I will be switching to all sulfate free shampoos now that I have color in my hair and will not be heat styling every day to cut down on potential hair damage. Here are some sulfate free shampoos that I want to try.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo

Bumble & Bumble Gentle Shampoo

Herbal Essences Naked Moisture Shampoo

L'Oréal Ever Pure Shampoo

Last week was my senior prom. I wanted to show you my nails, hair and the makeup I wore, because it really lasted through a long night of dancing the night away.

My prom day started by getting a manicure. I wanted to go natural because my dress was bright red. I chose MAC Thimbleweed from the Proenza Schouler collection. It is a pale nude and gave my nails just enough color and lots of shine.

My Mom did my makeup and she helped me to chose the best long-lasting products, but I insisted on a lot of my Urban Decay favorites a few things like CoverGirl's Bombshell Mascara, it's the only one I will use, and Urban Decay's Perversion Ink for Eyes. I wanted to look bronzey and natural with a little bit of a bronzey smokey eye. I wanted my lips natural with Urban Decay's Naked lipgloss too. I don't like a lot of makeup on my eyes because my eyes and lashes are very dark already.

After my makeup was done, I went to the salon, where Paul did my hair. I wanted some pulled back and to wear some down. I have a lot of hair and it is naturally very wavy and almost curly. I showed Paul a few pictures, but really just let him do what he wanted in the back and then had him do some loose waves on the bottom.

Here is the final look at my prom makeup. It came out how I envisioned it.

Prom was great! My best advice to those going to prom is to use long-lasting makeup and a good makeup primer. The makeup primer my Mom used on me from Hourglass worked really well because my makeup looked just good at the end of the night as I did when I left for the prom.

Shaving is not a chore that I take lightly. I do not want to cut up my skin. I demand soft and smooth skin at all times. I look for products that work, and make shaving fast and easy for me. My latest discovery is Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil.

Bikini Soft Smooth Shave Oil not only makes shaving fast and easy for me, it helps keep my skin soft and smooth because of the oil formula that helps my razor glide right over my skin. This shave oil is a lubricant that reduces all forms of irritation such as razor burn, nicks, and cuts. It is the perfect mixture of natural oils, rich moisturizers and skin softeners that do the trick. Shaving has never been so easy. It works both in and out of the shower, and like I said, makes shaving easier than ever for me.

Bikini Soft Snooth Shave Oil sells for $12.99 at bikinisoft.com.

Here is the process. My hair was sectioned and twisted in various ways, eight different times.

In the end, we decided I had left too much hair out front, so we twisted another piece, around the side and secured it into one of the back twists. It sort of looked like a bohemian style crown.

It only took about 35 minutes from start to finish. The secret to a successful updo is unwashed and unconditioned hair. I washed my hair one day prior to the Prom, but didn't condition it that day. Working with "dirty" hair is easier and it stayed better.

I plan to wear a similar style for homecoming, the winter formal and a wedding I have coming up this fall. I need to get back to Pinterest for more inspiration for my Senior prom next year.

Can you tell I had a blast at Prom?

The NEW L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Curl Care System is a good one. In fact, it is the first-to-mass sulfate-free system designed specifically for women with curls. EverCurl delivers on the top concerns of curly girls – moisture, definition and shine. The line offers customized hair care that suits all curl types – from loose waves to tight curls.  This new, six-piece collection features a 2-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner – a low-poo, gentle option for simultaneously cleansing and conditioning curls, along with a slew of hair styling products.

I have almost curly hair. It is more than wavy, but not kinky curly. I learn to love my curls come summer when I hate to heat style it. I am obsessed with EverCurl Hydracharge Leave-In Cream.

Two pumps of this cream spread though my hair and my long hair and loose natural curls are soft, silky and frizz free. I can finally let my hair air dry and look gorgeous thanks to this curl savior.

Shop for L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Curl Care System products at chain drug, food and mass market retailers. The Shampoos & Conditioners are just $6.99 each and the styling products retails for $8.99 each.

My brothers actually get more break outs than me. Joey gets them on his chin but only when wearing his chin strap for football.  With all that sweat and dirt in there, no wonder he has started to get a few pimples. Justin and Johnny get them on their forehead, and I swear it is because they wear hats a lot. Of course, being a little wiser, I would probably just stop wearing the baseball hats all the time and give the skin a chance to breathe! They never listen to me though, so I asked them to help me put a few products to the test.

We found the following acne products to really work!

Alba Botanica® Natural ACNEdote Clean 'n Treat Towelettes - $5.99
Give zits the one-two punch! This two-in-one medicated cleanser is infused with natural Willow Bark Extract that naturally sweeps up dirt, sweat, makeup and grime then deposits maximum strength 2% Salicylic Acid acne medication deep into pores to stop pimples where they start. Skin is cleansed without a trace of excess oil or dryness caused by over-irritation. I've had Joey use these as soon as he comes in from football and it is really helping to clean and clear his skin.

L’Oréal Paris Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout - $6.99
Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout is an anti-acne formula that’s clinically-proven to help eliminate blemishes, pimples and blackheads while cleansing It is specially formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate, open clogged pores and remove bacteria, and Glycerin to hydrate the skin so it doesn't get too dry. The signature Scrublet™ helps to apply, which really works so much better than just hands. It's a soft, flexible disc that applies a rich lather that goes deep – unclogging pores and gently removing traces of dirt, oil and makeup. I've been using this at night and Johnny & Joey have a bottle in their shower to use every day too.  I think it is really great to treat the skin while getting it as clean as it can be.

bliss no ‘zit’ sherlock breakout-busting rubberizing mask - $38.00 for 6 masks
My brothers wouldn't dare try this, but I wish this would because it has done such a great job at shrinking my pores. Small, clear pores = clear skin. It's a totally cool mask that has a rubber texture! It is designed to temporarily take over the skin’s surface to purge pores and absorb impurities and allows the mask’s key ingredients to be optimally absorbed by the skin. This mask is packed with pore-de-clogging, oil-absorbing, super-soothing ingredients like tea tree, willow and menthol extracts and nourishing, detoxifying seaweed. Ultimately, it helps control oil, prevent future break outs and even helps to fade break outs. This weekly seaweed mask is a must.

Proactiv 3-Step System - $19.95
These three daily products which make up three steps, are made to transform acne-prone skin.

• Step 1: Renewing Cleanser - This cleanser contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with advanced micro crystals that quickly penetrate pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. At the same time, chamomile extract and other soothing ingredients help keep skin balanced and hydrated.
• Step 2: Revitalizing Toner - Glycolic acid (5%), a botanical-rich blend of chamomile, aloe and panthenol combine to remove dead skin cells while hydrating and soothing to help achieve an even-toned complexion.
• Step 3: Repairing Treatment - This medicated lotion absorbs deep into pores and contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with ultra fine micro-crystals, that go quickly into cleansed, open pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact.

Justin has been using all three products and has seen a huge improvement in the acne on his forehead.  The rest of us are just using the repairing treatment to spot treat our pimple prone areas.

Now, if you have severe acne, you need to tell your parents that you need to see your doctor.  There are a some really great prescription products that can help in addition to the over the counter products I recommended.

The latest U.S. Department of Justice report shows 30% of female students grades 6 – 12 were bullied at school or cyberbullied during the 2009 – 2010 school year, and Mean Stinks is committed to being part of the solution.

Secret wants to help bring an end to girl-to-girl bullying by inspiring girls to “gang up” around acts of good.  As I talked about last year, kids are mean, girls in particular.  I don't think a week goes by that I don't witness this horrific behavior happening, either right in front of me or on the internet. With so many things like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, there is so much "mean" in front of me all the time.

Simply put, we need to change our thoughts and behavior. Secret is helping lead the way. Not only do they want to get the message across, they have taken one of their great products, Clinical Strength Deodorant, and made a new version for Mean Stinks. Secret Mean Stinks gives us a Clinical Strength product to help protect against the ‘stink’ caused by wetness and odor, while providing a way to ‘stick-up’ against what really stinks – BEING MEAN.  Secret will be donating $1 (up to $150,000) from the purchases of this new Mean Stinks Clinical Strength sold to Girls on the Run®, to fund their girl empowerment programming and help prevent mean behavior before it starts.

A super easy and fun way to get involved and bring awareness to the problem and the campaign is to take the Mean Stinks Pinky Swear. To take the Pinky Swear, just paint your pinky nail blue in a show of peace & solidarity to keep mean out of your group of friends before heading back to school. I have been wearing mine and everyone asks me about it. Already, a few of my friends are now sporting blue pinky nails too.

To find out even more and get involved in the Secret Mean Stinks campaign, join them over on the Mean Stinks Facebook page.

You can get Fearlessly Fresh right now on the P&G e-store or at your favorite drugstore starting next month.

In their Get The Look section, that I am totally addicted to by the way, the pros that know teach you in three easy steps, how to get a pretty, natural look.

screenshot from benefitcosmetics.com

The core products are for perfecting the skin and looking it look even and natural, with a bit of a glow, then topping it off with mascara and a neutral lipstick.

You'll have to check out the look details to see exactly all the Benefit products they used, but the look is easy to create using a few items that you may have already in addition to the ones suggested in the tutorial.

I do know that I want to pick up the POREfessional to minimize and hide my pores while making for a great surface to work on. I have a few makeup primers, but this look calls for a brightening primer - I like that suggestion. I have the boi-ing concealer already and this baby is great for my dark eye circles (thanks Dad!) and for covering those pesky pimples that pop up now and then. I have stolen my Mom's dandelion powder and I really like it. It brightens up my cheeks with just a hint of pink. It doesn't show up all that well with my tan, but the subtle glow is enough. The look finishes with mascara and a lipstick, but you could use what you already have.

Click Dare to Go Bare to see the look. Be sure to check out the other easy looks they have created:

Blushing Beauty - This look features a neutral eye with a pop of color on the cheeks (obviously) and a pretty pink lip.

Glowing My Way - This look is all about gorgeous, glowy skin.

Eye Gotcha! - This look features beautiful, subtle shades on the skin with an emphasis on the eyes

License to Bronze - This one totally suits me for summer and is perfect for extending summer into fall.

Starlet Fever - If you want an all out glam look, this one is it. Long lashes, lots of liner and red lips complete this red carpet look.

Up In Smoke - Smoky eyes are easy with these tips and products. Not for an every day look at school, this one definitely comes in handy for after school functions (aka PARTIES!).

Readily available at Bath & Body Works stores, these handy dandy clip and go portable fragrance discs are amazing. No plug, batteries or dangerous flames, these scented discs surround small spaces in refreshing, beautiful scents.

They come in a ton of great scents too. My fave is Frosted Cupcake. And for just $5.00, every small space can be scented - and stay that way for about 6 weeks.

The only problem is, I cannot decide which cute base (which sells for $4.00) I want.

Once the cooler weather sets in and bikinis and dresses are traded for pants and sweaters, it’s tempting to skip a shave here and there. But it’s important to shave year-round, especially the bikini line! Shaving the bikini line with Pure Silk on a regular basis helps to form a microscopic layer of calloused skin, which helps prevent irritation from shaving. Come summertime – or that much-anticipated winter vacation – this calloused layer will help keep away those unsightly red bumps that can appear when skin becomes irritated after a prolonged period without shaving.

Keep it smooth by simply purchasing at drugstores and mass retailer nationwide where it sells for under $2.00.

Did you know that the average complexion has about 200,000 pores? Did you also know that pores can enlarge up to twice their normal size when clogged? It doesn't sound pretty, now does it?

With Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips you’re pore problems are on their way to being SOLVED!

These strips are clinically proven to instantly remove pore-clogging dirt, oil and blackheads. It’s the deepest and safest way to whisk away weeks of buildup in just ten minutes.

Have you ever used these and see how they worked? I mean, it is pretty gross to see all your blackheads all over the strip after you finish using it. But, hello... that is the point. The strips show just how well they work.

Stock up for about $7.50 a box at your favorite drugstore. You know you like to be "in".

OOh - by the way, make sure you look for the new updated white and blue packaging too. Last time I looked for them I thought they were discontinued when I couldn't find the pretty green box.

My beach bag, a really cute peach striped one from J.Crew, is filled with my beach bag beauty essentials.

1. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - I spray this in my hair after I come out of the water before I brush. I helps to detangle my hair a bit, but it helps it dry to that beachy wave look I like at the beach.
2. Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant - This deodorant goes on clear, dries in seconds and lasts up to 48 hours, but I like to reapply after a day at the beach before I get dressed. I'd never chance being stinky!
3. U by Kotex Tampons - These are a necessity, well, just in case. You never know when you or a friend will need one, so a box is always in my bag. When needed, they are easy to insert and super comfy to wear.
4. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Stick - I know I'm not a baby, but I love this super gentle sunscreen on my face. It protects with SPF 60 and has never made me break out.
5. Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15 - Of course I need to protect lips from a long day in the sun. This lip balm is super soft and keeps lips smooth and protected from the sun.
6. Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Spray - This sprays on, leaving a light oiled look that doesn't feel overly greasy. I use SPF 15 because I am pretty dark skinned already and this lets me get a bit of a tan. It does comes in higher SPF ratings too.

Happy beaching!

If you have to straighten your hair, you might as well use one that is totally hot and stylish, right? I think so, and that is why I use a gold standard in hair straighteners, the ghd Gold Classic styler, but it is styled and colored in a great green peacock shade in a special limited edition. It is called the ghd Green Peacock Styler.

This ghd Green Peacock Styler is amazing.  The super smooth ceramic hair plates glides over hair without ever puling or dragging. It just glides and instantly straightens and smoothes hair.  It even comes complete with a storage bag and heat resistant mat. The mat helps protect surfaces from the high heat of the styler, and this baby gets hot.

What I may be most thankful for is that this styler comes with a two year warranty. I won't have to worry about this baby breaking down any time soon.

The ghd Green Peacock Styler is sold on the ghd website and it sells for $225.00.

All the beauty advice I have come to expect from Seventeen magazine is available in this new book! Packed with tons of awesome pics, each chapter offers detailed how-tos, amazing inspiration, and awesome advice. Written by Ann Shoket, editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine and some of the Seventeen’s editors, this is my beauty guide.

The book is so easy to navigate. All you do is look for your individual style and learn how to play it up!

• Girly: mixes sweet and romantic with refined touches for pop and polish  
• Glam: makeup that’s dazzling and dramatic
• Classic: timeless beauty with a modern twist 
• Edgy: strong, daring, and undeniably cool 
• Boho: natural and earthy but way beyond neutrals

Each theme includes looks for every occasion: school, weekend, party, and date, plus essential tools and products. There are a ton pro tips and my favorite part, a celebrity-packed look book. This section features teen beauty icons such as Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, Emma Stone, Zoë Kravitz, Freda Pinto, and more.

The book also features a hair guide with chapters on: Waves & Curls, Braids & Twists, Sleek, Updos & Buns, and Ponies. This section offers easy-to-do styles for every event, essential tools, and step-by-step instructions with photography. I have been trying out a ton of new styles, and it is all because of this book.

The final section of the book offers a comprehensive guide to getting the most beautiful skin and nails, plus the best makeup and hair for special occasions, from Sweet Sixteen to prom!

Look for SEVENTEEN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEAUTY: The Best Hair, Skin, Nails & Makeup Ideas for You on newsstands and in bookstores now. You can also buy it online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

What easier way to do this then with your nails?! I went with a bright neon yellow nail color last week, and I'm in love with it. The yellow I choose brightens up all my outfits, and it's perfect for summer. I recommend this to anyone who is looking to follow the neon trend.

The yellow goes perfect with everything, including my iPhone! It just adds that perfect summer touch.

Here are some suggestions of yellow nail colors that are perfect and on trend for the summer.

Spoiled by Wet n Wild- mind your own beeswax
Essie - as gold as it gets
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail - tweet me
Maybelline Color Show Off Nail Lacquer - fierce in tangy
Nicole by OPI (Kardashian Kolors) - ladies in the limelight

I first start off with a tinted moisturizer, which even out my skin tone and gives just a bit of color to my face. Then I apply concealer around my nose, eyes, and other problem areas. I then use 2 foundations. One is a cream to powder and then I use a powder one over that. I use one foundation, the cream to powder one, that matches my skin tone and another that is a shade darker. The reason for doing this is to prevent my bronzer from appearing too harsh on my face; using a foundation darker than my skin tone helps by blending with my bronzer in order to create the perfect shade. It is also very important to do all of this very lightly. II know it sounds like I am applying a lot, but I am not. It all blends perfectly onto my skin and makes it look very natural. I then use my favorite eye shadows combined with a product called Glam Rocks, which are used to add sparkles around my eyes and to give the overall look that extra bronzy glow. I top it all off with Mascara - an absolute must, and a nude lip gloss which adds the perfect touch. This look is quick, easy and perfect for summer.

Here is a list of the products that I use everyday to create my look:

Face:
Nuance Salma Hayek Tinted Moisturizer - medium/deep
Mally Poreless Perfection Glowing Foundation - tan
Urban Decay Surreal Skin Foundation - hallucination
Rimmel London Shimmering Maxi Bronzer - sun love

Eyes:
Mally Beauty Evercolor Shadow Stick - trailblazing brown
Stila In the Light Palette - bliss and champagne
MAKE UP FOR EVER La Boheme Baked Eye Shadow Palette
LORAC Glam Rocks - Metallic
Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Mascara

Lips:
MAC Kissable Lip Colour - Woo Me

What are some of your summer makeup products?

The Face Disc is named Live,Love,Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc   (I swear my Mom always has it on in the background) The name is a bit of mumbo-jumbo, and at my age I really don't care about the anti-aging ingredients. I care about a product that simplifies my too busy life and looks pretty on me. That, it does. These colors look beautiful on me!

Just look at how pretty it is. Never mind the fact that it is a HUGE palette of color.

I like that when I where these shades, they don't come off. Even if I go to the gym or go out for a run (which I try to do without makeup, but sometimes I don't have time to take off my makeup and reapply - that's a another story for another time) my face still looks bronzed. These powdered are waterproof and sweat-proof.

I use a bronzer brush to sweep the matte bronzer in the places the sun naturally hits my face - my nose, across my forehead my chin and up high on my cheekbones. Then I use a fluffier brush to apply the highlighter color where I want to glow. You know, the areas that I want to stand out.  I apply this to the planes of my cheekbones, up higher then the bronzer, but then sort of blend it into that. To apply the blush, I use my regular blush brush and gently swirl it on the apples of my cheeks. The look is me, only better and bronzed.

I hope you like my pictures.  I took a photography class last year and I hate boring pictures, so you'll probably notice my pictures will be taken in different places. Since I love the pretty pink and yellow flowers my Mom planted on the deck, I thought I'd use that as the background.

Live,Love,Laugh Anti-Aging Vitality Face Disc is from a brand called IT Cosmetics that regularly has shows on QVC. It is on sale for $38.00, but you have to think of it as 3 products in one.

Trying to find some inspiration for my nails for July 4th this week, I did a little search for just that: Patriotic Nails on Pinterest. Look at some of the red, white and blue designs I found.

When looking for things like this, Pinterest is much better than google, don't you think?

Luckily, I won't have to get all that creative because I am heading to Walmart to look for these Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps.

For just $5.97, you get 16 wraps, a nail prep wipe, a file and cuticle stick. Too fun!

Have you tried these yet? If I find them I will be sure to update with pictures!

Come check out the Gillette Venus exclusive video series featuring Kendall and Kylie Jenner. The two sisters team up with Gillette to give fashion tips, advice, and to get input from teens like themselves. The series can be found on the facebook page of Gillette Venus.

Here is the Video:

Being that I am a HUGE fan of both Kendall, Kylie and Gillette Venus, I was very excited hearing about this brand new video series. The program which includes new videos and pics from Kendall and Kylie every month, gives teens great advice on fashion, beauty, and how to feel beautiful and be confident. It also gives teens a chance to connect with both Kendall and Kylie and give their opinion on questions that the Jenner sisters have. How fun!

On the facebook page you also have assess to fun extra videos were you get to see Kendall and Kylie in their everyday life, sharing experiences they've had being teens, being sisters, hobbies, and even giving tips on shaving.

In one of the videos both Kendall and Kylie share their experiences they've have had with shaving. They also shared their favorite products by Gillette Venus which are the Venus Embrace Razor ($7.99) and the Satin Care Passionista Fruit Shave Gel ($2.99), which happens to be one of my favorites as well. The biggest tip the sisters gave was to always use shave gel, which is something I definitely agree with. The Satin Care Shave Gel is perfect; it leaves your skin feeling silky, smooth, and comes in many yummy scents.

image source

I look forward to seeing more of these videos from Kendall and Kylie and hearing more exciting tips they have on both fashion and beauty.

Last week, we played a bit of catch up since it has been like forever since I wrote her for my Mom. I promised her this write up because, oh my gosh, this is my summer find and savior for my skin.

I am blessed with olive skin and my Mom makes me put on sunscreen after my shower everyday. It is now a habit, but I still tan. Not on purpose.  I do spend a lot of time at the beach and pool hanging with friends and my skin gets a pretty golden tan color. Even when re-applying sunscreen. Knowing this, I make it a point to wear either a chic sun hat or when I am being a bit more casual, I just throw my hair in a pony and put on a baseball hat to protect my face. Sunglasses are a must too.

So, to get my face to glow in a pretty golden color, I wanted a self tanner and instant bronzer to give me the perfect color without getting all fussy and applying a ton of makeup before the beach.  I searched my Mom's stash (I am a very LUCKY girl) I saw this pretty golden tube from Hard Candy.

It is called Hard Candy Glamazon Glow All The Way Face & Body Luminizer. Yes, it is designed for body too, but I have only been using it on my face - and OMG, I am in LOVE and on my second tube!!! I keep one in my beach bag because it is just that essential.

This luminizer gives my skin the perfect golden glow when I put it on - shimmer and all.  It looks really pretty and I always get lots of compliments.  After when I wash it off, my face is a beautiful bronzed color that I trick everyone into thinking I got from being outside all day! Coupled with these Glow Pads that I am hooked on, my golden glow is stunning - without the sun.

Hard Candy Glamazon Glow All The Way Face & Body Luminizer is for sale at Walmart for $8.00 - a very cool price for a very cool product.