Whose Side-Swept Curls Do You Like Best?

 

Like something out of a Hollywood movie from yesteryear, three celebrities stepped out this week with delicately cascading, side-swept curls. Jessica Chastain stunned at the opening night of her play The Heiress with her fiery red hair done in tight waves. Kelly Osbourne wore her lavender locks in a looser, wavier version of the style, while Lucy Hale went for full, bouncy curls at the Country Music Association Awards. Each star put her own spin on the vintage-inspired coif, but if you had to choose, who did it best?

Formal Hairstyles For Short Hair

How to Dress Up Your Short Hair

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What short hair lacks in length, it makes up for in style. But if you happen to have a cropped coif, you might get stumped on how to wear your hair for dressier occasions. Not anymore, with these three ways to dress up short hair.

1. The half-do: The great thing about the half-do is it's neither too sweet nor too formal. To get the look, apply a shine-enhancing gel or cream to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush. Next create a deep side part and curl the hair with a one-inch barrel curling iron all over. Finish by pinning each side back behind your ears, letting your fringe hang over for a sexier, cascading effect.
2. The urbane dame: Reminiscent of the severe, strong-lined cuts of the late '80s and early '90s, this sophisticated style makes an impression. To re-create this chic coiffure, which was all over the Fall 2012 runways, simply blow-dry hair with a paddle brush to enhance its straightness, and apply gel liberally to your dried strands. Get it even more statement making with an exaggerated side part: another one of this season's biggest trends.
3. The up and away: This modified pompadour will add edge to just about any ensemble. It also provides a wonderful way to disguise too-long bangs.

 

Fall Beauty Tips

Get Your Beauty Routine Fall-Ready

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Just like you update your wardrobe for Fall, your beauty routine will likely need a new direction as the season starts to change. A few simple swaps are all you need to get cool-weather-ready. For a reminder on how to bring your beauty routine off the beach, grab your pumpkin spice latte and keep reading.
If you've been slathering on lotion to moisturize . . .
Try this: "As Winter comes, the humidity in your home drops. The air actually pulls moisture from your skin to improve the environment. To combat this, you'll want to reach for a moisturizer with a little more weight. Bring back your body butters, like L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion. They'll moisturize deeply and keep your skin hydrated as temperatures start to plummet.
If you've been using a toner as part of your skin care regimen . . .
Many toners contain alcohol, which, paired with the windchill, can cause extra dryness. You can still get your toner fix, though. Switch out your alcohol-containing varieties for ones free of the ingredient, such as Nars Skin Hydrating Toner. If you've been opting for loose, beachy waves . . .
Try this: Fall is a great time to work with sleek updos. A tight, low bun adds a touch of glamour to any style. Work a hair wax over your style to tame any fly-aways. Looking for something a little more laid back? Pull your hair into a high topknot.
If you've been covering with tinted moisturizer . . .
Try this: For more coverage, bring your foundations back into rotation. Maybelline Dream Foundation  keeps things smooth without the heavy feel. Just allow your moisturizer to dry before layering on the foundation, and don't skimp on the SPF; you need it in the colder months, too.

How to Wear 1950s Eyeliner

The Secret Behind Emily Blunt's Perfect Cat Eye

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Emily Blunt always wears polished makeup looks, but her gorgeous cat-eye liner from the Salmon Fishing in the Yemen premiere has to be one of her prettiest. Makeup artist Jenn Streicher was inspired to play off the '50s silhouette of Emily's Naeem Khan dress, using Dior Style Liner's fine-point brush to create a retro cat eye.
Liquid liner is the best formula for creating winged shapes, but it's notoriously difficult to use. One way to make things a little easier, though, is with a fine-point brush. It's much more precise and makes the liquid easier to place, so you don't end up with big, sloppy lines.

3 Quick Steps to Rachel McAdams's Effortlessly Sexy Waves

Rachel McAdams has tried a variety of hairstyles over the years (pink highlights included), but perhaps one of her best is her effortlessly sexy standby of buttery-blond waves. And that's just the look Rachel chose for the premiere of Passion at the Toronto International Film Festival yesterday. Celebrity hairstylist Thomas Dunkin for Sebastian Professional worked with the actress in styling the look, and he's shared the steps for re-creating the carefree coif at home.

1. Put a volumizing spray-gel, to the roots of Rachel's damp hair.
2. Then twisted random sections of hair while blow-drying to create texture and lift throughout.
3. Using a large-barreled curling iron, curled random sections of hair to form an uneven wave pattern. A few spritzes of soft-hold hair spray gave the style a light and airy finish.

How (and Why) to Use Dry Shampoo

Beauty Refresher:

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Now that you know some clever ways to use dry shampoo, let's back up a little bit and explore how this multitasking miracle product actually works. Discover how (and why) you'll want to make this waterless styling product a part of your hair regimen when you keep reading.
Why use it? Hairstylists agree that shampooing daily can do more hurt than good to your hair and scalp. Using a dry shampoo, however, can refresh your hair without the excessive stripping and dulling properties of a liquid shampoo.
How does it work? The primary ingredient in dry shampoo is a powder or starch that absorbs the oil from hair follicles. Many formulas also include essential oils to nourish the scalp.
How do you apply it? Apply the product (whether it's in powder or hair-spray form) to the roots where needed, allowing a few seconds for the dry shampoo to absorb the excess oils. Next, massage into the scalp and brush your hair to distribute the product from roots to ends. You can also apply the dry shampoo directly to a brush if you're in a hurry. And for a true fringe benefit, sprinkle dry shampoo on your freshly washed bangs to keep oil slicks at bay.

How to Use Vinegar For Hair and Skin Care

5 Surprising Ways to Use Vinegar For Beauty

Many common kitchen ingredients are just as useful in the bathroom. In fact, I turns to vinegar for many DIY hair and skin care remedies.  If you don't have the time to wait for this international beauty product to arrive (or are looking for something a little more practically priced), pick up a bottle of apple cider vinegar at your local grocery store. And to get tips — along with a few of ours — for using vinegar from head to toe, just keep reading.

• For smooth skin: "Because vinegar is acidic, it closes the pores of your skin and makes it extremely shiny,". That's why I recommend mixing vinegar with your body cream. "It also gives a nice smell without having perfume,".
• For shiny, brass-free hair: "Most of the time women don't rinse shampoos and conditioners very well, so hair is [left] heavy and not shiny enough,". To avoid this, I suggests applying five drops of vinegar (mixed with cold water in a bowl) into the hair and scalp after shampooing, conditioning, and rinsing. But instead of washing it out, leave it in to degunk and debrass your strands.
• For a healing bath: Mix a little apple cider vinegar in your bath water to let the anti-inflammatory properties soothe your itchy skin.
• For a clean scalp: Apple cider vinegar has natural antifungal properties and therefore can help eliminate a flaky scalp caused by dandruff. Create your own cleansing shampoo by mixing a solution that's half water, half apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and apply.
• For a clear face: Vinegar balances the pH of the skin and acts as an astringent on oily complexions. Stir up a half-and-half mixture to use as a toner before your daily moisturizing routine.

Shampoo Tips:

 4 Signs That You're Not Washing Your Hair The Right Way

Summer's freak rainstorms and high humidity bring more bad hair days than not, but the culprit could likely be in the shower. Shampooing seems like one of those no-brainer steps that we don't put much thought into (lather up, rinse, on our way), but it's actually fundamental in making your hair look and act like the best version of itself -- not to mention helping styling products work better. We've amassed four ways you might be washing your hair wrong.
Not getting hair wet enough. This is a big one. It's likely that you're rushing, even multitasking in the shower, so you won't be late to work, and immediately plop shampoo on top of your head the second you step in. But take a step back, hair should be soaking wet first. Think about it: the same way a dirty pot is easier to clean after a soak in warm water, your hair and scalp will be much more receptive to cleansing once every part is wet.
Shampooing the ends. Don't do this. Focus shampoo on the scalp where oil is produced. Refrain from reenacting your own personal Herbal Essences commercial and lathering all your hair into a big soapy pouf. Then ends of your hair are the driest, and shampoo will only draw out more moisture. (The same rule applies to conditioner, but reversed: No need to apply to your roots, which will only make them greasy. Target the drier, more tangly ends.)
Washing too often or not enough. We read all the time that you should space out washes as long as possible, but it's not a one-size-fits-all rule here. Some can go a week, while others need to wash everyday. Know your hair type and when it needs cleansing. Experiment by stretching out or increasing washes, and see how your hair responds. Curly hair tends to be more dry and can go longer without washes, while straighter hair can look greasier sooner. Those who are more active and exercise regularly should find a formulation that gentle enough for everyday use. Also, if you have an aversion to fluffy, freshly-washed hair, spot treat areas of the scalp that tend to get oiler first -- particularly around the crown and the top of the head.
Letting residue build up. Dull, blah hair? Do you load in lots of stylers and hairspray every day? After a while that product will start to build up and weigh hair down. Clarify once every few weeks to give your hair a fresh start (any more than that isn't necessary). You don't need to strip your hair to make sure it's squeaky-clean. Find a formula that will get rid of product, but won't dry out your hair's natural moisture. Hair that's entirely deplete of moisture will overcompensate by producing more oil.

HAIR MYTHS

Does Hair Grow Faster In The Summer?
Since we do eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in the summertime, we were wondering if our good behavior paid off in stronger, longer hair.
"There may be a slight increase in the rate of growth," but it’s really marginal. A natural hormonal shift and increase in UV may contribute to some changes, but again I must stress it's marginal.
Well if there's nothing to back up this claim, why is it such a widely-circulated rumor? "More highlights and sun oxidation can cause the demarcation between base and scalp to be more apparent than in the winter months," This contributes to the myth.
Conclusion: There is no direct link between warmer weather and increased hair growth. Hair lightened by the sun may give the illusion that hair is growing faster
Hair Growth Tips: Do Regular Trims Really Make It Grow Faster? We girls have heard that regular trims will actually make our hair grow faster since the day we were born. We've probably even dispensed the advice ourselves at some point, but based on what? Is there actually any science behind it? "Cutting the hair will have no influence on its rate of growth," that is something that is predetermined genetically.
So while haircuts may not make our hair grow faster, there are a few other factors to consider. "The rate of growth can be influenced by any number of variables, including general health, dietary habits, and endocrine function including thyroid, low iron or anemia," All of these have the capacity to influence hair growth and loss cycles.
But those routine salon visits are not for naught. "The benefits of regular trims are many and varied," They will aid in keeping the ends from splitting and looking frayed, thereby giving the appearance of healthier and longer hair. When ends split and are severely damaged, they can cause breakage and that breakage travels up the hair shaft, which leads to playing catch-up. It can be easy to skip hair cuts when the only goal in sight is long hair, but this is when we should actually be on top of it. "Many people make the classic mistake of forgoing trims because they are growing their hair longer. "This is in fact the time to be most attentive to the care of the hair, and that should include a trim every six (perfect world) to eight weeks."
The conclusion: False. Ultimately regular trims do not make hair grow faster (health and diet factors play heavily here), but if you want length without the damage, stick to routine salon visits to get your longest, healthiest hair. on average, hair grows approximately half an inch per month, so by trimming a quarter inch every eight weeks or so there is the potential for a net gain of four and a half inches per year.We were more than a little intrigued when we heard that there might be a correlation between the summer's heat and increased hair growth. While it's one of the wilder beauty myths out there, we decided to get a pro's take on this potentially-awesome phenomenon.

Summer Hair Care: 4 Ways To Save Your Strands From Heat, Chlorine And UV Rays

Don't Ignore The Signs

"The most common signs of damage during the summer are dryness, static and frizz. All the moisture from the hair cuticle is taken out by the sun, saltwater and chlorine leaving the hair very dull. To protect your hair from these elements, rinse frequently with fresh water and spritz with a nourishing treatment after you get out of the water to keep it hydrated and protected

 

Ride The Waves

"Styled correctly, your curls can be as vibrant as ever,". "You need to style with a product that holds and adds moisture; apply to wet hair and allow to air dry. Once dry, squeeze in some defrizz serum to soften, yet maintain curl definition. Of course, there is another option: If you have thick, curly hair and it is weighing you down in the heat, cut it off! Go for short, textured styles to gain more freedom. Plus, it's trendy and sexy!"

 

Lather Up Richly

"Moisturize your hair as you would your skin. Women should look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that are rich in proteins rather than sulfates that strip and dry hair out. If you do blow dry it, make sure you put it on a warmer setting as opposed to high heat. Stick with a great leave-in conditioner as it brings frizz down and conditions while giving the hair texture. And be sure to get frequent trims so that your ends stay healthy."

 

Lock In The Moisture

"When you apply oils or creams to damp hair it helps seal the cuticle and lock in moisture,". "I always apply product starting at the ends and working my way up. Using a hair mask at least once a week is key in helping hair stay moisturized through the summer. When in the shower, I suggest applying the mask then putting a shower cap on to help it penetrate. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes to achieve great results."

Baby Steps to Blond: How to Go Light Without the Fright

Summer is an optimal time to lighten your hair color, but first things first: Can anybody be a blonde? While blond doesn't necessarily work for all people, everyone can embrace their inner blonde when need be.

Luckily, we've come a long way from the brassy, unhealthy-looking blondes of yesteryear, allowing even the darkest of brunettes to achieve perfectly flaxen strands.  Thinking about lightening up this season but feeling a little gun shy? Tips for baby-stepping your way to the right hue when you read more.

• How to choose the ultimate blond: The best hair color coordinates with the person, so that's why we look to the flecks within the eyes — the actual color of the eyes — and the skin tone when choosing what formulation we will use. "If you have a pink skin tone, "you have to go more on the cooler side of blond." But for someone with brown hair and golden flecks in the eyes, like Jessica Alba, you can add lighter, warmer highlights.
• Getting your feet wet: Of course, personality matters too. To test the sandy-haired waters,we suggest you follow  "blondette" concept so that you incorporate a bit of caramel-hued pieces into your hair. "It's medium chocolate with golden highlights — like the Hershey's bar,". Think Jennifer Lopez and Natalie Portman.
• Setting the tone: Just remember that if you're a brunette going blonde, then toning is a must. "You just can't lift the color; you've got to always fill it somehow and redeposit color so you get that golden, gorgeous tone."

How to Make Hair Grow Faster?

The question of how to make hair grow faster often comes up when beauty is the topic of discussion, but the truth is that you cannot do anything to increase the rate at which your hair grows. Genetic makeup has total control in that arena. Typically, a hair stand will grow half an inch every month, that is, if it doesn't fall out.
What many people confuse with growth is fullness. Instead of asking how to make hair grow faster, you should be asking how to make hair last longer. You can't control growth, but sometimes you can control how fast strands fall out. Ultimately, people who believe their hair doesn't grow quickly probably tend to break strands. This keeps hair short.
Hair Loss Myths

1. Losing hair is not normal. Actually, it is completely normal to lose some hair each day. On average, a person may lose 50 to 100 hairs every day. Hair falls out in strands or small groups. A large clump of hair falling out is different and may be a caused by illness or a reaction to medication. Hair loss can also be caused by genetic particularities such as male pattern baldness.
2. Shaving your head will make hair grow faster. Nothing changes just because you shave your head. Hair will still grow at the same rate.
3. Frequent trims will help improve hair growth. This is a bit of an optical illusion. Your hair is not actually growing faster, it is growing healthier. Split ends will break a hair strand off, making it shorter. Haircuts remove split ends and preserve the strand, so it can continue to grow.
4. How you treat your hair will affect the growth. This is true. Constant coloring, styling, and product application make hair dry and more likely to break. Healthy hair strands survive longer than dry, brittle ones.
5. As you get older, you have less hair. True. Aging causes hair growth to slow and hair to thin. This is part of life's cycle.

How to Make Hair Grow Faster?
You can't, but you can make it seem to grow faster. Healthy hair grows better, not faster. Here are some things you can do to improve the health of your hair. The longer a hair strand survives, the longer it will grow.

• Take it easy when styling. Avoid blow dryers and heated curling when possible. If you can, let your hair air dry.
• Comb your hair only when it is dry. Wet hair is elastic. When you pull a comb through it, it is more likely to break. Use a flexible plastic wide-tooth comb with smooth teeth. The fewer traumas to strands, the better the hair will grow.
• Grooming is important, but don't over-wash your hair. Washing hair removes the natural oils that moisturize your hair. Instead of daily washing, try using conditioner only on some days. This wets hair so you can style, but does not strip out the oils.
• If you have a medical condition, such as eczema, dandruff or psoriasis, see a dermatologist. Scratching your scalp will damage hair follicles and break strands.

Hair Damage Prevention: 5 Ways To Stop Tangles, Snags And Split Ends

If you're currently being afflicted by frizzy, puffy, wispy hair, don't be so quick to pass it off as one of the less-fun side effects of summer. Chances are you're actually dealing with hair breakage. We know that regular trims are a given for keeping hair healthy, but how do you prevent snags, tangles and hair that's anything but smooth? There are obvious offenders -- heat tools, bobby pins and too-tight hair ties -- but there are also secret culprits that you may not even be aware of.

1. It starts in the shower (cue "Psycho" music).
"We are constantly damaging our hair without realizing it, and that damage can sometimes begin in the shower." "When hair is wet or damp, it is at its very weakest point. The water breaks down the natural hydrogen bonds in the hair. They reform again when the hair dries, but while wet they are in their most fragile state." In the shower, working conditioner through hair with a paddle brush or wide tooth comb to detangle your hair. Invest in an option that's intended to be used on wet hair. "And always detangle from the ends up!"
2. Beware of the towel turban! It's a silent killer.
Surprisingly, wrapping our wet hair in a towel post-shower can cause the greatest damage. So stop it and dry your hair more gingerly. "When towel drying hair, squeeze the hair with a towel rather than rubbing and matting hair into a tangled mess." Be gentle! I actually cringe every time I watch someone rub their hair dry with a towel (which causes major tangling), and then tear through the tangles with a comb or brush! After towel blotting, gently start at the tips with a paddle brush or large comb as with combing in the shower; always start from tip to root."
For persistent tangles, working in a weekly deep-hydrating treatment or leave-in conditioner. Look for nourishing ingredients like coconut oil which will help smooth and retain moisture.
3. Heat drying fries your hair--but there are ways around that.
Cut down on drying time by soaking up excess water. "Towel blotting your hair well enough before drying is important so you can work fast and not have to go over and over the same section with the hair dryer."
Look for an dryer that features ceramic, ionic and tourmaline technology which will also cut down on time, and be mindful during the drying process. "When you hold a hot hair dryer on hair for too long, the water in the hair heats to a boil, so it cooks and blisters hair!"
"When heat-styling, you need to move fast and use even tension (a lot of people use too much tension and too much pressure). When using a curling iron, be sure to roll the hair on an angle away from your head so you don’t dent hair with the clamp, "Use your straightening iron in smooth passes -- there is no need to press hard and pull hair, it only stretches the hair while you bake it, which causes severe damage over time.
4. Why you should shake things up in the hairdo department.
"Any time you put tension or stress on the hair you are causing some level of damage. "Women mostly put their hair up and anchor it in the same place. Repeating stress in the same place over and over will cause damage. Try to put your hair up in a different place, such as a high ponytail as opposed to low. The same goes for chignons, up-twists and braids."
Same goes for bobby pins. "When done in the same location on a regular basis, it can cause damage to the hair and stress to your scalp. Clamps essentially crush you hair. It is best to loosen hair after putting a clamp in to make sure it’s not too tight." Look for rubberized pins that are more gentle and don't leave a crease.
Opting for fabric-covered bands over rubber, but note: "If they are very tight they will still cause stress to the hair. If you’re going to use a scrunchie, cloth-covered scruchies are best."
5. You can save your hair in your sleep.
"Silk pillow cases help, especially with fragile textures that have a tendency to tangle overnight on regular cotton sheets,". "Polished cotton pillow cases will even make a difference." Satin bonnets and hair wraps are other hair-saving alternatives.

35 Lifechanging Ways To Use Everyday Objects

1. Use a can opener to open sealed plastic packaging.

 This tip would have saved me approximately 22.8 hours of my life.

2. Add saline solution to refresh dried-out mascara.

Just a couple of drops will do.

 

3. Use a toilet seat cover to blot the oil from a greasy face.

4. Use pretty wine corks to make planters for tiny succulents.

 

Put magnets on them and hang them on your fridge.

 

5. Amplify the volume of your iPhone or iPod by placing it in a bowl.

 

 

6. Use paper hole reinforcements to give yourself a half-moon manicure.

 

 

7. Use a banana to fix a DVD.

 

8. Use Jello as a lipstain.

 

Directions: Pour the powder mix into a bowl and moisten a Q-Tip with water. Then, being very careful not to use your fingers since the red stains stay put, dip the Q-Tip into the powder and apply it directly to your lips.

9. Use diluted fabric softener as a leave-in hair conditioner.

 

 

10. Use a lint roller to clean out the debris in your handbag.

 

I am the queen of cookie crumbs in my handbag.

11. Use nonstick spray on the inside of your votive holders.

When the candle has burned out, the remaining wax will just slip out.

12. Eat marshmallows to soothe a sore throat.

 

There's a scientific explanation behind this.

(You can also use marshmallows to separate your toes during a home pedicure.)

13. Use newspaper as an odor absorber.

 

You can put it in Tupperware, or the crisper bin of your fridge, or in a purse with any lingering leather smells.

14. Use aspirin to turn hair made green by chlorine back to its natural color.

 

Dissolve six to eight aspirin pills in a glass of warm water, coat hair with the solution, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse.

15. Use a sock to create a big perfect hair bun.

16. Use a spoon to open a sealed-tight jar.

 

Read more detailed instructions here.

17. Use a rubber band for perfect French tips.

 

18. Hang a picture using a pop tab.

 

The pop tab is surprisingly sturdy.

19. Use VapoRub to train your pets.

 

Apply VapoRub on things you don't want chewed up or peed on by your cat or dog — they're turned off by the taste and smell.

It also supposedly cures toenail fungus.

20. Use mayonnaise to erase water stains from wooden furniture.

 

 

21. Use fabric softener and vinegar in a spray bottle to release wrinkles from clothing.

 

22. Use a cereal container as a trash disposal in your car.

 

 

23. Add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to make cut flowers last longer.

 

 

24. Use Alka-Seltzer to clean your toilet.

 

Drop a couple tablets in, wait 20 minutes. The citric acid will dissolve the grime.

 

25. sanitizer to dissolve ink stains.

 

Take a Vacation From Bloat With Our Healthy Pineapple Recipes

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It's almost Summer — go tropical. And while a piña colada is one way to get your pineapple fill, all that sugar and alcohol strip away the detoxifying properties of the fruit. Because pineapple is high in the enzyme bromelain, it helps banish bloat by breaking down protein and easing digestion. Enjoy it on its own for a cool and refreshing snack or whip up one of these healthy pineapple recipes.

Pineapple Quinoa in a Boat
The presentation alone is enough to wow guests, but it's the recipe that will have them coming back for more. Made with protein-packed quinoa, this vegan dish is the perfect star for a tropical-themed meal.

Tropical Kale Salad With Creamy Pineapple-Coconut Dressing
Leafy greens like kale move the digestive system right along, but adding pineapple to the mix makes for a happy-tummy party. To achieve the creamy dressing, no dairy is needed — just some good-for-you coconut milk!

Jennifer Aniston Put Her Left Leg Out

Jennifer Aniston wore a white dress by Burberry to the 2012 AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony honoring Shirley MacLaine at Sony Pictures Studios in California yesterday. She accessorized with a Valentino clutch.
Doesn't this dress look like what would happen if Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow's Oscar dresses mated and had a baby? Happy Friday, everybody

How to Tame Flyaways

With cold weather upon us, chances are you may be one of the many people who is trying to tame your flyaway strands. Most likely, your hair is dry this time of year, causing strands to stand up on end when you brush them or when your hair rubs against certain clothing.

If static gets the best of your strands, you can get the gloss back by using one of Eric's favorite anti-static products. And for reducing static on the run, keep a dryer sheet in your purse and glide it through strands when static strikes!

Don't have a dryer sheet on you at the moment? Use hand lotion! Take a tiny amount of lotion and rub it together in the palms of your hands, them smooth hands through hair, avoiding roots and concentrating on the ends.

If you're experiencing a lot of static, chances are your hair is on the dry side, so try using a deep conditioner several times per week or using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

Look of the Day: Bold and Breezy

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 This gorgeously bright and breezy H&M maxi dress. More than that, though, she totally nailed the complete look by adding bold accents. Let's take a closer look. She paired a cool yellow clutch, statement gold cuff, and blue and green two-toned sandals with her aquamarine printed maxi dress. The sum of its stylish parts screams "Summer," and we're all for a pretty and polished ensemble that takes no time at all to re-create.

Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Why You Need To Check Your Shampoo Label, Now

It's true. For over a year now, I have been using sulfate-free shampoo. And you know what? I don't miss the original formula. At all. Why did I make this choice? My decision came mostly out of media-pressure. In recent years, a "Sulfate-Free" label has become increasingly frequent on the label of every new shampoo and conditioner. The term has become associated with being "healthier" and "organic" even when that is not the case. Unfounded rumors that sulfates in shampoo cause cancer certainly contributed to my choice, but also the promise of softer, cleaner hair by means of more natural materials was also persuasive.
But really, when I thought about these products, I had one question: What are sulfates, anyway? And are they really as bad as they sound? To answer the first question: sulfates, essentially, are what make shampoos turn into a thick lather in the shower. This ingredient, which is standard for most shampoo (and household cleaning) products, has additionally come under attack for causing frizziness (especially in curly hair) and damaging colored hair. After dying your hair or receiving a chemical treatment (such as a Keratin or Brazilian blowout), salons will often recommend a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the style.
Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a New York-based dermatologist, explained the recent bounty of sulfate-free options, "I think there are so many chemicals in our personal hygiene products, foods and environment that people have become more aware and rightly concerned about the effects of all of these chemicals. Anything with fewer chemicals has become more popular." Although she says that, "most people will not notice any difference" between sulfate-free and regular shampoo despite claims that "sulfate-free shampoos let curls stay curlier and let color treated hair stay colored longer," Dr. Baxt does, however, recommend switching to a sulfate-free formula if you have allergies, eczema or find your curent shampoo irritating to the scalp.
So what can you expect from switching to a sulfate-free shampoo? A higher price tag, to start, as most drug store brands don't yet produce products without sulfates. (L'Oreal Paris, however, is an exception. The brand has released two sulfate-free shampoos since 2009 that are available for less than $6). Perhaps the biggest adjustment to using sulfate-free shampoo is a superficial one. Without this lather-producing chemical, these shampoos have less of the over-the-top bubble that is associated with cleansing hair. But, this doesn't mean sulfate-free shampoo isn't as effective as it's mainstream counterpart. Dr. Baxt explained, "Without sulfates there is usually no "lather" or bubbles when you wash so it takes getting used to... it might not feel like it is cleansing as much but it should still clean the scalp adequately." While the benefits seem unclear, my philosophy with sulfate-free shampoo has been, "Hey, it can't hurt. Right?"

The Hairstyle You'll Want to Wear Every Day This Summer

Elizabeth Banks looked like she walked straight out of the 1970s for her Allure June cover. Using a Patti Hansen cover from the disco-era for inspiration, as it turns out, the retro-themed style is perfect for modern times, as well. "The fullness at the sides gives it a really interesting, beautiful look,". And because the top is pulled back just a touch, "it's great for Summer to get your bangs off your face,". To get the exact four steps for achieving Elizabeth's warm-weather bouffant, read more.

1. Start by prepping the hair with Oribe's Volumista Mist For Volume at the roots, followed by a few spritzes of Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray from midshaft to ends.
2. Blow the hair out until it's smooth.
3. Add extra volume at the roots and the hairline with the brand's Dry Texturizing Spray.
4. Then, finish by simply

Get Emma Stone's Lovely Looped Oscars Bun

Emma Stone had the perfect makeup and updo at the Oscars: tasteful and chic, but still young and a little different. For the hair, celebrity stylist Mara Roszak got inspired by the blousy bow on Emma's red Giambattista Valli gown. "The bow on the dress reminded me of a flower," Roszak says, "and the bun in the back went from ear to ear to look like a flower with a loose and fresh feel." To create the style, Roszak began by using Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment on wet hair from ends up.

Once Emma's hair was blow-dried, Roszak added a simple part in the front. Then, to form Emma's piled-on bun, she pulled her hair into a midheight ponytail, began wrapping pieces of hair loose and wide, and secured each piece with bobby pins. Roszak topped the look off with Couture Colour Pequi Oil Finishing Polish.

6 Ways to Look Better Without Spending a Cent

Looking good doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, it doesn't have to cost a thing. There are plenty of ways to look better without spending a single penny. We talked with top dermatologists, hair stylists, makeup artists, and estheticians to score their secrets for looking your best for the best price of all: free. Read their tips here.

De-puff while you sleep
Banishing puffy eyes overnight is as easy as changing the way you sleep. "Elevating your head with pillows while sleeping helps the fluids from gathering around the under-eye area," says celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow. Got a few cents to spare? "Cucumbers and cold chamomile tea bags are great, too," she adds.
Posture, please
Standing tall can have long-term benefits. "My mother-in-law is 93 years old and has amazing posture," says dermatologist Dr. Kathy Fields, co-creator of Proactiv skin care. "She looks at least 20 to 30 years younger because of it! It’s the cheapest tip on earth and good for your health."
Create a face-flattering ponytail
“Anyone can pull off a sleek high ponytail," says stylist Oliver Ifergan of the Oliver Ifergan Atelier in Beverly Hills. "The trick is to find the most flattering angle for your bone structure." Ifergan's easy trick: "Pull the hair back, then with your pointer and middle finger follow the cheek bone all the way back, and voila! You have the perfect ponytail position.”
Freshen up your face
It only takes a couple of minutes to perk up tired-looking skin, says Dallas esthetician Renée Rouleau. "Massage your knuckles underneath the eyes and above the cheekbones," she explains. "Do this for two minutes after cleansing and moisturizing in order to create a more active blood flow." (When blood doesn't circulate enough, skin starts looking dull.) That's why Rouleau says, "A two-minute massage will help nutrients to resurface, leaving your skin with a revitalized glow."
Avoid acne
Can't figure out why you're breaking out on your forehead? Your hair care could be to blame, says New York City dermatologist Dr. Ellen Gendler. "Sometimes the oils from the hair and products that people use in the hair can contribute to acne," she says. Rinse conditioner off the body, and keep hair styling products away from your skin. The result: a clearer complexion, without spending a penny.
Lose the sweetness
"Neither start your day nor end your day with sugar," says Bren Lee Gomez, an esthetician and makeup artist in Los Angeles. "If you start off eating or drinking something with refined sugar, you'll be sallow and dehydrated by lunch time and require even more sugar to keep going. If you eat sugar just before bedtime, you'll wake up with dehydrated skin."

See How Easy It Is to Get Scarlett Johansson's Retro Waves

Scarlett Johansson is known for her love of retro-inspired styles, and for the May cover of Vogue, she looked as gorgeous as ever in '30s-inflected waves. Iconic celebrity hairstylist Oribe created Scarlett's coiffure for the shoot, and it's surprisingly easy to re-create. Want Scarlett's waves for yourself?

Set it, but don't forget it: On dry hair, start by creating a side part (use whichever side you prefer), and then put all your hair up in small rollers. Leave your rollers in until they cool completely, then gently remove them.

Style it:  brushing through your curls to loosen them. After that, style them into a uniform wave using a comb and Anti-Humidity Spray, to hold everything in place. Then spraying to make the waves look soft and natural.

3 Beauty Trends to Look Forward to in 2012

Look into my crystal ball—I'm about to tell you what 3 trends we have coming up in 2012 that I think you guys are going to be really excited about. Behold:

Trend 1: Super-bright nails!

Vivid! Eye-catching! Fun! Exclamation-pointy!!!! And great 'cause you can just pick a hue that looks good on you, as long as it's bright.
Trend 2: Bouncy ponytails.

Oh, so bouncy. It's all about volume, so make sure to have your teasing comb handy!
Trend 3: Shocking lipstick.

I'm sure the real trend will be way more wearable than this, but it sure makes for a pretty picture. Expect to see this in both matte and glossy finishes.