Spring 2014 Means Long, Messy, Romantic Braids Like Kim's And Eva's

You're probably going to LOVE this Spring hair trend or HATE it altogether.

We're talking about the long, messy, romantic braids  that were spotted on the runways---at Rachel Zoe, Giles, and several others.

Rachel Zoe

And now the HOT hair trend is popping up all over France with celebrities like Kim Kardashian strolling through romantic Paris, and Eva Longoria doing the red carpet in picturesque Cannes.

Giles

If you already have super long , straight hair, then the messy, romantic braid isn't that difficult to create.

 Here, Kim Kardashian is most likely wearing hair extensions. And the same for Eva Longoria.
We like the hair trend on both women. Eva's is more of a messy, fishtail braid, while Kim's features a regular, classic braid. Both wore theirs side-braided.

If you fudge up part of the braid trying to copy the look--- don't worry. The beauty of this hairstyle is in its casualness and just rolled out of bed sexiness.

Dermaflage: Do-It-Yourself Filler To Hide Recessed Scars Perfectly!

Dermaflage is one beauty product to watch in 2014.

For those who have acne scars, chicken pox scars, skin cancer scars or any other recessed scars, Dermaflage is an incredible cosmetic invention that HIDES imperfections in 3 quick steps. Plus, it can hide frown lines, too.

Dermaflage is a topical do-it-yourself filler in a silicone-based formula designed to blend away scars for every ethnic skin tone. The product is waterproof, lasts for up to 36 hours, and best of all, looks like real skin.

Dermaflage was created by Hollywood make-up artist and prosthetic specialist Matt Singerrmula. The interesting website is here

Dermaflage is simple to remove, too. Just find the edge of the treatment, and gently pull away the filler.

The 3-step process goes like this:
1. PRIME. Brush the Primer all around the area(s) you wish to conceal.

2. APPLY. Use the Dermaflage applicator to put silicone-based mixture onto the surface of scarred skin. Using a finger or a spatula, apply smooth, even strokes to even out the the edges of the applied mixture.

3. TEXTURE(ize). Place the Skin Texture Pad over the blend. Press and hold for at least 30 seconds. Lift the pad from the edge.

 All done. You're good to go!!

 It takes a bit of practice to work with the topical filler, because it dries quickly. But when done properly, this Dermaflage rocks!

Natural-looking results. Bye-Bye scars. No expensive visits  to the dermatologist.

A Dermaflage Starter Kit costs $50:

• Approximately 2-3 month supply. Each starter kit will come with a lighter shade and a darker shade to ensure a color match. Consult the Dermaflage Tone Chart pictured above, to reference your complexion and convert that to your Dermaflage tone. Kit Includes: 2 Applicators of your chosen Complexion, Primer with Brush. Tools: mixing stick, precision application tool and spatula, and Texture Pad.
  There is a 30 day money back guarantee for all starter kits.  Tone exchange available if neither of the tones work for you. 

To watch a great demo of Dermaflage application, check this out on YouTube.

 Pretty amazing stuff!

YSL Goes Beauty Multi-Tasking With New Lip/Blush All-In-One

Yves Saint Laurent is a fashion/beauty master.

So it doesn't surprise us that the company came up with their own elegant version of a lip/blush duo.

It's called Baby Doll Kiss & Blush and you can find the collection at your favorite Sephora store:

Okay, it isn't cheap at $40, but it's a lip/blush all-in-one product.

Beautifully made + packaged, too. A convenient all-in-one for your makeup bag.

It comes in 12 lovely shades.  The one you're looking at is 02- Rose Frivole.

The formula is a blendable gel texture. And it's a buildable blush/ lip gloss.

Would you spring the $40 to try YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush?

Or will you use your lipstick and dab some on your cheeks in a hurry?

Nautical Stripes Always Right For Summer: Instant, Jet-Set Glamour!

Nautical stripes.

They're all about the beach, sailing, oceans blue.

And don't forget---nautical stripes give you INSTANT jet-set glamour.

Your yacht is waiting, Miss.

 But seriously....nautical stripes are CLASSIC and always right for fashion. Ralph Lauren the legendary designer is BIG on nautical stripes and tells you why:

"Emblazoned on swimwear, handbags and, as always, the simple cotton tee, the nautical stripe evokes a sporty, all-American elegance that works year-round, at sea or on land. Preppy with a blue blazer or boldly inventive on an evening gown, it is timeless yet modern...."

Check out RL's Nautical Stripe collection.

Today, we are looking at a super cute nautical knapsack. LOVE this.

The BAGGU Canvas Backpack ($42, FREE Shipping at Nordstrom's).

Adorable in the sailor navy sailor strip.
Push lock and drawstring closure. 
Interior wall pocket. 
100% recycled cotton.

You could take this sturdy, little bag anywhere and be welcome!

It's back-ordered online until May 27, 2014. But that's only 9 days. Or you can find it IN Nordstrom's stores--so get moving now!

Does Khloe Kardashian Come Clean About Her Sizable Butt? You Decide.

Let's be honest. Kim, Khloe + Kourtney Kardashian all have butts that are NOT flat.

Lately, the butt gossip has fallen onto youngest K-sister, Khloe. These days, the reality star claims she has been hitting the gym and working out with a vengeance.

We believe you, Khloe.

What's the problem?

Khloe's behind looks suddenly a bit like---er....sister Kim's. Very big, very high +very round.

Is it possible to develop a butt like theirs WITHOUT cosmetic intervention---meaning butt injections?

Well, according to serious bodybuilders, yes, you can. BUT---it takes a lot of  dedicated weight training.

Khloe is defending herself, as she should. She took to social media Twitter:

So, if you want a BUTT like Khloe's and Kim's, hit the gym NOW!

We did some butt-building research and stumbled on to the bodybuilding.com website with expert figure competitor Pauline Nordin, who has an AMAZING behind built by hand...LOL.

Her advice:

Every woman I've met who has asked me how I built my glutes seems to believe I created them by using the butt blaster machine. Nothing could be further from the truth! A firm behind like mine comes from the old school leg exercises such as the deadlift, squat and lunge.

Those exercises allow you to use the kind of weight necessary to build the sort of muscle tissue that ultimately gives the glutes a nice, round shape.

Do Khloe or Kim even know what a deadlift is?

Cate Blanchett's Favorite, Bad Girl, Liquid Eye Liner

Actress Cate Blanchett has been called a beauty + style icon for a number of years now.

What we adore about the Aussie beauty is her approach to life. She's NOT afraid to take chances on the red carpet.

"I don't take myself that seriously," she tells InStyle magazine. "You hear when people like things--or don't. I'm not really dressing up for them." 

As far as makeup goes, the blonde Blanchett has fun trying on different cosmetics---like '70s disco, bold crimson lips, to heavily, black-rimmed eyes.
"I've probably resembled a panda, a few times, here and there." 

Still, that hasn't stopped Cate from wowing everyone on the red carpet, which brings us to a Cate Must Have Beauty Item:

MAC Liquid Eye Liner in Boot Black ($19.50, at Macys.com).

Cate Blanchett has a refined elegance about her. She tries out many different looks, but still is able to reign it in, and keep it looking classic.

"I swipe this on in the morning, and it stays put all day. It juts makes my lashes seem thicker."

Great beauty tip, Cate!

Easy, Breezy Eva Longoria Style: White Blouse + Pink Pencil Skirt

We've always been a fan of Eva Longoria's beauty + style.

We're all used to seeing the petite actress looking GLAM on the red carpet.

But, Eva's also hitting the right fashion notes during her "normal, everyday hours.".

We happen to LOVE this latest, simple ensemble by Eva. And you CAN copy it, too.

She was out dining recently at a hot spot in Miami:

Yes, it's easy breezy style. We like the minimalism of it all.

Begin with a silky white blouse with 2 chest pockets. Most of us have at least one hanging up in our closet.

We found a Zoe + Sam here at Gilt.com ($79).

Now pair the blouse with a classic, figure-hugging pencil skirt in pink. We hunted one down here at BooHoo.com ($16).

Add a pair of nude, T-strap sandals, and you're good to go!

We searched for a pair and found these sexy shoes at Forever21 ($32.80).
Check stores for more sizes.

As for the tres expensive, navy Birkin bag Eva is toting along with her, well, you're on your own. But hey--- the chic ensemble would still look nice with any bag.

Nicole Kidman: Fab At 46 Or Too Much Cosmetic Facial Filler?

Nicole Kidman's face.

It appears to be the talk of the town all over the internet, almost as much as the Solange-Jay Z-Beyonce elevator feud.

The Australian beauty is captured here in photos taken from the south of France at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Academy Award winning actress is there in lovely Cannes to promote her new film, "Grace of Monaco." In fact, the flick will open the famous film festival today.

So what's all the buzz about?

The slender, tall star was dressed elegantly in an all white dress + white strappy heels, tasteful, silver + diamond jewelry and bright red lips. Her long, blonde locks were worn straight in gentle waves at the ends + combed back from her forehead.

Her complexion is great......BUT her fans and critics alike are talking about her suddenly puffy, full face + lips.

Some are screaming BOTOX.

Sure..There probably is some of that going on. But---Botox does NOT add volume or fullness to the face. The injectable merely arrests wrinkles + lines for a few months.

Botox is usually injected in the forehead area, above the middle of eyebrows, under the eyes and crow's feet areas. The Botox allows one to look more rested, with less noticeable wrinkles. Botox can also give one's forehead a shiny appearance.

Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and others are the cosmetic facial fillers that really FILL up the face, adding youthful volume. These fillers can also inflate lips, too.

When done right and NOT over-filled, facial fillers can look amazing. It's knowing when to quit.

We cannot prove Nicole Kidman has received fillers.  She's still a gorgeous woman as the photos show.

It is possible she got fillers + Botox a few days BEFORE heading to Cannes, and the swelling, which is normal hasn't gone down yet.

Our society will NOT let women age, no matter how stunning they are. So, it doesn't surprise us what some female celebrities will do to appear more youthful.

Take a look for yourself, here.

Does Nicole Kidman look different to you?

Solange Making Headlines: At Least Her Hair Always Looks Amazing!

Solange Knowles is making headlines around the globe for an alleged elevator attack on her famous brother-in-law Jay Z while her sister Beyonce appeared to stay out of the alleged kicking, punching one-way brawl.

The incident has been playing out all over the internet, as footage was mysteriously leaked from the elevator video cameras at an after-party for the Met Gala 2014. The footage was taken from the 12th floor of the Standard Hotel in New York City.

We are certainly NOT going to speculate what caused the wild attack on Jay Z, but the wild footage definitely shows Beyonce, Solange + JayZ in the elevator together that evening.

We would like to talk about Solange's great hairstyles and how she cares for her healthy tresses.

She has given out her hair beauty tips before. This is what she has told BET.com:

 "Shampoo and conditioner Oil Monoi Carol’s Daughter," Solange says about her hair care routine.

"I also use raw shea butter every day and the pure argan oil when [my curls] are really dry. Once a week, I take the time it takes to wash them and make a mask. Then I brush them gently, always starting with the tips.

In general, I sit under a dryer to penetrate the mask. Then, once everything is rinsed and clean, I take two small sections of hair and I twist. I repeat the process, strand by strand. Then I take a shower, but I do not wet my hair, I just let the steam curl it a little. Sometimes I'm tired of doing all this, and I'll do braids or extensions, to get a break."

Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Shampoo + Conditioner duo ($37, at Carol'sDaughter). This formula works wonders. The proof is here: Clinically Tested and Proven Results-- 1 USE. 5X LONGER HAIR LIFE. 92% LESS BREAKAGE.*

Want To Look Like Gwen Stefani? Then Go Platinum To The Extreme!

We don't hide the fact that we are a Gwen Stefani fan!

She looks ridiculously FAB having given birth to her 3rd baby boy on the last day of February.

And the fashionable singer keeps on keeping on with that look-at-me platinum head of hair!

She even kept the peroxide process through all 3 pregnancies, unless she was fooling us with wigs, but we don't think so.

Gwen's mane ALWAYS looks so healthy even after all that careful + constant root touch-up.

If you want to look as sexy + glam as Gwen Stefani, than you NEED to up your blonde game for the summer, ladies.

And we found something for all the already flaxen beauties:

Feria Absolute Platinum ($8.97, at walmart).)

We like this do-it-yourself box of hair color because it PROMISES to Lighten up to 7 shades.

That's blindingly beautiful!

It will give you CRYSTAL-CLEAR Blonde locks without any yellowing.

No, not easy being a bombshell platinum blonde. Some major upkeep, but when done right, it sure is a head-turner.

Missing My Mom On Mother's Day.....

This is my mom, Effie.

Yes, she was beautiful in every possible way.

We lost her back in December.

And we miss her so.

"The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her."
--Author unkown

Christy Turlington Appears In New Eternity Ads: Proof Why She Retains Supermodel Status

At age 45, Christy Turlington must be doing something right.

Check out the husband/wife ad campaign for Calvin Klein's Eternity fragrance!

OMG! How good-looking are they?!

We can hear some of you already screaming, "Photoshop!"

Go ahead. Scream it. And so what?

Photoshop is used just about everywhere these days with all of our favorite celebrities.

We still believe this sexy husband/wife team of  Ed Burns + Christy Turlington is still gorgeous away from the cameras.

This new Calvin Klein ad campaign also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the cult fragrance Eternity.  It also establishes the launch of the brand's latest scents, Eternity Nights for men + women, which will be available in August.

Also, the ad campaign coincides perfectly with Christy's new philanthropic endeavor---The Eternity Project. The platform will support a number of charities including the model's  Every Mother Counts organization.

“I am so grateful for the support of Every Mother Counts and thrilled to be back representing this brand along with my husband,” she says. “This is my new favorite Eternity Calvin Klein campaign of all time.”

A class act, all the way.

When Not All Glammed Up, JLo Prefers Soft, Pink-Peachy Lip Shine By L'Oreal

Last night, JLo was most definitely the Lady in RED! The ageless beauty confidently strutted her stuff once again for the American Idol audience.

The 44-year-old stunner and mom of twins walked onto stage in a tight, unforgiving RED halter mini, along with bold RED lips.

But when she's not wowing fans on the red carpet, Jennifer Lopez does follow her beauty must-haves, and one of these is a quieter, softer lip shade, according to InStyle magazine.

Since, Jlo is one of the L'Oreal company's beauty ambassadors, it would seem right that the singer would choose from L'Oreal's endless colorful palate of makeup.

JLo's Must-Have + Beauty Tip:

L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Pure Resistance ($7.99, at Target).


I've always kind of rocked the nude lip," JLo says. "Before applying this gloss, I put foundation on my lips to take away their natural color."

"Rock on, JLo. Rock on!"

The Tiered Or Bubbled Ponytail Is Right On Trend In 2014!

Heidi has already worn the trend.....and so has Blake Lively.

We're talking about the tiered or bubble ponytail. And Valentino sent his elegant models down the runway in the Fall 2014 Ready-To-Wear collection with these super long, bubbled ponytails.

"We wanted to do something that wasn't classic or as normal as a braid or pony, so I added another dimension to the Valentino woman," says Guido Palau of the (26 inch ponies to be exact) that cascaded down the models' spines. Guido calls the look "a very sort of seventies, late sixties kind of idea."

It doesn't look that difficult to achieve, especially if you have very long, straight hair. If not, then you must add length through extensions.

You will need 2 basic items:

1. Snag-free Hair Elastics by BLAX  ($9.78, free ship, at Amazon).

2. Extra Hold Hairspray, Tres 2 by Tresemme ($4.99, at ULTA).

We found bubble ponytail directions from Blake Lively's hair stylist Rod Ortega at InStyle mag:

Mist a comb with hairspray. Starting at the crown, gather a section of hair from ear to ear.
Slick back the hairline with the comb and secure locks with a hair elastic band.
Then section hair again below the first elastic band, working those lower strands + existing tail into a second elastic band.
Repeat to create more tiers or bubbles.
After each pass, tug up on the link for added dimension + a relaxed look.

Good luck!

Do-It-Yourself Chemical Peeler? Be Careful And Watch The Clock!

We wish we had done chemical peels when we were a lot younger, such as in our 20s.

We love glycolic acid peels. And yes....by now--We are a do-it-yourself peeler.

We suggest having a chemical peel performed by a dermatologist for the first several times, so that you understand how the skin reacts and what the peel actually does for your complexion.

We gave our self a glycolic acid peel last evening.

Why?

Because we had not had one for about 6 months. But now that spring has sprung, it was the perfect time to remove the dull, dead skin layers from last winter.

Glycolic acid peels help rejuvenate the complexion by also encouraging new growth of collagen and by improving skin tone + texture.
.
It's key to remember that:

1. The clock matters. Timing is very important. Do NOT let the peel sit on your face longer than the prescribed minutes. Do NOT get cocky with a chemical peel.

2. Misuse can result in burns, swelling, redness, irritation.

3. Rinse off the peel thoroughly with cool water.

4. Apply a hydrating and healing moisturizer to the treated areas. Be gentle and avoid scrubbing the complexion with strong cleansers for the next few days.

5. Avoid the sun for several days. A glycolic peel contains an alpha hydroxy acid which is likely to increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. If you must spend time outdoors, please apply an effective sunscreen with a high SPF.

Here's a very good moisturizer to soothe a complexion following a chemical peel: Glaxal Base Moisturizing Cream, just $8.49, at Walgreens.

It does all this:

• Helps seal in moisture to protect skin.
• Clinically Recommended
• Hypoallergenic
• Perfume-Free
• Lanolin-Free
• Non-Greasy

Best-Dressed Power Couples At NYC's Met Gala 2014

$25,000.

That's a tough one to swallow. But that's exactly what a single ticket to last evening's, annual met Gala in New York City cost.

No small potatoes. But we inhaled what we could from this famous Cinderella-type ball. Wish we were invited!

There were plenty of beautiful celebrities wearing expensive beautiful gowns + tuxes. And there was also some NOT so great-looking attire, but that's to be expected even at very fancy events.

No...Kanye and Kim did NOT win one of our best-dressed couple awards. Just our humble opinion. We felt that Kim could have chosen something a lot more gorgeous to enhance her beauty + recent Vogue cover royalty status. Her Lanvin wrap gown with pockets was a BIG disappointment.

There were a number of HOT Met Ball couples. Here are our top 3:

Gisele + Tom.
Do you even have to ask? They look so stunning together; they make us turn GREEN with envy.

Yes, Gisele seems to LOVE herself quite a bit, but when you're attached to arm candy like NFL QB Tom Brady, well, you might think you're all that, too!

Beyonce + JayZ. Wow! They are music royalty and holding court. Another amazing ensemble. Queen Bey looks  sultry + edgy in this lingerie-styled sparkling gown. And yet, they  remind us of classic, old Hollywood.

And then there were Blake + Ryan. Elegance and sophistication at its best! What a golden, glamour couple. Even her ruby-colored gems match his ruby-colored bow-tie.

Sure, the earrings on Gisele, Beyonce + Blake, plus Blake's cocktail ring make a chic statement, but nothing overdone.

Simplistic perfection by all 3 power couples.

Want a pair of emerald drop earrings like Gisele has on? Hers are NOT chandeliers, but subtle emerald drops.

We found a pretty, copy-cat pair here at emitations.com for $35!