People Magazine just released their annual Peoples Most Beautiful issue and the star grabbing the top honor is none other than Jenny from the Block. Mrs. Jennifer Lopez, aka JLo, graces the cover and divulges her beauty secrets, philosophies and woes to the magazine.

Claiming that beauty is not something that always comes easy, J Lo freely admits that outer beauty is part of her job and something that she has to work at to achieve- from her intense sweat sessions, to diets and a strict beauty routine. “I don’t want anybody thinking it’s easy. It does take time and it’s hard work. HDTV wide-screen is nobody’s friend,” claims Mrs. Marc Anthony.

As we all know, it takes the help of skilled stylist and great product to maintain those gorgeous looks. Some of the former Fly Girl’s favorite products include SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense, a powerful broad-spectrum moisturizing sunscreen, and Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream.  Says the star: “I love that Rose Cream by Dr. Hauschka. I buy it at Whole Foods!”

Although, even someone as genetically blessed as JLo realizes that outer beauty is only skin deep:

“The physical would fade, but it was always was something that was born from the inside out. You can have a person with perfect features and if they are not a nice person or a loving person or a person with a big heart they just don’t seem as beautiful as someone else with features that are not as perfect.”

As clichéd as it might be, it’s comforting to hear such revelations from the reigning Peoples Most Beautiful Person.

2 Months Before the Red Carpet

• Chemical Peels-  A medium-strength chemical peel, such as a  TCA peel, can produce pretty dramatic results. These procedures can renew collagen and elastin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and reduce large pores, soften acne scars, and combat hyperpigmentation, evening the skin tone. However, the actual peeling of the skin can last a couple weeks. Celebrities have these procedures performed at least a month before their big event.

2 Weeks Before the Red Carpet

• Injectable Fillers- Celebrities often turn to fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and sculptra to treat deep lines and wrinkles. The various options of fillers now available to the public provide patients with several options when it comes to texture and desired results. Depending on the type of filler, the results can last as little as 2-6 months or as long as 1-2 years. It is generally recommended that treatments should be performed about two week before a major event.

5-7 Days Before the Red Carpet

• Botox- Botox treatments are one of the most commonly used and accepted cosmetic dermatology procedures on the market. While the list of celebrities with botox (and denying it) is never ending, many star such as Jennie Garth, Lori Loughlin, Vanessa Williams and Jenny McCarthy have come clean about receiving Botox treatments. Since the FDA approved the procedure in 2002, there has been a continual demand for the product. In fact, when used correctly and in moderation Botox treatments are a great preventative measure. Recovery time is minimal, but it is recommended Botox 5-7 days before an event just in case there is a reaction or bruising.

• Microdermabrasion- Microdermabrasion is great to have done a few days before a red carpet appearance. It makes skin look and feel smoother almost immediately and the results can last for several weeks after the treatment. There are even a few DYI kits that let you perform microdermabrasion treatments at home, I suggest the kit from Personal Microderm.

48 Hours Before the Red Carpet

• Facials- Celebrities are known to indulge in extravagant facial before big events, including Mila Kunis’ recent $7,000 Golden Globes facial utilizing rubies and diamonds. While the scientific evidence is inconclusive when it comes to using exotic stones, facials are renowned for relaxing and rejuvenating client’s right before events. Facials are great because they are specifically designed and targeted to each person’s skin concerns. Facials include extractions, cleansings and appropriate masks, which revives the dull skin and is a great quick pick-me-up.

Eyebrow shaping has been around for centuries, and in the modern day quest for perfect eyebrows, too many of us have experienced some (often hilariously) bad brow-days.

From Stock.xchng user heidijean

If you are like me, then looking back at old pictures can be an eye opening experience. High school portraits and family photos bring back flooding memories of brow disasters. Like that summer when you decided to try the (almost always unacceptable) shave-off-and-draw-in method; Or the next summer when you made up for it by developing a phobia of all hair removal devices, and allowed your eyebrows to not only unite as one, but also let the other ends reacquaint themselves with your hair line.
With so many ways to go wrong with this delicate facial feature, it is no surprise that women worldwide have given up on trusting others with tweezers, wax, and dye near their face.

The best eyebrows are the ones that look naturally groomed, shape the face without overwhelming the eye area, and look so good, they go unnoticed to the untrained eye. Celebrity eyebrows that fall into the awesome category are those of Hayden Panettiere and Megan Fox, and ones that may need a little lesson in color theory, and perhaps tweezer intervention, are available for your viewing pleasure at this bad brow blog.

If you are searching for a product that will fill in the little spaces between your hairs without making you look like Princess Jasmine, either see an expert, or search for a brow filler that is the same tone and a few shades lighter than your natural brows. We all share the fear of looking like that heavy-handed makeup artist sporting Dracula brows, but with the right tips and tools, filling in your eyebrows doesn’t have to be so scary.

• For dark brown hair, a medium grey-brown shade is usually better than charcoal black (which is how you achieve the Elvira effect) or a chestnut brown (which can look way too red on most complexions).
• If you are blessed with scarlet locks, chances are your eyebrows are a less intense version of your hair’s red hue, so opt for a slightly golden brown, instead of a crimson shade fit for the circus.
• For blonde hair, there are 2 obstacles you must overcome

1. If you are VERY blonde and have white eyebrows, take them down a few notches by dying your eyebrows a light ash-blonde.
2. Blondes tend to have very sparse hair all over their body, so when it comes to eyebrow shaping, never over-tweeze, just work with what you have and only remove the completely unruly hairs that have no contact with the bulk of your brows.

• For truly black hair, a dark grey pencil/powder is a great option, and for darker complexions, the charcoal black looks natural.

If you are currently trying to re-grow your brows from an overzealous plucking session, the only advice I have is to wait; and for heaven’s sake STAY AWAY FROM MAGNIFIED MIRRORS. They make every hair appear as if it is miles away from the one next to it, and you could end up with a microscopic row of wisps when you are finished tweezing.

All in all, the best thing to do is to see a professional every other week, but if you must divulge yourself in at-home maintenance, try an eyebrow stencil to achieve the perfect shape every time.

Flickr user limonlucikolata

flickr user chicagophotoshop

2010 was a pretty beautiful year, literally speaking. Aside from a few missteps and casualties (Bump-its anyone? Jersey Shore-esque tans? Anything from the Taylor Momsen makeup bag?), this past year has ushered in some gorgeous new looks and brought relevance to retro trends as well. Below is a list of some of the best beauty trends 2010 had to offer.

• Ombre Hair- Good news for those who despise the monthly trips to the salon for touch-ups! Perfectly maintained hair is out and ombre hair is in!  Celebs like Nicole Richie and Rachel Bilson started bucking the beauty rule of root maintenance this summer.
• Retro hair- Think beehives, a la Scarlet Johanson, and Veronica Lake waves made popular by beauties such as Megan Fox and Angelina Jolie.
• Cat eye makeup and winged eyeliner- A favorite of everyone from Lauren Conrad to the make up artists at fashion week, this easy-to-achieve look dominated the beauty pages in 2010.  With a steady hand and an easy-to-use liquid eyeliner (I prefer Hourglass Cosmetics Calligraphy Liquid Eyeliner) anyone can perfect this subtle, yet sexy come-hither look. Again, please remember, you are going for subtle, not Little J!
• Pixie cuts- For the past couple months, stars have been chopping off their long locks one-by-one to reveal a gamine and gorgeous, yet classic do. Celebrities such as Michelle Williams, Ginnifer Goodwin, Carey Mulligan, Emma Watson, Elisha Cuthbert and Rihanna have all made the cut, literally. Beware though; this hair trend is not for everyone.
• Braids- The braided hair style is my personal favorite look from this year. The mixture of simplicity and versatility, mixed with my laziness and unruly mane, has turned the braid into my go-to hair style.

The worst? There were some doozies! The aforementioned Bump Its, Oompa-Loompa tans, raccoon eye makeup, also snuggies, neon makeup and scraggly extensions (again, bad year for Taylor Momsen) … but the absolute worst beauty trend of 2010? Vajazzling!

Emma Watson's Pixie Cut flickr user skoykkahwin

Forget the Rachel, say goodbye to Posh’s angled bob and peace out to Blake Lively’s tousled tresses. There is a new style on the block and it is taking Hollywood by storm. Meet The Pixie- the IT 2010 hairstyle. For the past couple months, stars have been chopping off their long locks one-by-one to reveal a gamine and gorgeous, yet classic, do. Celebrities such as Michelle Williams, Ginnifer Goodwin, Carey Mulligan, Emma Watson, Elisha Cuthbert, Rihanna, Katie Holmes and Hayden Panettiere have all made the cut, literally. The most recent addition to the ever growing list of short haired beauties is Ashlee Simpson Wentz, whose husband debuted the pixie haircut via twitter. So you think you want to jump on the pixie bandwagon? I got some advice about the 2010 hairstyle trend from Shear Genius contestant and stylist to the stars Janine Jarman—read on and learn how to make this fun look work for you.

Beautyfix: Let’s talk pixie cuts.

Janine Jarman: It makes me so happy to see short hair on girls! To me, short hair looks so feminine—it makes the face and eyes really stand out.

Beautyfix: Are different variations better for different face shapes?

JJ: Yes, there are hundreds of charts online of face shape and hair cuts that are designed to make your face shape look as close to an oval as possible. That’s the ultimate goal, so if you have a square jaw you want to have layers cut down into the jaw and round it out. If you have a heart shaped face, same thing—you want longer layers and a side bang cut down and over so that it makes oval.

Beautyfix: How often do pixie haircuts need to be trimmed to maintain the shape?

JJ: Every four weeks. Short hair cuts need to be cut a lot more often than long hair cuts.

Beautyfix: Any tips on how to gracefully grow out a pixie cut?

JJ: Hair accessories are the best way to grow out any hair-do. Once it gets to chin length and lower, get extensions if it’s that torturous for you.

Flickr.com user Pink Sherbet Photography

If we had it our way, at home pedicure maintenance would be unnecessary as we would gladly sit in that plush pedi chair and be pampered daily with a professional pedicure. The unfortunate reality is that many of us are lucky if we get to the nail salon once a month. If you are guilty of neglecting your tootsies until the polish has shrunk to a little dot on your big toe, here are some easy at home foot care tips from celebrity manicurist  Michelle Saunders that will keep your toes looking freshly painted and dry cracked heels a thing of the past.

Here is what she says:

“The professional pedicure you just had at the salon could last up to two weeks longer with some TLC at home.

If the skin on your feet is callused or dry, the most important thing you could do is use a pumice stone (wet or dry) or a foot file about once a week. That will keep the skin smoother between pedicures, and don’t for get to lotion up! Nightly would be ideal, but if you do it once a week that’s better than nothing.

If your polish loses its luster after three weeks, add a top coat! That will bring the shine back. If you are wearing flip flops or shoes that show your toes, all you have to do is add a little cuticle oil to the cuticles on your toes and voila, the pedicure looks instantly refreshed!”
If you take Michelle’s advice, you can get away with long stretches in between pedicures. It is easy to keep your feet looking and feeling perfect for weeks. With a little scrubbing, moisturizing, and top coating, you will be proud to show off your toes, instead of hiding them in socks and shoes 3 1/2 weeks a month.

Using fabulous pedicure products can make giving yourself an at home pedicure feel luxurious instead of daunting. Some of our favorite products include Alchimie Forever’s Watercress-infused hand and foot treatment. It hydrates without making your feet feel sticky, and the Watercress has a soft scent so you won’t feel like you dipped your feet in melted candy canes. For cuticles we like SpaRitual’s Cuti-Quench because it’s a cream instead of an oil, making it easy to apply throughout the day on your hands too  without making a greasy mess out of everything you touch by coating everything you touch with oil.

“A professional pedicure should last 3-4 weeks but can go 5-6 with proper home care.”–Michelle

ABOUT CELEBRITY MANICURIST MICHELLE SAUNDERS:



Michelle Saunders, Celebrity Manicurist

Based in Los Angeles, Michelle’s manicures and pedicures are regularly seen all over the red carpet and on the covers of your favorite magazines. Her work frequently graces the hands of myriad celebrities including Kim Cattrall, Kate Beckinsale and Eva Longoria Parker.

Flickr.com user dreamglow

The other day my friend was shocked as she opened her brand new mascara and it was the wrong color. But it wasn’t just brown instead of black, it was electric blue! Colored mascara has gotten little pops of attention over the recent years, but they seem to be lighting up the run ways and red carpets more and more these days. There are many ways you can go with colored mascara, ranging from an eye color enhancing hint of pigment to straight day glow lashes. This trend is definitely one that needs to be followed carefully, as there is a very fine line between looking foxy and looking freaky.

If you are thinking of trying a mascara that enhances your eye color, there are a few out there that look black at first glance, but when they are hit by sunlight, you can see the hint of purple, green, or blue. They claim to make your natural eye color more vibrant using a contrasting color to your iris.

For green eyes, purple is a good choice to make eyes pop, as it has a red base, which is green’s complementary color. If you have blue eyes, a mascara with a hint of gold or amber will turn your eyes from dull to dazzling, as yellow is the opposite of blue. If your eyes are brown, then you are in luck, because you can get away with any color, (besides maybe white or bright yellow) but those colors don’t really go with any complexion.

One trick makeup artists use is to apply a coat of regular black or brown mascara, and then add a color to only the tips of your lashes. This way, your eyes are still well defined, and the look is not as severe.

If you are feeling daring and want to try some florescent hues, then just make sure you do it with a purpose. Colored mascara with no other makeup, stringy hair and a sweat shirt is never a good look. People will think you just stepped out of the loony bin. Instead, dress up and wear it to a party, where crazy makeup is expected, like Rhianna. In my opinion, the eye color that looks really fantastic in bright blue or green is brown eyes, like these beautiful brown eyes, and all other eye colors look best in purple.

After deciding to take the plunge, it’s time to decide on one of the many brands out there offering multi-hued mascaras. This best mascara blog has reviewed some of the most popular, expensive, and affordable, so you can narrow down your options before you hit the stores.

Here’s a handy step by step guide:

Sean James step one

Step one: Start with freshly washed, towel dried hair.

Sean James step 2

Step Two:  Spray RUSK thick throughout the roots of the hair.

Sean James step 3

Step three: Section the hair and blow-dry straight and full.

Sean James step 4

Step four: Wind vertical sections around the thickness of the curling iron, away from the face, meeting in the middle.

Sean James step 5

Step five:  Tilt the head over and shake out the hair with your hands.

Sean James step 6

Step six: Lift head upright and stretch out the curl with a RUSK speedfreak blow-dryer on low heat.

Sean James step 7

Step seven: Direct your ends to sit in a complimentary place, put some makeup on, and smile.

This is a fun and flirty look that can most anyone can accomplish with the right tools and products. It is easy and mistake proof, but still leaves the wearer feeling fit for the front cover of Vogue.

ABOUT SEAN JAMES:

Sean is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist. His work can be seen on the runways of Paris, New York and LA and red carpets everywhere. Celeb clients include Jaime Pressly and Emily Blunt.