Tip: Use 100% Pure Acetone (yes, nail polish remover) to loosen your unit and to remove any adhesive, both on your unit and yourself, for fast clean-ups. It’s also great to freshen-up your wig cap. (Also, use Claudio St. James menthol spritz to keep your hair and scalp fresh!)

Experience has allowed me to share the sexy secrets I had to learn the hard way!

My bit on hair textures

Have you seen bad textured hair in a weave? It looks horrid, jacked up in the back, with crazy edges that won’t lay down! Then you notice another weave but this one is long sexy silky. It waves when walking and has everyone quaking in its path!

This is the difference between cuticle hair and Remy hair, regardless of whose head it comes off of. Cuticle hair is by far the best, softest, resilient, natural looking, and well-behaved hair I’ve ever worn! It’s shiny, even textured, bouncy and has body that continues throughout the life of the wig.

Most Remy hair wigs/weaves look great at first. They have body and bounce and are well behaved initially, but with wear, it looses it look. It becomes harder to manage. Those cute layers you got it cut into start “hiking up” in the back! Just as you’re about to scream and toss it but realize-I paid too much money for this wig!

The best way is buy a wig from a local wig maker. Develop a rapport with them, they are responsible for your beauty investment.

Lace color

If at all possible met your wig maker and hold the various colors of lace available up to your hand. This is the best method of ensuring an exact make with your skin tone. The next best solution.

Worst case scenario: When in doubt get a shade lighter than you suspect is your own and you can add makeup (liquid or powder) around the front edge AFTER application.

Maybelline’s The Colossal Volum’ Express

By far, the best mascara I’ve tried for the price.  Not only does it give great volume, but there are NO CLUMPS.  The brush is thick and combs through your lashes, eliminating any clumps.  Also, the formula isn’t thick, so it doesn’t clump up on the brush.  After two coats, my lashes really looked full and thick, almost like false eyelashes.  This is the only mascara that I could get away with using only a single coat.  The downside is that there is not a waterproof formula yet, but I’m sure Maybelline will produce one soon.

L’Oreal’s Carbon Black Voluminous

This is a great product in that it produces a darker, thicker lash than the original Voluminous formula.  It does have a tendency to clump and the wand can sometimes get too much product.  Also, I find that Voluminous has a tendency to flake off during the day.  But, all in all, it is a good mascara for the price.

Christian Dior’s DiorShow

This product is constantly on the Best Of lists of just about every celebrity, makeup artist, etc.  Definitely the most expensive mascara on this list (around $25 a pop), but it is really worth it if you feel like treating yourself.  The brush is extra big and thick, so thick that it actually took me a couple days to get used to it.  It gives thick, full lashes with no clumps, but it does take a couple of coats to get that look.  I believe that this product really lives up to its hype.

Max Factor 2000 Calorie

This is just a really solid, good mascara.  It gives great volume without clumps, but it also has a tendency to flake off.  This is a good buy if you’re in a pinch.

Bourjois Coup de Theatre!

This is one of those two-step mascaras, with a base coat and top coat.  The base coat (white) has little fibers that are supposed to attached themselves to your lashes, giving you a thicker, longer lash.  Afterwards, you apply the black top coat, which is basically a plain, no frills mascara.  The claim says it will give the illusion of wearing false eyelashes.  Another pricey mascara ($18), this one I think is not worth the price.  First of all, it just takes too long to apply.  I found I needed to use two coats of the base and two coats of the top coat.  That 4 coats of mascara.  Also, it just didn’t give me that “pop” of thick lashes I was hoping for.

L’Oreal Volume Shocking

Another two-step mascara, but this one was just awful.  The base coat was fine, but the brush for the top coat was a rubber comb instead of a brush and all it did was comb my lashes into 3 thick spikes.  If I managed to separate my lashes, I still looked liked I had “tarantula eyes” and there was no volume to speak of.

Max Factor Lash Perfection

Another good, solid mascara.  I like the rubber brush, it doesn’t clump and it goes on very smoothly.  The volume isn’t fabulous, but it’s good.  It definitely takes a few coats to get the your desired look.

I hope this little guide has been helpful.  It is definitely not exhaustive because there are just too many to try!

How do anti aging skin care products come about? Whenever there is a discussion about this kind of cosmetics, Vitamin C can never be missed, basically because it helps a lot in keeping your skin vibrant and young looking. Anti aging cosmetics work by enhancing the body’s collagen production, which present in the skin cells. Collagen reacts with Vitamin C in such a way that it slows down the skin’s oxidation process, a natural event that occurs whenever the skin is exposed to air. Anti aging skin care products are also prone to being oxidized, thus there are some cosmetics that have lower Vitamin C content, which are of course much cheaper. However, you cannot totally rely on the effects of these items since there isn’t enough Vitamin C to promote anti aging skin care.

Aside from Vitamin C, there are also other effective antioxidants that help your skin look radiant and glowing such as Vitamin E and lipoic acid. Vitamin E is normally found in the blood cells and works to fight infections, as well as protect the onset of cancer. Lipoic acid meanwhile is known to be useful in fighting aging skin, and like Vitamin C, it is an effective tool for anti aging skin care products.

Another set of nutrients that are vital to anti aging skin care products is phytochemicals. These special chemicals such as fytochemische are derived from plants and they are known to fight certain cancers. Because of this phytochemicals are important in anti aging skin care cosmetics.

B-vitamins including B5, B6 and B12 also take part in the production of various anti aging skin care items.

Despite the use of these nutrients, there is still heavy research being done to come up with better and more effective anti aging skin care products. Available cosmetics may have produced fantastic results, but they still do have side-effects. Researchers are still looking for ways to eliminate these side-effects and hopefully pave way for cheaper and much more effective products in the future.

One thing you should remember is that anti aging skin care products only help reduce the natural course of aging, thus you should not full rely on them to stay young looking. The best thing to do to keep your skin young and radiant is to get plenty of sleep, proper exercise and drink lots of water. Eating regularly and living a stress-free life are also important, and no anti aging skin care product can actually replace these methods in maintaining a naturally beautiful skin.

When the economy sours, it gives us the nudge we need to start conserving and to be more conscious of what we buy, how we use it and how much we spend. See how you use your make up each day and find ways to save by buying inexpensive but quality products, using less and returning products that don’t live up to their promises.

Shampoo is only one facet of frizzy hair care

The primary job of shampoo is to remove excess oils and pollutants that build up over time from to exposure to the environment. Shampoo should always be combined with use of a moisturizing conditioner to help offset the tendency of hair to frizz. Conditioner plays the role of adding back the moisture lost from the daily use of hair care products and excessive shampooing. Think of the two products as a team designed to do double duty to tame your frizzy hair. Also of importance is use of a deep conditioning treatment on a weekly basis to more intensively replenish lost moisture. With frizzy hair, a leave-in conditioner may be helpful to maintain moisture levels on a more consistent basis.

Choose a moisturizing shampoo with anti-frizz properties

Frizzy hair lacks moisture so a shampoo with moisturizing properties will be important. There are now shampoos available that have anti-frizz properties. One such shampoo is made by Herbal Essences and can go a long ways towards enhancing the beauty of your hair type. These types of shampoos are specifically designed to smooth down course, frizzy hair and can be a valuable aid in controlling the tendency to frizz. Even if you select this type of shampoo for frizzy hair, resist the tendency to shampoo on a daily basis. This is far too drying for hair that has a tendency to frizz.

Rethink your chemical treatments

Even the best shampoo for frizzy hair can’t compensate for excessive chemical damage. If you lighten your hair and use bleach, you may want to consider switching to a single process haircolor and going several shades darker. Repeated use of bleach can cause considerable loss of moisture and damage to the hair shaft which can increase the tendency to frizz.

After shampooing, use a cold water rinse

After using your shampoo for frizzy hair, always follow up with a cold water rinse. This will help seal and smooth the hair cuticle making hair appear less frizzy and more manageable.

Use the power of silicone to conquer the frizzies

A product containing silicone can a helpful addition to your hair care arsenal. After using your shampoo for frizzy hair and your conditioning treatment, blow dry your hair section by section using a natural bristle brush to smooth down the hair shaft as you go. Finish by applying a small amount of a silicone based finishing product to tame fly-aways and you’re ready to go.

Lastly, make sure you have a good hair stylist who understands your hair’s texture and is skilled at working with the unique problems of frizzy hair. A good haircut that works with the nature of your hair can be invaluable. Who knows? By using the right products and working with your hair’s natural tendencies, you may just learn to love the hair you have.

This doesn’t surprise me. Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss is flying off the shelves and is already wildly popular. I purchased the shade called SweetPink and I’ve been thrilled with this lip product. I love how easy the product is to apply, and how light silky and hydrating it feels on my lips. The color I tried called Sweet Pink is a sheer wash of sparkly light pink that is very delicate, subtle and feminine.

Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss is Perfect for Summer

Many cosmetic companies, from the high-end department store brands like Lancome, to drugstore brands like L’Oreal, offer tinted tubes of lip gloss (that sometimes offer a lip treatment or moisturizer and a lip color in one convenient tube.)

What’s great about Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss, is that it is one hundred percent natural, and not tested on animals. You get the same shiny glossy look without the potentially harmful chemicals that may lurk in other brands that are not eco friendly. I feel good about buying and wearing Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss because it is animal friendly (and I’m not always sure I can say the same about other department store and drugstore brands.)

Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss contains natural ingredients like castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and sweet almond oil, and the consistency of this gloss is light and never sticky or tacky on my mouth.

Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss makes my lips feel soft and hydrated, like I’ve applied a lip treatment or lip balm. I also appreciate the pleasing flavor of Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss. Each tube of the gloss has a very light fruity flavor that reminds me of citrus.

My favorite part of wearing Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss is the sheer beautiful color. This lip product comes in 4 shades, from very pale colors like Nectar Nude and Sweet Pink, to darker shades like Zesty Red. I really recommend the Sweet Pink as a way to get started with Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss; you can’t go wrong with this color that would look good on everyone. Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss in the shade called Sweet Pink would take you from casual to more formal occasions, and can be layered over darker lip colors (like Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Fig.)

My only complaint with Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss is that it is not very long lasting. I felt the need to reapply Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss quite often, as the product seemed to absorb into my lips like a lip balm. But I’d still highly recommend Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss– to have a lip color that looks and feels terrific, is totally natural and not tested on animals, is a real winner, and I’ll live in this gloss all summer.

If you are concerned about the environment and want an earth friendly lip treatment and color in one convenient tube, definitely try Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss, I think you’ll be very pleased with this product.

Pangea Organics Hand and Body Lotion

Both eco-friendly and very stylish, this body lotion comes in various exotic yet very healthy for you body ingredients. $17 at various spas nationwide.

J Wood Organics Usiku Bath Oil

 Another organic beauty product! A must-have for the eco-forward beauty queen! The deep aroma is inspired by the Moroccan steam rooms. $90 for 100ml at Bergdorf Goodman

Weleda Almond Facial Mask

This facial mask cream gives you a radiant complexion and soothed skin! The skin is cleaned, exfoliated, spot-treated, masked, and then massaged. Treatments are available for normal-oily, normal-dry, and sensitive skin types, which is this certified-natural hypoallergenic and fragrance-free almond mask. $25.

Cargo PlantLove Lipstick

 This line of lipsticks was designed by celebrities Denise Richards, Kim Raver, and Angie Harmon. The eco-friendly makeup features a compostable, corn- derived polylactic acid tube and carton that contains wildflower seeds is very fashion forward. After using it, deposit it into moist soil, and watch it grow into a plant! $20.

Dr. Hauschka Decorative Cosmetics

Pure mineral pigments combined with organic compounds and waxes makes this makeup line great for those with sensitive complexions. The below mascara is great for anyone who wants a healthy, organic mascara to use on their lashes! $23.50.

Here are five products to try to help control blemishes.

Almay’s Clear Complexion Collection

It is hypoallergenic and oil-free makeup. It helps to conceal blemishes, and fight pimples. The liquid and powder makeup contain salicylic acid, natural meadowsweet, aloe and chamomile to help with dryness, and clear skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control

This line of product includes: Power Foam Wash, Hydrating Acne Treatment, and Power Clear Scrub promise to make acne one less stress for us. It uses Micro-Clear technology to fight breakouts, and reduce irritation.

Bioré Daily Deep Pore Cleansing Cloths

This is the best to clean dirt and oil on your face quickly. You can get 30 pre-moistened wipes for about six dollars. These wipes combine grapefruit and pomegranate to help with exfoliate, and clean the skin.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer with Total Soy

This line of products made especially for women from 25 to 49. These products contain salicylic acid, and moisture rich soy extracts to help women who are still fighting blemishes.
Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Anti-wrinkles Anti-blemish Scrub
This line of products uses alpha hydroxyl acid to help fine lines, and the salicylic acid to treat acne.

Tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

• Over-exfoliating and washing your face with soap will dry out the skin, and increase oil production
• Use topical creams with vitamin A derivatives, benzoyl peroxide and antibiotic to help unblock pores, open blackheads and whiteheads, and eliminate bacteria
• Products with salicylic and glycolic acids help unclog pores, and control skin shedding
• Non-comedogenic makeup does not clog pores
• Remember to moisturize your skin
• Talk to your dermatologist for different methods of treatment. He/she will determine what is best for your age, sex, and the type of acne.

EBay

The world’s largest online marketplace is a rich source for discontinued cosmetics although it may take a little time to track down the exact item you’re looking for and it may only be available in limited quantities. If you’re not rewarded with your first search, don’t get discouraged as new cosmetic products are posted on a daily basis. To prevent the possibility of contracting an unwanted infection from used cosmetic products, only purchase products that are still sealed.

Harness the Power of Search Engines

Try typing in the exact name of your product into your favorite search engine and see if you can find a site that carries it. You can also try some of the price comparison search engines using the exact product name. Often times a discontinued item will turn up in an online store.

Check Off-Price Outlets

If you visit outlet stores on a frequent basis, check the cosmetic outlets to see if they might have your desired product. They often carry discontinued items that other stores no longer have. Saks Fifth Avenue outlets have a substantial cosmetic department that often has makeup items that are no longer found in mainstream retail stores. Be sure to check the local T.J. Maxx and Marshall stores in your area. You can also sometimes find discontinued makeup and cosmetics at yard and estate sales.

Estee Lauder’s Gone But Not Forgotten Program

If you’re looking for discontinued makeup by Estee Lauder, Clinique, Origins, Prescriptives, or Bobbi Brown, you may be able to find them through this program. You can inquire about availability of a product by calling 646-602-7725 and giving the name of the product.

Contact Company Outlets by Phone

Many discontinued makeup products are sent to company outlets that you can contact by phone. To find the outlet where a discontinued makeup product may have been sent, do a Google search for “discontinued cosmetics + the name of the cosmetic line”. In many cases you’ll be rewarded with the name of an outlet and its phone number.

By playing search detective, you may be rewarded with that elusive discontinued makeup product you thought you’d never find.

For the star, it’s an honour to have a bespoke perfume and, for the perfume houses, it’s a sure-fine way to boost profits. For the fans, its aspirational-a chance to have something that epitomizes the glamour and the sophistication of their favourite star.

Now Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears do battle, not in the pop charts, but over the perfumery counters. Both have launched new fragrances and both they, and the companies have bottled a little bit of their star quality, are hoping for the sweet smell of success.

Even the stars who don’t have a good fragrance made especially for them can be closely associated with a scent. Celebrity endorsement allows perfume houses to align designer brands with star quality-a powerful, and profitable, combination.

Below is a list of stars who have their own:

1. David Beckham

   • Fragrance:
     David Beckham Instinct
   • Smells Like: There’s bergamot for initial freshness, then mandarin and orange to add some sparkle.

2. Jennifer Lopez

   • Fragrance:
     Live
   • Smells Like: A fusion of orange, lemon and pineapple, with spicy violet, redcurrant, peony, caramel, tonka bean and sandalwood.

3. Celine Dion

   • Fragrance:
     Celine Dion Belong
   • Smells Like: Clean, Floral, And Woody.

4. Giorgio Armani

   • Fragrance:
     Armani Mania
   • Smells Like: At first fresh and lively, with a green mandarin zest from Sicily, and blackcurrant fruit spiced with pink pepper

5. Isabella Rossellini

   • Fragrance: Isabella
   • Smells Like: It’s a bold oriental floral statement of white magnolia heliotrope and iris.

6. Max Mara

   • Fragrance:
     Max Mara
   • Smells Like: Deemed a floral scent, it has radiant notes of Sicilian lemon, sap and ginger with a heart of white lily.

7. Antonio Banderas

   • Fragrance:
     Spirit
   • Smells Like: Citrus and floral with a woody age dominate.

8. Kenneth Cole

   • Fragrance:
     Kenneth Cole Black
     for her.
   • Smells Like: A crisp, white floral scent where fresh water mint, mandarin, basil and ginger give way to cedar leaf nutmeg and incense, with a base of exotic woods and flower.

9. Stella McCartney

   • Fragrance:
     Stella Rose Absolute
   • Smells Like: A more intense version of the original Stella, this celebrates the contrast between the freshness and softness of roses and the dark sensuality of amber.

10. Gwyneth Paltrow

    • Fragrance:
      Estee Lauder Pleasures
    • Smells like: A sheer floral that hints at fresh greens with a sensual heart of black lilacs, white peonies and pink roses. Bale rose adds an exotic spiciness, and as it dries, hint of soft patchouli and sandalwood emerge.