Britney's Beauty Blog

The 5 Worst Hairsprays

2013-05-15T14:54:00.003-04:00

Hairspray is pretty much ingrained in our culture. I mean, there's even a whole film-turned-Broadway show-turned-back into a film situation revolving around hairspray … and it's not hard to see why. Where would we be without hairspray? Those hours spent curling, teasing, and backcombing would be for nothing if it weren't for hairspray. It's the finishing touch that keeps everything perfectly in place. Not to mention the best hairsprays make your hair (and bathroom) smell divine.

When a hairspray is good, it's the crown jewel of a hairstyling routine. But when a hairspray is bad, it's bad. Total Beauty readers will be the first to tell you that with one spritz, a bad hairspray can leave you with flat hair, crunchy strands, flaky residue, or a killer headache from gag-inducing fumes. Reaching for the wrong hairspray means all your hard hairstyling work goes down the drain. To help you avoid disappointment and the (literal) downfall of your hair, we've rounded up the worst hairsprays as rated by our Total Beauty readers. They've judged these hairsprays on their hold and scent, and unfortunately, these hairsprays just didn't cut it. From Total Beauty.com

The 5 Worst Hairsprays

Unless you want sticky, greasy, flat hair, stay far, far away from these worst-rated hairsprays

This is a TotalBeauty.com Hair care article

Hairspray is one of the most, if not the most important tool in your hairstyling arsenal. Without it, all of your hard work (combing, teasing, braiding, curling) goes to waste and your hairstyle falls flat. Literally. That's why it is crucial to find a winning hairspray. Unfortunately, there are plenty of hairsprays that fail to provide hold and sabotage your look by creating sticky, greasy and even crunchy strands. To keep you from ruining your next hairstyle, we rounded up the worst-rated hairsprays as rated by Total Beauty readers. Click ahead to see which products you should avoid at all costs.

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NO. 5: DOVE STYLE + CARE STRENGTH & SHINE EXTRA HOLD HAIRSPRAY, $4.79

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.1

"This makes my hair crunchy and stiff, not soft or manageable, and it doesn't seem to be improving the health or texture of my hair."

NO. 4: HERBAL ESSENCES TOUSLE ME SOFTLY HAIRSPRAY, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.1

"It didn't do anything for my hair. It made it oily and felt gross."

NO. 3: AVEDA PURE ABUNDANCE VOLUMIZING HAIR SPRAY, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.3

"It made my hair flat and sticky."

Want to see what was the No.1 Worst? Click Here!

11 Best New Beauty Oils

2013-05-09T16:25:00.001-04:00

"Oils are nurturing to the skin," says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. "So many ingredients -- like glycolic acids and soaps -- strip the skin of all its oil, making it dry and forcing it to produce more oil." Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD, is also an oil advocate -- for body as well as face. She loves oils because many of them are more than just awesome moisturizers -- they're also loaded with antioxidants. Celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi swears by oils for nails and cuticles, and celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin loves them for hair. "You can use oils for everything from scalp treatments to styling," she says.

11 Best New Beauty Oils

These new picks will motivate you to use oils in every step of your beauty routine

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin care article

Remember when we wanted everything in our beauty regimen to be oil-free? Well, those days are long gone. From nail care to hair color, every beauty category is experiencing an oil boom. Why? Oils are not only moisturizing and nurturing, but they're also loaded with antioxidants. We tried dozens of the newest oils and came up with an entire beauty routine that is oil-based. Click ahead to see how beauty oils can beautify you from head to toe.

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Beauty Giveaways - Freebeautyevents.com

2013-05-08T10:48:00.003-04:00

I love beautiful spring and summer fashions. But what I love even more than warm weather fashions are free beauty products! Just in time to get your skin soft, silky and sexy so that you will look gorgeous in all your favorite warm weather fashions comes an amazing giveaway from my friends at freebeautyevents.com

For example, on May 10^th and 11^th, demonstrators will be at Rite Aid giving free samples and coupons of the new Revitalift Miracle Blur just in time for Mother’s Day. You can also celebrate Mother’s Day at H-E-B in Texas with a complimentary Almay makeover on May 12^th. Information like this is available on our website where spas and retailers can promote their events. Anyone who would like our site visitors to know about their beauty event can make a posting for free on our site at http://www.freebeautyevents.com/submit. To find out if an event will be near you, just enter your zip code in the upper right hand corner of our home page.

On our site you can enter your zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events are happening near your home. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter. In addition to listing in-store makeovers, Freebeautyevents.com also features a blog on product reviews (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/beauty-blog) and a monthly contesthttp://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest. We also do a contest each week with a smaller prize on our blog.

For the month of May 2013, we will be giving away 10 prizes. Each prize will consist ofDove Deep Moisture Body Wash with NutriumMoisture, Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash with NutriumMoisture, and Dove Beauty Bar for Deep Moisture. The Contest runs from 5/1/2013 to 5/31/2013, winners will be chosen on 6/2/2013 and notified by 6/15/2013.To enter, all people have to do is go tohttp://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest and supply their name, email (only used to contact winners), and zip.

Please review the disclaimer and disclosure section regarding product reviews and giveaways.

Hotel Supply Online

2013-05-03T16:04:00.001-04:00

Now that the spring and summer vacation seasons are getting started, tourism will soon be in full swing, If you own a hotel, resort, restaurant, bar or any other service that specializes in hospitality, then you know that this is the beginning of your busy time. And as a business owner you know that in order to be successful, you must offer the very best to your customers by the way of products and high quality personal service. And since time is money, why not simplify your shopping and purchase all your supplies with one online company, therefore allowing you to spend more time doing what you love, which is making your customers happy. A great online place to shop for all your service and hospitality supplies is at PeachSuite.com. Here you will find all the products you need to run your service/hospitality business.

PeachSuite.com has all your Hotel Supply Online supplies.They also offer banquet hall and dining room supplies including tables, linens, flatware and glassware. Catering supplies such as chocolate fountains, ice sculptures, beverage fountains are also available just to name a few. Guest room amenities include, appliances, outdoor furniture, paper items and cleaning supplies. If it is kitchen equipment you need then you will love the huge selection of cutlery, utensils and food prep items you need to create your professional kitchen. If you are in the Atlanta area, check out Atlanta Hotel Supply. They also have all the Hotel Bar Supplies you need to create the professional bar your customers are looking for.

Want Your Hair To Grow?

2013-05-03T10:40:00.000-04:00

As I've gotten older, my hair has gotten thinner. "Why is your braid so skinny?" my sister asked at a family party a few years back. That's when I knew something had changed. The super-thick French braid I had as a kid was gone -- it's now anemic and scraggly at the ends. And I'm not alone. New York City dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, says the number of patients coming to him with hair concerns is on the rise. "Sometimes it's due to stress, sometimes it's a thyroid problem," he says. But regardless of the cause, these patients all have one thing in common: "They all say the same thing: 'I wish I had the hair I had when I was 25,'" he says.

In order to get that hair, he says the right scalp and hair care is crucial -- and then there are vitamins for hair that can help as well. Since I've already tried every volumizing shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatment out there, I started researching vitamins for hair. The truth is they make me nervous. I'm selective about what I put into my mouth -- vitamins included -- and I don't want to ingest something unless I know it actually works. Here are seven of the most convincing vitamins for hair. Many of them blend together multiple ingredients -- like biotin and omegas -- for the best hair-growing potential. Read on to find out why you might want to take one.From Total Beauty.com

Want Your Hair To Grow?

Already regretting that new bob? Try one of these 7 hair vitamins that actually work

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article

What's more painful than waiting for a pot of water to boil? Waiting for your hair to grow. Even if you schedule regular trims and banish the heat tools, it can seem impossible to get your hair to grow. According to dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, the right scalp and hair care is crucial---and there are vitamins that can help get you to your ideal length fast. We rounded up the seven best hair vitamins that blend multiple ingredients together for the best hair-growth potential. Read on to see which one is best for you.

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The 10 Best Deep Conditioners

2013-05-02T11:55:00.002-04:00

Let's be honest ladies -- the men may have brute strength, muscles, and know how to change a tire on the freeway, but we have the power to make their knees buckle. It's not in our eyes or our lips even. You know it, we know it -- even the man down the block knows it. It's in our gloriously beautiful hair. Every single time we flip it mid-conversation, shyly tuck it behind our ears, peek out at them through our perfectly blown-out bangs, we know exactly what we're doing: making that stone cold heart melt like butter pecan pie in the middle of July.

If you're anything like us, then you know beautiful hair is the greatest accessory, but ironically we often damage it in the process... After switching back to being a redhead for the eighth time, our dry tresses just can't keep up. There should be a way we can get beautiful and healthy hair, no? For us gals with damaged, over-processed and dry hair (and for all you strawberry blondes out there that were god-intended brunettes), let us introduce you to your new hair savior -- damaged hair meet deep conditioner. We think you two will be very happy together.

Our readers dish on the best of the best that will help yield your most beautiful hair. Try using one of these besties after your regular conditioner once or twice a week. Apply enough of the product to cover all of your hair and put on a shower cap for the last ten minutes of your shower (while you're washing your face or shaving). Then, let it work its deep conditioning magic. And voila … beautiful hair. From Total beauty.com

The 10 Best Deep Conditioners

These reader-approved miracle workers will leave you with beautiful, hydrated hair

This is a TotalBeauty.com Hair care article

After all the brushing, curling, and blow drying your hair endures on a daily basis, your everyday conditioner just isn't going to cut it. There is only so much that conditioner can do when it's up against dry, over-processed, and damaged hair. If you want to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, you need to turn to a deep conditioner to work some serious hair-repair magic. Click ahead to see the top-rated deep conditioners Total Beauty readers are calling lifesavers

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NO. 10: TIGI BED HEAD DUMB BLONDE RECONSTRUCTOR, $16.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"It's great for all hair colors, types, and textures, and is even fabulous as a ph-balancer before highlights."

NO. 9: ORIGINS RICH REWARDS, $18.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8

"Rich, rewarding, and made my hair feel soft and healthy."

NO. 8: NEUTROGENA TRIPLE MOISTURE DEEP RECOVERY HAIR MASK, $6.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9

"With one use your hair is soft, manageable, touchable and gorgeously healthy."

Want to see what was the No.1 Best? Click Here!

7 New Skincare Ingredients To Get Excited About

2013-05-01T12:21:00.003-04:00

Skin care is an amazing field because there's so much science -- and new skin care ingredients are being discovered practically every day. I'm not saying you should give up on retinol, and I think everyone should slather on SPF religiously each morning, but there's also a ton of new skin care products you should try. From serums to BB creams, beauty brands are packing high-tech research into every step of your routine.

7 New Skincare Ingredients To Get Excited About

Retinols and glycolic acids are so yesterday. Get updated on the new buzz-worthy skin care ingredients

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin care article

When it comes to the beauty products we use everyday, skincare is where the science is. New skin care ingredients and skin care advancements are being discovered practically every day. The tried and true concoctions should still hold a place in your skin care regimen (don't skimp on the SPF and don't give up on retinol just yet!), but there are new and exciting skin care ingredients that you should introduce into your regular routine. Click ahead to get the 411 on the special skincare ingredients you should try.

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Employer Wellness Programs

2013-04-30T15:39:00.001-04:00

Making sure your employees are healthy and fit can lower health-insurance premiums for everyone. Wellness programs are becoming the norm for companies around the world. They ensure that employees are healthy, fit and capable of doing their job. It also helps people manage stress, weight and other health complications that may pose as an issue. About IncentaHealth.com IncentaHealth is one of many employer wellness programs. This program offers employees cash rewards for losing weight and maintaining that loss. There are special kiosks that track the employees weight. This machine is private and allows everyone to feel comfortable participating without ridicule. There are nutrition and informational segments for the program as well. Does It Work? IncentaHealth is a program that requires the honest participation of employees. If employees are consistent with the program, it will work. It's perfect for getting everyone motivated about losing weight and gaining health. What Is The Purpose? The purpose of this program is to lower health costs. It's beneficial for everyone participating. Some employees may not need to lose weight, but they can still learn from the program. Overall Opinion If your employees are overweight and struggling with their health, then this program is an excellent choice for helping those employees achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle.

Hair Vitamins For Hair Growth

2013-04-30T15:32:00.001-04:00

From totalbeauty.com's Dawn Davis, As I've gotten older, my hair has gotten thinner. "Why is your braid so skinny?" my sister asked at a family party a few years back. That's when I knew something had changed. The super-thick French braid I had as a kid was gone -- it's now anemic and scraggly at the ends. And I'm not alone. New York City dermatologist Dennis Gross, says the number of patients coming to him with hair concerns is on the rise. "Sometimes it's due to stress, sometimes it's a thyroid problem," he says. But regardless of the cause, these patients all have one thing in common: "They all say the same thing: 'I wish I had the hair I had when I was 25,'" he says. In order to get that hair, he says the right scalp and hair care is crucial -- and then there are vitamins for hair that can help as well.

Want Your Hair To Grow?

Already regretting that new bob? Try one of these 7 hair vitamins that actually work

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article

What's more painful than waiting for a pot of water to boil? Waiting for your hair to grow. Even if you schedule regular trims and banish the heat tools, it can seem impossible to get your hair to grow. According to dermatologist Dennis Gross, the right scalp and hair care is crucial---and there are vitamins that can help get you to your ideal length fast. We rounded up the seven best hair vitamins that blend multiple ingredients together for the best hair-growth potential. Read on to see which one is best for you.

See hair vitamins

Health Information For Health Concerns

2013-04-30T15:23:00.002-04:00

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic conditions, like heart problems, high blood pressure or migraines. They don't know the causes of these personal conditions. With a clinical trial, they can find the perfect answer for their problems. "Health is Essential to a Good Life" As you age, your body becomes less resistant to problems. You heal more slowly. Small aches and pains can become more serious. Some doctors just want to give you pills to keep you happy. A pill for this or a pill for that can add up. Many of these pills counteract with one another to cause new ailments. CureLauncher can find the perfect treatment for your malady. Your problem will be properly identified by trained professionals. Modern medicine has advanced into a new age. There is no reason for anyone to suffer. You appreciate good health when you don't have it. CureLauncher will help you get your life back with experimental drugs that are on the cutting edge of development. You will be taken care of and have access to the best medical products. CureLauncher can help you regain the health that is more important than anything else. Enjoy good health again with the clinical trials provided by CureLauncher.

5 Multitasking Sunscreens You Can't Even Tell Are Sunscreens

2013-04-30T13:15:00.001-04:00

Sure, sunscreen season is supposed to be every season, but let's get real: We all start to really get conscious of putting on sunscreen when the weather heats up. Flip through any women's magazine on stands right now and you'll see everyone is obsessed with finding the best sunscreen. Right next to the floral fashion spreads there's guaranteed to be some sort of sunscreen roundup. Most will have the newest releases, some will sort by skin type, and a few will feature the picks celebrities are buying. If, like me, you see these stories and mumble your best "yay," keep reading.

While I fully admit that, yes, this is also an obligatory sunscreen roundup, here's the big difference: None of these products are just sunscreen. These beauty products feature SPF at high levels (most above 30 and broad-spectrum, two crucial sunscreen attributes) and they're also just amazing products you're going to love. So before you stock up on Banana Boat this year, see if one of these multitasking sunscreens is primed to become your new fave. From Total Beauty.com

5 Multitasking Sunscreens You Can't Even Tell Are Sunscreens

Suncreens aren't always smelly, white, and goopy. This year's top picks are multitaskers that can be part of your beauty routine year round

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article

With summer almost here, sunscreen usually brings up images of bikini-clad individuals slathering on white, goopy lotion with that strong, distinct sunscreen smell. Hoerbrt, yhis season's best sunscreens aren't just sunscreens. High levels of SPF and broad-spectrum aside, these products are also multitaskers and amazing beauty products that you'll love even if you're staying inside. Check out the 5 best sunscreens this season.

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Perricone MD Blue Plasma Daily Peel Review

2013-04-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

Having great skin is something that should be attainable for all. For many, the secret to great skin is just a matter of finding the right skin care line. The right skin care line should be one that is easy to use, does not require a long time to complete, utilizes the highest quality, most cutting edge ingredients and obviously, one that delivers real results. A good skin care routine can help keep skin looking youthful, radiant, refreshed as well as minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. So rather than wasting your time and money on skin care products that don't deliver, why not treat your skin to professional quality products and keep it looking great now and for years to come.

Recently, I have been working with Perricone MD and have had the chance to try out some of their skin care products, compliments of Perricone MD for my review. These products were selected based on my particular skin care needs and concerns, ie. refreshing tired, maturing skin. After using and researching the Perricone MD products I have come to really appreciate their dedication to creating the most effective, high quality skin care products that will help give me my best skin.

The first product that I wanted to share with you is the Perricone MD Blue Plasma non-acidic daily peel. This amazing treatment helps to resurface and unveil a new and brighter complexion. It helps skin "achieve luxurious luminosity and glow as it smooths, hydrates and plumps lines and wrinkles" It chemically, without irritating my skin, lifts and removes dulling dirt and debris as well as unclogging my pores so that my skin looks brighter and more refined. The Blue Plasma is a great option for those who do not favor for the course exfoliating action of traditional facial scrubs but who love the look and feel of exfoliated skin. The Blue Plasma is so easy to use since there is no scrubbing, rubbing, peeling or long waiting periods before the product is absorbed. Due to the simplicity of the application, I also believe that this product would be a perfect addition to a skin care routine for someone who has a difficult time sticking to or remaining faithful to a skin care routine because of lengthy application processes .

I applied a few drops nightly to my freshly cleansed face, neck and decollete, waited a few moments and then followed with my Perricone MD facial moisturizer. That's it. It is so easy to use and the results are amazing! I found that the Perricone MD Blue Plasma daily peel made a significant improvement in the tone, texture and over all radiance of my complexion. I love how easily this product smoothed onto my skin, was easily absorbed and how nicely it complimented my moisturizer (I will discuss this moisturizer in a later post). Please check out the Perricone MD Blue Plasma as well as all the other products and skin care tips that Perricone MD has to offer for better looking skin. Let me know what you think. Till then! B.

Please review the disclosure and disclaimer section regarding product reviews.

9 Awkward Street Style Poses To Avoid

2013-04-29T10:36:00.002-04:00

I have one go-to move when I pose for photos: I call it the "side pose," where I smile, put one hand on my hip, and cheat my body out to the side. Admittedly, it's pretty similar to Paris Hilton's patented pose, but I don't care. It works for me, so I'm sticking with it. Whenever I try to mix things up with my poses, I look super awkward. Posing is tricky business; it's so easy to end up looking uncomfortable and stiff, and even the street style pros screw it up sometimes.

To prove it, I've sifted through street style shots to find the most awkward poses that you definitely do not want to recreate next time you're in front of a camera lens. These street style models and fashion bloggers look stunning, but each one has broken a cardinal rule of posing. But these street stylers shouldn't feel badly … for every handful of hits, it's pretty much guaranteed you're gonna have a miss. So, learn from other's mistakes, and click through our gallery to see the cream of the awkward crop. You might already be guilty of trying one of these poses, but at least you can avoid being a repeat offender. From Total Beauty.com

9 Awkward Street Style Poses To Avoid

Just because the outfits are fabulous doesn't mean the poses are. Stay away from these regrettable looks during your next photo op

This is a TotalBeauty.com Health & Beauty article

Everyone has their go to pose when it comes to taking pictures. Usually it involves turning your body to the side, a hand on the hip, and pointing that chin down. Unfortunately, there are always a few poses you see tagged on Facebook that you wish you hadn't tried. But don't worry; even the most chic and model-esque people screw it up. Need proof? Flip through your favorite blogs and street style photos. We rounded up the most awkward street style poses so you can learn from their mistakes. Click ahead to see which poses to avoid.

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Why You Do Actually Need Green, Pink and Yellow Face Powders

2013-04-26T11:55:00.000-04:00

It all started at New York Fashion Week, the Spring 2013 season. I went backstage at more than 30 shows, and every makeup artist I interviewed was obsessed with the same thing: skin. But it wasn’t the dewy, makeup-free skin of seasons past. Instead, it was perfectly highlighted and contoured skin. The key ingredient? Face powder. And -- no shocker here -- dozens of new face powders are now hitting the market.

Now, when I think of face powder, I'm reminded of the chalky, cakey powders I wore in high school. The color never quite matched my fair complexion, but I spackled it on anyway -- an attempt to get rid of shine and hide my freckles. But those are not the same face powders makeup artists used backstage at Fashion Week. Skip ahead to learn more about the best new face powders. The new generation of face powders is completely different. Most notably, the colors are sometimes … well, a little bizarre. The new powders range from white to green to pink, which may make them look intimidating, but makeup artists swear they're foolproof. Plus, the particles are micronized, which means they are so tiny it's impossible for them to clump.

And the purpose of these new face powders is different, as well; instead of covering imperfections like a foundation, they do the opposite -- they highlight your best features, make your makeup look flawless, and give your skin a serious glow. So, once you get over the initial shock of a green face powder, grab a fluffy brush and get started -- you'll be amazed by how pretty your skin looks. From Total Beauty.com

Why You Do Actually Need Green, Pink, and Yellow Face Powders

Brightly-colored face powders may look shocking but they'll make your skin look amazing

This is a TotalBeauty.com Makeup article

There is a new generation of face powders on the market and they certainly look . . . unique. They're not the usual oil-absorbing powders that never matched your skin tone. These are white, green, yellow, and pink face powders so bright they can give some eye shadow palettes a run for their money. But before you automatically pass them up in the beauty aisle, listen up: Professional makeup artists swear by these new powders -- and the swear that they're fool proof. Click ahead to see which new face powders will highlight your best features and give your skin an enviable glow.

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Moissanite Jewelry Created By Charles & Covard - A Leader In The Jewelry Industry

2013-04-25T11:26:00.006-04:00

Charles & Covard created Moissanite and is a leader in the jewelry industry. Their gems are the most brilliant jewels in the world. The gem refractive index is 2.65 to 2.69, which exceeds that of a diamond; however, they weigh less than diamonds, so jewelers often sell these gems by size rather than weight. The gems used in the various types of jewelry are available in a variety of stone shapes, and while most of the moissanite gems are colorless, some are near-colorless with undertones of yellow, gray and green. There are some rare fancy green gems as well. There are a wide variety of necklaces, including solitaire pendants, religious pendants, and a number of fashion pendants. They also carry several chains to match the pendants. There is a lovely selection of earrings, including studs and fashion earrings in all price ranges. Tennis bracelets are also a popular choice. There are hundreds of gorgeous rings available for all those special occasions. More than 300 engagement rings in gorgeous styles can be found, as well as, a unique assortment of exquisite solitaire rings, anniversary bands, eternity bands, right-hand rings and men’s rings, each containing beautifully cut gems that are sure to please. In addition, three collection sets are showcased which are unrivaled in their beauty as they are four grades whiter than conventional moissanite and 10 percent brighter than diamonds. The Forever Brilliant Collection exhibits jewelry in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Red Carpet Collection flaunts a gorgeous collection of diverse pendants. The third collection set is the Venazia Collection with handcrafted gems in earrings, rings and necklaces.

7 Fresh Haircuts to Liven Up Your Look

2013-04-25T11:19:00.001-04:00

Think back to all the times you've ever taken a chance at the hair salon. Was it the dead of winter or the middle of warm and sunny spring? If we had to guess, we bet you got bangs in March or chopped off your waist-long hair in April. There's just something about this season that makes you want to go to the salon and get a fresh new spring haircut. And while we love switching things up just as much as the next girl, we know that you've gotta do your homework first. You don't want to march into the salon and tell the hairstylist to "do whatever you want." While we applaud that kind of laid back vibe, you won't be feeling so easygoing when you walk out of there looking like Kate Gosselin circa 2009.

So we've rounded up the seven freshest spring haircuts for 2013 that will make you want to mix up your routine and try something new. And we asked celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Antin (who's worked with Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Drew Barrymore, just to name a few), to weigh in on why these cuts are worth giving a try. We've got long haircuts, pixie cuts, and all the in-between stuff. So keep clicking to find your perfect spring haircut and then bring the picture to your next salon appointment. From Total Beauty.com

7 Fresh Haircuts to Liven Up Your Look

You've got the wedges and floral print skirt. Top off your spring look with a new crop

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article

Spring is all about shedding the heavy winter outwear, switching from a hot latte to an iced one, and swapping that wine-stained lip for a bright coral gloss. So, it's no surprise that you've probably got an itch to change up your hairstyle as well. That's why we rounded up the freshest haircuts of 2013. From pixies to long haircuts to everything in between, check out these new looks before you book your next salon appointment.

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Michael O'Rourke Rock Your Hair Line Review Voluminous Hair

2013-04-24T13:09:00.002-04:00

I grew up in the 80's therefore, big hair and hair bands were a HUGE part of my life. And even though I have gotten older, that 80's big haired girl will always be part of me. The difference now is that my hair is not as big as it was but it definitely has lots of volume and lift. So, when I was asked to review the super cool Michael O'Rourke Rock Your Hair line, compliments of Rock Your Hair, I jumped at the chance.

At fist glance I must tell you how much I love and appreciate the edgy packaging and design of this product line. Everything from the sexy hot pink color of the bottles and playful names of the products to the rhinestone embellished rock 'n roll heart that adorns the bottles completely caught my attention and won me over. The main goal of the Michael O'Rourke Rock Your Hair Line is to simply create volume and lots and lots of it without the heaviness and stiffness that we typically associate with volumizing hair products.

The Michael O'Rourke Rock Your Hair Line includes their volumizing Big Hair Rocks Shampoo and Conditioner, Miracle Leave-In Conditioner, Bombshell Big Hair Powder, Size Matters Big Volume Root Lift and of course, Spray it Hard Big Volume Hairspray. I started first with the shampoo and conditioner which both smell amazing. The secret behind sexy full hair starts with an amazing shampoo and conditioner. Together the Big Hair Rocks Shampoo and Conditioner create the foundation necessary for fuller more voluminous hair. I found that the shampoo lathered up nicely and the conditioner instantly detangled my strands. I could already tell that the shampoo and conditioner made my hair feel fuller, prepping it for "full voluminzation".

Prior to blow drying my hair I applied the Miracle Leave-In Conditioner which smells fresh and amazing, then sprayed my roots with the Michael O'Rourke Size Matters Root Lift and then proceeded to blow dry my hair. What I had when I was done drying, was hair that looked and felt naturally thicker, fuller and shinier with more volume minus any stiffness or crunchiness. For extra volume and hold, I sprinkled a light dusting of the Bombshell Big Hair Powder on my hair, then set it with my Velcro rollers and lightly spritzed them with the Michael O'Rourke Spray it Hard Hairspray. And viola! The volume and hold that my hair had was incredible!. Soft, full, REAL voluminous hair without the stiffness and dryness. This is a fantastic hair care line!!!

The hairspray smells light, fresh and adds serious volume and hold without leaving your hair stiff and crunchy. This is NOT your typical extra hold hairspray, it is sooooo much better. The Bombshell Big Hair Powder is my favorite product in this line. I have NEVER used a powder like this one. It feels cool and ever so slightly tacky to the touch but it leaves your hair soft, shiny and instantly full of incredible volume without feeling the least bit tacky. I have no idea how it works but I do know that it works like magic. I love, love, love this product! So, if you love sexy voluminous hair then you absolutely MUST check out the entire Michael O'Rourke Rock Your Hair Line. It will not disappoint! Please let me know what you think. Till then! B.

9 Beauty Products You Have To Snag This Month

2013-04-24T11:52:00.001-04:00

Spring collections -- both beauty and fashion -- launch too early. Coral lipstick and raffia sandals do not interest me in January when I'm still bundling up in my full-length puffy coat. It's a tease. If I bought them three months ago they'd be covered in dust. April, however, is the perfect time to shop for new products. Why? Two words: spring cleaning.

Once you toss the gunky moisturizer and crusty hand cream you've been using all winter, you'll have so much room in your vanity and medicine cabinet. And all that space is just begging to be filled with the best beauty products launching this month. Plus, it's finally starting to warm up outside. You might actually use a new self-tanner or mineral sunscreen rather than hoping you'll use them. There are so many fantastic new beauty products hitting shelves right now I had a hard time narrowing down my list. You can't go wrong with any one -- or all -- of the nine featured here. Pick them up now, and you'll be using -- and loving -- them all season.From Total Beauty.com

9 Beauty Products You Have to Snag this Month

Hope you did your spring (beauty) cleaning! You'll want to make room for April's must-have beauty buys

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article

Now that April is here, your beauty routine is in transition mode. You chucked that gunky moisturizer and dried-out mascara in your spring-cleaning purge, leaving plenty of room for fresh new products. The weather is finally getting warmer, so it's time to get your hands on punchy palettes and mineral sunscreens, and you'll want to give that new self-tanner a whirl. To help you restock your makeup bag and medicine cabinet, we rounded up the top April beauty buys that you'll use and love all season long.

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Beauty Giveaways - Freebeautyevents.com

2013-04-09T13:16:00.002-04:00

Get ready ladies! All of you who love your beauty giveaways, special discounts and beauty demonstrations I want to share with you some hot deals going on right now that you are going to love! According to my friends at Freebeautyevents.com "There is a Walgreens SaturDate with Beauty for Coty and Elizabeth Arden on May 11th where customers can experience the top Coy and Elizabeth Arden fragrances and enjoy special discounts. Beauty Advisors will also be showing customers how to use Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs products and demonstrating Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color which dries in just 60 seconds. Don’t miss out on great coupons for Airbrush Legs and Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color for these products. Information like this is available on our website where spas and retailers can promote their events. To find out if an event will be near you, just enter your zip code in the upper right hand corner of our home page Freebeautyevents.com

On our site you can enter your zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events are happening near your home. Readers can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter. In addition to listing in-store makeovers, Freebeautyevents.com also features a blog on product reviews (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/beauty-blog) and a monthly contesthttp://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest. We also do a contest each week with a smaller prize on our blog."

For the month of April 2013, we will be giving away 10 prizes. Each prize will consist ofL’Oreal Youth Code Day Lotion SPF 30, L’Oreal Youth Day/Night Cream, and CoverGirl Cheekers Blush. The Contest runs from 4/1/2013 to 4/30/2013, winners will be chosen on 5/2/2013 and notified by 5/15/2013. To enter, all people have to do is go to http://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest and supply their name, email (only used to contact winners), and zip.

10 Ways To Lose 5 Pounds By This Weekend

2013-04-09T09:02:00.000-04:00

If only I could lose 5 pounds by Friday. So goes the all-too-common refrain, often overheard in dressing rooms, ladies restrooms, and spin classes galore -- or, let's face it, anywhere there's a mirror and a captive female listener who'll pretend to care. It's not like we're obsessed with being something we're not, but a flatter belly or looser jeans asap would definitely come in handy for an impromptu beach weekend or party where we expect to see an ex. The thing is, most of us don't think it's possible to look 5 pounds thinner that fast. But here's a shocker: It's do-able. And you don't need to go on some long-term, healthy foods diet to lose weight that quickly. Don't just take our word for it. Our favorite experts say that depending on your body type, it's realistic to drop 5 pounds in five days -- or at least lose enough water weight, or trim enough inches, to make it look like you have, which is all that really matters.

Best of all, none of the following ways to look skinnier involve crash dieting, funky pills, or hunger pangs that'll make you run for the nearest vending machine at 4 p.m. Instead, these tips involve eating good-for-you foods, staying adequately hydrated, exercising for a reasonable amount of time, and breathing deeply -- all stuff that we should be doing anyway to help our bodies thrive in the midst of our stressful, busy, and emotionally exhausting lives (funny how these are the factors that contribute to a lot of weight gain in the first place). And while each tip is designed to make an impact on its own, combining a few of these can only help you lose weight more quickly. So put down that diet soda and get a jump on sliding into those skinny jeans by Friday. Here's how.From Total Beauty.com

10 Ways To Lose 5 Pounds By This Weekend

Need to fit into a dress by the weekend? Don't crash diet! Here's how you can lose weight quickly and safely

This is a TotalBeauty.com Diet article

We all know that a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are key for long term weight loss. But more often than not, we wish we could speed up that process! Especially when it comes to that slinky dress you need to squeeze into this Saturday night, or (gasp!) the impromptu beach weekend. Luckily, experts agree that it is realistic to drop five pounds in five days, without crash dieting or taking risky pills. All you need is a focus on healthy foods, hydration, and exercise. Keep reading to learn more.

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NeoStrata Eye Cream Review - Anti-Aging Eye Cream

2013-04-08T11:52:00.001-04:00

Looking for an anti-aging eye cream that fights fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations and also helps to keep your delicate eye area soft and hydrated? Well, I just may have the product you've been searching for. NeoStrata's Best-Selling Eye Cream utilizes the powers of Hyaluronic Acid, green tea, primrose and avocado oil to help soothe eyes and keep them hydrated and youthful looking. Developed by top derm docs, the NeoStrata Eye Cream is formulated to target and treat the skin concerns that many of us have around the eyes that cause us to look older. I recently received a sample of the NeoStrata Eye Cream compliments of NeoStrata for my review. Here's what I found:

The NeoStrata Eye Cream official product description, "This effective eye cream is formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritating the delicate eye area. Gluconolactone helps strengthen skin’s protective barrier, so skin is less vulnerable to irritants. Hyaluronic Acid reduces dryness and maintains a light moisture shield. Green tea, evening primrose and avocado oil soothe delicate skin. Fragrance-free. Hypoallergenic. Ophthalmologist tested. Formulated with 4% Gluconolactone, Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5."

I applied the NeoStrata Eye Cream to my eye area in the morning and night as part of my daily skin care routine. I love the soft, smooth and non-greasy texture of this eye cream as well as how quickly it was absorbed into my skin. The NeoStrata Eye Cream helps to keep the delicate skin surrounding the eyes soft, smooth and hydrated. I knew this product was working well when I looked closely at my eyes after I applied my eye concealer and foundation and I noticed how smooth and "non-cakey" my under eye area looked. This is my own personal gauge that I use to see how well an eye cream works. If I see "cakey" under eye makeup then I know that my eye cream is not doing its job.

The NeoStrata Eye Cream is an excellent anti-aging eye cream, no wonder it is one of NeoStrata's Best-Sellers!. I love its texture, how easily it goes on and how youthful and smooth it makes my eye area look. Also, I love the fact that I get a nice sized tube of high quality eye cream for the price ($46 for 0.5 oz). For more information on the NeoStrata Eye Cream as well as all the skin care products they offer please check out their website, NeoStrata.com. Please let me know what you think. Till then! B.

Please review the disclaimer and disclosure section regarding product reviews.

Beauty Products We Just Can't Kick

2013-04-08T09:07:00.001-04:00

Right now, I'm going through a horrible breakup with all of my favorite beauty products. I'm not alone, either. All of us Total Beauty editors are taking a break from our beloved moisturizers and hair masks. The reason behind our splits? We're testing nominees for the Total Beauty Awards 2013. (You can vote for your favorite beauty products here.) See, as beauty editors, we see literally hundreds of new products every year. Maybe thousands. But January through April is like speed dating for product junkies. We can't afford to go steady with any beauty product (no matter how amazing it is) because we have tons of new products that need our attention and review. But here's a little secret we've all been keeping: We're totally cheating.

Sure, we're giving each Beauty Awards candidate its full time, but we are also reuniting with our trusty faves every chance we get. Especially when a skin or hair tester wreaks more havoc than it does good. To explain our longing for our all-time favorite beauty products, we each wrote little love letters explaining the top five beauty products we couldn't image life without. Read on to see which gems made the list. If it sounds like we're gushing, we are. These products are that good. From Total Beauty.com

Beauty Products We Just Can't Kick

Beauty editors see hundreds (literally) of products each year, but these long-time editor favorites prove that "newer" doesn't always mean "better"

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article

Beauty editors need to know how to play the field. We'd love to settle down with our favorite trusty products, but being on top of the latest beauty trends means trying out new products on the regular, even if that involves tossing your latest fling aside. But at the end of the day, editors always run back to their favorites, like the trusty cleanser that stayed by our side during that horrible breakout, or the loyal conditioner that always knows how to console us after a coloring catastrophe. Click ahead to see the top five beauty products each Total Beauty Editor couldn't imagine life without.

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The 10 Best Bar Soaps

2013-04-07T10:54:00.001-04:00

What image pops into your head when you hear the word "bar soap"? I instantly think of those plain, paper-wrapped soaps in hotel bathrooms. You know, the ones that always end up melting into the shower or sink after one use? Basically, bar soaps get a resounding "meh," and I'll be the first to admit I've stuck with my trusty body wash for a while now.

But after years of bar soaps staying out of the spotlight, they're back. Beauty junkies everywhere are swapping out their shower gel for a bar soap -- and I'm one of 'em. Turns out there is a breed of bars that can pack as much luxury (if not more) than their liquid counterparts, and Total Beauty readers have found them. Our reviewers have ranked these must-have bar soaps from better to best, so you can skip the dry, tight skin and go straight to soft and supple in one step. Ready to take your body wash off that pedestal? Click ahead to see the 10 best bar soaps. From Total Beauty.com

The 10 Best Bar Soaps

So long, shower gel. These sudsy bar soaps will have you switching teams

This is a TotalBeauty.com Skin care article

OK, OK, I know what you're thinking. Bar soaps are just that: boring, rectangular bars made of soap. When you compare them to shower gels and body washes that come in enticing bottles and formulas that foam like a dream, it seems like there's no competition. However, Total Beauty readers have found bar soaps so good, they rival even the most popular shower gels. Ready to make the switch? Check out the top rated bar soaps and why they made the cut.

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NO. 10: CARESS DAILY SILK BEAUTY BAR, $7.79

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1

"The bar lathers up nicely and really gets my skin feeling clean."

NO. 9: L'OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER EXTRA GENTLE SOAP, $10

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.9

"I honestly wish I could shower 24 hours a day just to use this soap!"

NO. 8: BLISS BIG BLUE BAR, $15

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.3

"It suds unbelievably and smells so good."

Want to see what was the No.1 Best? Click Here!

FRAAS Mystical Coast Line, Mystical Waters Scarf Review

2013-04-03T13:54:00.001-04:00

Sunny days, warmer temperatures and birds singing can mean only one thing. Spring is HERE! And as someone who lives through harsh winters in the northeast, counting the days until springtime is here is the only thing that gets me through winter. And now that it is finally here, I can put away my winter clothes and start shopping for new spring clothing. What I love most about spring clothing are the colors. I always look forward to wearing the warm colors of spring because they always put a smile on my face. And even though my wardrobe may not yet have full "spring finesse", I have learned that simply adding a colorful scarf to my outfit is a super cute way to brighten up my wardrobe and make me look "springy". I was able to get a sneak peak at what will be hot this season in the way of scarves from FRAAS. I recently received a complimentary sample of the Mystical Coast, Mystical Waters scarf in coral from Lipton Publicity for review. One thing is for sure, this scarf definitely puts the "spring" into my spring wardrobe! Check it out.

The Mystical Waters scarf is a beautiful, "over-sized printed scarf that measures 40x72 inches which means that it can be worn as a wrap or a scarf. It retails for $48 and is available in beautiful vibrant turquoise and coral." I love how the bright warm colors of this scarf seems to go perfectly with almost everything in my closet. I also love that it instantly brightens my face and makes me look happy as well as fashion forward while I am wearing it. The Mystical Waters scarf can be worn both professionally, casually or it can be used to put the finishing touch on your outfit for an evening out with friends. I love this scarf and I am sure that you will too!

For more on what FRAAS has to offer, please check them out at fraas.com or amazon.com .You can also directly order from the company by calling 212-575-019. Please let me know what you think. Till then! B.

Please review the disclosure and disclaimer section regarding product reviews.

6 Underground Hipster- Worthy Beauty Products

2013-04-03T13:08:00.000-04:00

Trying to define the word "hipster" is like trying to catch a butterfly. It's one of those oblique, ever-changing terms that's pretty much impossible to pin down. Which is why we're not about to dive into the whole "What is a hipster, really?" debate. But what we are willing to declare -- even though it may cause a bit of a ruckus -- is this: Hipsters like makeup, too!

Next time you're browsing through Sephora, look around. We guarantee you'll see at least one in the checkout line. But a hipster's cosmetic bag isn't filled with CoverGirl concealer or Revlon blush. They're into the indie, you've-probably-never-heard-of-it kind of stuff. So, we've come up with a list of our favorite hipster-approved beauty products. And yeah, we know, a true hipster would never give anything a big ol' stamp of approval. But we're willing to bet that even the hippest of hipsters -- you know, the ones deep in the heart of Brooklyn -- would be into these products. So, squeeze into a pair of skinny jeans, adjust your thick-rimmed glasses, and keep clicking to get these goods before they become mainstream. From Total Beauty.com

6 Underground, Hipster-Worthy Beauty Products

These products are so cool, you've probably never even heard of them

This is a TotalBeauty.com Makeup article

At this point, the label "hipster" has so many changing definitions and technicalities that you will probably qualify as one in some form eventually. But one thing most can agree on is a hipster's appreciation of underground things that aren't tarnished (yet) by being "mainstream" and loved by the masses. No, we'd never disapprove of a CoverGirl concealer or Rimmel mascara, but every now and then it's fun to embrace your inner hipster and get in on something others have yet to discover. Consider this one of those times.

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