Vichy for you? Yes!

11 Secrets Your Body Waxer Would Never Reveal

We got the scoop, from what they're really thinking when they're waxing you to their craziest clients and more

Ever wonder what's going through your waxer's mind while you're spread eagle on their table? You could ask, but that whole hot-wax-in-your-private-areas thing can be a little preoccupying, you know? That's why we tracked down these waxing salon owners: Jodi Shays of Queen Bee Waxing in Culver City, Calif., Cindy Barshop of Completely Bare Salons in New York City, and Leah Nacion of The Waxing Co. in Honolulu. They gave us uncensored scoop on everything you'd ever want to know (and then some) about what goes on in waxing salons. See secrets

Liftactiv Retinol HA Night

Total wrinkle plumping care with triple dose Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol + A1 to fight all 3 types of wrinkles: permanent, reversible and programmed.

- Plumping effect visible from the 1st morning2
- With triple dose Hyaluronic Acid for a deeper, more stabilized filling action and Retinol + A1 for an accelerated skin resurfacing effect
- Patented double-gelled-phase formulation technique provides moisturizing and nourishing yet light and smooth texture
- Suitable for sensitive skin, tested under dermatological control, allergy-tested
- Formulated with soothing & fortifying Vichy Thermal Spa Water

Okay! Now that you've read some details about the Vichy line, visit the website and take a peek at their makeup. I'm thinking I need to try this stuff! It looks like a cross between the coverage of Dermablend/Exuviance/Smart Cover with the flex, feel and texture of a moisturizing and hydrating foundation? We shall see.

Well, I've used the Lieftactive Retinol HA for night several nights in a row and my experience has been good. I like the scent, it's European in origin so that means fragrance is added, but I like it and I'm not sensitive to scents. It has a very soft, velvety rich texture and smoothes on the skin with rapid absorption. So, I enjoy it! Why not try it if you are looking for something new in skin care?

Today is the last day of the April "Military Appreciation" month. Thank you to all of our soldiers and veterans for the enormous sacrifice and faitful service. I appreciate you!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

What does got2b fat-tastic & James Tiberius Kirk have in common?

Pretty Curly Hair Photos

Check out all the celebs who are rocking curls on the red carpet

It seems like all of our favorite stars are throwing out their flat irons and opting for curls instead. Whether natural or curling-iron induced, these wavy and curly styles are a trend that's here to stay. See hairstyles

Funny I should ask! What does the new product from the Schwarzkopf brand got2b fat0tastic mega lift root boosting spray and James Tiberius Kirk have in common? Good hair! Or fill in the comment section with what you think they have in common. I have been using a couple of different volume boosting sprays lately to get the current trend of "big" hair. This products has a collagen infusion, and I'm not quite sure what that is doing for my hair, but it sure does make it big!

You can pick up your favorite got2b products at all major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens or Rite Aid!


Now the James T. Kirk connection is that my son loves the new Star Trek movie and insists he get his hair cut to look like Captain Kirk. Okay, fine by me though we will have to switch back to using pommade to style his hair because right now I'm using the fat-tastic to plump up his hair and style it.

Remember! There are just a few days left in the April "Military" appreciation month giveaway. If you are an active duty soldier, please post where you serve and why! Then we will mail out your thank you gift, asap! Thank you!

Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Mineral sunscreen from Alba: more barrier protection

Best Bargain Beauty Buys

You can update your beauty stash for spring without breaking the bank

This is a TotalBeauty.com budget products article Have your lipstick and wear it too with this expert guide to scoring cheapie, hot-for-spring hair, skin and makeup products that rival the pricy prestige brands. See products

Simple, Safe Mineral Sunscreen Protection : Try this product because I've ran with it in the middle of the day 3 times and it didn't puddle or wear off from sweat!
Here's some details about it from the main website, and the high titanium dioxide content is what is making this adhere to the face and provide a barrier as well as uva/uvb protection, enjoy!

NEW! Renovated and improved with higher sun protection factors and enhanced natural technology for ultimate sun protection and skin care benefits.

Developed with an advanced delivery system of natural emollients and botanical antioxidants, our mineral sunscreens help protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun with titanium dioxide - a broad spectrum, UVA & UVB, reflective barrier.
Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Latisse BOGO at Aspire Med Center

And the TotalBeauty.com Award Winners Are …

The votes have been counted and we've got our winners for the most superb beauty products of 2010

Both readers and editors voted on every product from self-tanner to blush to hairspray. Read on to see the winners of 57 hot categories of beauty products. See winners

Hello friends! Now I have tried LASHFOOD, NeuLash, and Arbonne's eyelash treatment and they all work. In fact, right now I have the longest fattest lashes ever from my daily Lashfood use. I have not tried Latisse so I can't really say what it does or how it wears? Though I got this from Aspire Med Center and Dr. Michaels office and wanted to share it with you. Just because I'm not using it doesn't mean you should miss out on a great deal! Enjoy it-and make your appointment by calling 702-588-7447
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buy one, get one for $85

Swim season is approaching and you are just in time to get your eyelashes ready for a makeup-free dip in the pool!

Latisse, the first FDA approved prescription for longer, thicker and darker eyelashes, can help you frame your eyes. Sold in kits that last a month, you will start to see results in just six weeks. Our clients have said they've had success using Latisse daily as prescribed to get their eyelashes where they want them, and then just use a couple times a week for maintenance of that length.

Aspire offers Latisse for LESS THAN YOU CAN BUY IN NATIONAL DRUGSTORES. Come by on days that Dr. Michaels is in the office, since it is a prescription medicine, and pick up your supply.

MAY SPECIAL:
Buy one monthly kit of Latisse at regular price ($110) and get a second for only $85. Then you can put that $25 savings (and the savings from using less mascara!) toward a fabulous swim suit!

We'd all like to wear less makeup in the summertime, and with Latisse, you can do just that.


Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Cosmetic Cop Paula Begoun does the spf math for you!

Readers' Top-Rated Face Wipes

See which facial cleansing towelettes topped our list

This is a TotalBeauty.com best and worst skin care products article Nothing quite takes the place of washing your face with cleanser and water, but the next best thing is a face wipe, no? TotalBeauty.com readers share which towelettes are their BFFs for removing grime post-workout, after a late night of partying, etc. See products

No. 9: Almay Makeup Remover Towelettes, $1.45

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

"I am in musicals and wear a lot of makeup, so I need a good remover pad …"

No. 8: Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"These remove all my makeup/gunk and …"

No. 7: Dove Daily Hydrating Cleansing Cloths, $5.69

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"They cleanse my skin with a gentle scrub and leave it …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Hey! In Arizona, we wear sunscreen all year and as the heat is getting turned up by the minute, it's time to up the anty of sunscreen spf factors. Below is an article by Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop, with excellent math ( it's simple and there will not be a test!) on how to figure out what spf number is right for you to keep yourself protected.
Please read it and enjoy and to get a list of Paula's preferred sunscreen choices be sure and visit her website http://www.cosmeticscop.com
Enjoy!
Your Personal SPF: Determining Your Number

The Basics
Sun protection is an everyday must for anyone concerned with keeping their skin in top shape (and that includes avoiding wrinkles, brown discolorations, building collagen, keeping skin firm, and even preventing skin cancer). SPF 15 is the minimum rating to look for and greater is better for some skin colors and conditions; all sunscreens must be liberally applied; and UVA protection is critical.

UVA protection depends on the active ingredients in the product you are using so be sure one or more of these active ingredients are included: avobenzone (sometimes listed as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl (ecamsule) or, outside the U.S., Tinosorb.

Decisions, Decisions
There are several important factors that influence how you choose and should apply a sunscreen:

1.How long you are going to be in the sun or sitting next to a window (UVA radiation, the sun's most damaging rays, come through windows). The longer you are going to be in the sun or exposed to UVA radiation via windows the higher the SPF number you need to look for.
2.Are you willing to apply your chosen sunscreen liberally? No matter what SPF rating you choose, you have to apply it liberally. If you aren't applying it liberally always go for a higher number to assure you are getting as much sunscreen ingredients on your skin as possible.
3.Will you be swimming or perspiring heavily? If so, go for sunscreens labeled water resistant or very water resistant. Be sure to reapply as directed, especially after toweling off.
You'll also want to take into consideration your skin type and whether or not you'll be wearing makeup.

1.Those with normal to dry skin should use sunscreens in a lotion or cream base.
2.Those with oily or combination skin should go for sunscreens formulated in a lightweight lotion with a matte finish, a liquid, or an alcohol-free gel base. Many spray-on sunscreens are excellent for oily skin.
3.If you're going to be wearing foundation, you can choose a foundation with sunscreen and pair it with a moisturizer with sunscreen and a pressed powder with sunscreen!
What's Your Rating?
Your ideal SPF number is a multiplication figure based on your skin color and the SPF number on the product.

Identify Your Skin Color:

Level 1 skin is very fair and often freckled. It burns easily within about 20 minutes of direct sun exposure and never tans. This is common for people with blue eyes and blonde or red hair.
Level 2 skin is fair to light and often burns with about 30 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning may occur but is minimal. This is common in people with blue, green, or hazel eyes and red, blonde, or light brown hair.
Level 3 skin is light to medium or olive and sometime burns with about 40 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning is possible, but typically sunburn happens first. This level can apply to those of any hair or eye color.
Level 4 skin is medium to tan skin that rarely burns but can turn pink in about 60 to 90 minutes of direct sun exposure yet often tans easily. This is commong for people with dark hair and eyes.
Level 5 skin is brown to dark brown skin that very rarely burns and tans easily in about two hours of sun exposure. Those with dark hair and eyes and of Middle Eastern or African-American descent are usually at this level.
Level 6 skin is black skin that never burns and always tans, though a tan is usually not apparent due to depth of natural skin color.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR SKIN COLOR AND HOW EASILY YOU TAN, WRINKLES, SKIN DISCOLORATIONS, AND SKIN CANCERS ARE PRIMARILY CAUSED BY UNPROTECTED SUN EXPOSURE!

Next, Do the Math:

•Your Level of Sunburn Risk x by the SPF Rating = Safe Sun Exposure for Your Skin Color
•The SPF number is a rating that determines how long you can stay in the sun without burning when you wear that product without needing to reapply it. It does not indicate quality of protection, just length of time. Here's how to do the math. If you have:


•Level 1 skin (very fair): That means you usually get a burn in about 15 to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 20 minutes = 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 20 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 20 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•Level 2 skin (fair to light): That means you usually get a burn in about 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 30 minutes = 450 minutes (7.5 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 30 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 30 minutes = 1,350 minutes (22.5 hours) of protection
•Level 3 skin (light to medium/olive): That means you usually get a burn in about 40 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 40 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 40 minutes = 1,200 minutes (20 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 40 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
•Level 4 skin (medium to tan): That means you usually get a burn in about 60 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 60 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 60 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 60 minutes = 2,700 minutes (45 hours) of protection
•Level 5 and Level 6 skin (brown to dark brown or black): That means you usually get a burn in about 120 minutes (2 hours) of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 120 minutes = 1.800 minutes (*30 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 120 minutes = 3,600 minutes (60 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 120 minutes = 5,400 minutes (90 hours) of protection
*Note that level 5 and 6 skin should do just fine with a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 15. However, liberal applications is still important. If you do not think you'll be applying the sunscreen as liberally as you should, consider a sunscreen rated SPF 30.


Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

How to video: How to apply false eyelashes

Quiz: Which Products Will Help You Fight Aging and Win?

Find your anti-aging heroes here

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article Your answers to these personal questions about your skin, habits, age bracket, etc. will reveal which beauty goodies will help you win your battle against aging skin. Take the quiz

I wear false lashes all the time, whether it's a special occasion or any occasion. They are simple and easy to apply, so watch, learn and wear! Special thank you to Josh Taylor of Shutternaut for videography!



Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Alas April is ending: time for a hair change?

Voluminous Hair Contest Photos -- Winner Revealed

These blogtastic, um, bloggers go tete-a-tete to create big hair -- see the looks here

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article The challenge: Five women create voluminous 'dos using Sebastian Volupt Spray. Then Total Beauty editors pick a winner. The winning blogger scores a trip to NY Fashion Week this fall. See the volumized hairstyles these bloggers came up with, who won and how to recreate the hairstyles. See hairstyles

In Arizona it's hot, well today was and before that we had several days of stormy clouds and it was so amazing.
Now, with the weather changing from warm to sweaty hot it's time to rethink your hair strategy for the coming summer months. You may notice that many celbrities have shorn their hair and added bangs for a less intensive style routine.
I personally, made the mistake of opting for convenience and price over tried and true, tested results when it comes to my hair color. I have been doing it myself at home for a year now, and I always get the same stuff from Sally's until this week when faced with a busy work schedule, and travel and meetings and my son's own shaggy hair and full schedule: I just got a box of something from the drugstore that was on sale and I happened to have a coupon for.

Well, first off, you should know I missed a spot. A really big spot right in the front hairline pretty much dead center on my forhead, so it's like a laser beam guiding your eye there. (*If you see me, please ignore it) Then, the box said that it was dark brown but what they really meant to print on the box is that it's "light black". Oh! My hair is too dark for summer!

To make matters more unique in my personal hair style: I let it sit on the roots and then smushed it around on the ends but a moment and rinsed it out. So, I have black'ish roots and brownish middle and some light ends. I look like a radioactive zebra.

I only share all of this because the blog just received a sample of "at home hair highlighting" kit. The 'new' thing to do it yourself easy highlighting. Well, not on this swamp water coif. So more on that later.

In the meantime: if you are on a budget and in an effor to conserve cost you do your hair at home: notes from my personal experience are
1. Don't leave it on so long! The instructions said ten minutes but I got busy and forgot. So I sort of deserve it?
2. Stay within 1 to 2 shades of your natural color. You would never believe it looking at me know, but my natural color is about a 6 level! Yes, a 6! Right now I'm currently wearing a 1. For reference, platinum blonde is a 10.
3. Consider every third touch up at your local salon and stylist: that way you have a professional opinion of what's going on with your hair.

Remember, this is the final week of April and the last few days of the "Military Appreciation" month. For every comment posted by an active duty soldier that shares rank and station, Makeup University inc blog is giving away a free product. A beauty goody as a way of saying thank you for all you do. Go Army! Navy! Air Force! Marines! and National Guard!
Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Brides: teeth whitening & veneers for the wedding?

Best Hair for Your Big Day

Browse these bridal hairstyles to find one that's a match made in heaven for your dress

This is a TotalBeauty.com wedding hairstyles article Celeb hairstylist from the Frederic Fekkai salon in Los Angeles gives us the scoop on which classic, boho, modern and romantic 'dos work best with certain gowns. See hairstyles

Gals, the proms are winding down, and bridal season is still in full gear. I am taking a few bridal clients through the month of May, so if you are in the greater Phoenix area, email me your dates and I'll send the rates!

One of the challenges I get on the day of the wedding while getting a bride ready is she will ask me about her skin: and some "spot" or wrinkle that could have totally been erased and taken care of had she started treating it six weeks ago.

I share this now because if you are an Arizona bride about to get married and have the wedding of your dreams please put the time into your skin while there is still time to get some maintenance work if you need it!

The same goes for your bridal smile! The wedding photos of a bride and groom are going to last and last just like the blue eyeshadow on some bridal eyes in weddings during the 70's. Here's some teeth bleaching and smile whitening tips from an expert, enjoy!
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Trying to figure out what is real and what is fantasy in the world of cosmetic dentistry can be a challenge, and Manhattan cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Entin has answered some of the common misconceptions about the practice of teeth whitening:



True or False? The Truth About Teeth Whitening


All teeth whitening gels are not the same

· TRUE: Not all whitening gels are the same. Even though most of them contain carbamide peroxide ("bleaching agent") they differ in the percentage of it used in a particular gel. Percentages can range from 5% to 45% or even more.



All teeth can be whitened equally

· FALSE: The thicker the enamel layer of the teeth, the better is the whitening result. Most tooth stains are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are those that are within the chemical structure of the tooth itself – they cannot be bleached. Extrinsic stains are the result of outside staining like coffee, smoking, and red wine. Those stains can be bleached, so ask your dentist what kind of discoloration you have before you start a whitening procedure



I have to get the strongest gel so that my teeth can get whitest

· FALSE: You should consult your dentist for the proper strength of the gel. This should be done to avoid harming the teeth



Whitening toothpastes can bleach teeth

· MAYBE: Whitening toothpastes can bleach the teeth but only to an extent. Dr. Entin recommends that they be used in combination with whitening gel



Veneers, crowns, and tooth colored fillings will be whitened just like my teeth

· FALSE: All of the above are made from porcelain or resin composite and they cannot be bleached



Tooth whitening can have side effects

· TRUE: There can be side effects if the proper instructions are not followed. There is increase in sensitivity, gingival burning, in some cased pulpitis (inflammation of the nerve and pulp inside the tooth). However, all of that can be avoided by consulting a dentist prior to the whitening process and strictly following your dentist's instructions.



Dental insurance will pay for teeth whitening

· FALSE: Most insurance companies do not cover teeth whitening because it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure. Procedures like that are not covered most of the time



Whitening kits given by the dentist are the same as the ones purchased over the counter



· False: Over the counter kits contain a less active bleaching ingredient than the ones provided by the dentist, therefore it takes more time to whiten the teeth with over the counter kits



Once my teeth are whitened, they will stay white forever

· False: On average, tooth whitening can last six months, depending also on lifestyle habits like consumer foods and beverages that can stain the teeth


About Dr. Michael Entin, DDS

Dr. Michael Entin, DDS is a graduate of The New York University College of Dentistry, class of 2000. As of 2001 he has been in private practice in New York City. Dr. Entin is a Lumineer Certified Dentist and specializes in cosmetic dentistry. He attained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry from Brooklyn College. Dr. Entin opened his first practice in Brooklyn in 2001, and opened a second practice in Manhattan in 2008. For more information, please visit www.lumineersNY.com.

Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Lilli, the "Q", FAB and you!

How to Be a Smarter Beauty Aisle Shopper

Find out how to shop for beauty goodies like an expert

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty products article Instead of wandering aimlessly in the beauty aisle, read these tips from beauty experts and start shopping like a pro. Get tips

Hey everyone! Check your local listings and watch a bit of Lilli when you can! You never know, this may be the creme for you? I'm open to try anything to combat the harsh Arizona summer sun mixed with the constant trips to Big Surf and it's chlorine! Enjoy!
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Lilli Gordon of First Aid Beauty on QVC at 10 am. This will be Lilli’s second return to the “Q” in hopes of selling out again! Tune in early to purchase FAB’s hero product, Ultra Repair Cream in an exclusive offer. This special 12oz size will only be available to QVC viewers, for an amazing value of $39. First Aid Beauty sold out in less than 15 minutes during their first appearance, so tune in early!



FAB Ultra Repair Cream is a deeply penetrating over-the-counter treatment that nourishes the skin and provides immediate relief for dry, scaly skin. FAB’s top-selling Ultra Repair Cream boasts ingredients such as Colloidal Oatmeal, Allantoin, Eucalyptus Oil, Ceramides, Shea Butter and the powerful FAB Antioxidant Booster to protect, heal and soothe the skin, help defend skin from free radicals and improve the skin’s moisturization. FAB Ultra Repair Cream may be applied anywhere – elbows, feet, hands and even the face – for instant relief and hydration. FAB Ultra Repair Cream contains no harsh chemicals and is dermatologist-recommended, allergy-tested and fragrance-free.



In addition to QVC and QVC.com, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream will be available through Sephora and Sephora.com, as well as on the brand’s website, www.firstaidbeauty.com.



Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

PROM! Expert hair updo advice-and some makeup too!

Best Bargain Beauty Buys

You can update your beauty stash for spring without breaking the bank

This is a TotalBeauty.com budget products article Have your lipstick and wear it too with this expert guide to scoring cheapie, hot-for-spring hair, skin and makeup products that rival the pricy prestige brands. See products

Okay gals! It's that time! Prom: are you ready? Have you been exfoliating/masking and going easy on caffeine and sugar? I hope so! Today in the greater Phoenix area there are going to be a lot of proms going on tonight, in fact; I'll be getting some prom gals all glamoured up for the big night.

The number one question I get for prom makeup is: how do I make it last? Here's a few tips: use a stain on lips and cheeks, and set your face with translucent powder followed by a quick spritz of either Skindinavia setting spray in Bridal, Dance! or Cool and if you don't have that on hand, just use a mist from your toner bottle several inches away from your face.

Now here is some expert advice on how to get your Prom updo:
There is a lot to take into consideration such as what style to go with and what style will be most fitting for your “look.” For this one-shot deal, you don’t want to get it wrong! Below, Latrice Strader, master hair stylist & owner of Washington D.C. based salon and spa, Destiny De’ve knows how stressful an up do appointment can be, and offers a few simple tips to make sure your up do’s don’t turn into do up don’ts!

•Down and Dirty: There is some prep work that you should be aware of before getting your up do. You may want to be fresh and clean when you go to the salon, but try to resist the urge to wash your hair the day of your up do. “Hair that’s a day or two old is easier to work with,” says Latrice. “When hair is too soft, it doesn’t hold curls or tease as well.” When planning for a glam hair style, forget the rule “lather, rinse and repeat!”

•Avoid a Wardrobe Malfunction: Wear a button-up shirt or a top with a loose fitting neck when you go in for your appointment. There’s nothing worse than trying to maneuver out of a small neck hole while keeping your tresses in tact! “Some women are so distracted with everything else on their mind that they don’t think about the shirt they are putting on over their head the morning of an up do,” says Latrice. Stick with an easily escapable top, or you might end up having to cut yourself out of one of your favorite blouses!

•Think Total Package: Make sure you consider your entire look when selecting an up do. Although choosing a hairstyle based on your face shape or hair-type are both effective techniques, don’t forget to factor in what you will be wearing for that special occasion. Think about the top of your dress and what would flatter it the most. “Strapless gowns generally look nice with some romantic waves or loose curls hanging down, whereas dresses with busy tops would look the best paired with a French twist or sleek pompadour ponytail,” advises Latrice. Do a run-through by fixing your own hair as close to how you want it as you can, along with trying on your complete ensemble (shoes, bag, jewelry, the works), to see the whole picture. You may discover everything doesn’t fit together quite like it does in your head, and you’ll want to be able to rethink things ahead of time.


•Don’t be afraid of hair accessories: Never underestimate the power of a well-placed accessory. If you see a piece in a store or magazine that attracts you, ask your stylist if it can be incorporated into your up do. Again, think total package. “If the rest of your look is simple, playing up your face with a stunning flower or sophisticated headband can add some high drama to your look,” says Latrice. But just don’t go overboard. You want one show piece that’s going to stand out, so don’t do this if you already plan on wearing an elaborate dress, necklace or other attention-grabbing piece. Simplicity is the key here.

•Inject some personality: You should still look like yourself (albeit an even more devastatingly beautiful version of yourself) for your special occasion, so try to incorporate some of your own personal style. “If you always wear your hair down, maybe try an up do with a part that has some face-framing locks falling down,” Latrice says. “This way it’s similar to your typical look, but with some added glamour.” You will have pictures from this event for the rest of your life, so you probably want to be able to recognize yourself in them. Not only is it important to look like you, but also if you have an up do that fits your personality, you’re more likely to feel beautiful, and therefore more likely to work it!

•Honesty is the best policy: If you are not 100% happy with your up do, don’t keep it a secret from your stylist (chances are he/she can tell just by looking at your face). Let them know how you really feel so they can make changes before it’s too late! “You may not want to sound rude or demanding, but your stylist would rather know if things aren’t looking like you imagined,” says Latrice. “They will be able to adjust the up do for you better in the salon than you will be able to do yourself at home.” That being said, keep in mind up dos are works in progress, and may look a little crazy at some points. Feel free to ask questions if something concerns you, but remember that an up do generally doesn’t look chic and polished until the very end, when the final spritzing and smoothing is administered.

Meet Master Hair Stylist & Owner of Destiny De’ve, Latrice Strader

Latrice Strader, a native Washingtonian, is the owner/master stylist of Destiny De’Ve Salon and Spa located in the revitalized neighborhood of Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C. Latrice began her career as a stylist by enrolling in her high school’s cosmetology program. During the summer months she worked as an assistant to master stylists which help her to perfect her craft. Latrice graduated from high school as a stylist and began working on historic U Street . During her 12 year tenure, Latrice built a reputation for her expertise in multi-cultural styling and fashion forward styles that demand attention.

Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Air 1 would like your opinion!

Hi everyone! Thank God it's Friday! My family is getting ready for an amazing weekend and before that get's started I wanted to share this press release that came in today. It's from Air 1 radio station and they are looking for some helpful opinions about what they are playing. Read below and respond if you want to!
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From Air 1:
Can we ask for your help in choosing our music?

You have received this email because you are a faithful listener of Air 1. You may be eligible to participate in a research study if you are a woman between the ages of 25 and 34. Call 1-888-564-9644 and we'll ask you some quick, simple questions to make sure you're qualified.

If this is not you, we are hoping that you have a friend or family member who listens to Air 1. If so, will you please forward this information to them to see if they would be interested in participating?

If you qualify, you could be invited to a session on Saturday, May 22, 2010 in the Phoenix area. The session will take about an hour and a half, and at the end you'll be paid $75.00 for your time and help. There are two sessions, at 9am and 12pm, to choose from. You'll be in a group of about 50 other women with similar tastes and we'll play some music and ask you opinions about it.

If you are able to attend, want to have a lot of fun and make $75.00, please call 1-888-564-9644 and someone will see if you meet the required criteria.

Thanks again for your help

Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Frizzy hair? Smooth it up with Citre Shine

Best Skin-Benefiting Natural Ingredients

Find out cool facts about the ingredients in natural skin care and why you should befriend them

Did you know that April is Earth Month? Read on for a line-up of hot topic natural ingredients. See which products they're found in, and what they can do to improve your skin. Read about ingredients

Hi! Has your hair been feeling like a wooly pig? Can you believe this photo! Must be cold where it lives! Well, if that's your hair situation, try some Citre Shine spray laminator. The trick is to hold
the bottle a good 8 inches, maybe more like an arm's length away from your hair and mist one, maybe two spritzes because a little bit goes a long way!

I tried it several times before getting the hang of how to use it. It's a good drugstore brand and with a low price and a little bit going along way, one bottle should take your through the summer!

This type of spray laminate is how you go from the beach to lunch or the store with a smooth pony tail or braids. Plus it has a very light lemony scent!
You c an find Citre Shine at Walmarts, Targets, Rite Aids and Walgreen's near you! This brand is part of the Schwarzkopf family, so you know you can trust it's quality.

Hope you had an awesome Earth Day yesterday!

Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!