Miley Cyrus’ stylist broke rule #2 when it comes to beauty: Blend,baby blend! (Rule #1 is: ALWAYS wear sunscreen!) The actress turned songstress turned tabloid target has visible coverage issue around her mouth.

The Fix: Not properly blending is a common issue. What may look fine in the mirror can look vastly different under the bright lights of flashing bulbs. Check your makeup under different lighting. Don’t be afraid to pop outside with a hand mirror. And don’t forget to blend!

Kate Middleton is so naturally pretty. The girl next door with a great smile, but it’s all hidden under too much makeup. Full black liner under the eye takes away from her natural beauty along with the blush issue. The natural flush is too much for her.

The Fix: Never forget that less is more! When you have a beautiful canvas, don’t cover it up.

Mariah Carey is also guilty of too much blush. The brown eyed beauty wore an ultra light pink blush and applied it with a heavy hand.

The Fix: It’s another case of less is more. I also advise ladies not to give in to the matchy-matchy urge for makeup. If your lips are a light pink, go for a deeper rosey hue for your cheeks.

For more Celebrity Makeup Mistakes, click ‘Read the rest of this entry’ Below

Read the rest of this entry »

You know how we love to save on everything beautiful. We have an entire section devoted to Beauty Budget Secrets and that is why The Beauty Stop is thrilled to announce that there is an exciting Lancome gift-with-purchase available exclusively at Macy’s stores nationwide through May 27th, 2013.

If you spend a minimum of $35 OR purchase two Lancôme products at Macy’s counters, you will receive a complimentary Lancôme tote containing 6 beauty essentials: minis of Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector, Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate, your choice of day cream, mascara and Bi-Facil Makeup Remover, along with a Color Design Eye Shadow Quad.

In addition to scoring the tote in your local Macy store, The Beauty Stop is giving away a full-sized Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector. It retails for $89, but it will be yours just for reading The Beauty Stop and loving Lancome!

Here is how to enter to win 1 (one) full-sized Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector from Lancome…

1. Simply Tweet: @TheBeautyStop and @Lancomeusa are giving away a free gift! Enter now thru 5-27-13 to win a #lancomegift

AND

2. ‘Like’ The Beauty Stop on Facebook (click HERE)

Enter by tweeting as many times as you like! Just make sure you use @TheBeautyStop and @Lancomeusa and the hashtag: #lancomegift Good luck!

Contest open to U.S. residents only please. For full giveaway policy and information please visit The Beauty Stop’s Privacy Policy.

Actress Zoe Saldana hit the red carpet for last night’s Los Angeles premiere of ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness‘ in a gorgeous, summery Rodarte dress and a loosely-knotted bun courtesy of celebrity stylist Mara Roszak. Inspired by her casual yet glam dress, Mara gave Zoe a chic, frizz-free updo that felt easygoing while still red carpet appropriate.

Here is how Mara did it…

1. To keep hair frizz-free all night, Mara applied John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum Original Formula to wet hair and started to blow out Zoe’s hair in sections using a round boar-bristle brush.

2. Once Zoe’s hair was completely dry, Mara started adding a wave with a 1 ¼ inch curling iron all over her head, wrapping each section away from Zoe’s face. Because Zoe’s hair has a natural wave and it’s summertime in LA, Mara applied John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème to her hair, loosening the waves as she ran her fingers through Zoe’s hair. Next, Mara pulled her hair into a low ponytail, securing it with an elastic, and wrapped Zoe’s hair into a bun and pinning it in place.

3. Leaving a few pieces of hair brushed out to frame her face, Mara sprayed her hair with a medium hold hairspray to hold the style all night.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of keeping the public health in tip top shape by keeping tabs on everything that has to do with our bodies. Basically, any company out there that creates a product, drug or food that is exposed to the masses answers to them. We love the FDA.

The agency recently changed the rules for sunscreens to better protect consumers. My number one beauty rule is sunscreen no matter what, so this applies to us all! Some of the terms have changed and here is what you need to know to decode your labels…

Broad Spectrum – When you pick up a bottle and see “Broad Spectrum” on it, it translates to a product that protects against both UVA AND UVB rays. The UVA rays penetrate deeper into skin which cause aging effects. These rays are some of the worst of the sun’s damaging power. If the words “broad spectrum” are NOT on the product it does NOT protect against both types of rays.

Water Resistant – This doesn’t mean your skin will be untainted by water all day. It just means that the SPF level in the product will be effective for 40-80 minutes while you swim or sweat. If you are spending the day at the pool or beach, reapply and reapply often. Even if you aren’t exposed to water, you will be sweating and still need to reapply.

Alerts – Products with lower levels of SPF (14 or lower), will now come with an alert. Formulas that don’t pass the broad spectrum test will now be noted with a warning label making the note that the product protects against sunburn, but not skin cancer or signs of aging.

No-No Terms – Products are no longer allowed to use the terms “sunblock” or “waterproof.” Why? The words imply something that isn’t true. Sunblock cannot exist as no product blocks 100% of rays. Waterproof doesn’t exist as no formula is 100% impervious to water.

If running to a lotion bottle isn’t practical, consider investing in swimwear and active-wear with built in sun protection. J.Crew has several options.

I recently went on a mini vacation to the wonderful beaches of Key West, Miami and Cozumel. Sandy beaches, sarongs and refreshing cold beverages rejuvenated my soul. The only downside to the paradise is the humidity.

Everyday my hair seemed to grow and the pouf expanded into a nearly un-tameable mess. Think of Monica’s tropical adventure on ‘Friends.’ I was unprepared as my normally thin hair took on a life of its own. Soon, I looked like Weird Al hit by lightening.

I soon found some fast frizzy hair fixes that worked wonders…

*Blow dry your hair with the nozzle pointing downward. This will help to close the hair cuticle.

*Use a dry shampoo to soak up sweat and heat. The refresher is quick and easy.

*Before you swim in the moisture zapping salt water or nutrient stripping chlorine, put a leave in conditioner on your hair. This will put an additional barrier on your hair to protect it.

*Ponytail holders are your new best friend. If things get out of control, smooth your locks into a topknot or side braid.

Star Quality – This Pronovias creation is stunning. The look is light and bold without being too frail or overpowered. Pure star quality exudes from the subdued sparkle with sex appeal peeking through the sheerness.

Leather and Lace – Vera Wang is the mother of wedding gowns. Women flock to her seeking her expertise for creating a dress that will make the bride gasp, “This is it!” It’s no surprise she created a unique look for the woman with an edge she doesn’t want to hide. Wang created a gown that has a corset-like bodice with hints of black lace and leather gloves to compliment those women who prefer to sting like a bee rather than float like a butterfly.

Caped Crusader – Stephane Rolland is the go-to designer for unique wedding gowns. If you are looking to remain understated while still drawing an eye, this is the way to go. The crisp white dress is simple, but turned into a show piece with the feathery cape.

All that Jazz – It’s ‘Chicago‘ meets ‘The Great Gatsby.’ It’s unique idea meets double duty deal. It’s Valentini Spose! The fish scale gown encompasses the return of the roaring 20′s, but still seems modern. Accessories are no longer a problem as the gown has a matching choker and veil. If that wasn’t enough, the dress converts into a sexy short mini-dress perfect for the reception.

Show Stopper – If you are looking to make more than one statement, go to Reem Acra. The sparkle of the fitted gown blooms into a mermaid cut which will draw the eyes of your guests. However, its the lace adorned umbrella that will make a real statement as you exit your ceremony.

Backless Elegance – Your groom will hate to see you leave, but love to watch you go. This Di Santo gown doesn’t neglect the sexiness of a woman’s back. The Grecian gown will give you a double punch of uniqueness that will have everyone talking.

Pantsuit Wedding Dress – Rosa Clara created a vintage inspired look that translates into a classy look. I love that it encompasses the ease and fun of a pant without forgetting the grandeur that a bride wants on her big day.

You know how we love to save on everything beautiful. We have an entire section devoted to Beauty Budget Secrets and that is why The Beauty Stop is thrilled to announce that there is an exciting Lancome gift-with-purchase available exclusively at Macy’s stores nationwide through May 27th, 2013.

If you spend a minimum of $35 OR purchase two Lancôme products at Macy’s counters, you will receive a complimentary Lancôme tote containing 6 beauty essentials: minis of Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector, Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate, your choice of day cream, mascara and Bi-Facil Makeup Remover, along with a Color Design Eye Shadow Quad.

In addition to scoring the tote in your local Macy store, The Beauty Stop is giving away a full-sized Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector. It retails for $89, but it will be yours just for reading The Beauty Stop and loving Lancome!

Here is how to enter to win 1 (one) full-sized Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector from Lancome…

1. Simply Tweet: @TheBeautyStop and @Lancomeusa are giving away a free gift! Enter now thru 5-27-13 to win a #lancomegift

AND

2. ‘Like’ The Beauty Stop on Facebook (click HERE)

Enter by tweeting as many times as you like! Just make sure you use @TheBeautyStop and @Lancomeusa and the hashtag: #lancomegift Good luck!

Contest open to U.S. residents only please. For full giveaway policy and information please visit The Beauty Stop’s Privacy Policy.

Question: I am a big fan of ‘The Beauty Stop‘ and I wondered if you could give me an honest breakdown of in-salon keratin treatments? I feel like my usual hair stylist is really pushing me into one, but seems very biased. I have thin to medium hair thickness and it’s a bit wavy, but usually blow dries straight pretty easily. Thanks!

Keratin Treatments can be a miracle for some and a tragedy for others. Here is what you need to know…

Keratin is a protein found naturally in your hair. Sounds pretty good right? Maybe not so much – OSHA has issued several warnings associated with these treatments due to formaldehyde factor. These treatments contain methylene glycol which can turn into formaldehyde when heated (yup, blow dryers and flat irons will do that trick). Even “Formaldehyde Free” or “No Formaldehyde” products still turn into the toxic fumes. That is why you will see stylists suiting up in masks during treatments.

As for the treatment itself…it is an arduous task. It usually takes 1-3 hours and involves flat ironing the chemicals into your hair strands to seal the product in. That means tiny sections will have to be done in a meticulous manner. You will also need to wait 3 days before you can get your hair wet or do anything that might cause a permanent crease (like throwing your locks into a ponytail). It can also run anywhere from $200- $700 per treatment.

As for the PROS for the treatment – the sleek strands will last 4 – 6 months depending on how often you wash your hair. It will air dry smooth so you can give your blow dryer and flat iron a break. For curly haired mavens, it will loosen the curl and cut out frizz.

As for this specific reader, I recommend skipping the treatment. I would consider her argument if you complained of a frizz problem or live in a high humidity area like Miami, Key West or Houston. However, I don’t recommend this treatment for thin hair on a general basis. I would also like to warn potential users that Hair loss after a keratin treatment is common.

Big, bouncy hair is starting to return, but if your thick, frizzy strands are out of control in a high humidity area…this can be helpful. TALK to an experienced hair stylist. Make sure the area is well ventilated and ask what product they will be using. Coppola and Global Keratin treatments require special training.