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2010 Emmys: Actresses Let Loose with Long Hairstyles

September 1, 2010 – 10:24 am by Jacqueline Cheney

Flickr User: Renee Silverman

Although Joan Rivers may disagree, I thought the long, flowing hair at this year’s 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards was gorgeous. Whether it was tousled to perfection or smooth and sleek, these hairstyles for long hair not only complimented the stunning gowns, but brought back a natural youthfulness to the awards show.

Best Long Waves: Sofia Vergara

The Modern Family star proved that even an Emmy novice can get it right on the first try. Not only did she win an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, her Carolina Herrera gown and a wavy hairstyle, created by Sauve Professionals hairstylist Jenny Cho, helped her vamp up the red carpet.

Her look can be achieved by applying a mousse, like Alterna Life Solutions Volumizing Spray Mousse, to damp hair and then part hair into 2 inch sections and roll onto large velcro rollers. Blow dry the rollers until hair is dry or let air dry for an hour. Remove the rollers and break up the waves with your fingers. Next, take a large barrel (1 ½ to 2 inch) curling iron and wrap large sections of hair around the barrel to create tighter waves from the mid-shaft to the ends. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray.

Best Sleek and Smooth: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Although she didn’t win for best actress in a comedy series for The New Adventures of Old Christine, Julia proved she could still look every bit as glamorous as her competition. With a hairstyle by celebrity hairstylist Oscar Blandi, she opted for a sleek, smooth look. And with it tucked behind her ears, she was able to show off those amazing jade earrings by Irene Neuwirth.

Her look can be achieved by spraying Oscar Blandi Volume Volumizing Spray onto damp hair, focusing on the roots. Next, work a dab of Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss throughout the hair to prevent frizz. Blow hair dry using a round brush. Create a polished look by applying a small amount of Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum throughout the hair. Run a flat iron (the T3 Flat Iron is a good choice) through the hair, staying one inch from the roots and leaving the ends softly bent. Then, apply a dime-size amount of Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss to the hair to control frizz. Tuck the front section of the hair behind the ears, securing with a bobby pin. Finish with Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray for additional volume and flexible hold.

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Day 11- A Pop of Eye Color

August 31, 2010 – 6:11 pm by Jenna

We’ve come full circle trying out the best fall makeup trends and fall hair trends and I’d say the experiment has been a success.  Switching up my look did take a few extra minutes out of my mornings … but challenging myself was fun and rewarding. If I can do 11 looks in 11 days, there’s no reason you can’t mix up your own makeup looks every once in a while. Using a pop of color can make your eye color stand out and it happens to be a fabulous fall makeup trend. Rounding out DermStore’s 11th anniversary, I tackled the two tone eye shadow trend, using a very tropical teal.

One of my favorite beauty products that I have but haven’t used too much is Jane Iredale’s 24 Karat Gold Dust Powder in Aquamarine. I fell in love with these powders after rose gold was featured in a Beautyfix season. They are highly pigmented colors without all the bad preservatives and nasty chemicals—and they contain real 24-Karat gold flakes! You can use the colors on your face, body or hair. I have to say I have almost every single color.

Incorporating a colored eye shadow or eyeliner into your daily beauty routine can glam up your look in an instant. After doing my normal eye makeup and lining my eyes with a medium brown, I used the aquamarine color with a sharp liner brush to line the bottom lid of my eyes right underneath the lash point. I used a darker color underneath, because I’m a huge fan of the smoky eye trend.

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Day 10 – Braid it Away

August 30, 2010 – 5:30 pm by Jenna

Hair braids have been around for centuries, but the “new” braided look made its debut this spring. Since then we’ve seen so many different braid styles and variations! I’m a huge fan of hair braids right now because they’re convenient and trendy—plus there’s a different style for every occasion. Not gonna lie:  executing a perfect braid takes time and practice. But fortunately, there are many ways to find the perfect braid style to suit you. From classic to messy, here are a few braid styles to try out on your own. Today’s favorite = the utterly easy side braid. :)

  • The fishtail braid – This concept can be hard to get a handle on, but with practice you can be a master in no time.
  • The side braid – This is more appropriate for a casual setting than a full on French braid. Keeping a few pieces out of the braid will add a modern touch to your look.
  • The hidden braid – Experiment with a messy hair braid, and hide this one underneath some hair, so it’s peeking out and ready to be found. The duality of two textures can be gorgeous.
  • The double French braid – Not to be confused with pig tails. For an elegant hair style, pin up the back of the two braids to create a messy bun, chic twist or low chignon.
  • The classic French braid – The name says it all! For this one, practice makes perfect.
  • The loose hairline braid – This one runs along your hair line, framing your face. Feel free to put your own twist on it—mistakes are actually encouraged.
  • The ponytail braid – Hair pulled back and half way braided down. Channel your inner J.Lo and throw in a little Angelina Jolie.
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DermStore Chats with Celebrity Makeup Artist Rose-Marie Swift

August 27, 2010 – 10:45 am by lsalerno

You’re in luck! DermStore caught up with celebrity makeup artist extraordinaire, Rose-Marie Swift, to chat about fall makeup trends before she heads off to Capri, Italy to work on the Louis Vuitton brochure with model Anna V and photographer Mark Segal! Between fabulous photoshoots—she just did two cover stories in Naples, Italy for Japanese Vogue with photographer Mario Sorrenti and models Rachel Zimmerman and Edita Vilkeviciute (so jealous!)—and celebrities’ makeup (she counts Gisele as a fan) she created her own organic color cosmetics line, RMS Beauty.

What were the most prominent makeup trends on the runway?

I believe the darker brow is making a comeback. After seeing so many bleached out brows in the last few seasons, years actually, now a real statement is being brought back to the brow. I feel it gives more power to the face and a sense of strength that is needed also in this day and age. A statement that one can handle the stresses of the real world and the economy.

How are fall’s fashion trends influencing the makeup?

I see a little 50′s which opens up some of the brighter pastels to the lips, yet I am also seeing a little bit of a monotone look to some of the models with a much lighter makeup application and not so directed in the so called “pretty direction.” More skin toned makeup…lighter lips in pale beiges/browns and eyes with more brown eyeshadows applied over the whole lid rather than the traditional brow highlight and deeper color shadowing through the mid eye bone (banana line area). That classic technique of eyeshadow application is not so visible with the new trends…it’s more a one sweep application with one color.

I feel like “high fashion” makeup is either too dramatic or only models can pull off the looks—basically, it can be a little intimidating. How can non-models make these makeup trends that we see on the runway and in magazines work off the catwalk and the fashion pages?

My best advice for that is to copy your inspiration, but just calm down the application and tone down the colors. All those looks can be copied using a lighter technique to still get the effect and therefore can be pulled off easier and made more wearable without looking like you’ve tried too hard.

What is YOUR favorite fall makeup trend?

I love the fact that the trends are going towards makeup with skin care benefits. It is not just about going and buying the latest color or lipstick. Women are really going for makeup products with healing benefits and skin care properties. It is like getting skin care in your color cosmetics. This is what RMS Beauty is all about.

Is there one makeup trend you think every girl should check out this fall?

I always and will always vouch for glowing skin. I have never liked a full pat down in the powder department as it ages and the dries out the skin—it’s terrible looking, like a dried out lake bed. The face is all about the glow and the best product to achieve this is RMS Beauty Luminizer. It gives a sheer, subtle glow that makes you look like you are in the best state of health and radiantly luminous, without the tacky sparkles found in traditional highlighters! This product is very unique to the beauty business. Literally, it complements the lightest made up face to the heaviest made up face.

Find out more about Rose-Marie Swift on her website http://www.beautytruth.net//

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Dermstore.com Expert Directory Spotlight: Dr. Grant Stevens

August 26, 2010 – 10:33 am by guestblogger

By Liz Franz

Dr. Grant Stevens

Dr. Grant Stevens on Dermstore's Expert Directory

Dr. Grant Stevens is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the Medical Director of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates. In addition to authoring dozens of journal articles and international lectures on plastic surgery, he’s regularly featured in the popular press. You may have seen him in USA Today, People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Beauty, Forbes, Glamour, Cooking Light or in on Discovery CNN, MSNBC, The Learning Channel, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, or the Lifetime Network.

Learn more about Dr. Grant Stevens and find out what his specialties are by visiting DermStore’s Expert Directory.

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This Month’s Featured Brand: Jane Iredale

August 26, 2010 – 10:24 am by guestblogger
Jane Iredale Spotlight

Jane Iredale Spotlight

By Guest Blogger Liz Franz

Mineral makeup that wears beautifully anddoes great things for the skin? We love it!

Since 1994, Jane Iredale’s namesake cosmetics line has utilized pure micronized minerals and pigments—and avoided harmful ingredients like alcohol, talc and perfume—to create fabulous products for your face, eyes, cheeks and lips.

Several of the brand’s offerings, including Amazing Base, PurePressed Base, Powder-Me SPF, Dream Tint and Lip Drink are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, offering SPF 15 and higher water-resistant sun protection without causing sensitivity or irritation.

Shop DermStore’s entire selection of Jane Iredale products now!

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Day 8 & 9 – A Lesson in Liquid Liner and A Dark Pout

August 25, 2010 – 5:20 pm by Jenna

There’s so much to do with makeup this fall with so many different color palettes to choose from. Even though there are always crazy fall makeup trends happening, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up a classic look. It’s dramatic yet understated. Classic cat-eyes with liquid liner is still always a do and can complement your features very well. With every classic look comes a bold one, so day 9 was all about a bold lip taken from the latest dark lips trend. Here’s the best way to get both these gorgeous trends.

The first factor to think about when choosing liquid eyeliner is what type would fit best with you. If you hold your writing utensils close to the point, you’ll want to use a pen style applicator for better precision. Try Lorac’s Front of the Line in black for an easy to the point cat eye. These are very easy to use and great liquid eyeliners, but they can run out a little quicker. I happen to be the type that loves to flick the brush along my eyes to achieve the perfect ‘winged’ look so I’m partial to a wand applicator. My favorite wand liquid eyeliner is Liquif-Eye by Too Faced Cosmetics because it’s intensely pigmented and water resistant. You’ll need an intense black to get the well defined cat eye. Now that you have your weapon of choice, you need to prep your eyes. Use a powder or cream-to-powder base to absorb any moisture to prevent your makeup from slipping throughout the day and ensure staying power. Time to start applying liquid eyeliner. Try to have the best steady hand that you can and get as close to the lash line as possible. To open up your eyes and widen them up, start in the middle of your eye and slowly work your way out. As you near to the corner of your eye, slowly angle the liner up and outward. The thicker and further you wing out your liner, the more dramatic it can be. This takes time to perfect so experiment with it and keep your cool if you mess up. You can always re-apply.

I’ve always thought that dark lipstick wasn’t a good look on me because of my natural blonde hair. Being a brunette has opened up a whole range of colors that I can play with and changed my outlook. Even if you have light hair you can find a darker red lipstick to fit you! Try to choose a lighter berry color that suits your skin tons and you’re in for the hottest trend for fall. My color choice was fun to pick out. After trying Julie Hewett lipsticks in a Beautyfix kit, I’ve been hooked because of how moisturizing and pigmented they are while staying on for a prolonged period of time. Sin Noir was the perfect dark red shade that I was searching for, plus I’m a sucker for the glamorous packaging. I recommend using a lip liner before using a dark lipstick. It helps to prolong the wear of the color and helps contour shape, but most importantly it keeps the lipstick from feathering into any tiny lines. The dark color creates the perfect dark pout for fall. Just keep it off your teeth and mission accomplished!

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Day 6 & 7 An Easy Bun & Camo Nails

August 24, 2010 – 5:26 pm by Jenna

In order to keep the fall trends in line for DermStore’s 11th anniversary, it’s time to switch it with some hair and more nails. These two fall trends have been ripped right from the runway and a very pretty woman’s head. After eying Julia Robert’s low chignon at the Japanese premiere of Eat, Pray, Love, it was definitely something fun that I needed to try out. Along with the hair, my nails needed another update as well to pair with the military chic fall jackets we’ve been drooling over.

Ballerinas have inspired and made the bun look a certain staple hair trend in society. A low bun doesn’t have to be prim and proper, but it’s a great statement for the office. It’s clean and a little glamorous, making this easy hair do a definite for any time of the year. In the past few seasons we’ve seen the top knot on top of our heads, but for this fall hair trend, we’re pulling it down to the nape of our neck.  To get this cute and easy look it takes three simple steps. Side parts are back in, so part your hair a little to the side. On the runways they have side parts to the extreme, but toning it down is the right translation. After parting, sweep your hair back in a low ponytail and make sure it’s secure, but not too tight. It’s this simple, take your ponytail and swirl it in a circle like a lazy bun. Take a few bobbi pins and pin it up around the sides, set it with a spritz of finishing hair spray for hold and your fabulous bun is all done! Add a headband, flower or accessory to add a little flair and you’re ready for the day. It’s a perfectly easy up-do that fits well with any outfit or occasion.

Nail trends have me head over cute toes in general so there’s no hurt in having a different color for whatever mood you’re in. Since I’ve been obsessing about the latest military coat trend, nails are soon to follow. Fall’s 2010 nail trends are no exception and this week my obsession calls for OPI’s Barefoot in Barcelona. Its low key and a very flesh-toned brown with pink undertones.

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Get Shinier Hair with Beauty Hair Products

August 24, 2010 – 12:28 pm by Leanna Kelly


Source: Flickr user hunnyhunny

Whether your hair is straight or curly, long or short, dyed or au naturale, chances are you want it to be shinier. For most people, knowing how to get healthy hair is the same as knowing how to get shiny hair, but achieving true hair health takes time and effort. Improving the health of your hair is the number one best way to keep it silky and shiny, but while you’re on that hair care journey, here are a few tips and tricks for adding instant shine to your locks.
Tip #1: Cool it Off

Blasting your washed and conditioned hair with a cold water rinse before stepping out of the shower will add a burst of shiny brilliance with almost no effort on your part. The chill of the water will close the hair cuticles, sealing in the conditioner for lasting moisture and gorgeous shine.

Tip #2: Dry it Right

Drying your hair well means catering to your natural hair texture. For making straight hair shiny, you should use a blow-dryer and a boar-bristle paddle brush. Be sure your hair is completely, 100% dry, otherwise the damp areas will become frizzy and lose body. (Let your hair cool off after blow-drying, then run your fingers through it to find any damp areas.) To calm a surprise attack of frizz, spot-treat with a smoothing serum, making sure to keep it away from the hair’s roots to avoid looking greasy.

For making curly hair shiny, your drying regimen begins in the shower. After applying conditioner, rinse until it’s almost, but not completely, removed from your hair. Towel dry and apply a small amount of curl-supporting gel, then shape the curls with your fingertips. Never, ever run a brush through the finished style, otherwise your hair will become a fluffy frizz ball.

Tip #3: Replenish it Regularly

Using a weekly deep-conditioning hair treatment will revitalize damaged, lackluster hair. To boost the benefits of your treatment, begin with a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly remove product buildup. Free of the layer of residue, the hair will have an easier time absorbing nutrients and moisture, thereby optimizing your treatment time. (By the way, waiting for the hair treatment to work is also a great time to apply your favorite skin care face mask, give yourself a home pedicure, or fold the laundry!)

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Day 5 – Fresh Face with Sheer Foundation

August 23, 2010 – 1:21 pm by Jenna

Source: Flickr User Jacklyn DL

I’m no stranger to using foundation; in fact I think that I have every kind imaginable. The sheer foundation fall makeup trend is so exciting because I’m a little tired of the matte trend. The look you’ll get from the sheer foundation trend is a dewy, fresh faced look and it’s perfect for any occasion. To achieve this, you’ll need your favorite liquid foundation, a foundation brush and a little water or moisturizer.

Make sure that your skin is moisturized before applying. This is not only good for your skin, but will help the liquid foundation apply smoother. Next, get your foundation brush and dampen it. You can also add a pearl sized amount of moisturizer into your foundation for the same effect. The trick here is to dilute the liquid foundation so it’ll spread thinner while applying. Apply your newly formulated moisturizing foundation with your foundation brush and spread evenly across your face and blend into your neck. After you’re done, shy away from any brightly colored blushes. The fresh faced trend should not be gaudy, but a reflection of your already gorgeous skin. Take a very light nude or pink blush and lightly highlight the apples of your cheeks. That’s it! Now enjoy your flawless skin.

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