Bright Blue Shades: Hot Sunglasses For Summer 2014!

Okay.....so maybe you CAN'T afford a $345 pair of blue Gucci Cat Eye Sunglasses at the moment. BLUE shades are right on trend for Summer 2014.

These Gucci shades are SOLD OUT for now, if it makes you feel any better.

You can still be stylish on the cheap, though. All you have to do is copy and search around.

Try these on for size + glamour:

Unionbay Retro Round Sunglasses - Women

($28, at Kohls).

Or, why not slip these on for summer?

NIAGARA


($15, at Fantas-Eyes).







 How about these blue stunners?

Michael Kors Paige Sunglasses 

($126, at MichaelKors).

Or these cuties?

CLEAR FRAME REFLECTIVE WAYFARER SUNGLASSES -Wet SEal

A true beauty budget buy at just $7.50, or 2 for $10!

Forget er.... shades of grey, ladies. It's shades of blue for Summer 2014!

How To Use Clarifying Shampoo With Color-Treated Hair

We think everyone should have a bottle of clarifying shampoo on hand, even if you don't have color-treated hair.

Clarifying shampoo has excellent de-greasing action or strong gunk removal.

In other words, if you have a lot of styling product in your hair, this type of shampoo will get rid of it FAST!

Most clarifying shampoos contain acetic acid. It's a chemical compound  found in vinegar. And what it does is remove build-up layer by layer.

But there is a trick to using clarifying shampoo if you have dyed hair.

1. Use clarifying shampoo BEFORE you color your hair. It will remove all that styling build-up that often coats the hair shaft. If you don't use this type of super cleansing shampoo, then the dye will soak in here and there, giving off inconsistent, patchy results.

2. Newly color-treated locks should stay away from constant clarifying shampoo. Too much can fade your great dye job fast. So, only use it once a month.

3. Also remember--that although clarifying shampoo is a demon at attacking grimy, dirty, heavy deposits, it can also make hair feel brittle. These shampoos are not conditioning formulas. So a little goes a long way.

Here is a very good clarifying shampoo:
 
 Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo, Normal to Oily Hair (.99, at Walgreens).

We have used it for several years now....BUT not every day. Hey...less than a buck?! Can't beat it...and it DOES remove build-up of all kinds.

Duchess Kate Gets Perfect Brows With Bobbi Brown's Saddle Shadow

Yep.....Even divine duchesses need a little help in the brows department.

We're talking about the elegant Duchess Kate who's been wowing huge crowds with her wonderful fashion + classic, beauty styles.

If Kate has had a misstep, we certainly haven't seen it.

Today, we're looking at Kate's great brows! They appear so natural + full, BUT---she has a beauty tip that her makeup artists use on her to create the perfect brows:

Bobbi Brown Dark Brow Kit in Saddle/Mahogany, ($47, at BobbiBrownCosmetics). According to all the royal gossip, the pros at the Bobbi Brown makeup counters have taught the lovely duchess to even up + balance her brows with BB's Saddle eye shadow and a slanted brow brush.

Not every gal has been blessed with perfect, full, nicely groomed brows, but many of us cheat, and fill in the empty patches or thinning hairs here and there.
And that's alright to do...really.

Even royalty understands the power of great makeup. And Duchess Kate has been hitting all the right notes.

Simple Beauty Rules 101: Bobbi Brown Says Lining Eyes All Around Makes Them Look Bigger!

There's been a popular beauty myth going around for years now. And we knew it was NOT true, because Bobbi Brown says so.....And this iconic makeup artist knows what she is talking about!

Here's the beauty myth:

Lining your eyes all the way around makes them appear smaller.

FALSE.

Bobbi Brown says it's the other way around. The celebrity pro makeup artist recently spoke to People magazine's Stylewatch In the May 2014 issue out now, Bobbi explains it all:

"Contrary to what you may think, lining eyes all the way around makes them appear larger, not smaller. Keep liner on the bottom softer than on top and connect at eye's outer corners," Bobbi says.

One way to do that, is with Bobbi's own makeup line:

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliners

On SALE now at Nordstrom's ($21.60- Free shipping). Comes in these shades: Pitch Black. Chocolate Truffle. Sapphire. Scotch. Steel Grey. Violet Night.

We like the lined eye look of both black and brown liners.

We do this daily, and believe it allows the eye to open up + appear bigger.

We got the beauty idea 5 years ago, when actress Penelope Cruz was on the cover of W magazine.

Take a peek:

We LOVE that stronger liner on top lid.....+ softer liner on bottom.

And talented, celeb makeup artist Kela Wong would agree with Bobbi Brown. Here's what Kela advises:

1. Wear black eyeliner pencil along the top lash line only.
2. Then apply a dark brown liner on the bottom.
3. "It keeps the eye open," Kela explains.

Simple beauty rules 101. And these tips REALLY work.

William Dislikes Banana Shade But Duchess Kate Right On Trend In Buttercup

Buttercup yellow.

It's NOT a shy shade, for sure. But it is a happy color, even though Duke William told Duchess Kate she looked like a banana in yellow yesterday afternoon.

The royal fashion-setter wowed crowds at the Sydney, Australia Opera House in a buttercup yellow + white color-blocked dress by London-based Serbian designer Roksanda Ilincic. Kate added her fave shoes--nude L.K. Bennett pumps.

Shades of yellow are right on trend for Spring 2014! Sorry, William. Yes--yellow can be quite vivid, but its sunshine-y beauty appeals to most people.

If you're too scared to wear buttercup yellow from head-to-toe, try little splashes of the bright color in an accessory like these so pretty sandals by
Madison, the Loretta, at ShoeDazzle.

On SALE, (VIP status) for just $19.98!

Buttercup baby, here we come!

Don't Worry, Ladies: You Can Make VS Model Cleavage: See Lily Aldriche's Before + After

We think a good, push-up bra is a worthy investment for most of us. The right bra offers support, shape, lift and this little perk:

Cleavage.

Yes. You CAN create cleavage, even when you have small breasts to begin with.

Most people, especially men, believe that ALL the Victoria's Secret + Sports Illustrated models are big-busted. Maybe there are a handful.

But most of these stunning models are the proud owners of a small bustline. And we mean SMALL.

And to prove our point.....Here is gorgeous VS + Sports Illustrated beauty Lily Aldriche in a bikini top + shorts in Miami yesterday at a photo shoot.

Now---here is the lovely Lily in a recent VS runway show.

Wow! What an amazing bra!

To us, Lily Aldriche is pretty in the Before and as well as the After photos.

But we think the point has been proven:

Just like the hair extensions so many celebs walk around in, NOT everything is genuine in the worlds of fashion + beauty.

So---Is that a good thing or  a bad thing.

Do Most Stylish Celebrities Wear Hair Extensions? Kim Kardashian Took Hers Out, Again!

We're starting to believe that MOST female stars wear extensions. And that MOST female stars who do wear long, faux hair all really have shoulder length hair, at best.

Here's Kim Kardashian in Paris yesterday. This is her REAL hair length.

We were a bit shocked to see it so short and MINUS the perfect volume and hold. But there it was...a layered, shorter mane. And we're glad she showed it to the world.

Now here are 2 photos of the famous reality star arriving in Paris earlier , prior to removing her hair extensions.

This hairstyle featured locks that were INSTANTLY longer with at least twice the length.

Wow, what a major difference. 

Even ageless Christie Brinkley at 60, admits that she, too, wears faux hair. In fact, she sells her own popular hair extensions line---Hair2Wear.

This is why the iconic model adores clip-in extensions:

"It used to take a stylist hours to give me extensions. Now it takes me two seconds! They're so light and natural...I clip them in and forget they’re there! After skiing or a yoga class, I pull this out of my bag and do a quick fix in the ladies room. Instant volume. Instant glamour!" – Christie

Sometimes, perfection can be bought, and put on that evening.

Statement Necklace Still Strong For Spring 2014--Get Yours Cheap!

You CAN spend a lot of $$$ on a statement necklace.

Sure, great ones will set you back about a hundred bucks, and really sparkling, genuine statement necklaces can cost you in the thousands.

But you can COPY the look on the cheap, and we mean, CHEAP!

And these inexpensive, statement necklaces look stunning, too. But since they are not even gold or silver-plated, these trendy chains + charms might only last about a year. But so be it; it's still fun to get your sparkle on!

Check out these fashionable celebrities making their OWN statement. And these eye-catching necklaces look glam with a casual tee, too. You don't have to be on the red carpet to add a little zing to your spring style.

Kate Beckinsale

Shay Mitchell

Olivia Palermo

Stores like Forever 21 have tons of the statement necklace style. Here's a pretty example and it's ONLY $10.80!

Kendall And Kylie Dress In All Black Hippie Chic To Make Coachella Their Own

Kendall. Kylie. Coachella.. Er....Koachella, possibly.

The K-sisters were out + about once again at the Coachella music festival in Indio, California.

The Jenner sisters stood out in a sea of denim with their sexy, all black hippie chic fashion.

A lot of people are going to hate the look, but we thought Kendall + Kylie brought a creative fashion edge to the 3-day, celebrity-packed, music festival.

The close sisters held hands as they made their way through the crowds with a watchful bodyguard in tow.
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Kendall grabbed plenty of attention in a black lace, open  maxi cardigan with crop bandeau top + high-waisted black shorts. The aspiring model added studded sandal flats and a bindi decorating her forehead + brows.

Younger sister Kylie, who takes more fashion chances, was photograped in a 2 piece, black lacy bandeau top + shorts + combat boots. She wore elaborate coin + cross necklaces, and her 2-toned hair was in a short ponytail with a black, silk flower headband of sorts on top.

We LOVE Kylie's statement necklace ensemble.

And we also like Kendall's ode to Lorde's wild, hippie hair.

Want hippie hair, too?

Then pick up a bottle of sea salt spray, and get busy!

Victoria's Secret Hair: Beach Hair Wave Spray ($12).

Lady Gaga Like Possibly Cher And Other Celebs Uses Face Lift Tape For Public Events

At the young age of 28, we are shocked to learn that Lady Gaga practices a beauty trick that older celebs have used for decades in Hollywood.

We're talking about face lift tape.

Does such a quick-fix exist?

Yes, and celebs are always a few steps ahead of the rest of us when it comes to looking forever youthful.

But seriously...Does Gaga need to pull an already young, tight face back even tighter?

Well, she seems to think so, as she revealed to the Brit publication, Daily Mirror:

"When I have my wig cap on and I'm taping my face, it's sort of meditation for me. Every day. It starts the same way, It's like a mantra."

Gaga goes on to add: "I wash my face, pin my hair back and put on a wig cap and I ask, 'How am I going to form my eyes today with this tape? How will I pull my neck back with tape?"

We admire the singing superstar's honesty, but we really don't think she needs to go to that silly extreme, at least not at age 28. She does have a nice complexion to begin with.

Lady Gaga won't be the first or last Hollywood celeb to use face lift tape for a taut skin, quick-fix.

Some say Cher has done it for performances, and they claim here's the proof in these 2-year-old photos:

We see something possibly along the neck and sides of Cher's face, but NOT certain that is facelift tape.

The legendary star turns 68 on May 20th, so props to ya, Cher! We don't care how you're turning back time, so to speak, but you're doing a good job.

If anyone is curious about face lift tape, check this demo out here.

Rosehip Oil Capsules: Apply Nightly For Youthful, Healthy Complexion

 Most beauty products promise LOTS of amazing results, and most of us can get pretty frustrated when the product, usually quite expensive, doesn't deliver on all fronts.

That's why, it's often encouraging to learn about natural beauty remedies, and how these organic formulas can work just as effectively as the $100 plus products you've sank your hard-earned dollars into.

So let's take a look at rosehip oil. That one's been around for many generations.

Without getting too scientific, we can tell you that rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes predominantly grown in Chile. Studies have shown that rosehip oil has excellent wound-healing properties and essential  fatty acids that supposedly spur cellular activity + hydration. That means scars improve, skin tone is more balanced, and fine lines + wrinkles smooth out over time.

Supermodel Miranda Kerr LOVES rosehip oil:

"I like to wear rosehip oil at night," the Victoria’s Secret model said. "It’s full of many antioxidants and it really works on a cellular level too to rejuvenate the skin. I put that on at night and I wake up glowing."

Hmmm. Does that mean we, too, can wake up to supermodel skin?

Well, who knows?

Rosehip oil cannot harm your complexion. But if you have acne at the moment, don't apply the oil until your break-outs have disappeared. Very oily skin and rosehip oil don't always work well together.

Waleda features organic rosehip oil packed into convenient, tiny capsule form: USA.Waleda.com ($40, 30 capsules).

Duchess Of Cambridge Kate Wows New Zealand With 1970's High Ponytail Glamour

Duchess of Cambridge Kate looked tres chic once again, as she wowed the Blenheim, New Zealand crowd that had gathered to greet her and Duke of Cambridge William at a wreath-laying ceremony.

Kate wore a classic, robin's egg blue belted Alexander McQueen coat.

Her makeup was soft + warm with a rosy lip and cheek, and mascara with a light blue/gray eye shadow.

But let's talk about Kate's crowning glory! She has the most amazing, healthy, thick hair. And we strongly believe that she is extensions-free.
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We LOVED the retro style--- a 1970's high ponytail. It's a glam, polished look with hair swept back in a lopped ponytail. Kate's personal hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker fashioned the style.
Kate looked every bit the duchess.

Gotta love the 1970's high ponytail. This reminds us so much of beautiful Lynda Carter who wore the high ponytail on her "Wonder Woman" television series. It's NOT a severe ponytail, but one that is high + a bit poofy in back.

Would you wear the 1970's high ponytail?

If your hair is long + straight, you're good to go! You CAN copy this classic look.

Olivia Munn Welcomes The Beauty Of Spring With Bold Fuchsia Lips

Most people would agree that actress Olivia Munn is stunning.

And the dark-haired beauty always seems to get her makeup right, year after year.

She obviously knows what makes her attractiveness pop, and the color fuchsia is one of those makeup-dos. Plus fuchsia welcomes the warmth + brightness of Spring.

Fuchsia lips are not easy to pull off unless you follow a couple of cosmetics rules:

1.  Don't go with a heavy eye. Muted shadows like taupe and bone are neutrals that pair nicely with bold fuchsia lipstick.

2. Don't over-do the blush. Just a pretty hint in sheer peach will blend in perfectly with the bright lip shade.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have Olivia Munn's exquisite bone structure.

Here's a lovely, inexpensive fuchsia lipstick to copy Olivia's look:

CoverGirl LipPerfection Lip Color in Bombshell Explosion ($4.94, on SALE at Walmart).

SUGAR Cherry Tinted Lip Treatment By Fresh: Great For Both Lips + Cheeks!

We LOVE when a beauty product becomes a 2-for or two-for one.

In other words, let's say you forgot to pack your blush and need a serious touch-up. Would you then apply your lipstick as a blush.....and vice versa?

We have. And it won't be the last time we do it.

And now here's another great 2-for---from lips to blush and back again:


SUGAR Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 by Fresh ($22.50, at Sephora).

No, it's NOT a bold red lip. This amazing SUGAR lip balm really caresses your lips with moisturizing ingredients for up to 6 hours. Plus, it leaves behind a sheer, subtle red tint. Flattering to skin tone. 

And, you can caress your cheeks, with it, too, because SUGAR lip treatment can provide a pretty, soft warmth to the apples of your cheeks. Good news it's NOT sticky---key to also using it on the cheeks.

So, you are using the beauty product in 2 budget-saving ways.

And SUGAR lip treatment gets high marks by consumers. This way you know it's all good.

Cindy Crawford Practices What She Preaches: Ballet Flats To Get Around

Four years ago, the supermodel herself Cindy Crawford, gave InStyle magazine fans her personal 60 seconds of style video. In it she talks about one of her favorite shoe styles---the classic ballet flat.

The stylish mom-of-two explains the fashion benefits of ballet flats:

Stylish. Comfortable.  Great for traveling. And these classic shoes go with everything, Cindy says.

We took it as sound style advice, but we never really believed that the iconic model ever wore them herself.

But, boy, were we wrong!

Almost four years following her 60 seconds of style video, and she's STILL in ballet flats often.

Take a look at Cindy Crawford getting around in ballet flats, and looking elegant + chic. One of Cindy's go-to brands:

Sue London Ballet Flats. The price might be considered a bit steep at more than $300 per pair.

But you can copy the Cindy Crawford classic ballet flat at much cheaper amounts if you look around.

Of course, Cindy Crawford's other handsome accessory is husband Randy Gerber.

Great, simple fashion tip from Cindy!

If you would like to re-visit that 6o seconds of style message, click here.

SPF Oil For Better Skin Protection: Fight Free Radicals The New Way!

Tanning oils have been around for a long time. Most have smelled like a pleasant, sweet coconut for those endless summer days of sand + surf, when rubbing on some oil got you a quicker, deeper tan.

Unfortunately, the SPF in these tanning oils were always designed for the single digits, which meant you were merely basting yourself with an exotic cooking oil and  encouraging wrinkles.

But today, the beauty science has evolved in a major way.

SPF sunscreen oils are back in vogue! And this ain't your mama's tanning oil.

L'Oreal has a wonderful, new SPF oil called, Invisible Protect Dry Oil Spray SPF 50. It comes in a bright, orange spray bottle We found it online at Target for $9.99.

This dry oil SPF spray is NOT greasy. Instead, it goes on quickly + smoothly with a very light feel.

The magic is in the formula---It's infused with nourishing goodness--like an unique blend of vitamin E, argan oil, shea butter oil, grape seed oil and sunflower oil.

 L'Oreal's Invisible Protect Dry Oil Spray has a patent-pending polymer technology that  acts as an invisible shield for the skin for improved water resistance, protection and effectiveness.

Will you try the new, SPF sunscreen oils when you hit the beach?

Best to play safe in the sand + surf. And this one's got our number at SPF 50.