Hello Beauties!

The season of giving is almost over, and for all you last minute-rs out there, be sure to check out all of our handy gift guides!  More importantly, if you haven’t already booked a blowout for New Year’s Eve, or if your favorite stylist is closed on Christmas, we have an even handier HAIR GUIDE.

We’ve tapped Paul Lebreque for four easy styles that you can do at home.

And as an added holiday bonus, I’ve got a hot product alert that won’t break the (already broke) bank.

Goody has done something GREAT-Y and has come out with a line called Simple Styles to help you achieve a doable holiday ‘do!

The star of the line in my opinion is the Spin Pin, which is a “twist” on a regular bobby pin.

Just TWO of these does the work of 20 regular bobbies, and for just a few bucks  you can create that messy chignon you’ve been dying to try without a costly trip to the salon.  The best part is that they won’t fall out while you’re dancing the night away.

THIS COULD BE YOU!

So ladies, here’s my Christmas gift to you.  Run to the nearest drugstore and snatch these up.  And be sure to check out our slideshow on creating four hot holiday looks, or our video on an even more glammed up version of that chignon rocked all across the red carpets.

“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me … a partridge in a pear tree.“

~The 12 Days of Christmas, (published c. 1780)

I’m sure in the 1700s this would have been a lovely gift, perhaps to grow outside on the plantation near the veranda.  Skip ahead 230 years and the shipping costs alone of such a ginormous gift makes me shudder.  So what can you bring to that special someone that won’t break the bank?  Here’s my 12 days ’til Christmas gift list for all you last minute givers.

For the Hostess:

Since you’ll probably be merry-making and attending some awesome soirees, why not give a gift that’ll spark some great conversation, and help your hostess de-stress post-party.  The Once a Year massage bar from Lush, $9, will certainly make her giggle with its cocktail fragrance and cheeky mustache.

For Mom:

Whether she’s working hard in the kitchen, tirelessly shopping or reaching strenuous heights to hang decorations, holiday preparations can be tough on Mom’s hands. But you can help her stay soft with this Hand and Nail Favorites collection, $13.50, from H2O Plus.  These travel-sized treats are a perfect way to say “Thanks” without breaking the bank.

For Dad:

Help him transform from Santa back to dad with this Complete Grooming System from Remington. This comes with everything he’ll need to trim his facial fur, even in those less than desirable places (like his nose and ears).  Best part?  It’s a great gift under $20!

For Mr. Right (or Mr. Right Now):

Convincing him to whisk you away has never been easier.  The Performance Ready Set, $20, from Jack Black is perfect for that adventure on the slopes or in the sun.  The lip balm will keep him kissably soft, and the sun block will protect his skin on either the beach or the slopes.  The energizing wash and Dragon Ice recovery balm are perfect to sooth his muscles after an action-packed day.

For more great holiday gift ideas, click here.

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger – but recognize the opportunity.”

~  Richard M. Nixon (37th US President (1969-74), 1913-1994)

I wonder if Nixon was aware of the morning crisis that occurs when trying to apply eyeshadow without the proper tools.  Luckily, I recognized this opportunity to share with you my favorite brushes that I use each and every morning to apply my own face.  You only need a few, and if you invest in a good set now, they will last you ten times as long as their cheaper counterparts. Like any good presidential reform … spend now to hopefully save later.

FOR EYELINER AND BROWS: A SLANTED EYELINER BRUSH

This is a great two-in-one brush for applying powdered eyeliner and also brow powder to enhance sparse or uneven eyebrows.  The slanted edge will help create clean, thin lines along the eyelid.  For a more defined line, wet the brush before dipping it into the powder.  For a smoky look, use a dry brush and blend outwards.

FOR ALL OVER LID: EYE SHADOW BRUSH

Find a smaller brush with a rounded edge to apply your main eye shadow colors.  Look for a brush that will allow you to “press” color in. Using a light tapping motion to apply colors, instead of rubbing a brush across your lid, will deposit a richer color.

TO BLEND OUT: A BLENDING BRUSH

A soft fluffy brush that’s tapered and rounded at the tip can be used to gently shade and blend the crease line with shadow powder.

FOR DRAMATIC LOOKS:  A DEFINING BRUSH

Use this pointed brush to define the eye crease with a darker shade of eye shadow.

You too can create art for your eyes … all you need are the right tools.  And check out our  amazing step-by-step demonstrations of how to create a smoky eye, play up a fun fuchsia or use bright colors this holiday season.

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.

~Albert Einstein

It’s Friday night.  You’re polished, styled, and dressed to kill.  You slip on your sexiest pumps and head out the door.  And it starts to rain.  Your hair immediately goes from adorable to atrocious.  So what do you?

Well , thanks to the Beautiful Vending Hair Styler, you’ve got on-location styling savers.  According to the company, the Styler consists of a self-sterilizing GHD Ceramic Hot Iron for hair touch ups on the go. They say these machines are being placed in trendy venues such as nightclubs, health and fitness centers, tanning salons, shopping malls, colleges, office buildings, airports and reception halls.

I have to be honest.  Not much in the vending world surprises me anymore.  I’ve bought iPod’s at the airport, and makeup at the movies.  I’ve even swiped my credit card for a can of soda.  And on a recent trip though Arizona, a friend spotted this:

Because sometimes you just need more than gas.

But I digress.

It’s clear to me that technology is paving the way to a future filled of instamatic  anything- you-need-anytime automatrons.  And these stylers are allegedly a huge success in 16 countries worldwide.

But a public hair styler?!?  I don’t like it when my boyfriend uses my hairbrush.

Then again … should a little frizz come between you and Mr. Right-now-at-the-end-of-the-bar?  So I’m asking you faithful fans … is it cool, or just creepy?

(I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!)

With enough butter, anything is good.

-Julia child

Jules and I have one thing in common and it’s not our kitchen skills.  We both looooooove butter.

She ate hers … I WEAR mine.

I’m not talking about a post-binge bulge.  I’m talking about Butter nail collection.  The polishes are rich and long lasting, (like a Mario Batali meal), but the soufflé of the line is the cuticle cream. You needn’t butcher your hands with cuticle cutters anymore.  Like a fine pastry chef, you can achieve palatable perfection with a bit of mise en place (that’s preparation)!  TJ Kelly, Butter’s Chef de Cuisine, gave us his recipe for success:

• Baste your cuticles with Melt Away Cuticle Solution.
• After kneading it in, take an orange stick and gently push back the cuticle.  No paring (cutting) necessary.
• Lastly, glaze those manicured nails.

Two of TJ’s Favorite colors are ”Marrow” a deep purple custom mixed for design duo Vena cava and “All hail McQueen” a tribute color to the late Alexander McQueen.  A pinch of polish and a dash of color, and you really can eat YOUR butter, and wear it too!

As Julia once said, “If you’re afraid of Butter, use [cuticle] cream.”

Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.  -Author Unknown

Not too long ago I whined about SHARED with you, my ongoing battle with my hair.  More specifically, my fight to battle frizz. It seemed pretty hopeless …

Until now.

You may remember our Mother’s Day makeovers, where two moms went in for a full day of beauty.  Each had a Keratin treatment, and raved about the results.  But both women had had ongoing battles of their own, dealing with course, over processed  hair. And since I’ve never really had “problem” hair, I didn’t think twice about getting Keratin myself.  And then August rolled in, and brought its evil stepsister “Humidity.”  This invasion called for emergency measures.  So I called in my special ops team to help me out.

Their secret weapon … a Keratin Complex treatment. And you know what?  It works!  My hair is still wavy, but NO FRIZZ.  Hanging out in the rain … no problem.  Subway car on a 90 degree day … it’s like a steam bath … but NO FRIZZ!  I swear, this is La Mer for your hair.

And just like the precious face cream, it’s not an inexpensive solution, but it should take me through the summer and save me tons of styling time.  However, there are a few other ways you can get this Keratin effect at home:

KERATIN BLOWOUT

Many salons are offering what they now call a Keratin blowout or Express Keratin treatment.  For a fraction of the cost of a full Keratin Complex treatment, you too can be frizz-free.  However, they only last a fraction of the time as well.  So after eight to ten shampoos you’ll be back to your old hair ways.

KERATIN PRODUCTS

There are a few products that are similar to the “express treatments” that you can do at home.  The Keratin Complex Intense Rx is a great way to maintain an existing treatment, or even reduce frizz in untreated hair.  The results will not be as long-lasting, but they will provide a temporary break from battling your ‘do.

Remember … when all else fails, grab a hat.  I’m sure you’ll look fedora-ble.

It’s better to be five minutes early, then fifteen minutes late.

- Victor Milt

I’m sure my father wasn’t the FIRST to say this, but he certainly told it to me time and time again growing up.  When he dropped me off at the mall (I couldn’t drive until 16) it was CLEAR that I’d better be at the entrance promptly at 8:25, IN TIME for an 8:30 pickup. And you know what? I was.

Even better?  This advice has stayed with me for ALMOST everything … except birthday cards and holiday gifts.  Let’s just say when it comes to Father’s Day, father time certainly ISN’T my daddy.

So if you’re chronologically challenged when it comes to showing your father some love, I’ve come up with a few easy last minute grooming gifts for dad.

Kiehls is one of my favorite lines for both men and women. I’ve been known to steal my boyfriend’s Facial Fuel for a nice minty morning refresher and it’s included in TWO of their Father’s Day Gift Sets. Both the Ultimate Man Set (shown below) and the Travel Toolkit contain Brushless Shaving Cream, Facial Fuel face wash, Body scrub soap, Facial Fuel moisturizer, and has some extra deluxe samples to leave your father feeling fantastic.

If your Dad is “new” to manscaping, try a kit from Anthony Logistics for Men.  The Perfect Shave Kit comes with a cleanser, pre-shave oil, shave cream, and after-shave balm all nicely zipped up in a sporty mesh pouch. 

The Tool Kit comes with a steel nail file, nail clipper, tweezers, and grooming scissors so Dad can do his own man-icure and on-the-go grooming.  Both are available online, or at Sephora stores nationwide.

Lierac has created a line that specially addresses the skincare needs of the “misters”, appropriately named, HOMME.  The complete line includes everything from self-tanners to anti-wrinkle cream so dad can look like the Silver Fox he is! Right now, iMag fans can get 20% off any item online by using coupon code “homme10”.  They’re offering free shipping, or if you’re reading this and it’s Sunday morning, you can run to the nearest Duane Reade or CVS skincare center and grab your products there.

Any of these will soothe Dad’s face, and your present woes too! And really, how many ties, #1 Dad mugs, and BBQ sets can a man own? Is your Dad a gadget guru? Click here for Noelle’s gadget review. For iMag’s other great gift ideas, click here.

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack…

-Jack Norworth

Know what comes next?

Sticky fingers.

A total strikeout at a summertime ball game.  But this beauty all-star has boosted her RBI (Required Beauty-bag Items) without any batting practice.

Here’s all you need to have a grand-slam day …

Wet wipes. Good for those sticky fingers, greasy burgers, and all things messy. (Extra sauerkraut on my dog baby!) Also very effective for helping cute ball players wipe that misplaced eyeliner off.

Water. If you’re planning on making it past the seventh inning stretch, you must hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  And for every alcoholic drink you have, be sure to have at least as much H2O.

Camera. Beyond the obvious, a good digital zoom lens can tell you if that outfielder looks as good up close as he does in the field.

Sunscreen. I’m not talking about the SPF I know you applied (ahem) BEFORE you even left the house. This is for reapplication between every other inning.  If it’s a double-header, make sure you get a 30+ SPF.  I like the spray sunscreens for easy application.  Before I leave the house however, I put on a through coating of Anthelios 45 Ultra-Light Sunscreen.

Chewing Gum. Even if YOU don’t want it, there’s a good chance you can offer to that “baller” in the bull pen that does.

Almonds. It’s healthier  than peanuts and Cracker Jack but just as delish!  Or you can check out our Nutritionista’s top snack picks here.

Sunglasses. You don’t want to be squinting to see your favorite player stealing a base.

Blanket or chair. Sitting on the ground for three hours is not fun, even when there’s grass.  You can get a chair-in-a-bag for $10.  It even has a cupholder for your water/magarita, and lets face it, it’s way easier to get up and cheer from a slightly elevated position.  The view is not bad either…

Chapstick.

Blotting paper. Greasy skin and “you’re out!”  Reapplying powder from a compact will eventually leave you with a cakey complexion.

Baseball Hat. There’s a reason ball players wear these and it’s not just to look cool.  A hat will protect your pretty face from the evil sun.  You also get to flaunt your team spirit and rumor has it, that there’s nothing sexier than a girl in a baseball hat. Except a bunch of guys…

Band-aids. Perfect for when those heels strikeout. What we you thinking wearing heels to a game anyhow?

Flip flops. See above.

Stash these game-day essentials into a bag and you can be a fly girl, catching all those foul balls. Stay tuned for more of my packing tips!  And for other great summer tips, be sure to visit iMag’s website.

I don’t cry at weddings … or anywhere I know free champagne is being served.

-Amber Milt

Take a little vacation from your desk with me and picture this … the big day has finally arrived.  You’ve snagged your prince charming, planned the fabulous fete, and you are standing arm-in-arm with Daddy, ready to be swept down the aisle.  And suddenly, a tear comes to your eye …

AND YOU PANIC. Because hello!  You forgot waterproof mascara.  Doh!

Accidents do happen … but I’ve got some sure-fire ways to avoid a bridal makeup meltdown.

Plan Ahead! You want to look radiant on your big day so map out that beauty routine well in advance.  Be sure to test out the exact makeup you will be using to avoid any bad reactions on that day.  What worked for your best friend may not work for you.  And also test out the artist who will be applying your makeup.

Avoid surprises — don’t start any new routines. I’d suggest starting a good skin care regimen and workout routine a few months before the big day.  NOT a few days. Don’t go get a peel if you’ve never had one, or go tanning if you’ve never been, or even try and run a mini marathon to drop those extra pounds.  Doing anything drastic is DANGEROUS. Your significant other is marrying YOU for a reason … so be yourself.

Use a primer. Especially because the weather is so unpredictable in the spring and summer.  Also for a spring or summer wedding I’d recommend going with cream based products because powders can get cakey.  I love the Cover Fx Clearprep mattifying primer. It’ll prevent shine AND keep your face in place as you dance the night away.

Less is more! You definitely want to use some makeup because there will be a lot of pictures, but 99 percent of the time, wearing too much makeup ages people. Avoid makeup artists who tell you that red lips or a dark liner is necessary because you’re taking photos. Brides should have a natural, pretty, fresh face!

Absolutely wear waterproof mascara.

Have a makeup monitor who can tell you if your mascara is starting to run so you can go fix it.

Try a scented body lotion. A great one is LaVanilla’s body lotion. It’s a lightweight formula that will leave you soft, not greasy.  And when you start to sweat, it smells delicious!

Say goodbye to grease! Get yourself some blotting papers and shove them in your bouquet for easy access.  Then swipe before pictures.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. In most cases you’ve done all the planning you can do, and have everything in place … and if things don’t turn out PERFECTLY, you cannot get all bent out of shape.  No one is ever going to remember (or even notice) that your floral arrangements were slightly off color, or that you accidentally smudged your left big toenail.  They WILL remember a cranky bride, so put on a happy face.

Smile.  A lot…there’s going to be a ton of photos taken of you.

Eat before the wedding. There’s a good chance you’ll be busy with guests, and won’t have time to sit down for dinner.  And don’t drink too much.  Nothing is trashier than a drunk bride.

Follow these tips and you’re guaranteed to be “Bride-eriffic” and NOT “Bridezilla” on the big day.

Do you have some great advice to share? How did you deal with that big pimple on that even bigger day?  Or did your “Touch of Tahiti” tan make you look like an Oompah Loompa?  I’d love to hear about it so leave your comments below!

He who lives by fighting with an enemy has an interest in the preservation of the enemy’s life.

-Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)

Clearly, Nietzsche never used a curling iron. The heat is on and I’m at war with my hair.

Each morning, armed with my trusty iron, I take to my hair with the enthusiasm of a soldier polishing his gun.  Twisting and turning each lock with careful precision, to  goddess-like waves that even Spartacus would admire.  General Patton had a weapon, I’ve got a T3.

But the second I step out the door … Bam!  Misfire.

Frizz.

From Gisele to little orphan Annie in the blink of a shimmery eye.  I’ve tried everything short of taking a dip in the Gulf * to tame this unruly mop on my head.  So head hung low (and hair high and wide), I went to my stylist, Angelo Rizza, to find a solution.  Angelo suggested a product I’ve seen on shelves but have been afraid to try: Moroccan oil. See, my problem is that whenever I use those ‘frizz fighting’ serums, I look like a cast member from Grease, and not one of the “pink ladies”.  But Angelo has a great tip for evenly distributing this summer-hair saver.

1.  You only need a SMALL amount of product. To get the right amount of product into your hands, hold your hand over the mouth of the bottle, then turn it upside down, but do NOT lift your hand and allow it to pour out.  Flip the bottle back over.  The small circle of product left on your palm is all you need!

2.  Rub your hands together, making sure the product evenly coats your palms.

3.   Start from the BACK of your head, and run your hands from the nape of your neck, down the entire length of your hair.  If it’s curly, scrunch from the bottom up.

4.  Finally, to tame the front, rub the remaining product between your palms, and starting at the temples, run hands through hair.  Do this once.  This will ensure that the both sides of your hair are evenly coated.

Like any art, this takes a bit of practice, but it works.  So you’re hair will look bouncy and curly, not Bozo the clown-y. Another great product for straight hair is Bed Head’s After Party.  It’ll keep your locks smooth, even after dancing the hot summer night away. And if you can afford it, Keratin Treatments are the BEST way to go. That said, I’m not going to sugar coat it. On a steam-bath hot day, your best ally is a hat or a headband.

As a final thought … I envy you cropped ‘do divas.  Short for summer is so much easier. I’m beginning the think that Brit-Brit was less-crazy for going all “G.I. Jane”.