Nail it! Nail Polish Trends Every Girl Must Try

Katy Perry poses for one of our favorite nail polish brand OPI

Just like makeup and handbags, nail polish became a staple in every girl’s overall look since its invention. The polish on your digits can give a sexy complement with what you’re wearing and add life to the most basic outfits. From the trendiest colors to new nail styles to try, we got it covered for you. Here’s a list of must-tries so you can nail it!

Dare to be Nude

Eva Mendes goes nude...on her nails

Like nude lipstick, nude nails look refreshingly demure, yet sophisticated. They  give off a young and fresh aura that is subtle enough for any occasion. Choose a nude polish with high-gloss finish for a prettier look.

All that glitters

For nails that dare to be noticed, add gold flakes

Admit it, us girls are attracted to many things shiny. The flash of metal got an updated twist with the gold nails look.  

Tip: Apply a layer of clear base coat and add gold flakes with tweezers. You can buy flakes at specialty beauty stores or check the nail polish section in major department stores. Blow off excess gold flakes with your lips after the base coat is dry. Finally, secure with a clear topcoat.

You can also try Dashing Diva Nail Lacquer in Golden Opportunity or CND Nail Polish in Copper Shimmer for an instant shiny shimmering glow.

A Different Kind of Blue

Chanel's nail polish shade in 527 is the perfect sweet Tiffany's blue we all love

Inspired by Robin’s Egg and the much sought after Tiffany’s shopping bag, this pale blue shade is too cute to ignore. Try this shade of blue in matte instead of a glossy finish to bring out the innocent sweetness this particular color embodies very well. 

Pop Art Graphics

Animal prints, fruity designs, beach themes, abstract art: Anything goes with nail art!

 The breakout star are pop art graphics. There are over thousands of designs to choose from. They can be digitally printed or you can ask your trusted nail technician to do it for you.

Think Pink

Perfect to enhance a tanned skin, pretty in pink and peach shades are staples in a girl’s nail beauty kit. It’s quite difficult for pink tones to go out of style, from lipsticks to polish!

Lavender lovin’

China Glaze, another popPRETTY favorite, glitters in purple

Purple nails are big this year. The violet hues come in saturated lavenders, dusty purples, and shiny heliotropes. It doesn’t hurt that shades of purple look great with pretty much all skin tones.

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Perfect Curls: How to Use a Curling Iron

Curls can make you look more put-together and add a lot of fun to any look

It takes just one look at a curling iron to make a lot of women, and especially men, dash in the opposite direction. But those perfect beach curls or elegant ringlets are simply too gorgeous to ignore. So, how to you get these waves and curls without getting a perm, or at least, without burning any skin? We’ll show you how to use a curling iron properly by just following these basic and simple steps!

1.  Prep and Prime with the Right Products – Before everything else, prime your hair by protecting it with a hair product that specifically protects the hair from the heat and prevents a lot of damage. Look for hair products that are labelled to do just that. Look for the words “heat” and “protect” or similar on the packaging. They are sold in almost every hair product aisle in your daily drug and beauty stores. Also, using a curling mousse or hairspray can help keep those bouncy waves from losing their spring.

We love Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray

 

Tip: To lessen damage from the heat even further, work with thoroughly dry hair before you attempt to curl (or use any other heat product such as a hairdryer). Wet hair is significantly weaker and more prone to breakage than dry hair.

 2.  Choosing the Curling Iron 

Be sure to choose the right curling iron based on the barrel size and the type of curl you’ve been eyeing. There are many different types of curling irons and each kind gives different types of curls. The bigger the barrel, the bigger the curls. Smaller iron, smaller curls. Easy to remember! When unsure, use a 1 to 1 ½ inch barrel as this will create the most widely used curly looks.

3.  Using Your Curling Iron  

With the right curling iron in your hand and the hair product to protect your hair from the heat, you’re ready to curl! Be sure to keep the curling iron away from the scalp and roots to prevent injury as this beauty tool can get very hot. Also, be very careful not to get the iron too close to your ears, face, and fingers. Here we go:

Yes, curling irons can get VERY hot!

1. Divide your hair into sections. The tightness of the curls depends on how thick the section will be. The thicker the section, the less defined the curls will be. Work with one-inch sections if you’re starting out and experimenting.
2. Put one section into the iron’s clip and gently slide the iron to the end of the section.
3. Roll up the section evenly up to where you want the curl to begin: An inch from your chin? As close to the roots as possible? It’s up to you. Just remember you’re handing a very hot tool!
4. Hold the curling iron without releasing the clip for around 10 seconds.
5. Release the clip and set the curl. Depending on the style you want, you can set the curl with hairspray for tighter locks or you can gently run your fingers through the curls to produce loose waves.
6. Style however you want. Add little braids or clip certain parts. Have fun with your new curls!

Curly hair is never out of style, no matter where in the world you go and no matter the season. With these easy steps plus the right tools and practice, having gorgeous curls is something as easy as 1-2-3-curl!

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Eye Beauty Problems and the Top Products to Deal!

Eye creams to keep those sags away

Beauty problems that plague the eyes are very common, no matter what age we are. Fine lines around the eye area are the first signs of aging and even very young teenage girls battle pesky dark circles under the eyes. Hence, investing on a good eye products and having healthy habits is a must. But first, it’s important to identify your current eye situation – do you have puffy eyes? Dark circles? Wrinkles?
We give you the rundown of the eye creams beauty junkies swears by and why they work.


Problem #1 Wrinkly eye
Wrinkles anywhere in the body have the same antidote – retinol. Look for an eye cream that contains retinol and apply it at night since UV exposure can breakdown your eye cream’s potent ingredient. If you find retinol too strong for your sensitive skin, opt for products that contain peptides. Like retinol, it stimulates collagen production.

Avon Anew Clinical Eye

Try Avon Anew Clinical Eye, a best-selling eye cream that works both above and below the eye to lift the skin and smooth out wrinkles.


Problem #2 Panda Eyes
Get rid of those annoying dark circles with Olay Touch of Concealer. An eye regenerating cream that contains tinted formula that immediately masks dark under eye circles. It contains niacinamide, which helps fade discoloration over time while its skin-tone hue instantly tones down darkness.

Olay Touch of Concealer

Problem #3 Puffy Eyes
You can try putting cold spoon or frozen tea bags around your eye or you can opt for a much simpler solution – use an eye cream with skin tightening caffeine and packaged in a cooling applicator that helps deflate puffy eyes faster. Estée Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator uses NASA-inspired technology to keep its ceramic tip permanently chilled.

Estée Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator 

Sun protection

Calmia Daily Eye Protector from Calmia.com

Skin around the eye is so thin; it’s easily susceptible to sun damage. Hence, use an eye cream that has an added SPF. Calmia Daily Eye Protector uses natural sunscreens to protect your eye from future damage. It also contains white tea and algae to perk up your eyes in an instant.


Damage Control
If wrinkles are already present, Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Eye Cream is heaven-sent if you have the money to splurge. Every cent is worth it as it guarantees to firm up sagging skin sans surgery. It contains Elemi PFA, which restores tensin, a protein naturally found in the skin that anchors cells and controls how they connect.  

Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Eye Cream

Budget Friendly eye cream
If you want to get rid of fine lines without burning a whole in your pocket, try the Garnier Ultralift Firming Eye Cream. It contains pure ginger extract, a perfect bargain without sacrificing quality.

Garnier Ultralift Firming Eye Cream

And remember, you can spend all your money on the fanciest eye creams around but if you don't take care of your health, the creams won't be able to do much. We're talking common sense. Get 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night, stay away from junk food, and exercise. Exercise improves blood flow to our eyes as well as our entire body. Stay pretty, stay healthy!

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Prepare for Fall 2011: Trends for the Coming Season

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Fall 2011 is easily coming upon us and no fashionista ever wants to be behind on the latest trends of the new season. With longer nights coming our way, this article will give you the basic lowdown on the exciting and upcoming trends for Fall 2011.

Prada never fails to make dark colors look alluring

Trend#1: Dark and Dangerous

     Dark and stormy colors are never out of style especially when the winter nights are nearing. Blacks, dark grays and navy blues are staple colors to have in your closet when Fall arrives. After all, blending in with the night is something both sexy and mysterious. Give off that sultry air with very dark colors.

Beauty Tip: Pair off very dark fall pieces with one summer makeup. Think dark gray dress worn with knee boots paired off with a hot pink lip gloss from summer. Or imagine an all-black or navy blue ensemble finished off with shimmery peach eyeshadow from last summer’s pool party.

Anna Sui showcases a fun yet dark look for Fall 2011 

Trend#2: Coats and Jackets

     Practical yet very classy coats, jackets and blazers will be fabulously trending all over the city. Whether it’s a sharp blazer for office days or a comfy knitted sweater for casual Fridays, these fashion pieces are the ultimate must-haves for Fall and are destined to keep you toasty and warm.

We fell in love with this Fall 2011 look from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Trend#3: Pure and Simple

     Summer’s colors fade away yet leave a trace of their existence for Fall 2011’s trends. Going minimalistic with a flair for simple pieces -simple pants, sweaters, and blouses- mixed and matched with dark shades of blues and reds will pave the way for gorgeous chic ensembles that won’t make you look like you’re trying too hard.

Marni Fall 2011 Collection

Trend#4: Welcome the 60’s

     Fashion runways are crowding themselves with modern 60’s looks. Bell bottoms and drop-waisted dresses are sure to be in style as models sashay the catwalks looking more than just groovy. Cute little blouses with Peter Pan collars and tops along with short hemlines will also be hanging off the store racks.

Dolce & Gabbana is not getting too serious for next season's fashion choices so why should you?

Trend#5: Dots and Other Fun Prints

     Polka dots and other whimsical prints make a flashy appearance for Fall 2011. These patterns can be a bit tricky to wear so make sure to just stick to one-pieces or dresses to avoid looking too spotty or tacky. 

You won’t regret investing in some pieces from this list of trends. Look fabulous and feel the attention on you with the latest, daring pieces right off the Fall 2011 fashion runways!

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Organic Skincare for Chic Girls on a Budget

You can get glowing skin with natural remedies that won't break your wallet

If you are worried about trying all sorts of chemicals to treat acne-prone skin (or are on a tight budget like most people today!) we put together a list of organic and cheap remedies to try at home.
These organic skin treatments are safe on most skin types. It is important to use them regularly for the desired effect. Don’t expect an overnight miracle as with practically all skin products. 

These aren't just for yummy lemonade

• Applying lemon juice on acne-affected skin can reduce your pimples and fade existing scars.

• A face pack of grated cucumber can help clear the skin and prevent further acne from popping up.

Add tea tree oil to your other facial products like masks to kill bacteria that causes pimples

• Using tea tree oil in a home-made clay pack can heal acne effectively by killing bacteria that causes pimples.

• Don’t wash your face too frequently if you have oily skin. This will cause the skin to secrete extra oil and lead to more breakouts. Washing twice a day is good enough.

• You can use a mixture of rose water and lemon juice as a soothing cleanser for sensitive skin.

Let cucumber soothe your tired eyes and stressed out skin

• Mint and coriander juice are excellent remedies to soothe your skin and prevent acne.

• A mixture of mint juice and turmeric is good for spot treatment of pimples.

• Consume 3-5 cloves of garlic regularly and also apply the extract of crushed garlic on acne for fast healing. Garlic is a natural anti-bacterial agent!

Remember, whatever remedy you choose to try, it is important to follow the regimen regularly. The trick is to be consistent and not give up. Yes, you can have glowing skin on a budget! 

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How to Choose the Perfect Concealer for You!

Wave goodbye to those unsightly blemishes and say hello to radiant and flawless skin as popPRETTY shows you how to choose the right concealer that is simply perfect for your own skin tone.

1. Determine your skin tone – Figuring out the shade of your skin tone is a very important step to finding the right concealer.  A simple way to know your skin tone is by checking the color of the veins on your arm. Plenty of blue veins means cool tones, while green veins signal warm tones.

2. Find your skin type – There are three common skin types: dry, combination, and oily. Knowing which skin type you have will help you pick the right type of concealer that is perfect for your skin.

3. Know your skin shade – You also need to know what shade your skin is. Be sure to find a shade that isn’t too dark or too light for you. The perfect shade can be found when you apply a swatch of product on your jaw area nearest the neck. If the concealer blends perfectly with the skin color of your neck, you’ve definitely got a winner!

 

Yes, a concealer can get you perfect looking skin when applied the right way!

Also note that when looking for a concealer, it should be about the same or slightly lighter than your own skin shade. This helps in brightening areas and disguising annoying spots.

There are three main types of concealer - cream, stick, and powder. This is where your skin tone, type, and shade come in.

Pro Longwear Concealer by MAC

• Cream  This concealer is good for dry and combination skin types. However, putting this on the under-eye area might be a bit tricky as they tend to cake or get into fine lines.
• Stick  Stick concealers give light coverage depending on how thick you lay it on your skin. They are perfect for brightening up the under eye area and evening out your skin tone but not the best choice for overall coverage. Most skin types can use stick concealers.
• Powder/Mineral  Powder concealers which usually are available in mineral makeup brands are perfect for those with oily skin as it lessens shine on your face. However, coverage also depends on how much you apply since blemishes require more amount of powder concealer to cover them up than other concealer types.

So what if you weren't born with perfect skin? A concealer can be your best makeup friend!

Concealers are essential for women who need to hide spots or to brighten dark under eye area. 

You can even skip the foundation on a daily basis when you know how to put on concealer properly and still obtain a flawless look. When used properly, this magic beauty product can give that airy, flawless look to die for!

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How to Conquer Bad Hair Days

Aaaaaaaah!!!! Does this look like your relationship with your hair sometimes?

A bad hair day is easily every woman’s greatest enemy. And with a long list of things to do for the day, misbehaving tresses are definitely not what you want greeting you in the morning! Practically every woman in the world goes through this maniacal morning madness a few times a week. So how do you solve this messy, hairy problem? We’ll show you how with these easy-to-do hairstyles!

High ponytail will be sure to bring our your face

1. The High Ponytail – This basic yet gorgeous hairstyle should never be underestimated. When your locks are almost impossible to manage, tying your hair back into a high ponytail not only controls your hair, it also highlights your facial features. For those who are having problems with baby hair, you can apply a bit of gel to pat them down, showing off that smooth flawless look.

A messy twist says "I'm pretty" and "Yet I don't try so hard"

2. Messy Twist – Overflowing with casual spunk, messy twists are one of the surefire ways to turn a bad hair day around. To do this, you have to twist you hair, pulling it up against the back of your head, and pinning it with a barrette or a clip, allowing the rest of the strands to do as they please. This is great for laid back days and worn with casual outfits!

Get to being elegant quickly with an easy-to-do chignon like this one

3. Chignon – A chignon is an elegant solution to a most dreaded bad hair day. Twisting your disagreeable locks and pulling them into a neat bun keeps them in check. Holding this hairstyle is both easy and fashionable with a pair of ornamental chopsticks or an embellished clamp, setting up a sexy and sultry air.

Headbands can make you look made up even on lazy hair days!

4. Hair Bands – A wide plastic hair band or those stretchy colorful head bands will definitely help with misbehaving tresses. Little hairs that tend to create havoc in your forehead area can be reined in with these adorable and versatile accessories. Like the high ponytail, this hairstyle will draw attention away from stray and untidy strands with a cute and ultra-feminine look.  

When you don't have time to wash your hair, a braid will save you from a bad hair day

5. Braids – Although a bit elementary, this style is fashionable enough to overcome a chaotic mane. Choose from a nice French braid or a more complex Fish Tail braid, this hairstyle will do more than just help you keep your messy hair at bay.

With these simple hairstyles, you don’t have to worry about having a bad hair day, any day of the week!

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