NJ Housewive's Star Jacqueline Laurita Gets Naked With Urban Decay

She admits she's a'cosmetics junkie.' And New Jersey Housewive's star Jacqueline Laurita is not the only one. We love when celebrities dump out the goodies from their makeup bags and dish.

Jacqueline admits to Us Weekly, "I always have something on my face." One of these beauty products is Urban Decay's Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette.

...."My favorite thing right now," she says. "They're ll neutral shades , so I can use it during the day or night."

We found the striking set of eyeshadows at Sephora ($50).

We can see why the reality TV star enjoys the Naked2 palette. It displays 12 pigment-rich taupe and gray-beige neutrals, and five exclusive, new shades!. These are eyeshadow hues we often see Jacqueline wearing.

And if you don't want to take her word for it, just look at the 1,996 customer reviews that have given the Naked2 Eyeshadow Palette a perfect 5* rating. Click here.

Good Housekeeping: Best Anti-Aging Makeup For 2012

They do it every year.

Here are the BEST of the BEST in Anti-Aging Makeup by Good Housekeeping Magazine:

"We tested 97 products on 661 volunteers and tallied responses on 2,004 questionnaires to find 22 winners that really can make you look younger!"

Rosemary Ellis, editor-in-chief of Good Housekeeping said in a press release: "From laptops to lipsticks, our readers look to us for recommendations on products that perform as promised and are worth the money.

"Our Anti-Aging Awards are unique because the winners are chosen not only because they smell nice or come in pretty shades: they are backed by scientific testing and have literally been proven to work."

Here are just a few of the makeup winners:

Gold Winner- Undereye Concealer
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer ($10, drugstores; six shades).
Testers said: "Good coverage — not greasy or heavy."

Gold Winner- Liquid Foundation (Light-Medium Coverage)
Chanel Lift Lumière Firming and Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15 ($65, chanel.com; eight shades).
Testers liked the natural coverage and smooth texture that resulted.

Gold Winner- Primer
Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Age Reversing Face Primer ($33, Sephora), a silicone-free smoother.
Testers said the primer evened out their complexions and allowed makeup to stay fresh longer.

Gold Winner- Lipstick
Dior Rouge Serum SPF 20 ($34, department stores; 10 shades)
Testers adored the color, silkiness, and long-lasting moisture.

Gold Winner- Eye Shadow
MAC Paint Pot ($18, MAC stores; nine shades).
Testers raved about the crease-free shadow and easy application.

Gold Winner- Mascara
MAC False Lashes ($20, MAC stores; two shades).
Testers liked the mascara for its lash-thickening formula and non-clumping promise.

To see the entire list of the BEST in makeup + beauty products, including the runner -ups, visit Good Housekeeping.

Jennifer Aniston Loves Boyfriend Jeans: Super Comfy!

How many pairs of boyfriend jeans do you own?

We wonder how many pairs the newly engaged Jennifer Aniston has. Just look at the photos we found. Ever since the star was spotted on the arm of beau Justin Theroux, Jen's been hanging in these super comfy jeans for months.

The only pair we have trouble looking at, are the big, old drop-waist jeans. Yuck! Then again, it's just our humble opinion.

Let's face it----Boyfriend jeans are so unbelievably comfortable. And once again, the trend remains HOT for Fall 2012. We like GAP's 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jeans ($69.99, at GAP stores). Featuring stretch denim, low rise, 5-pocket styling.

Are boyfriend jeans, in fact, sexy?

Yes. But we can't help but feel dirty and hobo-like somtimes...LOL. It really depends on the fit. Super baggy/destroyed isn't pretty. Jen wears hers rolled at the cuff and looks quite adorable in them.

We own one pair that's a bit too big on us. We might splurge on another, better-fitting pair soon.

How about you? Are you into the boyfriend jeans trend? Will you rock a pair back to school and beyond?

Oh, My! It's Ombre Hair Time For Brunettes!

KimKardashian is the latest celebrity to play around with the light to dark ombre hair effect. She tweeted some much lighter locks to the Twitter masses over the weekend.

Okay, most of us thought the reality star was going to go blonde again, but she teased her fans, and as we can all see from the results, Kim K's ombre hair color involves a bit of chocolate delight. Her stylist, George Papanikolas, of Andy Lecompte Salon revealed his hair tips:

"I changed her from her traditional dark brown, to a more fashionable glossy chocolate brown,". George used a combo of Joico’s Base Breaker and Balayage highlights to create the glam gradient effect—-featuring "deep, dark chocolate to milk chocolate ends."

Yummy!

The ombre hair color style is perfect for brunette-haired gals who would like to lighten up without looking too washed out.


Celebrity colorist Kyle White, who has tended to the tresses of Mariah Carey, also has some smart ombre advice:

When trying out this look, choose your shades carefully. "You want to avoid a defined line between the shades—--to me, that’s actually two-toned, not ombre," he says. "The effect is supposed to be a gradation of color without a heavy line."

Other brunette celebrities looking lovely a la ombre include, Jessica Biel, Lea Michelle and Kate Beckinsale.

Now, including Kim K, would you guess that ALL 4 beauties are wearing hair extensions in these ombre color effects photos?!

Just sayin'......


Do you adore this look? Or are you hoping it passes away when autumn kicks in?

Had A Super Summer? Now Time To Fix Frazzled Damaged Hair

It's been one hot, humid summer. And your hair probably took the heat, so to speak. Maybe you permed, straightened, colored, bathed in peroxide, higlighted, or just sat in the searing sun far too long. Whatever the case, your hair needs tons of TLC during summer.

That usually means extra trips to the salon for a quick trim to get rid of dull, split ends. Or being a fanatic about lots of hair conditioning. Maybe blow-drying, flat-ironing LESS, and so on.

We stumbled on to a brand new Hair treatment product by the oh-so-popular Herbal Essences brand:

Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong Rinse Off Treatment (6.99, details here).

It sounds promising, because it claims to do this---"A rinse-off treatment that helps to protect each strand’s outer layer to make your hair 10x stronger* in just one wash." Plus, it's loaded with nourishing honey and apricot extracts.

We're not saying that this hair treatment will take the place of a salon trim, but it's a good way of improving the condition of your precious crowning glory, and get it back into shiny shape for Fall and beyond.

Great For Fall 2012: Navy Nails As Kristen Stewart Wears

For some reason, we LOVE the look of navy for makeup.

A little is lovely as colored mascara for a special night out. Navy lets eyes pop!

And now---We are happy to see that navy, sapphire, dark blue, etc., is the HOT mani for Fall 2012.

Kristen Stewart was wearing some on the red carpet back in June, and it looked quite chic. In fact, we have since learned that Kristen's mani featured Essie Nail Polish in Midnight Cami ($8). We found some at Walmart for $7.75.

For an even sharper look at Midnight Cami, take a look at the gorgeous nails of TheManicuredManatee. Are you diggin' the navy nails?

We adore dark nails, and the 'lightness' the navy gives off. It's not as heavy as the blacker-toned polishes.

Just keep your nails short and square with rounded edges, and your good and glam to go this autumn!

Fashion Steal: Crochet Lace Dress For Only $9.99

A crochet and lace cap-sleeved dress for just $9.99?!

Yes. And it's lined, too.

Today's Fashion Steal comes to us from BodyC.com.

This cute dress is by Lipstick and features a slip on, scoop neck, cap sleeves style. It's also available in White and Magenta. We're showing you the dress in coral.

Summer is still with us, and there are some great days ahead that require a sexy, cool dress. This one is simple with classic, clean lines in a glam stretchy lace/crochet fabric.

Just a note to consider---Bodyc clothing is junior-sized. Today's Lipstick Crochet Lace Dress is available in Medium or Large. It measures about 33 inches from the highest point on the shoulder.

If you're on the hunt for a dress with lovely texture, take a look at this one.

Angelina's Facialist Claims The Oscar Winner Applies Dragon's Blood For Beauty

For just under $100, you, too, can look like glamorous Angelina Jolie.....Well, sort of.

Angelina's facialist, Nuz Shugaa, claims that the stunning Oscar winner has been using a new beauty product by Rodial called, Dragon's Blood Sculpting Gel, since February.

We found a jar at Nordstrom's.

Celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rachel Weisz have also been dipping into this little jar of youthful volumizer. Think of it as firming gel that plumps up the complexion.

"I recommended the Dragon’s Blood’s sculpting gel to Angelina as it gives her a dewy complexion (for appearance of sleep!) with added volume which define her beautiful high cheek bones," Nuz Shugaa says.

So, exactly what's in Dragon's Blood??

The formula contains anti-aging ingredients like these:
Collageneer is a patented active ingredient that effectively increases the synthesis of collagen, ensuring skin appears tighter, firmer and more wrinkle-free by promoting the production of high-quality collagen.
Volufiline™ increases fatty deposits within the skin to provide a fuller, plumper, line-free appearance.

37-year-old Angelina Jolie is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful women on the planet. So, if Rodial Dragon's Blood Sculpting Gel can work for her, then certainly, it can do something for us mere mortals.

Are you in? Would you spend $95 on Dragon's Blood for a firmer, younger face.

Taylor Swift Spot On With Polka Dots Retro Trend

Maybe it's the hunky new Kennedy boyfriend. Whatever or whomever is making country star Taylor Swift see spots, it's a good thing for fashion.

You either ADORE polka dots or hate them, but frankly, the dots have been HOT all summer and will make their way into the autumn style line-up.

Polka dots are retro and classic, but the playful dots are also modern, sophisticated and feminine. And with a set of bold, red lips, quite glam, as 22-year-old Taylor shows us all.

You don't have to spend a big amount on a polka dot article of clothing, either. We found a cute Polka Dot Blazer at Forever21($24.80). In easy-care poly.

Or how about the Polka Dot Tie Neck Dress at Forever21 for just $17.80. This is VERY Taylor Swift!

And there's more....the Polka Dot Cut-Out Back Top at Forever21. On sale for $11.69. Adorable sleeveless tank with peek-a-boo back in green and white.

Polka dots are being 'spotted' everywhere, and not just around the rich and famous. Catch this trend while it's still HOT!

Red lipstick optional, but it appears to be working nicely for Taylor Swift!

Elisabeth Moss Goes 'Mad' For New Cropped Blonde Do

We do love her black, sexy Dolce & Gabbana dress.

The hair....well, give us a little more time.

'Mad Men' actress Elisabeth Moss has undergone a major beauty makeover. The cute star has traded in her dark auburn brown locks for a sassy, very blonde cropped cut. She showed off the new look last evening at the New York City premiere of 'For A Good Time, Call…'.

Professional stylists say that as long as light hair matches skin tone beautifully, then it's all good. But we're not sure this flaxen do is doing just that. Maybe it's the lighting, but the petite star appears somewhat washed-out by the bold, ultra-blonde shade.

The maintenance won't be that bad, because Elisabeth chose a very short haircut, so peroxide damage and dried-out tresses won't be a big problem for 'Peg Olson' of the popular television drama.

So, is this unflattering on Elisabeth, or quite chic?

Fakin' It.....A Flawless Complexion, That Is....

We all desire perfect skin.

And although most of us suffer from at least one, minor imperfection, we can still achieve the look of a flawless complexion.

Here's our list of irregularities

1. Large pores.
2. A few broken capillaries by the cheeks.
3. Dark, undereye circles.

We think we will stop there..ha ha.

So, how do we fix the bad skin stuff?

By FAKIN' It!

That's where primers and the trendy new BB creams come in. Think of both as a sort of beauty spackle---each designed to smooth away imperfections and give the skin an even glow and balance.

The beauty of a primer is its perfection at filling in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish BEFORE foundation application. Some women like to wear primer alone, and skip the foundation. But most primer fans love to create as smooth a complexion as they can, so that the next layer, that of foundation, glides over easily.

Try NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer ($3.99, 1 oz., at drugstores).

BB cream stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. And it's big across Asia, and has been for a number of years now. Korean women, especially, will not leave home without their BB cream.

BB cream has now made its way into our American beauty market. Think of it as a tinted moisturizer with better coverage, an spf, a skin tone balancer, and a dewy glow.

Even drugstore brand Garnier quickly developed a BB cream called, Miracle Skin Perfector.

If your looking for a flawless complexion, try either a primer or BB cream, and you will be amazed at the radiance your face takes on.

Why Didn't This Beauty Product Work For Me??!!

We've tackled this topic before, and once again, the question has re-surfaced:

Why didn't this beauty product work for me?!

Take a look at the bottle of Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub That's a mouthful. We found some at Walmart for $4.47. An inexpensive price for a sizable 5 oz.. And as you know with a facial scrub, you don't need a huge amount to cleanse, so it's very economical.

On the surface, this scrub looks great, advertised to wash away, grease, grime, makeup, etc. It's made with caffeine, papaya, and lemon in a microbead formula, designed with strong scrubbing and exfoliating power. And it won't clog pores. Plus---tons of customer reviews rate the facial scrubber pretty highly.

Oh, really?

Then why do we have 3 nasty pimples forming along our chin this morning, after using the Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub for just 2 days??

Just a coincidence?

We think not. We rarely get break-outs these days. Rarely, let us repeat. We are fuming.

We found the product be glue-y in texture. The microbeads don't seem to have any scrubbing strength, and the formula does NOT wash away easily. Nor does the facial scrub keep our complexion grease-free.

So, how did we go wrong?

Sometimes, beauty products don't do what they are supposed to do for 100% of the users who use them. Period.

We have found that beauty science has come a long way, but not every formula will work for you, me, or them.

Simply, cut your losses. Toss the product out, or try to get your money refunded. And move on----There are tons of beauty products that WILL work and make you look amazing.

We have super oily skin, and maybe that's the reason the scrub didn't appear to live up to the hype. We need something a bit stronger.

As for the 3 nasty pimples, we'll survive. We're still looking for a superior facial scrub.

Ponytails High And Mighty With One Little Extra Wrap

It's not a look everyone can pull off, but if you're used to wearing a high, stick-straight ponytail, then keep it going through Fall and Winter 2012. That's the HOT trend that Jason Wu was showing off at his stunning collection.

But there's one more step to this high and mighty do---a little extra wrap for your elastic.

Stylist Odile Gilbert was busy backstage amping up the swinging ponytail. It gives more power to the classic, cheerleader do with a bit of a bad-girl edge. Her ponytails were mounted high on the models' heads with strips of latex that looked like black masking tape.

In fact, Odile tells InStyle magazine(Sept. issue) that you can use this:

"Electric tape from the hardware store works too," she says. It gives structure and sex appeal."

We prefer some 3MM leather cord ($3 per yard), instead. We found this at mjtrim.com.

"She is very strong, and she’s ready to fight," Odile Gilbert said of the Wu woman next fall.

We are all for that.

Looking For A Really Good Lipstick? Think Kat Von D

Good pigment. Long-lasting formula.

That's what a really good lipstick should be about. Hmmmm. Now, where could we possibly find all that?

Kat Von D.

Yes, Kat Von D.

The tattooed-beauty and artist has a great lipstick collection that some of you might have missed. It's called Painted Love Lipstick ($19, at fine beauty stores like Sephora).

Painted Love is a rich, full-color lipstick. It doesn't rub off easily. And it comes in 16 luscious shades. The one in the photo here is Lovecraft, a gorgeous berry beige.

In fact, Lovecraft is favored by lots of makeup artists. It's a great neutral hue that is great to wear when you don't want a bold sassy lip. It doesn't dry out your lips, either.

Read the comments at the Sephora website. Painted Love Lipstick gets 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars.

Olympic Gold Medalist Turns To Gibson Hair Guru: Good For You, Gabby!

Gabby Douglas has never looked better! The adorable 16-year-old Olympic gymnast did the smart thing and turned to celebrity stylist Ted Gibson for a new look.

The pint-sized medalist took a lot of ugly criticism for her slicked-back bun-style hair while she performed at the London Olympic games. There she was winning GOLD, and immediately, nasty remarks popped up on social media pages scolding her for her 'unkempt hairstyle.'

Could you imagine?

Well, the pretty celebrity is getting the last laugh. And famous, A-lister stylist Ted Gibson has taken her under his wing. He is now tending to young Gabby's hair. In an interview with the Daily Beast, the NYC-based hair pro said this:

"I couldn’t believe it and still can’t. You have this young girl doing amazing things, and the conversation becomes about her hair? It was ridiculous and shameful. I believe all that talk had to take a toll on her...you’ve worked so hard for something and then people tear you apart for little or nothing."

He went on to say, "It's tricky because Gabby is 16 and I don't want to do anything to make her look 25-years-old."

So far, so good.

We believe Gabby Douglas has a big career ahead of her, and since she is making the TV-circuit rounds these days, it's wonderful to have one of the best hair stylists nearby taking care of your locks.

Would You 'Buzz Your Sides' For the Edgy New Hair Trend?

Whether you're a fan or not of Miley Cyrus' new pixie cut with tough girl, shaved sides, the superstar is just riding the HOT hair trend.

We have to admit, we are very afraid of razors, clippers, or any other slicing gadget that come near to our mane. BUT...we have to say, this edgy undercut is growing on us, especially after seeing the do appear now on 47-year-old Yasmin LeBon.

Yeah, she's the sexy mom-of-three, former model of Duran Duran fame.

She just got the cropped, buzzed sides do, and we are liking it a lot! Not easy to pull off at almost 50, but boy, she wears it well.

So, ladies...Would You 'Buzz Your Sides' for the Edgy new Hair Trend?!

It's a very gutsy haircut, and we can imagine the slow growing out process, but then again, as they say..."It's just hair. It grows back.

Fall 2012 Makeup/Fashion Feature Rich, Bold Colors

Okay, ladies. If you're looking for a few clues on what's color trendy for Fall 2012, you're in the right place.

The well-respected Pantone Color Institute has launched the
Top Colors for Women's Fashion for Fall 2012:

PANTONE 19-1012 French Roast
PANTONE 15-1142 Honey Gold
PANTONE 18-2133 Pink Flambé
PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango
PANTONE 18-5338 Ultramarine Green
PANTONE 14-0445 Bright Chartreuse
PANTONE 19-4056 Olympian Blue
PANTONE 17-4014 Titanium
PANTONE 16-3817 Rhapsody
PANTONE 14-1506 Rose Smoke.

If you prefer sensual jewel tones, well, then this autumn is for you!

"By playing to consumers' practical side with versatile neutrals, and boosting their confidence with bold, spirited hues, this skillfully balanced palette has something for everyone." — Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

We would have to agree. We are picky when it comes to color, and just because it is a trend, doesn't mean we would follow suit. But with 10 hot shades being launched, there is indeed, something for everyone.

As far as makeup goes for Fall 2012, it's okay to go big and bold, too.

"Makeup takes center stage with jewel eye shadow tones of Purple and Deep Greens, long lashes, Ruby lips and shimmer nails." — Nicole Fischelis, Group Vice President/Fashion Director, Macy's.

What do you think? Do you like the power in color for autumn?

For more details, visit the Pantone Institute.

Candy-Colored Hair Hot For Fall 2012: Will You Dare To Go Bold?

Model Charlotte Free, who is also the new Maybelline NY face, is a big star with hers. And other huge celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and of course, Lady Gaga, are all known for mixing it up, too.

We're talking about candy-colored hair. And if it's something you've been 'dyeing' to do, now is the time. Candy-colored hair is HOT for Fall 2012!

It's FUN and FREE, and not too hard to get yours on, if you follow a few beauty dyeing rules.

Aura Friedman, colorist-to-the-stars, tells Teen Vogue magazine(Sept. issue) that shades-- cool violet and burgundy will be BIG this autumn. She has these tips for you when you're ready to go for the bold:

1. It's all about the placement and intensity of the color.

2. Be subtle and shift the tone throughout the length of the hair.

3. If you're using a superbold navy, for ex., keep it dark navy at roots, and bring it down to light turquoise on ends.

4. Variation looks more natural instead of wiggy, Aura says.

Pick up some Manic Panic Semi Permanent Hair Color Cream ($7.83, at Amazon. This is how model Charlotte has been staying pretty in pink:

Manic Panic mixture of Hot Hot Pink and Cotton Candy. Her hairdresser keeps her locks looking like that, but with a lighter, more professional touch.

If you're too chicken for the color to sit on your hair, you could always try clip-in pieces, and change shades like you would a pair of shoes.

Over age 35, well, we're not sure you should go there. But, we did see Joan Rivers of E!'s Fashion Police sporting some bright pink clip-ins about a month ago. er...we were slightly mortified...LOL.