge and post-punk fans – your aesthetic isn’t going anywhere. But if you’ve been pining for bright colours, bold patterns and a wardrobe that mimics That 70s Show, you’re officially in luck. Spring and summer look to embody the kitsch of the disco era, bringing with it retro prints, beads, patterned knee socks and if you’re daring, even pigtails.

2) Socks
Socks and shoes staged a comeback in spring 2011, but with next season’s looks being worn alongside ankle, knee and thigh-high socks, the barefoot phenomenon of years past have seemingly come to a close.

1) Skins
There is a very high possibility that the US version of Skins will be exceedingly terrible – but that doesn’t mean the fashion will be. From what we’ve seen, the UK knock-off will rival the likes of Gossip Girl aesthetic-wise, and since the show’s already more buzzed about than most Brooklyn bands, you know they’ll step it up style-wise. Odds of Skins-inspired trends? Higher than the show’s controversial existence.

Summerize Your Beauty Routine

Summerize Your Beauty Routine


Weather changes have the ability to affect more than one might think. Frizzy hair, dry skin, or even those pesky bug bites that not only itch, but are bright red and puffy -- all of these things can be caused by even the slightest of temperature changes. But rather than panicking each time the weather man calls for a little rain or a raise in temperature, nip these seasonal problems in the bud. If you live in the heat, you know the disasters that summer can cause. Follow these tips for the upcoming heat to be most prepared at any temperature.

Face
Use a daily moisturizer with an SPF, especially for those who are light-complected. Ensuring facial skin, which is also the most sensitive, is protected will reduce chances of burning and more serious health problems later on.

Scents
Avoid using sweet-smelling perfumes, hairsprays, or lotions that will attract bugs. These products (minus the perfume) come in unscented versions that will get the job done without bringing in unwanted critters.

Bug Bites
And when the bugs do bite, help subdue the swelling and itch by dabbing on a little hairspray (pray a finger first and then dab the bite; spraying the entire area will cause sticky skin). Hairspray seals the bite and keeps it from getting any air. Still itchy? For those super-stubborn bites, paint on a little nail polish. It's thicker than hair spray and works wonders on chigger bites. Have a drawer full of colors? Clear will do the trick -- blue or sparkly dots might look worse than the actual bite itself.

Makeup
When it comes to summer, the lighter the makeup routine, the better. Heavy make up will look cakey and unattractive in the heat and will often crease or smear. Use powder foundation; not only will it help hide the summer stress, it will look more natural. For those who are self conscious about their skin, powder foundations come in varying stages of coverage, so there's no need to worry about problem skin. Powder eyeshadows are a must as well. And when it comes to lipstick, stick to a tinted lip balm or gloss; these products will stay in place through the heat.

Hair
Hair should get the summer treatment as well. Next time at the salon, be brave and try a short summer cut, such as the bob. Or if that's a little too daring, try the extra healthy trim -- just an extra few inches will make a huge difference in the heat. Another way to take out some of the body is by a simple thinning; it take out the heaviness without taking the length. And for those who just can't part with their long hair, try some new summer up-dos. Get some fun hair clips or ponys and make a hairstyle into a fashion statement.

Use these tricks throughout the upcoming summer months for a fresh and fun update to a mundane beauty routine. Following these tips will not only provide a fashionable look, but they will ensure a healthy and fresh summer routine.

How to Find Your Perfect White Shirt

How to Find Your Perfect White Shirt




5 things to look for when shopping for this timeless staple

How to shop for one

The most important thing when shopping for your perfect white shirt is willingness to try on different styles and see what works for you. You want it to be fitted to your body, not so tight that the buttons are pulling, and not so baggy that you can’t see your shape. A rule of thumb if it doesn’t fit every part of you? Pick the size that fits the largest part of you, and bring it to a tailor to take it in. The result? A shirt that is made especially for you—at a fraction of the price.

Who looks good in it

Everyone! There are just a couple of things to keep in mind for different body types. Bigger-busted gals shouldn’t button all the way up, as it could make them look disproportionate, while smaller-chested ladies can go for higher necklines, as it will only enhance their chest. If you’re looking to hide any trouble areas, a structured shirt that cuts in at your smallest part is your best bet.

What to pair it with

The beauty of the perfect white shirt is that it looks good with just about everything. Polish off jeans and heels with a crisp white button-up and some sweet accessories that take denim from day to night. Tuck it in to a pencil skirt for a sleek office look, pair it with a suit for meetings and interviews or layer it under a sweater for a preppy look.

White shirt care

Wash in cold water with other whites and lay flat or hang to dry. To finish off, and make wrinkles disappear, use a steamer. It’s a great alternative to an iron, because shirts come out looking fresh but not overdone or stiff.

How to prevent it from looking dingy

Although most people would look to bleach to keep their whites bright, it can actually wear away the material and end up making clothes look scraggly and worn-out. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar works great as a spot treatment to lift stains away (and makes a satisfying fizzy sound). And baking soda added to your laundry load keeps clothes white naturally.

Wearing the Oversized T-Shirt

Wearing the Oversized T-Shirt


Wearing the Oversized T-Shirt
How to don Spring's simple staple

Just when you thought oversized pieces were limited to flannel, dress shirts and pajama clothes, the t-shirt returned to stake its claim on breezy summertime options and provide the perfect solution to “I’m bloated today – what do I wear?” But of course, seemingly simple items are not always so straight-forward, so in order to help you look your finest, here’s our guide to the oversized t-shirt.

Fit

Because you wouldn’t wear an extra large men’s flannel (regardless of how 90s or grunge you may be, don’t – don’t you dare), it’s key to find a style that fits you well regardless of its oversized connotations. As for what that means: stay away from baggy sleeves with copious length since a fitted neck will only make it seem like you’re wearing hand-me-downs. And if you’ve thrifted a unique retro number? Consider cutting the neck for an off-the-shoulder style and roll up the sleeves for a laid-back vibe. Just remember that if the underarms droop or your silhouette’s lost, it’s time to find a new style.

Get the perfect fit with American Apparel's El Salvador Lace Tee, $45.

Beware the Novelty

True, an oversized t-shirt is a novelty unto itself, but unless you want to look like a thrift session gone awry (and we’ve all been there), it’s important to scale down the novelty if your shirt borders on a dress. Abide by a simple rule: the larger the shirt, the less the “LOL”, so if you’ve found a one-of-a-kind band or wolf deco t-shirt, make sure it’s not falling off or belted for kitsch overload. Less is more, so if your style is defined by bold patterns or bright designs, couple with neutrals and Oxford shoes.

Make a statement with Urban Outfitters' Oversized Geo Striped Tee, $19.99.

Start Small

We understand the irony of using “small” in an oversized how-to, but if you’re not sure about donning a novelty, you may want to spend less or invest in a neutral style that’s less flashy or head turning. If you’re not sold on length, check out H&M’s selection of crop tops, or even American Apparel’s solid t-shirts that you can top with a vest or denim jacket. And if price has you worried? Head to a Value Village or Salvation Army: not only can you find some retro band tees, but you’ll also spend minimal on a piece that’s meant to incredibly stress-free.

Stick to H&M's Broderie Anglaise Crop Top for a basic look, $29.95.

Do vs. Don’t

Oversized t-shirts can conjure up images of painting the house or 1980s don’ts, but if you’re hoping to avoid the Linda in The Wedding Singer look of 1998, be sure to wear your t-shirt as a balanced part of a complete outfit, not its focal point. By pairing high-waisted skinny shorts, riding boots and a white leather bomber with a black t-oversize tee, you’re building an ensemble as opposed to hiding behind something too large – which is especially risky on days when we don’t want any attention brought to our middles.

Pair your oversized t-shirt with American Eagle's Vintage Denim High-Waisted Shorts, on sale for $24.95.

The Best Cream Blushes

The Best Cream Blushes

Three steps to making cream blush work for you

Don’t call it a trend any longer: thanks to the need for aesthetic diversity, cream blush has become the cosmetic go-to for those who’ve grown tired of the basic powder and blush formula. But because it can be an adjustment to switch from tradition to “new and improved”, we’ve come up with ways to make cream blush work for your skin tone and type, which should make the embracement of crèmes over powders that much easier.

Step #1: What finish do you prefer?
Like you would when determining eye shadow tone, lipstick shade or even bronzer, before opting for your choice of cream blush, make sure you’re aware of what look you’re going for. Meaning? Are you opting for the flushed, summery vibe du jour, or are you hankering to give a dramatic edge to your daily routine? If you’re not entirely sure, you may want to stick to a shade like NARS’ Constantinople, which can easily transition from one look to the other depending on how much you’re willing to apply. But if you’re ready to embrace the drama, consider a fuchsia shade (like Montenegro) to amp up bright lips worn alongside black cigarette pants.

Step #2: Consider Skin Type
It goes without saying that our skin types vary, so because of the vast differences between one complexion and another, it’s important to look into products that offer moisturizers, SPFs, or components that won’t make you break out. Lancome’s answer to cream blushes boast high levels of jojoba wax which makes for a light and airy finish (if you’re worried about caking on more product), while The Body Shop’s brand contains Community Trade marula oil to keep your cheeks moisturized as you apply.

Step #3: Application
While the application of powder and even gel blushes seem relatively straightforward, there’s a level of variety that accompanies cream products that range from the minimal to a little more extensive. Any of MAC’s shades can be applied by both brush and by sponge (depending on what effect you’re vying for), but a more detailed application calls for the use of fingers. The same rule applies to Benefit: contained in a lipgloss-esque tube, you need only to squeeze a small amount out and rub into your cheeks. No muss, no fuss, and more importantly, no unnecessary cosmetic brushes.

Beauty Review: Feather Hair Extensions

Beauty Review: Feather Hair Extensions

Add some flair to your strands, with this fun hair accessory!

Our daily hair regimen usually suffers come summer, as natural waves and ultra-frizz ‘dos take hold. But when we want to add a touch of oomph to our locks (without the added prep work) Sultra’s Natural Feather Hair Accents Clip Extensions, $25 is a tress blessing.

What it is:
A do-it-yourself clip-in hair accessory comprised of four multi-hued feathers. The tint of each feather is subtle, and adapts to any hairstyle and colour. It will brighten up any ‘do, by injecting a dash of summer flair into your locks. With four colour combos to choose from, you can't go wrong.

We tested out the "sun kissed" combination (à la Selena Gomez) for a soft and playful look! The clips also come in fun popsicle bright colours for summer–Pink Passion and Boho Breeze–with a stream of pink and turquoise interwoven throughout the extension.

How it works:
The feather accent is an easy clip in, clip out hair accessory. Similar to any standard hair clip, simply open the snap of the extension and secure it into your locks. Make sure to lift a thin layer of hair before inserting, to camouflage the snap clip. This will help the accessory blend in with your tresses too.

The clip is temporary and reusable, so don't be afraid to experiment throughout different sections of your hair! It will also adjust to any hairstyle, and can withstand heat-styling tools. Coming from a girl who straightens her hair more often than not, this was a deal-breaker for me (see images below.) Post-straightening, the accessory conformed to my locks, and blended in nicely with my highlights.

The Verdict:
An extremely straight-forward and easy-to-use product, especially when faced with sudden hair boredom. I love that each feather incorporates in a different hue to adapt to every girl's hair colour. At the same time, the tints aren't over-the-top (even the vibrant-tinted clips aren't too bold!) The only problem: it was challenging to snap the clip securely into my locks at first. However, once I managed, the clip didn't budge. Removing the extension wasn't a problem either!

Is it worth the hype:
I'll be honest: I was apprehensive about giving this product a try at first. Nothing against feathers, I just never would have thought to insert them into my tresses. Luckily, I will pleasantly surprised. I felt like this product added to my look, without becoming a distraction.

This is a definite must-try hair trend for spring/summer 2011, and is already out of stock on the Sultra website. It's available on sephora.com, but has yet to cross the border into Canada, so stay tuned fellow beauties!


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Dresses You Can Wear to a Wedding (as a Guest)

Dresses You Can Wear to a Wedding (as a Guest)


Summer dresses that work for a wedding

The first official day of summer is finally upon us, which means that your weekends are all booked up with road trips, backyard BBQ's and weddings (weddings, weddings). So when the inevitable humidity of a Saturday in July calls for you to attend a wedding, how can you make sure you're ceremony-appropriate without suffering heat stroke? Picking out the perfect dress for the wedding shouldn't turn you into bridezilla (especially when you're not the bride). We've got the guide that will save you the sweat of deciding what to wear to Summer "I do's".

First and foremost, in any season you've got to make sure you consider the bride. Summer makes it more tough when hemlines are shorter, and colours get bolder. Certainly avoid white, and keep the amount of skin you're going to show tasteful. Bandage dresses and micro-minis fall into under the "don't do this" heading. Be particularly sensitive if you're attending a religious ceremony. Don't be afraid to get in touch with the bride to ask about the dress code if you're really unclear.

Daytime weddings:

Light and casual fabrics are acceptable for day weddings, so say yes to lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. Vibrant colours, and bright florals are great for daytime.


Daytime weddings:

Light and casual fabrics are acceptable for day weddings, so say yes to lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. Vibrant colours, and bright florals are great for daytime.

Where to find them:

Day dresses (clockwise from top left): tribal print dress $45 by Volcom, lace chiffon dress $58 by American Apparel, rust chiffon one-shoulder dress $90 at Topshop, dot printed dress $74 by Calvin Klein, climbing floral dress $64 at Warehouse UK, chevron striped dress $68 at modcloth.com, henley woven floral dress $25 at Aeropostale, floral jersey tank dress $15 at Old Navy.

Evening Weddings

Night dresses (clockwise from top left): orange one-shoulder dress $69 at Macy's, layered-tank dress $69 at Urban Outfitters, Pink dress $80 at modcloth.com, floral one-shoulder dress $95 at ASOS, yellow satin ruched dress $154 by Elizabeth and James, black and white striped dress $50 at onestopplus.com, one shoulder chiffon dress $39 at delias, backless black dress $550 by Opening Ceremony

Although black was once a no-no for weddings, we all know that a little black dress suits any occasion. It's best advised to keep your black dress for an evening wedding. Evening weddings (anything after 6 P.M) can also be assumed to be a little more formal, so keep that in mind when choosing the fabrication of your dress. Leave the cotton-paisley sundress in your closet. And how short is too short?
Knee length is a good guideline, and younger women can go a couple of inches above the knee with their hemlines.

Detox Your Skin

Detox Your Skin

Remedy post-holiday skin with these complexion savers

Much like hitting the gym is a New Year ritual to counteract holiday excess, our skin also needs some TLC to detox from an over-indulgence of alcohol, rich foods and late nights during the holiday season – all of which leave skin dull, puffy, dehydrated and prone to breakouts. Here are some solutions:

Maximize moisture

Drinking a lot of booze during the holidays can zap moisture from the skin, making fine lines more apparent and skin less radiant. The biggest offender is red wine, especially to those people who are prone to redness and rosacea. It can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, resulting in flushed, irritated skin. To boost your skin’s moisture levels and combat redness add a hydrating, fragrance-free face mask to your nighttime moisturizing routine. Wear the mask for at least 15 minutes to allow the benefits to reach the skin. Follow it with a hydrating serum and rich moisturizer to lock in softness.

Try: Dermalogica Multi Vitamin Power Recovery Masque.

Boost radiance

Skin can look dull after piling on a full-face of makeup night after night (and admit it, most of us get a little lazy about removing it before bed). To revitalize skin and make sure pores don’t get clogged, try an at-home chemical peel that has lactic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process to clear pores and reveal fresher, smoother and more radiant skin underneath. For optimal and long-lasting results, incorporate a peel into your skincare routine about twice a week for one month.

Try: MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel or Neostrata Peeling Solution.

Eye spy

Lack of sleep due to late-night holiday parties takes a toll on your eyes. To combat puffy eyes and dark circles use a moisturizing eye cream both morning and night that contains anti-oxidants like vitamin E and C. A good trick to reduce puffiness and darkness is to actually store your eye cream in the refrigerator. The cooling action will help to constrict blood vessels and minimize any obvious circles or puffiness.

Try: Lancôme Génifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate

Sun damage RX

If you’re like many sun-starved Canadians who escape to tropical destinations over the holidays, chances are your skin needs to detox from UV rays. UV rays cause free radical damage to the skin, resulting in discoloration and premature wrinkling. Load up on antioxidants in your moisturizer, like vitamins A, C, E and green tea. If you have experienced a severe sunburn, your skin needs time to repair and heal so stay away from microdermabrasion and glycolic peel treatments. These could potentially further damage tender skin. Instead, soothe skin with fragrance-free lotions or a simple aloe vera gel.

Try: Consonant Organic Body Lotion.

Detox Guide

Detox Guide

Get the lowdown on 3 popular detox plans!
by Anne T Donahue
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With so many detox diets to choose from, it can be difficult to tell the difference between fact and fiction. While detoxing—cleansing your body of harmful toxins through a strict diet—can lead to weight loss, better digestion and improved wellbeing, you should never jump into it without doing your research first. To help you figure out which regime suits you best, we took a look at three of Hollywood’s hottest detoxes. (Be sure to consult with a physician before attempting any extreme diet changes.)

1) Dr. Joshi’s Holistic Detox

Dr. Joshi attracts celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss to his UK wellness clinic. According to his book, Dr. Joshi’s Holistic Detox, you can achieve improved health and weight loss in just 21 days by balancing your alkaline and acidity levels and by flushing unnecessary fat from your liver. How do you do it? By eliminating red meat, dairy, fruit, wheat, alcohol, coffee, sugar and processed foods. Recommended on a once-a-year basis, Joshi claims that his detox is so effective, it can reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels rapidly—and even eliminate the need for certain prescription medications. But such extreme claims can be risky: never discontinue medications without a doctor’s supervision. And while eliminating sodium and sugar from your diet can yield positive results, some medical professionals say that diet modifications alone are unlikely to lower your body’s pH levels.

2) The Master Cleanse

Best known as the “lemonade diet,” the Master Cleanse consists of drinking nothing but a lemonade, maple syrup and cayenne pepper concoction for a minimum of ten days in order to rid your body of toxins and harmful substances. Around since the 1940s, this detox only became popular recently, when Beyoncé claimed she lost over 20 pounds while on the diet. It’s true that this cleanse can result in rapid weight loss—but it’s also thought to cause serious side effects, including gallstones. While toxins will be eliminated, so will essential proteins and nutrients. That’s why most doctors advise people (especially those with health conditions) to avoid this regime.

3) Clean (by Dr. Alejandro Junger)

Dr. Alejandro Junger’s Clean program stresses the consumption of whole fruits and vegetables while cutting out gluten, dairy products and processed foods. Followers consume just one solid meal per day (ideally at lunchtime), with breakfasts and dinners consisting of liquid meals such as shakes and soups. This allows the body to rest, repair and detoxify. While the food choices allowed on this diet are limited, the quantity of overall food intake is not. Nutritional levels won’t plummet, since you’ll be getting essential vitamins and nutrients.

How to Choose a Bridesmaid Dress

How to Choose a Bridesmaid Dress


How to Choose a Bridesmaid Dress
Find a style your bridal party can actually wear again

Brides always want to be the centre of attention on their big day. Sometimes that can come at the cost of their bridesmaids. Bridesmaids are your friends and their dresses should compliment the theme of your wedding and your dress. They should NOT look so bad you look great in comparison.

Finding a style that will work with all your bridesmaids’ body types can be a challenge, but by following these trends you should be able to please your bridal party and yourself.

Colours

Think carefully about the colour choice of your dresses. Is it so bright and loud it will detract from the ceremony? Will it go with the rest of your decor? Will it look good with the skin tones of all of your bridesmaids? Your safest bet is to pick a colour in a subdued jewel tone since almost everyone looks good in those colours! It doesn't have to (and probably shouldn’t) match your decor exactly, but it should compliment the overall look and feel of the wedding. If it's a formal event stick with darker, traditional colours. If it's a simple, more casual wedding go with light colours that won't wash out paler bridesmaids.

Avoid black, since it’s not a funeral and many of your guests will probably be wearing it anyways (unless you have really fashionable guests). Avoid all shiny, satin-like fabrics (so last decade) and stick to more natural, classy materials.

Check out J.Crew's Silk Chiffon Arabelle Dress, available in a wide variety of beautiful shades, $225. Available at J.Crew or jcrew.com.

Cuts

There are several styles of dress that will work for everyone. A-line cuts at the knee are universally flattering. Unless everyone in your party has a small bust and Madonna arms try to avoid strapless gowns, which will case unnecessary tugging through the ceremony and reception. No wardrobe malfunctions please!

If you actually want to give your bridesmaid's a dress they can wear again don't get anything too ornate and poofy. Long dresses give a formal look to your wedding but probably can't be worn again by your bridesmaids and may look overwhelming on shorter girls. If all else fails you could always select a fabric and allow your bridesmaid's to choose their own style, so long as they are relatively similar in design and length.

You can look at current dress trends to see what’s but classic, simple shapes are definitely making a comeback.

Try BHLDN's Beribboned Dress for a figure-flattering look for all, $200. Available at bhldn.com.

Accessories

If you're going with a simple dress design consider using bolder jewellery to make your bridesmaids look modern. Buying jewellery can make a nice present for the bridal party and won't leave you worrying about what your bridesmaid’s will show up in. Take a look at current jewelry trends, but remember that the pictures are forever. Going with something classic will always look timeless and last your bridesmaids a long time.

Can you really go wrong with Tiffany's? Accessorize with their Sterling Silver Bow Pendant, $150. Available at Tiffany & Co.

Shoes

Shoes can generally be the choice of your bridesmaid’s so try to pick a colour or style everyone has. If that doesn't work out, consider a neutral pair of kitten heals your bridesmaid's can wear again (and will be okay to dance the night away in). Keep it closed toed for a formal affair or open toed or sandal-like if it's more casual.

Top off your ensemble with Aldo's Abadi Peep-Toe Pumps in Bone, $80. Available at Aldo Shoes

Get At-Home Hair Colour Right

Get At-Home Hair Colour Right

Your perfect, natural shade is just a few steps away
by Lija Kresowaty
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Looking for a winter-blues beauty pick-me-up? If you’re not up for a more drastic (and costly) change, enhancing your natural hair hue is the easiest way to bring a little colour to your life.

Shopping Tips
When trying to choose a “does she or doesn’t she” colour, think back to your old childhood snaps for clues as to whether you’d like to go lighter, darker, or warmer. That way, you already know that the colour matches your complexion. Most importantly, do not attempt to stray too far from your natural shade without the help of a pro.

If you want to go lighter, highlights may be the way to go. Dark blondes should look for lighter blonde highlights, and brunettes should look for chestnut or caramel tones just a bit lighter than their natural colour. You’ll also have to decide between cool and warm highlights. If you’re blue-eyed and tend to burn in the summer, opt for the cool highlights (look on the box for words like “neutral”). If you’re green or brown-eyed and tan easily, you’re better off going with warm shades (look for words like “golden”).

If your base shade seems dull and you want an overall wash of colour, look to the semi-permanent dyes. For brunettes and redheads, they’ll add some depth and richness to your shade, and for blondes, they won’t actually lighten your shade but will clean up any brassiness and add shine. Once you’re sure you’re happy with a shade, you can move on to permanent dyes.

Application Tips
If you’re going with at-home highlights, keep it to some (very small) highlights just around the face. You’ll save time and avoid mistakes, but will still reap the complexion-brightening benefits of a few sun-kissed strands.

It’s hard to go wrong with applying semi-permanent colour, but just make sure the dye stays safely on your hair – and not all over your bathroom. Throw an old towel around your shoulders and rub a little vaseline around your hairline and ears to make sure you don’t dye your skin. And those plastic gloves that come included in the box? Use ‘em.

Colour Care
Now that you’ve got a more vibrant shade, protect it with a colour-enhancing shampoo. This is crucial if you opted for a warmer, reddish hue, since red dye fades the fastest. And for blondes, the right shampoo will ward off the brassier orange tones that sometimes emerge a few weeks after colouring.

Worried about obvious roots showing through? Try using a dry shampoo spray that’s tailored to your hair colour – it’ll help to blend in the area between the dyed strands and your natural shade. And never underestimate the power of a pretty headband or a laissez-faire side part to mask roots in between dye jobs.

How to Choose the Right Hair Colour

How to Choose the Right Hair Colour

Need a new hue for your 'do?
by Tammy Burns
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There’s no body part that offers as much opportunity for change as your hair.

With a new colour, you can transform your look overnight – and when you get bored, you can change it again. But there's a bit more to picking the right hair colour than just grabbing a box at the drugstore.

To find the hue that works best for you, there are a few things you need to consider.



What’s your skin tone?

People generally fall into two skin tone categories: warm and cool.

If you’re a warm:

Your skin is brown with pink or gold undertones, pale with peach or gold undertones, or freckled.

Your eyes are golden brown, green, green-blue, or hazel with gold or brown flecks.

Your natural hair colour is yellow, golden, or amber.

If you’re a cool:

Your skin is very dark brown, olive, or medium or pale with little colour in your cheeks. You have undertones of pink, violet, or blue.

Your eyes are deep brown, black-brown, grey, dark blue, or hazel with grey or blue flecks.

Your natural hair colour is black, ash brown, or ash blonde.

As a general rule, it’s best to keep your hair colour in the same tone as your skin. Warm tones look best with shades like golden or strawberry blonde, red, and deep brown with hints of gold or red. Cool tones suit hair that is black, dark or golden brown, and ash or dirty blonde.



There are a few tricks to finding out what skin tone you have:

Wash off all your makeup and wrap a white towel or piece of clothing around your neck. Look in the mirror. What shade is your face? If your skin appears yellowish, you have a warm tone; if it appears bluish, you have a cool tone.

Look at the veins in your arm under natural light. If your veins appear green in colour, you’re probably warm-toned. If they look blue, you’re cool.

Hold up one piece of clothing that’s bright orange and one that’s bright pink against your skin. Which one looks better? If it’s the orange, you have warm skin; the pink means you have cool skin.



How high maintenance are you?

Depending on what colour you choose, you may have to put more or less effort into maintaining your colour.

Brown shades tend to be the most forgiving, so if you have hair that’s easily damaged, or if you’re not willing to go for regular touch-ups, brown may be your best bet.

Blonde dyes, on the other hand, require a fair bit of maintenance, especially if you have darker hair that will show at the roots.

If you’re thinking of going red, make sure your hair is healthy and you’re willing to put in the effort. Red hair needs to be in good condition – if it’s dry or damaged, it won’t hold the colour. Also, red dyes can fade easily, especially if you’re out in the sun a lot.



What’s your cut?

Your cut can determine whether or not you go for all-over colour or just highlights. If your hair is generally all one length, a deep, monotone hue will work. If your hair is short or layered, go with highlights or lowlights – they’ll add dimension to your hair and help to emphasize your cut.



Other tips

If you’re unsure, go for just one shade lighter or darker than your current colour, as a test. From there, you can decide whether you’re headed in the right direction and can adjust it darker or lighter at your next appointment.

All-over colour requires more maintenance than highlights or lowlights, so choose your dye job accordingly. If you’re not willing to make regular trips to the salon, go with highlights or lowlights – the roots won’t be as noticeable and you can go longer between touch-ups.

If you’re going for a drastic change, talk to your hairstylist first, and have him or her do the dye. While home colouring is cheap and easy, you get what you pay for, and your stylist won’t be there to stop you if you’re going down the wrong colour path.

Ombre Hair Colour Trend is Still Going Strong

Ombre Hair Colour Trend is Still Going Strong

Easy to maintain hair colour that stays hot all Summer long
by Stephanie Rogers
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Street-style superstars from all over were rocking ombre hair at this year's Coachella, the prelude to long summer days. With stunning celebs like Leighton Meester showing her best good-girl-gone-ombre at the MTV Movie Awards, and Rachel Bilson still endorsing ombre, it's safe to bet that this low-maintenance colour choice is going to be a high-style option going forward.

If you've been living in a cave for the last year, ombre incorporates light coloured pieces on the lower half of your mane and is derived from the French word which literally means 'shadow' or 'in shade'. Think of ombre as dipping your hair into lighter colour, creating a dark to light effect. Brunettes and blondes alike can get away with a highlighted look that is natural, and much like you spent your winter on a beach in a bikini instead of trying to warm up in your parka. Although we've seen some extreme cases of ombre-fever (read: Lady Gaga and Leah Miller), we think a soft, subtle colour transition from root to tip is classic pretty and here for good.

Tips for top-notch ombre

Colour-safe shampoo and conditioner for long-lasting colour, and a once a week mask to strengthen hair. We like Pantene's Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask for an affordable, non-greasy treatment.

This colour should be gradual, starting with your natural colour at the roots (we said low-maintenance, and we mean it!) and slowly getting lighter. Take pictures with you to your stylist of the colour you crave so that they have the perfect guideline for what you're after.

Gloss treatments are a great idea every few weeks to keep colour shiny, healthy, and long-term. Trust us: you'll want to keep this hair forever.

Ombre DIY? It CAN be done. This writer got her dark brown tresses lightened using a Clairol Nice N'Easy Highlighting kit, which is about $10-$16. Stay away from bleaching kits, which can be harsh on fragile ends and turn you orange rather than ombre. This is NOT the time to skip a strand test!

Separate your hair into small and short sections, keeping them separated using elastics or clips. You'll need at least four sections, depending on the thickness of your hair. Thoroughly coat the ends (3-5 inches) in your mixture. Leave on for the time determined in your strand test. Remove your clips/elastics, and put more of the mixture another 1-2 inches above the sections that are already covered in the mixture. Don't be afraid to vary this, as it will look more naturally grown-out. Leave on for another 10-15 minutes, and proceed with the rinsing process.

Six tips for buying and wearing new rain boots

Six tips for buying and wearing new rain boots
Rain boots are a smart addition to any footwear wardrobe

Rain boots have evolved from clunky, unattractive, and cheap-looking to style statements in themselves, perfect for erratic fall weather. While it wouldn't be recommended to wear them with a strapless evening gown or sleek pencil skirt, there are many cute, casual, and fun ways to turn drizzly weather into a fashionable moment.

Be aware: Rain boots (also known as Wellingtons) are available in everything from basic brown to crazy designs featuring hearts, rainbows, colourful stripes, florals and neon shades. Autumn's leopard and zebra prints have even managed to make their way onto them! Are you daring enough to draw all your attention to your feet? If so, an exciting psychedelic pair may be for you, but be careful how you accessorize your boots with your outfit and jewellery. When in doubt, a chic solid black pair looks fantastic with everything.

Be classy: Avoid pairing these boots with bottoms which are bulky (for example, trendy harem pants, your favourite sweats, or wide-leg jeans are not recommended). As the thick sole and rubber material already make the boot itself quite heavy, skinny jeans, leggings, or perhaps tights with a sweater dress are your best friends when it comes to this look. Complete the funky fall vibe with a trench coat, shirtdress or brightly coloured scarf.

Be detail-oriented: Rain boots for this season come complete with shearling lining, buckles, a glossy finish and Doc Martens-style laces, to name a few styles. They are edgy, fashion-forward, versatile, and most importantly- they're comfortable!

Be budget conscious: From the $20 pair at your local Wal-Mart to the higher-end Tretorn, Burberry, and Hunter wellies (the Jimmy Choos of the rain boot world!) which are often spotted on celebrities, there's truly a boot for every woman out there on every type of budget.

Be yourself: We all have days when we just feel like jumping into puddles and capturing the spirit of childhood again. Can you do this in your rain boots? If water leaks through the soles of the brand-new wellies which you just spent half a paycheque on, then maybe they're not really as good-quality as the price tag indicated. Look for a pair which is not only stylish, but will also be long-lasting, weatherproof, and well-fitting.

Be determined: It may take a while, but there's a pair out there that fit you perfectly, and they're bound to make a splash!

Six tips for buying and wearing new rain boots

Six tips for buying and wearing new rain boots
Rain boots are a smart addition to any footwear wardrobe

Rain boots have evolved from clunky, unattractive, and cheap-looking to style statements in themselves, perfect for erratic fall weather. While it wouldn't be recommended to wear them with a strapless evening gown or sleek pencil skirt, there are many cute, casual, and fun ways to turn drizzly weather into a fashionable moment.

Be aware: Rain boots (also known as Wellingtons) are available in everything from basic brown to crazy designs featuring hearts, rainbows, colourful stripes, florals and neon shades. Autumn's leopard and zebra prints have even managed to make their way onto them! Are you daring enough to draw all your attention to your feet? If so, an exciting psychedelic pair may be for you, but be careful how you accessorize your boots with your outfit and jewellery. When in doubt, a chic solid black pair looks fantastic with everything.

Be classy: Avoid pairing these boots with bottoms which are bulky (for example, trendy harem pants, your favourite sweats, or wide-leg jeans are not recommended). As the thick sole and rubber material already make the boot itself quite heavy, skinny jeans, leggings, or perhaps tights with a sweater dress are your best friends when it comes to this look. Complete the funky fall vibe with a trench coat, shirtdress or brightly coloured scarf.

Be detail-oriented: Rain boots for this season come complete with shearling lining, buckles, a glossy finish and Doc Martens-style laces, to name a few styles. They are edgy, fashion-forward, versatile, and most importantly- they're comfortable!

Be budget conscious: From the $20 pair at your local Wal-Mart to the higher-end Tretorn, Burberry, and Hunter wellies (the Jimmy Choos of the rain boot world!) which are often spotted on celebrities, there's truly a boot for every woman out there on every type of budget.

Be yourself: We all have days when we just feel like jumping into puddles and capturing the spirit of childhood again. Can you do this in your rain boots? If water leaks through the soles of the brand-new wellies which you just spent half a paycheque on, then maybe they're not really as good-quality as the price tag indicated. Look for a pair which is not only stylish, but will also be long-lasting, weatherproof, and well-fitting.

Be determined: It may take a while, but there's a pair out there that fit you perfectly, and they're bound to make a splash!

Tips for Wearing Faux Fur

Tips for Wearing Faux Fur

It's everywhere this season, but can you pull it off?
by Fatima Syed
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Faux fur has many advantages- it's perfectly stylish for this season, can keep a girl warm on a snowy winter day, and is both less expensive and more politically correct than the real thing. Wearing faux fur is definitely a challenge, however, as you want to avoid looking like a gorilla and come across as a stylish lady instead!

Here's a list of outfit ideas and inspiration for rocking the popular fabric this season:

Sweaters
When you're in doubt about wearing a great deal of faux fur, it may be best to tone down the trend into a more subtle, wearable item such as a sweater. A casual fur-lined zip-up or fur-trimmed collar helps you incorporate the look into your daily wardrobe, perhaps with a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans for a chic city vibe.

Coats
For all you risk-taking fashionistas out there, a fur-accented or even entirely faux fur coat may be just the thing you need in your closet this winter. Try not to overdo the trend by pairing loud, flashy prints with your outerwear, or by adding other furry pieces into the outfit. A fur coat looks great with solids and with simple, blousy tops and sophisticated high-heeled boots. To add a bit of 1940's glamour, try a bright red lip colour with a white fur jacket, dark stockings, and a black pencil skirt.

Vests
The cropped faux fur vest has got to be one of the easiest and most versatile ways to add another layer to your outfit, whether it's over a white babydoll tank, a classic button-down, a striped off-shoulder top, or even a minidress. Look out for sleeveless or cap-sleeved shrug-style vests, featuring animal prints, two-toned colour combinations, and a variety of collar styles.

Footwear
Faux fur on boots is back again for yet another season! This time, quirky zebra, leopard, and tiger prints join the mainstream plain, dark-coloured fur which has become popular on winter boots over the past few years. The variety of textures and materials which is in fashion as of late allows us to combine fur-trimmed boots with leather leggings, lace tights, or plaid jackets.

Gloves
You may not think of fur as typically appearing on gloves, but this winter furry accents are every bit as stylish as wilder, more noticeable pieces. These are certainly a better and more fashion-forward approach to winter accessorizing (too often, women who are otherwise dressed well leave home in tattered, cheap-quality yarn mittens which clash with their expensive jackets). Look for a neutral colour (a neon pink may not be the best bet for gloves you'll need almost everyday till spring), a pair which is sturdy yet sleek, and comfort. You'll find that supple, ladylike leather gloves trimmed in soft faux fur are to die for!

Tips for Wearing Fragrance

Tips for Wearing Fragrance

How to get the most mileage out of your favourite perfume
by Sally Murphy
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A fragrance can be as intimate as a woman’s touch, and many women have what they consider their “signature scent”, as well as several other scents for other occasions. But the way you wear your fragrance can be as important as what you wear. Try a few of the ideas below to make the most of your fragrance choices.

Consider your strength. Of your fragrance, that is. Fragrance is made from a mix of scented oils (natural or synthetic), alcohol and water. The stronger the concentration of oils, the stronger (and longer lasting) your fragrance will be. Perfume is the strongest, followed by Eau de Perfume, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne. An Eau de Cologne may need to be (lightly) reapplied after a few hours, but a Perfume should get you through pretty much your whole day.

Layer it. Try wearing a bath gel, lotion, and spritz of light cologne in the same scent. Many fragrances even come pre-packed in gift sets for layering. By using the same fragrance of shower gel, body lotion and cologne, you will give your fragrance lasting power throughout the day without having to squirt yourself with an overwhelming amount of scent.

Apply to your pulse points. This means wearing it on your wrists, cleavage, even behind your knees. The heat from your body will help your perfume dissipate during the day. But don’t rub your wrists together after applying your fragrance – you can actually damage the scent that way! You can also spray a little into your hair for longer lasting fragrance (blonds, try a test patch before doing this to be sure the fragrance oils don’t affect your color. Not that you’re not a natural blond…)

Walk through a cloud. Another fun way to wear perfume is to spritz some into the air and then walk through it. This will let the fragrance cling to your hair, clothes, exposed skin, etc., in a fun and sexy way. If you are wearing delicate fabrics or jewelry (especially anything with pearls), don’t do this, as you don’t want to damage or discolor anything.

Remember, less is more. Never wear more than three sprays of a fragrance, less if you are wearing a perfume or other form that has more concentrated oils. You don’t want your perfume to enter a room before you do, or cling to anything you touch (a co-worker's phone, an elevator button, a door handle – yuck!) If you’re not sure, ask a friend. You’ll become used to your perfume after time and may think you aren’t wearing enough, making it easier to overdo it.

Mix but don’t clash. It’s fun to mix scents, and many fragrances will complement each other. This can be especially true with shower gels, lotions, and perfumes that aren’t the same fragrance but somehow blend together deliciously. Floral perfumes seem to do this especially well (try using a fruity shower gel and see how it mixes.) But try wearing your new combo at home, first, so you don’t end up smelling like something, well, odd.

Curly Hair Don'ts

Curly Hair Don'ts



What you didn't know about curly hair
by Marisa Baratta
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Curly hair is the underdog in the hair world; they say every woman with straight hair wishes she had curls, but most will vote in favour of straight hair rather than deal with frizz. The great news is curly hair, when treated right, is often the most beautiful of all. Here are some things every curly-haired maiden should avoid doing, including NOT brushing your hair!

DON’T brush your hair

If anything, use a wide-toothed comb. As anyone with curly hair knows, brushing your hair is a recipe for disaster—the brush’s job is to untangle your curls, which basically undoes them. This results in a frizzy mess of who-knows-what. You may choose to brush your hair in the shower, between shampoos, so that your hair is untangled but automatically recurls itself.

DON’T blow-dry your hair without a diffuser

Heat and curly hair are not the best of friends. However, a diffuser controls the focus of the heat and will allow your hair to dry in a safer manner. When you do blow-dry your hair, be careful not to do so for too long, as you want to limit the exposure to heat. Heat lifts the external layers of your hair, allowing moisture to escape and creating frizz.

DON’T straighten your hair often

Tampering with your hair’s natural oils and applying heat to your hair can damage it. One of the greatest advantages to curly hair is that it can easily be rendered shiny, sleek and straight (whereas straight hair, sorry, will never come close to looking as real as true curls). However, you really shouldn’t use a straightener often, as the heat can damage curls and even lessen the curliness of your hair (in a bad way).

DON’T use products to mend split ends

It won’t work. The best you can do is keep your hair moisturized, which should help prevent split ends. Otherwise, make a trip to the hairdresser because it’s time for a trim.

DON’T cut your hair too short

Unless your curls are fine or gentler in nature, curly hair tends to expand, rather than follow the shape of your head, so a short hairstyle may transform into the popular afro of the seventies. Unless this is the look you hope to achieve, and depending on your curls, you may or may not be able to get away with a shorter style; you may want to stick to layers, which make curly hair look amazing.

DON’T get stressed

Sounds much easier said than done, but stress can cause premature shedding. You shed about 100 strands of hair a day, so imagine how much hair stress can cause you to lose!

DON’T let frizz get you down

Frizz is probably the reason you get frustrated with your curls; without frizz, your curls would be the envy of every woman who looks your way. Most curly-haired women find frizz is the greatest issue when treating their hair. This may tempt you to pile on the hair product, but try to limit yourself to a few trustworthy products that work for your hair. Pouring cold water on your hair at the end of your shower, or adding a blast of cold air from your blow dryer, will close your cuticles (your hair’s external layer), reducing frizz the natural way. When cuticles are smooth, light will reflect off your hair, giving it a shiny, clean look.

Follow these curly hair DON’Ts to achieve a big curly hair DO: maintain beautiful curls that you can flaunt with pride!

The Curly Hair Style Guide

The Curly Hair Style Guide

Check out these styling products to tame your mane and help make the most of your luscious curls
by Virginia Shay


If you have curly hair, you know that there are unique challenges that come with it. Not only are there are a number of do's and don'ts that you have to follow to maintain your hair, but styling it can be complicated. Having curly hair that is both manageable and beautiful often comes down to simply choosing the right products for your hair, from shampoo to hairspray. Here are some of our favourite picks for making the most of your curly hair.




Cleansing and Conditioning
One important thing to know when choosing a shampoo for your curly hair is that it doesn't really matter whether you use one that claims "curly hair", "volume", "straight hair", or "coloured hair". If you already have curly hair, using a shampoo that claims to enhance curls isn't going to make a significant difference in how your hair looks or feels, unless the shampoo uses gentler cleansers than other shampoos. Because curly hair tends to dry out and need more moisture than straight hair, it's important to use a gentle shampoo that isn't leeching moisture from your hair. Try a sulfate-free shampoo, like Organix Healing Mandarin Olive Oil, which will cleanse your hair of impurities without drying it out.

Using conditioner is extremely important for curly hair; unless your curls are extremely fine and tend to get weighed down with residue from hair products, condition your hair every time you wash it. An amazing salon pick is Bedhead's Hi-Def Curls Conditioner, which not only fights frizz like a champion, but smells amazing. L'Oreal Re-Nutrition Conditioner, which is infused with Royal Jelly, also does wonders for keeping the frizz down. Whatever conditioner you decide to use for you hair, make sure you apply it liberally to ever strand, taking extra care with the tips.

Styling
When your hair is still wet, there are a number of great products you can implement to make it easier to style.

Instead of a traditional frizz serum, try Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil. You don't have to use as much as you do with a serum to get the same results, and it comes in a bigger bottle--two things that are great for your budget. This paraben-free product is also a wonderful restorative therapy for your hair, as it heals dryness and damage over time. Argan Oil is the same ingredient that is in the pricey Moroccan Oil available at salons, but for a fraction of the price. Apply a small amount to your wet hair right after you get out of the shower and work through with your fingers.

If you use heat tools on your hair, whether you blow dry or flat-iron from time to time, try Chi Keratin Mist. It`s a leave-in conditioner that infuses your hair with the proteins it needs to stay healthy, which are often lost through heat styling.

A popular hair product for curly hair is mousse--scrunching it through wet hair and then letting it air-dry or diffusing it is an easy way to style. However, did you know that using mousse could be damaging your hair over time? Many mousses contain harmful alcohol, which can actually cause dryness and frizz, the very things you`re trying to avoid. Mousse's primary role is to act as a volumizer, and most curly-haired girls, unless they have fine hair, don't need to worry abvout volume. So consider ditching your mousse and opting for a curl cream instead. Marc Anthony Curl Lotion is an excellent, paraben-free product with a hint of lemon scent, and has the texture of a creamy gel, without leaving the crusty, hardened mess that we often associate with hair gel. La Coupe Cream Gel has a similar texture. For either of these products (or similar products), scrunch through your hair the same way you would with mousse. After replacing mousse with a gentler styling product, you will notice a difference in your hair`s manageability.

If really don`t think you can ditch your mousse, try an alcohol-free one, like Joico JoiWhip Firm Hold Mousse. This foamy product, which also includes UV protectors to prevent sun damage, will give you the same volumizing results as your regular mousse without drying out your hair.

Finishing
Whether you let your curls air-dry or blow-dry them, once it`s dry, many products can help you sculpt your hair into the perfect package.

John Frieda Secret Weapon Styling Creme is a fantastic finishing cream that smoothes down flyaways and frizz that may have reared their ugly heads while you were blow-drying. Squeeze a small amount into your hands and smooth over areas that need extra attention. Marc Anthony Moisture Gloss is a similar product that tames frizz once your hair is dry, and contains a hint of glitter to really help your hair shine.

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Texture Balm is a unique product that does wonders for giving your curls the perfect definition. Sold in `stick` form, kind of like deodorant, it has the texture of a pomade, but it isn`t as thick as most traditional pomades. Rub into your hands and work through your hair to smooth it out, define your curls, and add incredible shine.

Hair spray is another product, like mousse, that has the potential to be damaging to your hair. Try Nexxus Maxximum Super Hold Finishing Mist, which holds your curls without leaving them hardened and stuck together.

The Best Anti-Frizz Hairstyles

The Best Anti-Frizz Hairstyles

Staying stylish while combatting humidity

We can't ignore the obvious for much longer: humidity is upon us, and the days of well-behaved hairstyles are officially over. And while winter dryness was the breeding ground for hat-head and corresponding static, summer is a mecca of big hair, moisture and above all, frizz. However, there are ways to beat the system, so to evade the infamous Roseanne Roseannadanna look, we've come up with a list of the perfect anti-frizz hairstyles.

The Top Knot
Lauren Conrad had it right - piling hair into a top know not only looks awesome for day or night, but it has the built-in bonus of getting all your hair off your neck. It's like au naturel air-conditioning.

The Pixie
We know - this one's a risk. But thanks to the likes of Emma Watson and Michelle Williams, we've learned that the pixie isn't a scary anti-feminine style that'll take away from your natural beauty - it'll only add to it. And by chopping off length for those hot summer days, your hair will only require some smoothing serum and a blow dry before heading to the office, beach or cocktail bar. Just don't blame us when you bleach it out and channel Mia Farrow.

The Bob
We promise we're not going to limit our anti-frizz hairstyles to the "short of it", but as proven by Victoria Beckham and Carey Mulligan, whether worn straight or wavy, the bob is tried-and-true for nearly all summer weather conditions. If you've got straight hair, a tousled, textured style with a side bang is perfect for keeping hair simple and season-appropriate, while wavy and curly locks can be capitalized on by turning frizz into volume, teasing and spraying with a flexible hairspray that keeps hair moving, but (stylishly) big.

Slicked Back
At one point this writer rolled her eyes at the concept of slicking one's hair back in the spirit of late-80s pool parties, but after watching a season of ANTM and flipping through several issues of every current magazine, it's safe to say that after applying gel or serum and brushing your hair back, perfect beach day aesthetic has been secured. The best part? Not only does this style require no cutting or relative styling, it can be adopted regardless of length. (And if you're not sold on this, consult the season finale of ANTM cycle 16.)

Up and Away
True, the classic updo's been overdone - especially in terms of summer hairstyles that combat frizz and other humidity-induced side effects. But this year, we saw runways embrace sculpted, sleek buns and well-executed side braids that provide an alternative to a French twist or ponytail or any other "safe" updo. Using a dramatic side part to help add interest to a low bun, you can breathe new life into a typical option while combatting in-air moisture that's responsible for making even the best hairstyles go awry.

Related Content:
- Making the Most of Your Hair's Texture This Summer
- The Dos and Don'ts of Great Summer Hair
- Summer 2011 Trend: The Top Knot