The HOT New Color For 2014 Is Radiant Orchid: Great For Beauty + Fashion!

This is it! Radiant Orchid is THE color for 2014.

Last year it was emerald.

So, what does orchid represent to the world?

The Pantone Color Institute talks about it here, from their website:

"Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society."

"An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.".

Radiant Orchid by the Pantone Color Institute

 

Orchid is GORGEOUS for beauty + fashion!! And pretty baubles, too.

The shade which blends, fuchsia with purple + pink undertones is quite flattering to one's complexion and nails.

So look for orchid makeup to really hit the market soon.

The Spring 2014 runways featured Radiant Orchid. And you will see variations of this beautiful color wherever you shop in the new year.

Check out Glee's Lea Michele in a double-breasted trench coat by Ted Baker London back in early September. She was rockin' the orchid trend then. And we like the pretty pop of color!

 

 

We think Smashbox O Glow features a lovely orchid-shaded blush + gloss, $26 at Sephora.

Get Gucci Girl Curls Like Blake Lively For New Year's Eve Parties

Blake Lively, like Gisele Bundchen, has incredible, long, big hair!

So many women want those Veronica Lake curls, waves and volume.

We were surprised to learn that beautiful Blake, the new face of Gucci,  likes to do her OWN hair + makeup.

Yeah, right.

Well, according to an interview with the star by The Cut, this is what she revealed:

You’re known for doing your own styling for events. What is your approach to beauty?
I like doing my own makeup and hair for events. I think it’s fun.

Do you ever watch YouTube videos for makeup tips?

No. I actually didn’t know you could do that. I watch YouTube for lots of dog videos. Have you seen the hound and the orangutan? I want an orangutan so bad. It's so cute. [Laughs.]

It is so cute!

I didn’t know they did [makeup] on YouTube. But I’m luckily through doing photo shoots, I get to work with so many amazing hair and makeup artists. That’s my version of YouTube. How do you do Veronica Lake hair? And like, today, with Serge Normant, I get to ask him, How do you do that? What did you do?

Well, if you want those high glam Gucci girl curls like Blake's, we DO suggest, you look around YouTube for great how-to's.

Check out asksash88 for Blake Lively curls. And get ready for New Year's Eve parties!!

How To Get Rid Of Winter Callused Hobbit Feet With TLC

Oh, those dreaded Hobbit feet!

You know what we're talking about----callused, dry feet that seem to really come about in the dead of winter. Brrr!!

Some people just develop very dry, thick skin on the heels + balls of their feet. And it can happen at any age, ladies.

As we get older, our maturing feet also lose the cushions of fat. So if you're going to kill your little piggies wearing those sexy stilettos, well, you're gonna pay in the end, honey.

Toss in all the freezing, arid air, snow, rain and so forth, and thick calluses develop.

Such a frustrating problem for many of us.

There are a few TLC things to do for our adorable, but now Hobbit feet:

1. At nighttime, soak feet in warm water + Epsom salts. Then pumice away all those rough spots.

2. Smooth on a cream or lotion that contains salicylic acid to break down callus layers of dead skin. A good one to try is CeraVe Renewing SA Cream, at Walmart for $19.97.

3. Put on a pair of cotton socks to lock in the moisture from the Cerave cream.

Good luck! You are now on your way to smoother, softer, more lovable feet!

Save the Hobbit feet for the movies!

New Root Touch-Up In Plant-Based Formula From Japan Hits U.S. Market

If you have dark hair like ours, then you know what it's like when those pesky roots begin to pop up. In our case, grays! You can spot them from a mile away, so to speak.

Like most women, we try to touch up the roots on our own. Our preferred weapon of choice has ALWAYS been with a root touch-up in a tube with a mascara-like brush applicator.

Okay...Maybe not the best method, but we still get good coverage + control this way.

Well, there's something new on the beauty market from Japan, and it's called (Kiwabi) Root Vanish by Kazumi. By the way, Kazumi was developed and named after Zooey Deschanel's celebrity colorist Kazumi Morton.

It's a gel-type colorant that HIDES grays + other roots for longer than the touch-ups currently out there.

It's formulated with all-natural botanical stuff like---Japanese Black Sea Weed Extract, Ginseng Root Extract and Swertia Japonica Extract.

Here, it's ONLY available right now through Amazon.com for $48 + FREE Shipping.

Not cheap, but fans of Root Vanish by Kazumi say it's 'worth every penney!'.

The company is proud their root touch-up is the "first non-permanent coloring essential that is free of all things undesired":

・ Leaves no sticky, hardened or crusty residue
・ No color transfer, even in humidity or light rain
・ 100% safe & healthy for hair and scalp

Easy-to-use, too, with a click brush applicator.

Would you try this new root touch-up in the new year?

How To Get Your Skin To Glow Even In The Cold Winter Air

Who doesn't want skin that appears smoother, brighter + more refined with that healthy glow.....especially during the dead of winter?

Over here in New England you can feel the brittle, dryness in the cruel December air. And you can imagine what it's doing to your complexion each time you face the elements.

But you do need to get rid of those dead skin cells Yes...even in winter, EXFOLIATION is key

And for those of you with dry skin to begin with, well, you're looking for a hydrating cleanser that won't strip your complexion or leave it feeling as tight as a drum.

So, we recommend this drugstore fave:
RevitaLift^® Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser.

We found a 5 fl. oz. tube at Walmart for $5.97.

This stuff feels silky + luxurious when you wash your face with it. It's a foaming, creamy cleanser packed with revitalizing Vitamin C that produces a rich, soft lather that removes grease, grime, dead cells, impurities, etc.

You will notice your skin GLOW even in the cold, winter air....

Baby, it's cold outside!

Take care.

Make It MAC No. 217 For Best Blended Eye Shadow

When it comes to beauty tools are you cheap?

We admit, we are....

For instance, we have gone through so-ooo many eyelash curlers, because we don't want to invest in a really good one that might cost more than $7....The Kevin Aucoin Eyelash Curler costs about $21, but the makeup pros say it's WORTH it.

As far as eye shadow brushes, well, we use tons of cotton swabs to blend it all in, or those ghastly, cheesy, tiny foam applicator swabs that come in eye shadow compacts.

But that is so wrong. The best-n-the-biz suggest the MAC No. 217 Eye Shadow Brush. It retails for $24 at MACcosmetics.com. It's another excellent beauty tool investment. And this time--we ARE going to splurge.

It's JUST an eye shadow brush, you say. True, but there are favorites among the professionals, and celeb artist Anthea King says the MAC No. 217 is a must-buy, according to InStyle magazine.
:
'The slightly rounded shape + bristles (just fluffy enough) blend shadows like a dream so,' "you don't see any harsh lines."

A high-quality eye shadow brush really helps create a gorgeous smoky eye, and this expensive brush is made of the finest materials, so they say.

A good buy for 2014!

Baby #3 On The Way And Gwen Stefani Still Peroxide Perfect Chic!

It's no surprise that we adore Gwen Stefani. We write about her a number of times.

And we're blown away by her peroxide perfect hair, beautiful makeup + pregnancy chic. Okay.....the red lips might be a bit much, but they are Gwen's signature look.

The talented star is expanding her brood. We believe she might be about 6 months pregnant. That's what we hear. We just love her style, especially as a woman expecting.

 

 

We think if Kim Kardashian had adopted a similar, elegant look while pregnant, instead of trying to squeeze into non-flattering fashions + tight shoes, Kim would have been applauded and respected more. Just look at the difference:

What's even more incredible is Gwen's bombshell blonde locks. Not one root is showing. And she's crazy about the peroxide perfection. She touches them up with a Q-tip every 10 days, That's how Marilyn Monroe kept bleach-tastic, and Gwen says she is doing the same beauty routine.

If you're high maintenance for staying super blonde, then use the conditioner Gwen likes. Her stylist Danilo uses this stuff, and we found a bottle for just $6.27 at amazon.com!

Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 Bb Creme 5.1 Fl Oz.

It's a beauty balm for your hair. It SMOOTHs away the roughness and keeps frizz + strays at bay.

Amanda Seyfried Uses Expensive Night Cream For Beautiful Skin

At age 28, you wouldn't think about applying an anti-aging cream before bedtime, but that's exactly what this young, gorgeous star does.

Amanda Seyfried has a great complexion, and she is well aware of the big, movie screen and how it magnifies every, little imperfection.

Maybe that is why she's already adopted a serious nighttime routine to maintain what she's got. Smart girl!

The only little thing is.....Amanda goes high end to pamper her pretty face.

Oh yeah....This small jar is out of our beauty budget for the moment. It retails for $525 for 1 oz. at Nordstrom's:

Cle de Peau Beaute La Crème.

Luxurious, for sure.

So, what's in Amanda's major beauty splurge?

The company says it here:

 4MSK: Exclusive to Clé de Peau Beauté, a superior brightening ingredient that inhibits melanin activation.
- Retinol ACE: Improves skin's ability to counteract wrinkles.

Amanda tells Star magazine about Cle de Peau Beaute La Crème:

"I put this on at night and massage the sh-t out of my face!"
.
LOL...

Would you spend $525 for a night cream if you could afford to?

It would make for a very elegant holiday gift.

Blunt Bangs And 5 Celebs Who Won't Grow Theirs Out Anytime Soon

Celebrity stylist Robert Vetica recently tweeted about "THE EVOLUTION OF #BANGS. There is nothing new about it, actually bangs have a long history. #wecametomakeaBANG! pic.twitter.com/5YjdWGfWBH."

And boy, is he right!

Bangs seem to go in + out of style, but actually, bangs NEVER fade away from fashion.

Blunt bangs have been the HOT trend this year.

Would you rock the blunt look for the holiday season?

We tweeted back to @VeticaSalons this--

"Luv them because bangs allow u to look younger. Bangs let thin brows look fuller. Great Bangs = perfect frame for the eyes."

So many celebs LOVE their full, straight across fringe. Check them out here.

Zooey Deschanel. Hannah Simone. Anna Faris. Naomi Campbell and Carol Alt.

This is a signature look for these 5 famous faces:

SJP Tells Andy Cohen That She Loves Her 'Capable' Hands

SJP's hands look fine to us. And she REALLY loves her 'capable hands,' despite what some gossip rags call witch hands. We will get to her admission to Andy Cohen in a bit.

Sarah Jessica Parker has thin, veiny hands.

So what?

Lots of attractive celebrities do, including Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Christie Brinkley, Pam Anderson, Meg Ryan, to name a few.

Often, slender women with lower body fat have hands where the skin is thinner and the veins protrude. Or female athletes sometimes have more muscular limbs and the veins pop out.

And there is also genetics. Maybe your mom has similar veiny hands. And as we age, the hands can appear 'bonier,' if you will.

We are in this club, too. And we were never bothered by our veiny hands until we saw gossip mags zeroing in on a celebrity's hands and finding fault with a single appendage.

How cruel + bizarre is that?!

Here's what SJP told host Andy Cohen of Watch What Happens Live earlier this week when she saw an article about her so-called witch hands:

"It was so ridiculous, so outrageous to me because, here's the thing — I will wrap this up — I love my hands. My hands, because they've always felt strong. I like that they weren't feminine, but they were like, you know, really capable… And they're my mom's hands. And I've always had super veiny hands, but this is how I was born!"

Can anything be done about one's veiny hands?

Yes....there are dermal fillers that can be injected to add volume to a bony hand, and therefore, make the veins blend in better.

We have not seen the celebs we mentioned here going for the injections, but sometimes we see a few hiding their hands like Christie + Madonna.

Shameful that women are attacked for simply trying to be themselves.

Check out SJP's admission to Andy Cohen here.

Lipsy's Kardashian Kollection For Brits Includes New Floral Body Con Dresses!

We hope the Kardashian sisters add the new, pretty floral body-con dresses we see for Lipsy to their US Sears kollection.

Seems to us, that the Kardashian Kollection for Brits is a bit more glam + stylish.

The K sisters have launched a new set of 14-pieces for the UK's Lipsy, high-street chain store. Across the pond, women will be able to find bold floral prints, lace, lady-like pencil skirts, biker jackets and more, all in the Kardashian Kollection label.

We think the figure-hugging styles look fab on Kim, Kourtney + Klhoe.  And all 3 have different body types.

Khloe spoke to glamourmagazine.co.uk about the sisters' success with their collection for British women:

"It's such a fun, flirty brand", Khloe told Glamour. "Like Lipsy, my sisters and I are all about empowering women to feel confident in their clothes".

 

Khloe goes on to say, that it was their momma Kris,  who played a big role in shaping their style sense:

"Our mom definitely played a huge part in our love of fashion from an early age. I have always thought she is one of the most stylish women I know."



For the lucky ladies in the UK, The Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy will be available on lipsy. co.uk from December 23rd, and in stores from December 29th.

Check out the current Lipsy lookbook right here K-fans.

Arrest Warrant Out: Kelly Osbourne Makes Major Fashion Faux Pas!

We happen to adore rock legend Ozzie's vivacious daughter + fashion critic, Kelly Osbourne.

We think she knows plenty about good taste + style....BUT------

When you live your life in the public and you have lots to say about how others dress + appear on the red carpet, then you, too, become fair game.

And yes...we are a fan of E!'s Fashion Police show. And we are a REAL Joan ranger, as our first name would apply.

But we must give you a fashion fail, Kelly. What you're wearing is a major faux pas!

And it hurts us to hit back, but, we know you can take it.

No, nothing wrong about running errands in clean sweat pants, tee + hoodie.

But the lilac locks (+ garish bold lips) are not pretty. It's been over-played. Time to put the Crayola crayon hair away!

The up-do looks very old-lady, and Miss Kelly, you are a young, cute 29-year-old woman.

Why age yourself some 20 years?

Some claim you are under contract to keep your lilac locks?

Under contract to whom?! And why ?!

This is just a ridiculous look and time for a Kelly Osbourne make-over. Now!!

If you LOVE Kelly Osbourne's signature lilac mane, because there are a number of women who really do, you can rock your own purple. We found plenty purple hair extensions right here.

The X Factor's Nicole Scherzinger Swears By This Bliss Beauty Product

Nicole Scherzinger.

It's hard to find any flaws or even a tiny pimple on this Hawaiian goddess. Her skin looks flawless to us.

But she swears by this Bliss Beauty Product for prettier, more relaxed-looking eyes:

"....And I really like the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energising Eye Masks, they're really tingly and I use them every other day. "

At $54 for a single treatment, that is NOT cheap. And if our eyes can look like her eyes after a little Bliss Oxygen, well, heck---this could be one super beauty trick.

So, let's see what's in it, that makes Nicole use it several times a week.

These beauty oxygenators refresh the eyes:
 antioxidant vitamin C
and puff-pummeling cucumber extract
 will brighten, de-puff, + hydrate eyes in 15 minutes flat.

Nicole Scherzinger also lists a bunch of other beauty must-have products to the British Daily Mail. Read all about it here.

Would you shell out $54 EVERY other day for skin care eye treatments?

Santa?

We need your help.

One Simple Product That Extends Your Salon Perfect Blowout!

Holiday hair....It's happening right now!

Maybe you're on the party circuit or welcoming friends + family. The last thing you need is hair that WON'T behave. And we've been there so many times.

We've got an adorable, mini stocking stuffer, or a little gift to you.

What if we told you we could e-x-t-e-n-d your salon perfect blowout by an EXTRA 2 or 3 days?!

That's right.

Gotta try this one in the travel size: Blow Pro Textstyle Dry Texture Spray ($9.50, at ULTA).

It's lightweight, and all it takes is a few spritzes to add a little muscle or texture to your misbehavin' mane.

Blow Pro promises to deliver happy, holiday hair----

"Fast and easy to use targeted dispense delivers lastingflex technology with memory that allows you to re-create your style the next day. Even the finest of hair types are transformed into a texturized, sexy style."

We say this is a must try for under $10. Even your ATM will approve---good budget buy!

Jennie Garth's Favorite Lip Stain: In Coral, Of Course!

We all remember pretty Jennie Garth from Bevery Hills 90210.

And at age 41, she looks fantastic. Plus, she's a busy mom to 3 active girls.

The actress has a beauty tip that she thinks benefits women with blonde hair.

Jennie recently revealed to Us magazine one of her can't-do-without beauty products:

Tarte LipSurgence Natual Lip Stain. We found it here for $24.

Her choice of lip tint is Joy, a lovely coral shade.

Here's how Jennie raves about her fave lip tint:

"I could never do without Tarte's LipSurgence tint. I like the coral color, Joy. It's great for blondes."

We think Joy looks gorgeous on Jennie We can see it in the photo there.

Another nice stocking stuffer for all your fair-haired friends!

Bling Wipes: For the Jewelry Wearing Gal On The Go!

We're trying to come up with some clever, cute + fun stocking stuffer ideas.

And here's yet another. We think this one is a smart one. Why didn't we think of that!

Bling Wipes.

It's a simple idea and every gal we know would probably like this.

For $12, you get a box of 10 individually wrapped jewelry-cleansing towelettes.

These little jewelry wipes on-the-go remove grime, soap, lotions
and any other things that dull your favorite brilliant baubles.

Let's face it. It would be nice to clean up your gems + jewels any time you please by carrying these wipes in your purse.

The Bling Wipes formula is safe + effective for just about all your best bling.

Just don't use these wipes on pearls or emeralds.

Ladies, Makeup Is Your Friend As Cameron Diaz Bravely Shows The World

Okay, we realize that Cameron Diaz posed with a very naked face in her new book to empower young women around the world to embrace their uniqueness, and to stop worrying about their looks and weight.

But, we also find a lesson in her brave, no makeup face:

Ladies---makeup is also your friend. There is nothing bad about putting a little on.

That's what we have learned. No, the pretty actress looks okay without a trace of cosmetics. But, we think she is much more attractive wearing makeup.

We think Cameron somehow looks OLDER than her 41 years without makeup on.

As a gal who grew up by those beautiful California beaches, Cameron has taken in a lot of sun, and yeah, it shows. But she is also a woman with stunning features and a slender, leggy body.

The star posted the bare-faced photo to her Instagram account Wednesday (Dec. 11). There she is smiling + hugging a copy of the book. 

"One of my proudest moments! Receiving the first bound copy of The Body Book!! @thebodybook LADIES!! I wrote this book for YOU and YOUR BODY.. And I'm so excited to share it with you!! You can pre-order it now. #loveyouramazingbody," she wrote.

So, how do we REVERSE sun damage?

Most of us have done tons of sun.

Skin experts advise doing exfoliation. You want to scrub away those dead skin cells. Try this one by Dr. Shultz:

Beauty Rx Daily Exfoliating Therapy Serum ($65). This is an excellent glycolic acid peeling serum designed to ---

Accelerate facial rejuvenation

Help prevent and control acne by unclogging pores and loosening comedones

Reduce the appearance of pore size

Remove brown spots

Diminish and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use

Meantime....The Body Book by Cameron Diaz would make a nice present for the holidays.

You can find the book right here.

Need A Luxe-Looking Holiday Bag? Try A Snakeskin Clutch For $10!!

The holidays mean fun, glamour, parties!!

And the simplest + best way to keep within your budget but to jazz up your ensemble means accessorizing.

A cute, new bag or pair of sexy shoes can do the trick.

We've been on the hunt, and today, our super inexpensive deal comes from charmingcharlie.com.

Check out this adorable, real-looking snakeskin clutch---marked down to just $9.99!

•MEASUREMENTS: 12" W x 7" H x 1" D  
•MATERIALS: polyurethane exterior, polyester lining
•CLOSURE: magnetic snap closure
•DETAILS: signature pinstripe fabric lining,1 interior cell phone pocket, 1 interior slip pocket, 1 center zip pocket

This would also make for a nice Christmas present, too.

This faux snakeskin clutch looks more expensive than it REALLY is.

Ladies: Get Fab + Stylish With A Black Moto Jacket Now!!

We suppose that the classic, black moto jacket NEVER really goes out of fashion.

But--the urban trend is back on HOT for winter 2013/2014!

Maybe you already have a bad-girl motorcycle jacket hanging in the closet. If so, take it out now and put it on.

Celebs like Victoria Beckham, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Alexa Chung are just a few from the famous crowd that we have spotted looking sexy in their black motos.

You, too, can COPY the black moto trend! Look what we found for ONLY $15!!! A FAUX Leather Quilted Moto Jacket from WetSeal!!

We think this fake is gorgeous and it's ON SALE for the rock-bottom price of $15!

Can't beat that. Super deal!