Sleek Straight Hair In: That Means Good Blow Dryer

If you're looking for the big blow-out, then you're on the right beauty track, because sleek, straight hair is in, as we talked about back in our Oct. 4th posting.

We're all looking to save a few bucks these days, so let's look at a very good blow dryer for the money.

You don't have to spend hundreds on a super expensive dryer, but if you can, then sure, go with some of the more expensive brands like CHI and Solano. But if you're cash-strapped, then try this inexpensive blower:

Infiniti Pro by Conair 1875 Watt Salon Performance AC Motor Styling Tool ($39.99, but we found it for ONLY $29.99 at Target.com.

And it's a nice one:

Well-balanced and 20% lighter, this Conair Infiniti Pro Hair Dryer delivers comfortably effortless styling and sensational results

Ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort, it also provides high performance for salon-quality results

A quiet but powerful AC motor ensures fast drying time, which means less heat exposure for hair

Celebrity stylist Ted Gibson of NYC told Harper's Bazaar why sleek hair is IN:

"Sleek, long hair is making a comeback because women are not feeling romantic at the moment," says stylist Ted, whose clients include Angelina Jolie. "Designers aren't making frilly clothes, and the hair follows the fashion. There's something about long, straight hair that feels very modern and present."

Long, pin-straight hair means high-wattage shine. That also translates to a good blow-out for your crowning glory.

Do You Bother To Water Line Your Eyes With Makeup?!

The water line.

We'll be honest. We didn't know exactly where that was along the eye until a few years ago, and yet, we were unknowingly water-lining back in our early college years, until a nasty pair of red eyes forced us to discontinue this practice.

Look at the top photo. The way we understand it, the water line is UNDER the -eye, right where the bottom rim of the eye is---where the tears flow from the tear duct.

There is also a water line located at the TOP of the eye, right below the lashes, that top inner rim. Some people call this the tight line or something else I can't remember at the moment.

As you can see by the photo, both water lines have been lined in black.

So, how does that benefit me, you ask?

1.Water-lining beautifully shapes the eye.
2. Adds depth to the eye.
3. Allows lashes to look lush and fuller .

The only 'bad thing' it does, however, is make the eye look smaller.

This morning we water-lined just our top inner rims, and left the bottom water line alone. We water-lined with a Cover Girl black eyeliner pencil. Then we lined our top lashes, and our eyes looked dreamy! It works!

Actress Olivia Wilde is one celebrity who LOVES to waterline her gorgeous eyes. Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian also water-line. And Duchess Kate always water-lines her bottom inner rim.

Be careful what you water-line with. Back in college we were using liquid liner, and we looked high and red-eyed. We finally quit water-lining. All we had to do though, was switch to a eyeliner pencil, but we didn't know too much about makeup back then.

If you haven't tried water-lining, you ought to. Just water-line the bottom or top, and watch your eyes transform! Such a cool makeup trick.

Red Nails And Nude Toes: Winning Beauty Combo For Fall

Red + Nude, ladies!

These are the classic, sophisticated go-to shades for your mani/pedi this Fall.

Manicurist Yuna Park tells Harper's Bazaar this little beauty/style nugget:

Do NOT play matchy-match. In other words, do NOT have BOTH your hands and feet wearing the SAME shade.
The BEST combo for Fall 2012. "Red nails and nude toes."

Here are a couple of lovely shades for your red mani and your nude pedi:

Priti NYC Polish in Red Head Cactus ($12.50, at PritiNYC). A gorgeous true red and a wonderful non-toxic, 100% vegan polish.

Essie Nail Color in Fed Up ($8, at bebeautiful). A pretty, blush-y beige for your deserving toes. An easy way to look chic for Fall.

Ever Try The Cheap But Effective Monistat Trick For Perfect Primer?!

Okay, this is weird, BUT....we like discovering new ideas through the sensibilty of experimentation. Sometimes, these beauty theories work out, and other times, these beauty theories go bust!

If you're game, then head to your neighborhood drugstore and pick up a little box of this, and pretend it's specifically made to be a facial primer. That's right:

Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel (about $7. We found it at CVS for $7.99).

No, this ain't your Mama's vaginal relief cream....giggle-giggle.

No, not the one for yeast infections.

This particular Monistat product has usually been used for relief  of chafing in delicate areas. The Monistat folks explain it like this:

"Chafing relief powder-gel skin protectant provides on-the-go daily prevention and relief from chafing and irritation of skin in intimate, delicate areas like the inner thigh, bikini area, under arms and breasts. Made especially for women, the exclusive powder-gel formula combines the protective benefits of lotion and powder by forming a silky, breathable moisture control barrier to fight friction."

But some smarty-pants chicks decided to try this wonderful, silky formula on the face as a makeup primer. And yeah it works well, really as good as those high-end primers like Smashbox, Nars ,and MAC. And it's a lot CHEAPER.

How did we go from outer private parts up to the face?

Well, we don't know, exactly, but the Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel contains  Dimethicone, which appears to be in every primer
Active Ingredient: Dimethicone (1.2%). Inactive Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trisiloxane.

Primer is applied BEFORE the foundation for a flawless finish. It's a bit like spackle, in that it smooths over rough, imperfect edges, imparting a sleek surface that holds ups for hours.

Monistat is a quiet beauty cult fave.

Have you ever tried this stuff-down-there for your pretty face up there?

Best Blow-Out Brush You Can Find At The Drugstore

Rachel Zoe stylist Joey Maalouf claims that this 2-inch round barrel brush is THE one, when you are seeking luscious locks.

And it's available at your neighborhood drugstore for only $10!

The Revlon Perfect Style Ion + Ceramic Brush (we found it for just $6.39, at Amazon.com)! It's all in the materials that make up the accuracy in this blow-out brush---ceramic and iconic technology heats hair evenly to give a healthy shine.

Joey Maalouf  reveals the magic in this powerful hair tool:

"I love this brush," he tells Glamour mag(Oct. 2012 issue).  "The vented barrel lifts the roots so your hair dries faster."

And Joey uses this one on the lovely manes of many-a-celebrity, so we know it makes for a big, long-lasting blow-out.

This brush also helps in retaining moisture and reducing frizz.

Comfortable grip handle.

Rounded bristle tips glide easily through hair

Let us add a tiny post-script here.......We lost a little chunk of hair last Spring with a round brush mishap. It was not the Revlon Perfect Style Ion + Ceramic Brush, but it was a round brush on damp hair.

For what it's worth, please be careful---otherwise, big, round brushes can make for great blow-outs, and this one sounds like a beauty winner.

Make Yours Moto, Ladies! No Motorcycle Necessary

No. You don't actually need to ride a Harley to slip into one of these rarin'-to-go moto jackets this Fall, ladies!

We don't think cool chick Gwen Stefani has a bike.

It's called style, and the classic MOTO jacket is a HOT trend for autumn. Gwen is showing off a bubble gum pink leather Kelly Wearstler Moto Jacket. She's always on-point, as are her adorable spotted jeans.

Anyone can hunt down a chic moto jacket, and you DON'T have to buy real leather. It can be faux and still look glam. And you can get the moto in lots of color and/or fabrics.

Have you bought your moto jacket, yet, ladies? We have!

The MinkPink Melody Cropped Moto Jacket ($119, at Urban Outfitters). This is a gorgeous wool moto:

Australian label MINKPINK.
* Asymmetrical rose gold-toned zip up the front; zippered pockets.
* Notched lapel; snap epaulets at the shoulders.
* Shrunken fit; cropped.
* Fully lined.

The Women's Lace Up Biker Leather Jacket ($574, at TrueReligion). This is HOT! In Brown, and of course REAL, soft, smooth leather!

A crinkled texture lends itself to a well worn look but is expertly treated to carry out the softest touch imaginable.
Peak lapel collar.
Slim fit Zipper side pockets.
Shoulder epaulets.
Self: 100% leather Imported

It Isn't Easy Keeping Up With The Platinum: Just Ask Gwen

Platinum hair and scarlet lips.

That certainly reminds us of the late and great movie star Marilyn Monroe. It also brings to mind another great beauty---Gwen Stefani. And at age 42, and a mom to 2 active little boys, Gwen looks gorg.

But it isn't easy,  'Keeping up with the platinum!'.

The September 2012 Harper's Bazaar cover girl doesn't let her roots show through that mass of blondeness, ever!

We LOVE that look on Gwen Stefani, but the platnium blonde upkeep is crazy-loco.  That's why celebrities invest in super stylists to maintain the image, right down to those dark roots that pop up like tell-tale signs.

If you're blonde and have to work at it,  then it becomes a key part of your beauty routine.

Gwen is blonde-inspired by the original 50's bombshell Marilyn, and tells Harper's Bazaar that she keeps those pesky roots away, by using a beauty trick the movie goddess lived by:

 "Do you think Marilyn Monroe had to talk about this?" she asks, smiling. "Well, I heard she did hers with a Q-tip every 10 days, so I try to follow Marilyn's rule." I mention that she's never been photographed with dark roots, and she points to the houndstooth fedora she is wearing. "And you'll never see me with roots either."

We love what this girly-girl says about discovering the beauty of bleach and those sexy red lips:

Gwen recalls how she felt when, at the age of 25, she spent eight hours in a hair salon in Long Beach getting her coveted white-blonde locks. "It was like I'd unlocked the key. I remember feeling like, 'I have arrived. This is me. Finally.'" The red lip came when her grandmother gave her a crimson lipstick when she was in high school. "I remember sitting in my ghetto, beat-up Honda Prelude and putting on that lipstick in the rearview mirror and being like, 'Uh-huh, I like that. That's the shit right there.' I never stopped after that."

Gotta love Gwen Stefani! Her fave L'Oreal lipstick is Infallible  Le Rouge, Ravishing Red ($9.99, at drugstores).

RHONJ Jacqueline Laurita Uses the Big 'U' For Younger Skin

The New Jersey Housewives were in rare form at the final reunion show last night on the Bravo network. And Jacqueline Laurita sparkled in her shiny, red dress.

This morning, the 42-year-old youthful mom appeared on Good Morning America to reveal her beauty secret for looking gorgeous and wrinkle-free. Was it a facelift, lots of filler, laser re-surfacing, etc.??

We tackled this topic in a BeautyTipToday article back in July. And again, Jacqueline says she owed her younger-looking skin to the big U----Ultherapy.

"I decided to do Ultherapy when I noticed my neck not firming up the way I wanted it to after my weight loss from my 55 lb. weight gain during my pregnancy. I’m 42 years old, so I’m sure my age has something to do with my lack of elasticity … Ultherapy for the face and neck actually improves the skin from the inside out by repairing and strengthening existing collagen while naturally stimulating new collagen development."

In simplest terms, ultherapy lifts, tightens and tones the skin of the face and neck. It's an outpatient treatment.

During ultherapy treatment, ultra-sound energy in the form of gentle heat, is applied to the tissue to lift and tighten loose skin without cutting or injecting, etc. Ultherapy stimulates new collagen production. In a mere 30-60 minutes, your body’s own healing responses will be reminded to gently and gradually restore skin and underlying tissue.

"While it's not a replacement for a surgical face or eye lift, patients appreciate that the process is non-surgical. Once they understand that the results rely on the natural rebuilding of their collagen fiber network within the skin, they also realize that the effects take place naturally and gradually," says Daniel C Mills, MD of the Monarch Bay Laser, Laguna Beach, Calfornia, tells RealSelf.com.

To learn more about this non-surgical procedure, visit RealSelf, and Jacqueline's website here.

Sexy Sofia Deal Of The Day:

Everyone adores Sofia Vergara.

And if you're looking to create a little Vergara Va-Va-Va-Voom in your style for Fall, then we can help you.

Okay, so we won't instantly turn into television's favorite bombshell, but we can all find a piece or two from Sofia's new clothing collection at KMart.

We found the super cute and classic Sofia by Sofia Vergara Women's Ponte Blazer Jacket on SALE now for $27.99.

This feminine blazer with a slim fit and sateen trim around the collar and faux hip pockets was featured in both the September 2012 issue of Woman’s Day and September 2012 issue of Cosmopolitan.

Sofia's blazer comes in easy care Poly/Rayon Spandex in Jet Black or Camel, both with black sateen trim, in  Sizes XS - XL.

MAC And Marilyn: Match Made In Beauty Heaven

MAC Cosmetics has recently debuted a beautiful Marilyn Monroe-inspired makeup collection! It's a stunning 30-piece limited edition line about the late, sexy movie goddess.

The beauty icon's image is featured on most of the MAC Marilyn beauty collection products.

The makeup ranges in price from $15-27 with lipsticks, shadows, liners, faux lashes, polishes, and the like.

"Marilyn Monroe is an icon, plain and simple. Her look not only defined a generation but also is relevant today," says MAC senior vice president James Gager.
How very true!

The makeup is pure Hollywood glamour with a bit of a retro twist to the palette.

We found 2 interesting MAC Marilyn Monroe pieces:

The Marilyn Monroe Penultimate Brow at $18.50. SOLD OUT online.
"A liquid, pen-style marker for colouring and styling the brows to a well-defined, natural look. Easy to control. Tapered tip provides precision and helps to fill in and perfect the brows. Flow-through, quick-drying formula means no smudges. Long-wearing."

And the Marilyn Monroe Brow Finisher at $15. Also SOLD OUT online.
"A slim-line, wax-style grooming tool specially formulated to shape and hold the brows, providing them with a sheer, slick, polished and conditioned-looking finish. Smooth, non-sticky, easy to use."

Marilyn had nice full brows, and were probably made that way through the magic of a good makeup artist. But wax is an interesting addition here, and something movie screen goddess Sophia Loren also supposedly used to use to keep her amazing brows lifted, and in place.

Sounds like a gorgeous, classic makeup collection!

It's An Oz Thing: Emerald Green Goes Glam For Fall 2012!

Emerald green.

It's so rich and regal. And it happens to be another HOT color-- fashion-beauty- trend for Fall 2012!

Our skin has an olive tone to it, so we get a bit leery around this green shade near our complexion. It's hard for us to pull off, unless we get the right color proportion around us. But there are so many other ways to show off the emerald green trend. From fashion to beauty, it's all good!

We have latched on to this stunning emerald green Legacy Leather Duffle Bag by Coach ($348, at coach). Simply elegant. Need we say more?!
•Inside zip, cell phone and multifunction pockets
•Outside zip pocket
•Zip-top closure, fabric lining
•Strap with 18 3/4" drop for crossbody wear converts to double strap for shoulder wear
•9 3/4" (L) x 13" (H) x 5 1/2" (W)

And nothing beats the refined look of an emerald green manicure. We fell for Vapour. It's such a smooth, sophisticated green shade and it's FREE of harsh nail chemicals. NO formaldehyde. NO toluene.

Looker 527 Vernissage 3-Free Nail Lacquer ($14, at VapourBeauty). This brand delivers a super glossy shine that lasts for days.

Will you be visiting the emerald land of Oz this Fall?

The Chic Flushed Cheek For Fall Says Michael Kors

 

 

Okay, Michael Kors. We get it. The pretty, elegant look at your Fall 2012 shows featured the spotlight on the cheeks. Then, the lips and the bolder brow.

It's a true blush + flush! Gorgeous! Healthy! And as you want to imply:

A "classic, sportif" look with flushed cheeks and bright lips created by Dick Page, Shiseido Artistic Director, for Michael Kors A/W 2012 collection.

"The connotation of sportif in Europe is energetic and the look is all about the woman who’s living this life, who’s very chic and made of money," he says.

Over the years, we have come to understand how essential blush is to the building blocks of makeup.

The only challenge for us and a lot of women is this----Exactly where do you apply blush?

On the apples of the cheeks, as the beauty professional would tell you.

Hmmm. No that easy to always do, and looking at the photos here from the Michael Kors' models---there's a lot of blush going on.

According to Dick Page, he actually used lipstick to achieve this naturally rosy glow:

Dick blended Lacquer Rouge in Drama (RD501), a lipstick with concentrated color, onto the apple of the cheek, along with a dab of foundation using a damp Foundation Sponge Puff.

Absolutely stunning. Not sure we could create quite the same effect, but we can  learn a lot through pictures and practice. By the way, we often use lipstick as blush, because it's creamy, looks natural and can be very buildable. With our oily complexion, however, the lipstick blush melts away faster than a powder blush. But, still, a softer flush.

We love this look for Fall. How about you?
.

Gotta Love Deborah Lippman's Chic New Lip + Nail Combos!

We like simple, especially when it comes to getting complicated beauty products right.
 
And that's exactly what Deborah Lippman has achieved with her brand new lip + nail combos!

We have been trying to get into the neutral lips thing, again. We try for a few days,and then jump ship, and go back to our signature, cool pink lip. It is so hard to find the perfect nude for our light olive skin. But, now there's a quick, effortless solution:

Deborah Lippman My KIss Gift Set ($38, at BarneysNewYork). This is so-oooo lovely! You will NOT appear washed-out, ladies. These nudes, for both lips + nails, give off a healthy, pinky-beige-y flush.

We like the match-y-match idea of a lip + nail combo---very feminine, very classic!

This is how the Deborah Lippman company describes the new lip + nail combos:

"The perfect every day duet is My Touch My Kiss, which contains a sheer, nude-mauve lip color called I'm Every Woman and Naked, a sheer, bare-beige lacquer. This set is perfect for everyone, everyday.

"You can't go wrong with these modern nude tones that flatter all skin types and complement any outfit. Naked is the go-to nail shade, and I'm Every Woman is a must-have color for your everyday wardrobe. Once you try it, you'll always have to have it with you."

Can You Guess Who This Famous Beauty Is Sans Makeup?

Okay, we LOVE photos of famous beauties like this one, snapped of actress Brooke Shields as she walked about New York City on Sunday afternoon.

What's wrong with this picture?

Absolutely nothing! Brooke Shields at age 47, has NO makeup on that we can see. Not even a little BB cream, which is a fancier, more expensive tinted moisturizer. Not even a little tinted lip balm. Nada. Nothing.

So, what's the point in all of this---to pick on a famous mother-of-two?

No, we actually think it's refreshing to see what most women, even the  rich, famous, and very attractive, look like WITHOUT the magic of makeup and the skilled hands of a red carpet pro makeup artist.

We think the talented Brooke Shields has a nice, clear complexion with just a few lines and dark undereye circles that many of us have. At 47, she has those trademark great, full brows and clear, blue eyes.

Could she look better?

Yes. By putting on even minimal makeup, Brooke could look even lovelier walking around NYC.

Should she wear cosmetics in public, because she is super famous and admired for her classic beauty?

YES. But who are we to tell a celebrity how to appear in public.

We thought she would look younger, because she was a famous model, and because MOST female celebrities resort to plastic surgery and/or minimally invasive dermatological procedures to wind back the beauty clock.

Having said all that, it is inspiring to see a strong, talented celebrity not afraid to age naturally in public---not easy to do with a youth-obsessed culture.

Elegant Lacquer Trays To Store Jewelry + Baubles

If you are like us, we tend to buy and buy a lot of costume jewelry. In other words, we have chandeliers, bracelets, pendants and more, that aren't too expensive, so they don't have to be carefully wrapped and tucked away into a specialized jewelry box.

That's why we adore these elegant, wooden lacquer trays. We found this one at WestElm.com. The price is $32, and comes in several vivid shades. We love the orange!

Engineered wood with lacquered finish.
Two cutout handles on sides for easy transport.
18"w x 14"d x 2.25"h.
Not for use in microwave or dishwasher.
Wipe clean.
Imported.

Sure, you could serve a bunch of cocktails +yummy apps on these sophisticated lacquer trays, but why bother? Too pretty for food + drink.

Keep these trays filled with sparkling baubles in the bedroom or bath for a lovely pop of color + style!

A Jaw Clip For Thick Hair That Really Holds It All In Place

Oh, yeah, even glam and gorg celebrities are sometimes caught with their jaw clip/claw clip in public. Here's model Heidi Klum wearing  one to get her locks out of the way.

So, do you ever put your hair up in a jaw clip?

When we can hunt down a jaw clip that holds in thick hair, then we buy a couple.

These plastic jaw clips DON'T last forever. After about 3 months,  ours tend to snap. So, it's good to stock up on them. If you have a lot of hair like us, or really thick hair, try this one:

Scunci NO-Slip Grip Jaw Clip for Thick Hair ($3.19, at Walgreens). This little number REALLY holds your hair in place.....ALL of it! We busted our Scunci clip about a month ago, and have been going loco without it for days.

We finally found a new Scunci clip at our neighborhhood Walgreens today for $3.79. Walgreens online has it on sale, as you can see above.

We always wear the clip at home to get our long hair up and away. We've gone out the door in public with it on as a ponytail securer,  if that's a word, ha!

Heidi Klum can do no wrong in the world of fashion and beauty, so if she's got a big jaw clip in her hair, well......we suppose we can ALL get away with the clip once in a while!

Dr. Jart: Authentic Asian BB Cream At Sephora

It's BB-mania!

Everyone's talking about this little miracle complexion cream. Think of BB cream as a couple of steps ABOVE a tinted moisturizer. Korean beauties have relied on BB for years, to give back a healthy, radiant glow, to even skin tone, and brighten it.

Today, we are looking at Korean brand, Dr. Jart+. And you can find this protective formula at Sephora beauty stores.

A lot of women are raving about Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ ($39, Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++). This skin magic in a tube has received 623 customer reviews and a 4.5* out of 5*. Not bad at all!

If you hate the thought of wearing foundation, and the 'heaviness' it feels upon your skin, then try BB cream. It gives a nice, smooth glow and a bit of coverage. Plus, Dr. Jart+'s has a strong SPF45.

And if you like wearing foundation, but would prefer a primer-type formula to put on BEFORE your makeup, again, BB cream could be your answer. It balances out your uneven skin and helps achieve a flawless finish.

Sephora describes what Dr. Jart+'s is formulated to do:

A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product also includes advanced brightening properties. Ideal under makeup, its natural looking coverage minimizes the appearance of imperfections and evens the skintone. Antioxidant bio-peptides and adenosine protect skin from harsh environmental factors while restoring firmness and elasticity.

Hot Fall 2012 Trend: 70's Cher Hair!

Long, pin-straight hair. Think beautiful Cher in her 1970s hair (how HOT was Cher--top photo). That's what we thought when we saw the above photo from Harper's Bazaar mag.

Silky and super-straight locks are IN. So, if you've got it, then flaunt it!

Celebrity stylist Ted Gibson of NYC told the magazine why wavy hair is out:

"Sleek, long hair is making a comeback because women are not feeling romantic at the moment," says stylist Ted, whose clients include Angelina Jolie. "Designers aren't making frilly clothes, and the hair follows the fashion. There's something about long, straight hair that feels very modern and present."

Long, pin-straight hair means high-wattage shine. That also translates to taking great care of your crowning glory.

Condition. Condition. Condition.

The next step is blow-drying and a good volumizer. And for super sleekness, the flat-iron is your new BFF.

We adore the Pantene Pro-V line for a little TLC:

Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Solutions Anti-Breakage Hair Detangler 8.5 Fl Oz ($3.97 at Walmart).

This is a decent de-tangler, something you need when trying to comb through long, wet hair.

 New Jersey Housewives star Melissa Gorga was showing off some long, pin-straight hair this past season on the Bravo reality TV show.

It's a very 70s Cher look.

What do you think?

Long, pin-straight hair a HOT trend, or not so much?

Fall Fashion Means A Celebrity Leopard Scarf For Wrap-Around Style

We've already mentioned how leopard pumps are a HOT trend for Fall 2012.

Now, get ready for a long, leopard scarf for wrap-around style.

Fashion-forward celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Eva Mendes are already embracing this classic look. They both look amazing. And leopard print is so timeless and always a welcome accessory.

Both beauties are wearing Salvatore Ferragamo cashmere scarves! Ok, not the most inexpensive choice for most of us. It's about a $350 scarf.  But, you, too, can have smart fashion sense by copying wealthy celebs.

We found 2 pretty long, leopard scarves that are very affordable:

1. Leopard Print Wrinkle Scarf ($19.95, at Rakutenbuy.com). 100% viscose and measuring 32" width x 70" length.

2. Leopard Skull Print Scarf ($10.50, at Wetseal.com). A leopard printmultiple skulls and a raw edge. In 100% viscose.

Fall 2012: Cranberry-licious Lips Do The Talking

Cranberry kisses, everyone.

To go with your burgundy handbag,  burgundy shoes, burgundy skirt, burgundy belt, and so on.

We've been talking about burgundy being the IT Fall color for 2012. Burgundy also equals wine, which equals cranberry.

We agree......It can get a bit confusing in the beauty/fashion color department.

The dark purple/red shade does NOT have to match up perfectly. The burgundy shoes could be deeper in shade than your lipstick, for instance. And not every piece you purchase in the cranberry shade will be labeled as cranberry, and so forth. You will pick up a bag or blouse and know when it is the right shade.

For example, the models were showing off dark red/purple lips on a lot of the runways, including Nina Ricci, above. And the rest of the makeup was minimal, except for a pair of full brows, if you can get 'em.

It all comes down to the degree of color. Some of the models' lips were TOO dark in burgundy. It depends how comfortable you are putting on a very bold lip.

We think you can still do the cranberry kiss, but in a softer, plum-mier shade. And we have found 2 lipsticks you can try.

1. L’Oréal Paris Colour Caresse by Colour Riche Luminous Lipcolour in Cherry Tuelle(photo 3) ($9.99, at cvs.com).

2. Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Plumberry ( $26, at  lauramercier.com).

It's great to follow the beauty/fashions trends when they hit, the key is to follow them sensibly. If the lip color is pretty extreme for daytime wear, then save the lippie for a night out. Or tone it down, and buy a lipstick that is in the same color range, but a softer, more wearable hue.

Here's to cranberry kisses, everyone!

Handbag Deal Of The Day: Under $50!

Excuse our grainy, less-than-perfect photo, but you get the idea.

Our handbag deal-of-the-day comes to us from ExpressionsNYC.com. You're going to love the price, too. It's ONLY $49! And the bag is certainly in the RIGHT color this Fall---burgundy.

We found this best buy in the pages of the October 2012 People Stylewatch mag. And as People put it----It's "amazingly affordable!"

According to expressionsnyc, the handbag is in stock, but due to the heavy volume of orders, you can "expect shipping delays.".

The Frame Satchel features Faux leather in an ostrich texture, 10"H x 12"W X 4.5"D. We especially like the bag's classic shape and sharp silver hardware, and think this is a good deal.

Paint On Some Gold, Ladies: It's a Glam Thing

Gold signifies wealth, glamour, and the good life.

And at the moment, gold is a HOT color trend in beauty, too. Maybe, a dab of gold highlighter across the top of your cheekbones or eyelids is just too over-the-top, or not your beauty thing.

But how could you deny the glamour of a gold mani/pedi?! Gold is great for a big night out. And Maybelline has got you covered:

Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Bold Gold ($3.19, on SALE at CVS).

We have to admit, a gold manicure looks gorgeous. Take a peek at the top photo. We WISH these were our nails.  They belong to mybeautyboxblog.

Will you dip your nails into some purely pretty gold lacquer?

You might just FEEL like a million bucks $$$.

Anne Hathaway Puts On Sexy Extensions For Big Wedding Today!

Congratulations, Anne Hathaway!

Your extensions look so pretty! The actress is now a married woman.

The Les Miserables star married actor-beau Adam Shulman at sunset today in Big Sur, California. '

The happy couple took part in a traditional Jewish ceremony at a private home there, according to reports.

Anne looked glam in a gorgeousValentino gown, and get this---all her bridesmaids were in Valentino dresses, too.

The pair gets along beautifully, as she told USA Today last year that they both value their normal, low-key way of life. "We have house parties and dinner parties and just hang out," Anne said. "I'm so delighted by [Adam]. He's all the things you want a partner to be. I so find joy in his presence."

We are betting that celebrity stylist Ted Gibson did Anne's signature wavy hair for the nuptials. We prefer the Les Miserables actress with LONGER locks, and think the hair extensions were a lovely beauty touch!

A Little Leopard Never Hurt Anyone: Hot Fall Shoe Trend

How sexy is a little leopard wrapped around your precious feet?! Leopard everything is HOT for Fall 2012, especially, leopard pumps! This playful animal print is all over the place. Hunt down a pair, so to speak, and get in on all the stylish fun!

Look what we found that's leopard-inspired: Valentino Rockstud Leopard Sling Back T.100 In Chestnut ($1,145.00, at forwardforward). OMG!

These leopard shoes are smokin' hot! Of course, only Valentino could design a pairlike these. Calf hair and leather upper with leather sole. Made in Italy. Approx 100mm/4 inch heel. Strap/buckle closure. Metallic pyramid stud detail throughout.

Stuart Weitzman Dagger Pin Heel Stiletto Pump ($365, at shoerazzi). How glam are these with a titanium pin-point Dagger 4" heel! Jut enough leopard to say, Meow!

Kelsi Dagger Linzy Platform Pumps ($35.99, on SALE at Dillards). These were priced originally at $119! Lovely leopard patent pumps! What sky-high glam with a 1" hidden platform; 5" heel. You don't have to break your shoe budget with a leopard pump. There are tons of these animal print stilettos available.