The MAC Vera collection is perfect for flowery spring looks and includes two pretty pearlmatte face powders, Sunday Afternoon, and Flower Fantasy.

Below is a photo of my Sunday Afternoon powder.

Here is a swatch of MAC Vera Sunday Afternoon. This is done sweeping across the entire pan to pick up all of the colors:

Disclosure: This post is based  on an item given to me by a representative of MAC. For more, see the disclosure page.

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Want a classic hairstyle that will also look good with casual clothes? Look no further! the article below has a number of looks that will look equally good with jeans and they will with an evening gown. Click through below to see all of the styles.

8 Red-Carpet Hairstyles You Can Wear with Jeans

Get the tutorials for the A-list hairstyles you can dress up or down

This is a TotalBeauty.com celebrity hairstyles article Do you ever feel like celebrity hairstyles are pretty, but way too fancy to wear with anything other than formal attire? These looks straight from the red carpet are chic … and casual enough to pair with your skinny jeans. See hairstyles

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The Shop MAC-Cook MAC Collection is full of fun spring shades. For soft shades, look to the Vera collection, while for shades that shout, look to Shop MAC and Cook MAC. Shop MAC includes three new eye shadow quads which I have photos and swatches of below.

First up is the Shop MAC Call Me Bubbles Palette.

From  right to left are Call Me Bubbles swatches of the shades Call Me Bubbles, Fresh Daily, Full of Flavour, and Brash

Next is the MAC Shop and Drop Palette.

From left to right are Shop MAC swatches of the Shop and Drop shades Fresh Daily, Hypnotizing, Power Boosted, and Shop and Drop.

Finally, there is the Colour Added quad.

Below are MAC Colour Added swatches with the shades Laundry Daze, Colour Added, Pre-Packaged, and Self-Serve.

The pigment in the quads is pretty good. I have had a few times with recent collections where I thought the pigment was not as strong as it should be for MAC, but these tend to live up to the quality I would expect, and some of the colors are pretty interesting as well.

Disclosure: This review is based on items provided to me by MAC. For for, please refer to our disclosure page.

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The MAC Vera Collection for spring 2012 is one of my favorite spring collections. It is full of soft and pretty shades with a spring floral theme that tends to fit my own personal style. The collection also has three sets of crushed metallic pigments and I do love the MAC pigments.

I got two sets of the MAC Vera Pigments to swatch. The first, and my favorite, is the Aloha set, which will also work very nicely in summer when gold and bronze shades always become popular.  I decided to include photos of the pigment covers here too, since they give a nice sense of the shades.

Here are MAC Vera Aloha Pigment swatches of the shades Aloha, Shifting Sands, Campfire, and Lantern Light.

Next is the Strawberry Patch Pigment set.

Below are MAC Vera Strawberry Patch Pigment Swatches of the shades Strawberry Patch, Moon Rose, Rose Light, and Star Crystal.

Although listed as a frost, the Strawberry Patch shade was not milled as finely,and was a bit more like a glitter. I love the shade though!

Disclosure: This review and swatches is based on items given to me by a representative of MAC cosmetics. For more, please refer to the disclosure page.

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Being in college makes it hard to stay in style. College makes girls want to put on their sweatpants, throw their hair up and forget about make up every day. Believe me, I’ve been there. College can really stress people out and girls probably find it difficult to keep up with the latest fashion trends. For those of you overwhelmed college females looking for some new fashion tips, here is what I have found to be cute and easy styles to pull off.

The infinity scarf
Scarves are cute and practical especially for places where it is cold in the winter. The new fashion trend that has taken off everywhere is the infinity scarf. It is just like what it sounds. This scarf has no beginning and no end. It is one continuous circle that you wrap around your neck a few times. They are very cute, comfy and affordable.

Elbow patch sweaters
You may have seen this style in the past on older men and grandpas. Big chunky sweaters with elbow patches are no longer things of the past. They are now considered in style and very fashionable for girls. I wouldn’t suggest going through your grandpa’s closet to find these types of sweaters, but places like Forever 21, H & M, and Charlotte Russe all sell this hot commodity.

Tights
Tights used to be itchy and uncomfortable when I had to wear them to church as a five year old. Tights are a new way to spice up an outfit. Wearing a dress and tights is easy and also comfortable at the same time. Instead of wearing sweats, throw on some tights! They are a lot cuter than those old baggy things that I know you’re thinking about putting on. Don’t do it! Slip on some cute tights that have a pattern to them with a solid dress. I guarantee you will get a lot of compliments.

Lace-up boots
Boots have been all the rage for a couple of years now. This season, they have changed up the typical boot though. The newest trend with boots is the lace up. These boots are easy to throw on over jeans, leggings or tights. They have a lot of different colors but the most popular ones are brown, black and tan. I have a pair of beige ones and I wear them with everything. They are very practical in winter and they can dress up any outfit in an instant.

Lacy tops
Another item that I have noticed that has become quite popular is the lacy top. Long sleeved or short sleeved, this shirt is a really high fashion item. These shirts are really lacy and girls can wear a cute, colored undershirt to make the lace stand out.

TOMS shoes
I’m sure you have all seen and heard about these shoes. Apparently, every time a pair of these shoes is bought, a pair goes to a poor child in Africa who does not have shoes. Although TOMS can be really expensive, they are for a good cause. They are also very light and comfortable shoes that are perfect for walking to and from campus. These popular shoes are perfect for girls to slip on when they need to go out and walk around.

About the Author: Meagan Hollman is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers is a great source to help people choose the right online courses.

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Last week, we looked at the best oils for beauty. Today, let’s consider the best oils for hair!

When a woman’s hair looks good, she feels good. There is a natural bounce in her step and a bit more sparkle in her eyes. A woman’s hair with its bounce and sheen can often be directly related to her attitude for the rest of the day. Hair, just like a woman, should be appreciated for its natural beauty. There are such products found in nature. Oils are a wonderful and often inexpensive way to restore hair’s luster without having it bogged down by chemicals. Fortunately, there are products available that enhance these natural oils. But what oils are the best?

5 Best Oils for Hair Conditioning

Here is a list of five essential oils found in nature that increase hair health and have been proven to make a woman walk with a little more confidence:

1. Avocado Oil: This natural oil contains vitamins A, B, D, and E. It also makes hair softer and stronger.

2. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil promotes hair growth and is great for the prevention of dandruff. Like avocado oil, it is great for strengthening hair as well.

3. Olive Oil: Olive oil is a miracle oil. Not only is it a low fat way to cook food, but it works with hair as well. It increases hair strength, promotes growth, and eliminates dandruff. Olive oil can also be used to prevent lice.

4. Castor Oil: This oil cleanses the scalp while moisturizing at the same time. It increases hair growth and prevents hair from falling out.

5. Lavender Oil: This oil can be found in many cosmetic and bathroom products, but it has many positive uses for hair health as well. This oil has a wonderful scent and promotes hair re-growth. It has been recommended for use by individuals with alopecia (a disease that causes hair to fall out).

While these oils are the most commonly used for scalp conditions and hair problems, there are many others that can be used individually or combined with others to tackle specific problems depending on skin type and ethnicity. When searching the internet for uses of products that include these oils,  beware of homemade remedies that could do more damage to the scalp. The hair and scalp are two very sensitive areas and need to be treated as such. The best way to find and purchase products that will benefit the scalp is to search reputable sites such as Beauty.com (link is to hair oil search there) for cosmetic formulas. We also love this list of bestsellers at Folica.  In addition, DHC  makes some great oil products for both hair and face.  Also, asking a physician or beauty consultant what might be the best for the specific needs of a scalp or skin condition could reduce the possibility of meeting with an unknown allergy.

Again, a woman’s hair is her finest accessory. She must treat it well in order to enhance the glow that Mother Nature gave it. Natural and essential oils are a healthy non-toxic way to recharge the glow of follicles and kick start a drab color. Natural and healthy hair will make a woman radiate confidence, move with grace, and flaunt the innate beauty that can often be hidden behind chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients.

Shop Hair Oil Bestsellers at Folica

Shop for Hair Oils at Beauty.com

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It may be cold now, but it is never too early to start preparing for the next season in fashion. The early Spring/Summer 2012 fashion shows have returned mixed views on where next year will take us in terms of clothes, but there have been a few underlying trends identified that will likely drive sales of handbags and purses. With pastel colors slated to make a return to prominence when the warmer weather arrives, several leaders of the fashion pack have already started to release bag models featuring the matte tones that are disappearing off shelves in a hurry.

As always, the Max Mara design team has come up with a winner and their Bobbio Croc Print Leather Bag is one of the early hot products for the season. The light green bag is made from leather and features a crocodile texture print to enhance the style. A further complement is the gold colored metal zip which provides a soft contrast with the green of the bag and shoulder strap. The slightly oversized dimensions of the bag, with a width of 8.5 inches, match the styles that have been released by other designers. In short, this bag hits every high note of the expected spring trends, with the right color, style, and size.

Another trend for handbags that seems to be coming out of the fashion shows is a penchant for knitted bags. Usually reserved for fall and winter collections, several designers debuted knitted styles for next spring, with one of the highlights being a darker cream colored option from Dolce & Gabbana. The intricate weave of the fabric and trademark latch are subtle and could fit well a knitted hat as a set of matching accessories. Other designers that are cashing in on the knitted materials are Proenza Schouler and Alberta Ferretti. While the knitted style may be popular next spring, the texture may not match the lighter materials used for clothes during this time. Therefore, this may be one trend a woman could choose to skip in putting together a more functional wardrobe.

Last, but certainly not least, large clutches are also slated to make a big splash this spring. Several designers have come up with their own version of the folder-type accessory, including Victoria Beckham and Marni, but the most exciting clutch handbag series is the line being produced by Donna Karan. Made from several different types of wood, the clutches are quite different from anything else currently on the market. Despite the wooden construction, the bags are very light and a woman will find that they are no heavier than bags made from leather or other materials. The classic design lines presented by the three models are quickly being lauded by fans and this is one bag that experts are predicting will be seen on the street in droves.

Although handbags are usually one area where designers normally agree on trends, next year seems to be an exception to the rule. Many different styles were featured at the Spring/Summer 2012 shows and it will be interesting to see which ones translate from critical acclaim to street popularity.

Contributor: Dailymakeover.com – Find expert beauty advice and tips, as well the latest celebrity hairstyle and fashion trends. Cutting edge virtual makeover tool let’s you try on 1000′s of looks, from hairstyles to cosmetics and accessories. A must-stop website for any fashion and beauty enthusiast!

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All women should have at least one little black dress that can be worn for any type of occasions. For many women, the little black dress also serves as an emergency outfit for any party or function. That is why it is essential that your dress fits and suits your body type perfectly.  It should flatter your figure and look classic and great overall.

Here is how to choose the perfect little black dress for yourself:

Window Shopping

Sometimes, women tend to buy anything that grabs their attention without taking time to try it on. This is a bad habit because; you might end up wasting your money because you can’t wear the dress that you bought. No matter how cheap or expensive your dress is, always make sure that it is worth your money. The first thing that you can do is to window shop to look for the best little black dress that you like. But don’t just grab the one that looks best on the rack. Try on your favorites to learn the fit of the dresses, and see if it looks good on you. Remember, when choosing a black dress, make sure you have ample of time to be able to decide which black dress you like.

If you purchase online, be sure that you can return items that don’t work for you. One trick is to purchase from department stores that are also near to you so that, if you do not care for your online purchase, you can return it to the local store to save on shipping.

Dress Size

Always keep in mind that there are a lot of sizes and brands, and sometimes the brands don’t have the same sizes for your body. You might be a size 6 for some brands, while you might be a size 5 for others. So try on different sizes. You can gather as many as you can in different sizes for dressing room comparison and feel free to ask sales associates to help you out. Always make sure to fully zip up the dress to make sure that it really fits you perfectly.

Comfort

Choose a little black dress that will make you comfortable, especially during the times when dancing is a must. If you are uncomfortable with your dress, you will end up unhappy with your choice or with a dress that won’t work for all occasions.

Accessories

When trying on the black dress, make sure that it will look good with your favorite accessories.  For example, if you normally wear silver, don’t buy a little black dress with gold details. Also consider the heel height you prefer to wear and its effect on the hemline.  You can bring accessories with you to test out with dresses when shopping.

Shop for Little Black Dresses at Nordstrom

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In true fashion style and excitement running through the streets of London, the London fashion week is back this year in February and is bound to pull out all of the stops for an incredible event. All the big names in fashion, fashion houses, brands, designers, models and the well-heeled fashionable elite are gearing up for a spectacularly fabulous, fashion infused week extravaganza. The London fashion week dates for this year have been provisionally booked from the 17th to the 22nd of February, just keep an ear open in the press for any changes. This year is set to be an incredible show with emphasis placed on the time old favorite designers, new up and coming talents and always in recent fashionable style imploring environmental standards that could possibly be communicated though the use of the new environmentally friendly cardboard hangers.

The London fashion week and all the London fashion week events will be held at the always uber-chic Somerset House in the centre of London with style and functionality taking centre stage. The London fashion week has firmly cemented itself among the other prominent fashion weeks across the globe from fashion week in Paris, New York and Milan. We have seen some interesting and innovative designers showcasing some fashion forward work on the catwalks of the fashion shows and London fashion week 2011 received rave reviews from all acclaimed fashionistas in the game of looking fashion ready.

The London fashion week designers on board this year are of the highest regard in the industry and have been eagerly preparing to deliver an amazing showcase of their talents. A new addition to the London fashion week schedule is the incorporation of the cinema program. The cinema program will be located in BFC show space in Somerset house with live streams and a dedicated film program being showcased. There will be an array of films being looped in between the live streams being broadcast just adding that more glam to the already glitzy London fashion week happenings.

The London fashion week designers will fall under catwalk designers showcasing their creations in all different categories for spectators to marvel in and there will be an array of exhibitors that will be exhibiting ready-to-wear creations as well as accessories. In London fashion week news, this year the fashion forward winners will showcase their unrivalled designs supported by the major of London. The fashion forward scheme was designed to enable talented emerging designers with the opportunity to showcase their work and break into the fashion industry.

With the new green stance the fashion industry has now started to follow the London fashion week together with British fashion council and Monsoon founded Estethica focused on ethical fashion practices and environmental sustainability. From hanger recycling to following ethical practices the show is still as fabulous as ever but in an environmentally conscious manner.

For the fashion inclined or even the few interested and intrigued followers, head to the London fashion week for your dose of fashion innovation and style.

About the author: Jemma Scott is an avid writer on exciting events from across the globe

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Are you ready for Jason Wu For Target? It hits the stores today! It might be crazy!

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