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For crystal clear Cullen skin, Dermalogica’s Ultra Calming Cleanser is the perfect way to gently wash away blemish-causing dirt and bacteria, without leaving your skin red or irritated. This cleanser is the first step in the Sensitized Skin Kit by Dermalogica that will leave your complexion sparking like a diamond in no time.

Vampire beauty doesn’t stop at perfect skin. The reason the Cullen’s are so exquisite is because they are perfectly poised and polished from head to toe. DuWop created an entire collection inspired by the good looks and grace of the Twilight vampires. Both the good vampires and the dangerous and dark Volturi  have a place in Twilight Beauty with Luna Twilight and Volturi Twilight beauty collections. Mix and match these products for your own personalized look; and maybe you will find yourself being perused by the ice-cold, lustful vampire or cute, cuddly werewolf of your dreams.

For the finishing touch you can now varnish your nails with Volturi encrusted nail polish from NOX, but you will have to wait until opening night to get your fingers on these, as they are scheduled for release to coincide with the movie.

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A lot of celebrities have drastically changed their hair color for different roles, and in some cases the hair can be given credit for the awesomeness of the actresses’ character.  Even if you tend to prefer blondes over brunettes, sometimes one color looks great while the other looks awful, depending on skin tone.

You be the judge with these celebrity images:

• Do you like Scarlett Johansson blonde or brunette?
• Is deep chestnut color too dramatic for natural-ish blonde Katherine Heigl, or do you like her with dark locks? See Katherine Heigl hair pics here to decide for yourself.
• Jessica Beil’s hair is naturally brown, but she has gone from dark to light and back again. Normally she  has some subtle highlights, which looks awesome with her olive skin tone. See Jessica Beil pics here.

Usually people expect blondes to be silly, fun and not so smart (pretty sure Elle Woods proved them all wrong after graduating with honors from Harvard Law) and brunettes to be quiet, brainy, and serious, so if you want to be viewed as more playful to get the guy, or more intellectual to get the job, you could do what the celebs do and change your look to fit the new you. It usually does hold true that blondes naturally get noticed more often, and seem to be much more approachable to timid members of the opposite sex. Maybe this is due to the fact that the blondes are always the nice girls in books and movies, and the brunettes are usually the evil villains. (Have you ever seen a blonde witch?)

On the other hand, Brunettes are usually more exotic, and their dark hair automatically makes them seem more intelligent.  Throw on some thick rimmed glasses, and you instantly look like a smart, sexy librarian.

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Thinning hair is one of the most stressful and self-esteem squashing medical concerns for both men and women of any age. There are so many levels of hair loss and causes of Alopecia in women, and unlike those unlucky folks of the 20th century who were finding clumps of hair in the shower, we have some really advanced and effective treatment options to help keep those precious strands firmly in our head, and away from the drain. Tons of young women are noticing their parts are getting thicker, and their hair feels thinner.  For people who are just realizing their hair is over-shedding and under-growing for the first time, turning to Rogaine (for what may all be in your head) seems really scary and extreme.

If rapid hair loss is being caused by a medical condition, it is best to have your doctor take a look, but for those who are just noticing that their ponytail is losing some girth, there are a lot of OTC shampoos and thickening treatments that are getting rave reviews from satisfied customers. One of the most popular growth stimulating shampoos is DS Labs Revita. Revita was formulated with a supreme cocktail of gentle and potent ingredients, and has a really high success story rate from users who have noticed their hair has stopped fleeing their head at an alarming rate.  Revita uses gentle natural cleansers, (instead of harsh detergents that strip the scalp of necessary oils and can really damage the hair) and mix in anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-hormonal agents that hydrate, nourish, and stimulate the scalp and hair follicles. It can be used in conjunction with any hair growth treatment for extreme cases, or can be used by anyone who just wants their really thin hair and irritated scalp to be perfectly healthy, which is a crucial part of optimal hair growing conditions.

flickr.com user ClickFlashPhotos / Nicki Varkevisser

The nice thing about growth stimulating shampoo today is that high-end salon brands are coming up with some good smelling, and nicely packaged options. Alterna has added the LIFE Solutions line to their repertoire of hair care products. It, too, is formulated without damaging sulfates and gentle, but effective scalp and hair follicle stimulating ingredients.

Overall this widespread epidemic of young women losing way more hair than they should be could be controlled with the avoidance of products containing really harsh chemicals, and maybe switching to a growth stimulating shampoo without sulfate.

Photo courtesy of Apple Bottom Photography

Ideas for Mother’s Day Gift Giving

For a jet-setting mom on the go, give her the gift of time. Whether she spends her days carting around preschoolers to non-stop T-ball practice and ballet lessons, or she is preparing for her first grandchild by picking him up little gifts from all her worldly destinations, a busy mom is a busy mom.

For someone who rarely takes a break and spends all her time on other people, give her the gift of some me time. Don’t just stop at gift certificate for her to enjoy some relaxing spa treatments; actually schedule the time for her to go and arrange for all her motherly responsibilities to be handled by someone else for the day.  That extra bit of planning to make sure she can really take some time for herself will mean the world to her and will really show that you care.

For the mom to be or new mom, give her a grown up gift. New moms are usually considered the easiest mom’s to plan for on mother’s day since motherhood is taking center stage in every aspect of their life, but focusing on HER, instead of the baby will be something she won’t expect. Chances are, she has been showered with gifts for her new little bundle of joy ever since the happy little plus sign on the pregnancy test popped up last year, so she might be feeling a little bit left out with all the love and attention the little one is basking in.

Photo courtesy of Apple Bottom Photography

No matter what the mom you want to celebrate is interested in, just showing her that you are deeply appreciative of all that she does is the most important message to send on Mother’s Day.

Flickr.com user Lin Pernille ♥ Photography

If you are plagued with dry, brittle hair, you might be slacking on the deep conditioning. One of the best dry hair treatments to regain the shiny, healthy hair you once had is to deep condition with a heated head wrap. Even if you use a weekly conditioning hair mask in the shower, you could still benefit greatly from a deeply penetrating conditioning treatment.

It’s no secret that heat causes the hair cuticle to open and further draw in the healing and restoring ingredients in conditioners and hair masks. This is why women spend long hours and lots of hard earned dollars perched under bonnet dryers at the salon when they have a special hair treatment. Professionals know that the elevated temperature will allow the treatment to work much more deeply, leading to amazing results.

Luckily, for those of us who don’t have countless hours (not to mention endless funds) to spend at the beauty parlor, Michelle Reuven, a long time perm and damaging hair product addict, found the answer. She invented the Hair Therapy Wrap after stumbling upon heated gel packs meant for relief from aching muscles.  A light bulb went on when she realized she could wrap them in a towel and have 30 minutes worth of cordless, comfortable, and even heat on her head, forever freeing her from the bonnet dryer. Her little at-home craft project provided such amazing results that she decided to go into business and make them for all women who were on a time and money budget, but still desired strong, healthy shiny hair.

Another great thing about the Hair Therapy Wrap is that you can use it with any hair conditioner, hair mask, or hair oil. Simply apply your favorite dry hair treatment to your hair before putting on this unique heated hair wrap. We love this Steam Creams & Oils Hair Oil. It’s super natural and smells amazing, giving a bit of an aromatherapy treatment while hydrating your hair.

The Hair Therapy Wrap is really easy to use since the whole thing can be popped in the microwave or the gel packs can be heated with hot water. The few minutes of prep time will provide your thirsty hair with 30 minutes of warmth, so it can really drink in what it needs to get as lustrous and beautiful as ever.

Flickr.com user andrewrennie

First dates are ridiculously nerve wracking, and not feeling confident in your appearance can make those butterflies even worse. Here are some beauty tips for your big night so you can relax and have fun, knowing you look stunning, making this the first date of many.

1. Less is more. It’s easy to get carried away with too much foundation and concealer when you are stressed about looking your best. Just try to keep in mind that men hate when makeup is really obvious and looks caked on. Using a really light application of foundation, bronzer and blush will give you a flawless glow, without making you look over done.

2. Focus on one or the other. Even if you are going on a super sophisticated glamorous date, it is best to decide on dramatic eyes, or dramatic lips, not both.  This doesn’t mean that if you wear cranberry lipstick, you have to leave your eyes bare, just don’t overdo the heavy black eyeliner and false lashes. Instead, opt for a subtle smokey makeup around the eyes with browns and taupe’s, using shades like the ones in this Raw Natural Beauty eyeshadow trio. Gently line the eyes and sweep on a coat of mascara, and your eyes will be defined, but not competing for attention with your bold lips.

3. Go easy on the fragrance. If you have a favorite perfume, spritz it only on three of your pulse points, the sides of your neck just below your jaw, on your inner wrists, and since scent rises over time, the backs of your knees. That will keep you smelling delicious all evening without it being too concentrated and over powering.

4. Last but not least leave your hair either down or half down so it looks touchable and soft. Crispy, slick hair can look severe and uninviting. And men love hair that they can run their fingers through. So even if you have curly hair, let your ringlets flow freely, just use a good curling product like Fredric Fakkai Coiff Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray to keep away frizzies.

Take these tips and combine them with a little charm and sense of humor, and your first date is guaranteed to be a success.

flickr.com user gcoldironjr2003

Getting ready for a job interview can be stressful, and being prepared is key to having a smooth experience. Most people focus on the potential questions they may be asked during the interview and spend time rehearsing the best possible answers to those questions. That’s a great start, but it’s also important to do your research and find out exactly what type of environment you are about to walk into. Looking the part will give you added confidence and will show your potential employer that you’re the right fit for the job. In addition to what you wear, it’s important to consider your makeup look. We have put together a few makeup application tips to help you look your best.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to job interview makeup is to look conservative and appropriate, no matter what the job is that you are interviewing for (unless, of course, you’re trying to get a job at a night club). Generally, even if you are applying for a job at a really edgy place, you don’t want to look unprofessional with tons of heavy eyeliner and super dark lips. Keep your makeup natural and make sure you look clean and polished.

Start with a clean face and use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion. Then apply a subtle blush to the apples of your cheeks to brighten up your face, making you look energized and healthy. Finish your face with an oil controlling powder to ensure that your makeup stays put and your skin doesn’t get shiny. You can also set your makeup with Skindinavia’s Makeup Finishing Spray – it’s genius for keeping your makeup on all day long.

For your eyes, stick with neutral shades of eyeshadow, and the more matte the better. Serious job interviews are not the place for green eyeliner and glitter. Sweep a shade that is a tad lighter than your natural skin tone over your lids, and then blend a darker shadow from the same color family in your creases to open up your eyes. Julie Hewett Los Angeles created the perfect job interview makeup palette exclusively for Beautyfix members. After applying your shadows, thinly line the top lid with dark brown or black liner, like Rosie Jane Eye Define in Beech Tree and either use a small amount of that liner for your lower lids, or use the same eyeshadow you did for your crease and use a liner brush to apply it to the lower lash line.

To complete the look use a natural, non glittery lipstick or lip gloss, and avoid dark or day glow shades that could intimidate or distract your interviewer.

In order to make the best impression, dress to impress, and wear a tasteful outfit that fits in with the company’s daily dress code.  Looking attractive is key, but looking sexy could be a turn off in a professional setting, so opt for higher necklines and lower hemlines to ensure you are taken seriously.

flickr.com user Ana Patrícia Almeida

As summer approaches many of us are suddenly thrown into an extreme state of anxiety; We rush to the gym, cut out all carbs from our diet, and start obsessing about our cellulite (how to get rid of it, that is) just so that bikini that is buried at the bottom of our drawer doesn’t have to stay buried all summer.

Even the skinny minis that are blessed with super human metabolisms are sometimes plagued with lumpy skin on their thighs and tummy. Cellulite can strike any one of any age, any weight, on any diet, and any exercise program.

The best strategy to help you win the battle of the bulge is a 3-pronged approach for complete cellulite eradication.

Step 1. Watch what you eat. This might seem obvious, but it really is important to cut out high sodium, high fat, and high sugar processed foods from your diet if you want to slim down your thighs. All those foods not only contribute to weight gain, but they cause bloating and excess fat storage, which make cellulite much worse. Here are some great tips on foods to eat and other ways to reduce cellulite.

Step 2. Get yourself on a daily exercise program. If you want to lose fat, combine strength training with cardio. This is the best way to boost your metabolism and build muscle, which helps tone your body, and keep it burning more calories on a daily basis. Even if you hate working out, there has to be something that you enjoy that gets you moving on a daily basis. Even just some vigorous vacuuming or a long trip to the mall can burn tons of calories. To see how many calories you burn on a daily basis, here is a calorie calculator that includes tons of different activities, so you can see what you are burning.

Step 3. Use some high quality Anti-Cellulite lotion every day. There have been a lot of advances in topical treatments for cellulite over the past years, and many women and men have seen great results using them.

Stick to these rules and over time you will start to notice your lumps and bumps getting smaller and less noticeable. Also try to remember that you see your cellulite through a much more critical lens than anyone else does, and it’s probably nowhere near as bad as you think.

Flickr.com user Kinnéidigh Garrett

Spring has finally sprung, and cute spring hair trends are popping up in store windows, magazines, television, everywhere!  As the days get longer, and a rainbow of blossoms begin to cover every tree, we find ourselves putting away our winter clothes and accessories, and start donning ourselves daily with pastel skirts, sparkly sandals, and flowers, flowers, flowers. Hair accessories are a really fun and easy way to add a little spring to your step and the options are endless.

Flickr.com user ★Debs★ One hair style that is perfect for spring, and simple enough for anyone, is braids. From a few mini braids that add a little texture to the hair, to long loose braids that tumble over your shoulders, there is a style for every occasion. Seen all over the runways of New York Fashion Week, braids are a sexy, sophisticated way to dress up your hair for day time picnics or evening cocktail parties. If time is on your side, you can experiment with French braids, either on their own or combined with another hair style, like a bun. If French braids are not your forte, you can just braid random sections of hair and use hair pins to hold them in place. From classic Dorothy braids, with a straight middle part, to more complex milk maid braids that wrap around the head, there are plenty of ways to include them into your “hair style wardrobe.”

Flickr.com user il_miss_whit Headbands have been a hair accessory staple forever, but over the past few seasons they have gotten cuter, edgier, and glitzier than ever before. From scarf head wraps to jeweled head bands, designers have been getting really creative using materials like feathers, bows, flowers, and precious stones to garnish their spring collections. For a dressy day time do, pair a beaded headband with loose waves. This will add sparkle to your outfit, and will make less than perfect hair look instantly polished and done. If you are going out for a night on the town and want to be a little more daring, adorn your up do with a feather head band that will add a pop of color and interest to your hair.

Spring is a time for new beginnings and rebirth, so why not take that idea and apply it to your beauty routine? You don’t need a drastic change to feel refreshed for the new season; just a tiny little alteration to your hair style can make you feel completely transformed and gorgeous.