Five Steps for perfect pedicure:
1) Soak: Add essentials oils to water for an at-home spa experience.
2) Scrub: Slough off those rough spots with a sugar or salt-based exfoliant.
3) Trim & file: Clip toenails straight across, then smooth the edges with a nail file.
4) Moisturize & Massage: Giving your feet a mini-massage will relax your feet and reduce swelling.
5) Polish: After applying a basecoat, swipe polish center, left and right.
A lot has been happening in the world of nail fashion, which means that if you haven't been paying close attention, some of the trendiest styles may have slipped by you unnoticed. If you're looking for a few surefire ways to jazz up your manicure, grab your favorite Lippmann Collection – Nail Lacquers, a base coat and a top coat like Lippmann Collection – On A Clear Day Top Coat – then try these cute styles!
1. Blue. If you're not really into nail art and just want to experiment with the latest colors, blue certainly won't let you down. Whether it's robin's egg, navy, cobalt or some kind of teal hybrid, you can't go wrong with this shade, reports Glamour Magazine's beauty blog.
2. Unboring French manis. Ditch the peach and white – this trend relies on bolder color combinations. Whether you do a half-moon mani or a traditional French, choose complementary colors to amp up the cool factor.
3. Ombre glitter. Yes, the ombre trend is still huge – and luckily it's easy to achieve. Simply paint your nails as usual, then add layers of glitter on just the top or bottom of your nails. Easy and so chic!
Although winter is technically still here, women in many parts of the country are enjoying mild temperatures, which could elicit the urge to break out breezier outfits and brighter beauty products. If you can't wait any longer to stock up on the supplies necessary for a gorgeous spring, here are the top trends to consider and a few of the products you'll need to achieve them.
1. Statement lips. We're talking about the kind of lips that speak for you – without having to move them at all. According to Style Magazine, designers like Prabal Gurung, Erdem and Mugler had their models wearing an entire rainbow of lipstick hues – from reds to violets. The key to pulling off bright shades is to keep them entirely matte and use neutral makeup colors on the rest of your face. Pick up a bold shade of BABOR – Classic Lip Color, then use a transparent face powder to set the hue and banish shine.
2. Bangs. If you want a new hairstyle to welcome spring with, you don't have to sacrifice any length with a set of bangs. Whispy, side-swept or blunt cuts are all equally trendy, so find what works best for your face shape. Choppy, layered bangs are the most flattering for all face types, and they're the easiest to trim yourself, reports Marie Claire Magazine. In terms of upkeep, all you have to do is make sure your strands stay oil-free. A shampoo like Leonor Greyl – Huile de germe de ble can get rid of oily roots.
3. Gorgeous glow. This trend focuses on enhancing your natural complexion, so it uses soft makeup hues to subtly enhance your features. According to Harper's Bazaar Magazine, the look usually involves a matte white eyeshadow, plenty of black mascara to define your lashes, an apricot blush on the apples of your cheeks and a gold lip gloss for a sparkling finish. Try Jane Iredale – PureGloss in Apricot Fizz.
4. Cat eyes. The runways were crawling with models sporting this trend, which can be minimized or maximized depending on where you're wearing it. Choose a black liquid eyeliner like Blinc – Eyeliner to create a subtle or dramatic flick, then top with mascara. You could even switch it up a bit by using a colored liner to create an interesting contrast.
5. Sculpted bronzer. If you haven't yet experimented with the sculpting effects of bronzer, now's the perfect time. Not only will you achieve a gorgeous sunkissed glow, but you'll be able to enhance your cheekbones and even slim down your face if necessary. Choose a shade that's only one or two levels darker than your complexion, suggests Marie Claire. Dust Youngblood – Natural Mineral Radiance (Sundance) wherever the light hits your face.
6. Fishtail braids. You know braids are having a moment, but the one type that's been showing up on runways and red carpets alike is the fishtail. It's easy to create no matter the style or texture of your hair, and even looks great when it's a bit messy. Pull yours to the side for extra cuteness.
7. Colorful tresses. Whether you go for dye, extensions or a temporary shade, color-saturated locks are everywhere lately. A couple of streaks here and there is a simple way to ease yourself into the trend – just be sure to use a moisturizing hair mask like Leonor Greyl – Masque Fleurs de Jasmin to prevent dryness and breakage, which can happen with bleached strands.
As long as you have fun with your beauty and fashion looks this spring, you'll almost always be a "Do." Don't be afraid to experiment with new shades and products – that's how trends are born!
Now that 2011 is coming to a close, it's time to review the year in terms of nail fashion. It was a huge year for nail polishes, glitter and funky shapes, as you probably noticed by looking at what was going on with celebrity manicures and the fingertips of ladies in your social circle. Here are some of the best looks and ideas from 2011, which will totally keep working in 2012.
1. Ombre nails. Celebrities were all about this trend, which can work in two different ways. It either involves painting each finger's nail a different color in the same family of shades, or painting each nail with a gradual color-change. For example, the tops of the nails near the cuticle was light blue, while the tips were dark blue. You may need to call in a professional for the individual ombre nail, but doing your manicure using several different polishes is easy with the variety of choices in Lippmann Collection – Nail Lacquers.
2. Glittery top coats. Dazzling sparkles were working on any nail polish color this year, from ruby red to flashy silver to multicolored. All it takes is a couple of coats of your favorite shade, then a complementary glitter top coat to add a dash of sparkle. Nailtini – Topper Top Coat has plenty of exciting options to transform any shade.
3. Pointier shapes. Celebrities made bold moves by having their nails filed into sharp points. While it's not exactly convenient to have small daggers at the tips of your fingers, it's perfectly acceptable to make your nails a bit pointier than usual. Just file your nails into an oval shape with a slightly domed tip.
4. Festive nail art. Almost every holiday this year came with a flurry of unique nail art, from Christmas-sweater-inspired manicures to Halloween themed nails. All it takes is a few different shades of color and perhaps a friend who's good at drawing. (It's tough to do it yourself, especially if you're not ambidextrous!) In 2012, you might want to start out by giving yourself a fun Valentine's Day heart manicure or a quirky St. Patrick's day theme.
5. Mixed up French manicures. French manicures are a classic, but 2011 made them more modern by mixing up the colors. Instead of the muted hues found in BABOR – French Manicure Nail Color, ladies were rocking bold shades that embodied the colorblocking trend. Try giving yourself colorful tips to test it out, then experiment with other shades for the undercoat.
6. Nail decals. When you're not in the mood to paint your nails but you want a stunning manicure, nail decals can come to the rescue. You can find them at drugstores for cheap, and they're easy to apply. The best part is that you don't have to worry about upkeep, as they stay on for a while. Although, you may want to use a topcoat like Lippmann Collection – On A Clear Day Top Coat to seal it just in case.
7. Milky manicures. Classic milky neutrals were all over the runways this year, and the good news is that they translate well into everyday life. You don't have to worry about looking too extreme at the office if you have a milky tan shade or a soft pink. BABOR – Nail Color has plenty of muted options to get the look.
No matter which trend you decide to rock in 2012, you should stock up on a few different colors of polish. That way, you'll have everything you need to get started on those new trends that will undoubtedly surface in the upcoming year.
Just when you’ve mastered the summer makeup look, September rolls around and it’s time for a seasonal update. Luckily, this fall’s trends are easy to create and wearable with just about everything in your wardrobe, so making the switch should be effortless.
1. Metallic smokey eyes are totally in for fall and ready to spice up your night-time look. Just use your regular smoky-eye makeup (dark liner, dark shadow) and add a pop of a metallic shade like gold, bronze or silver to add a smoldering touch. Too Faced – Smokey Eye Kit can help you master the effect.
2. Dark red lips are bold but perfect for a bit of glamour. Keep the rest of your makeup simple to avoid any color competition, and make your lips the center of attention. Choose a wine-inspired color, and add a touch of clear gloss to achieve your own pout perfection.
3. Eyeliner is your best bet for adding definition, but rather than creating a perfect line, smudge it up a bit. Use a powder instead on your top lash lines and go over it with a wet brush for a soft, blended look.
4. Neutral colors are always in, but this fall’s version uses matching shades for a monochromatic look. Use a product like Jane Iredale – In Touch Cream Blush Stick for eyelids, cheeks, and lips. You’ll have a fast, easy application and a simple, pretty glow.
5. Ultra defined lashes are in for fall, so pick your favorite mascara and go a little overboard with multiple coats to make those peepers really pop. Skip the eyeliner and play up just your top lashes for a wide-eyed effect.
6. Matte lipstick is all the rage, and pretty pinks and corals are your best bets for making a serious impact. Use a lipstick brush to start at the center of lips and wing it out into the corners. Apply a bit of powder on top for a shine-free finish that will leave your lips looking soft and kissable.
7. Flushed cheeks are cute for any season, and fall is no exception. For a lasting impression, use a cream blush, which will stay put and make your skin look dewy. Use on the apples of your cheeks to define your facial shape.
8. Nude lips are extra sexy when you keep them glossy. A nude lipstick and matching gloss will warm up your face without making you feel naked, and you won’t have to worry about a perfect application because it will blend right in!
9. A glowing, candlelit effect on your skin is perfect for fall, as long as you stay away from overly shimmery or frosty shades. Choose a warm, peachy highlighter to smooth on the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and the inner corners of your eyes for a fresh take.
10. It may seem a little strange at first, but glossy eyelids look fresh and pretty. Just put on your normal shade of eyeshadow and top with a touch of lip gloss. A clear shade will let your eyeshadow shine through, but if you’re feeling a little daring, use a tinted lip gloss for a little extra oomph.
11. You can relax when it comes to plucking your eyebrows this fall. A strong, defined brow is the new shape this season, and it’ll bring attention to your eyes. Don’t pluck too much, and try using a brow pencil in a shade darker than your brows to amp up sparse areas and give more definition. Your eyes will be loving the flattering effect.
A smoky eye can work wonders at the nightclub, but it looks totally overdone on a beachy summer day. If you're heading to the shore and want to look beautiful without looking too made-up, a subtle, shimmery shadow is just the ticket.
Summer is all about embracing the beauty of nature – and that goes for your summertime makeup, too. Daytime looks for summer should be all about enhancing your natural features with a sheer bronzer, soft pink cheeks and nude lips that show off just how pretty you really are. Don't fog up those summer freckles with too much foundation – let the real you shine through. And when it comes to eyeshadow, it's all about keeping things subtle.
Take your cues from the sunset and opt for pink, gold and peach for a beautiful summer look. Pick out some shimmery shadows that will lend just a hint of sparkle to your ensemble, and dot a bright champagne color right above your pupil to make those peepers pop. Skip the heavy eyeliner and top off your style with just a couple brushes of mascara. You'll be looking fresh-faced all day long.
In the modern world, there's no "color by numbers" guide to show you where to put your makeup. Runway models (and the likes of Lady Gaga) have all teamed up to show us that where you apply your makeup is inconsequential as long as you can maintain a creative vision.
Most recently, the trend radars at Refinery 29 picked up on a rather unusual blush trend that's been circulating the fashion circuits.
"We've noticed bright-pink blush straying from the norm and making moves to the lower cheeks…or traveling up toward the temples," the news source reports. "Sure, the pros typically caution against over-application or deviating from the apples, but this shift in flush could be a new way to up your summer blush game. Or, should it just be labeled as blush-gone-crazy?"
This certainly isn't your typical work-day look, so if you're looking for a makeup style that'll take you through your nine-to-five, forget it. This simple maneuver is ideal for a glamorous night out, however, so don't be afraid to pick up a bright shade of mauve and add a bit of flush around your eyes and cheekbones. The result will be positively high fashion.
If you’re like us, you’ve heard the news that the ’70s are back – at least when it comes to fashion and makeup. But while vintage styles by their very essence are partly worthy of revival and partly better left where they expired decades ago, we think there’s something to be said about the trends of the ’70s that do deserve an encore (or two).
Think elegant ease and loose, flowy fabrics complemented by fresh, bright-eyed faces. No, we’re not encouraging you to rock the over-tanned, over-plucked and too-blue eyeshadow look, but there’s a way to delicately and demurely pull these ideas off with all the best of today’s makeup technology in mind.
“That fresh-faced ’70s glow is a lovely look you can wear even if you decide against the belly-pinching aspect of high-waisted jeans,” the Kansas City Star advises. “Several beauty items out for spring make achieving this look super-easy, flushing the skin with a sheer wash of color that feels and looks like the ’70s.”
And what, exactly, may this entail?
Face
It’s never a good idea to wear foundation or makeup that’s darker than your natural color, but you can rock the ’70s glow without betraying your complexion. Do apply your regular shade of foundation and concealer, but work in a healthy flush with a bronzer, blush or cheek stain.
To get just the right touch of sun-kissed splendor, apply a multi-toned bronzer (such as the POP Beauty Double Duty Bronzer) to your cheekbones, temples, nose and forehead. The contrasting shades of bronze and pink help balance each other out, and will look oh-so-natural when applied to the parts of your face that the sun highlights.
To really maximize on achieving this balance, add a swirl of rosy blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend into the bronzer.
Of course, it’s equally appropriate to wear blush on its own terms, and in order to achieve that iconic summer-ready glow, light stains and creams are where it’s at this season. These formulas feature a “pretty, vivid pigment but doesn’t look or feel weighty on the skin,” the news source reports. “That makes it perfect for hot, sunny days when a swipe of blush or a berry-kissed pout is all you need to look sexy and made-up.”
Apply a highlighting cream to your cheekbones and browbones to really nab that dewy-faced look.
Eyes
For those who aren’t old enough to remember, the ’70s involved lots of pastel shadows to create darling wide-eyed snow bunny gazes. The downside of this was that many girls looked permanently surprised (how much of that was due to their brows, we can’t say). Just remember: pastel colors are good and fun, but only when they actually serve to complement your coloring.
Choose a light-colored shadow that’s not overly opaque and blend it in softly all over your lid. The aim here is to create a watercolor effect – not something that mimics sidewalk chalk.
You can add some winged liner, but overdoing it will send you straight back to the ’60s. Finish with plenty of black or brown mascara.
Lips
In keeping with the sheer, beach babe beauty that characterized the times, lips should be similarly light and breezy. Apply a sheer lipgloss or balm to keep your pout fresh – a little tint wouldn’t hurt either. ModelCo Lip Lights Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Indian Summer is just the right embodiment of this sun-kissed style.
If style hounds and makeup fanatics were all scouring the red carpet on Sunday for the latest trends in bold cosmetics, they may have come up empty-handed. As it so happens, demure, understated makeup was more de riguer at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.
"By and large, the makeup was soft, safe and devoid of a 'statement' anything," according to FashionEtc.com. "Subtly defined eyes, rosy cheeks, and sheer, natural-looking lip color were the order of the night for Natalie Portman, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, and especially, Michelle Williams."
The last-mentioned starlet showed up with a stunning look that her makeup artist characterized as "ethereal and sparkling," the news source reports.
Ladies can use a touch of Academy Award-worthy inspiration when it comes to their own day-to-day makeup routines. Opt for tinted moisturizer, translucent power and soft, cream-based blush. Eyes can still pop with a played-down approach – use a couple coats of mascara paired with soft pigments on the lids.
Though snow may be starting to fall across the country, it's always fun to look ahead to the trends to come. According to Allure, next season's makeup may be a bit shocking. Electric-colored eyeliner was a hit at Spring 2011 fashion shows and is expected to be just as big off the runway.
While the news source cautions that this look may not be work appropriate, bold eyeliner is perfect to rock on the weekends. POP Beauty Eyeliner Pencil is available in eye-popping shades like Lime and Turquoise.
However, you don't have to stick to a pencil to create this bright-eyed look. POP Beauty Lid Neon is a collection of electric-colored shadows that can be applied as a liner with a thin brush. If you opt for a shadow, use an eyeshadow base along your lash line before putting on the powder to ensure long-lasting, full coverage. For the easiest application, try Pixi Eye Bright Primer, which dispenses the formula through a pen-like applicator for maximum control.
Bright colored eyeliners will make a great gift for her this holiday season. Include a note talking about the upcoming trend, and gals will be happily prepared for spring's arrival.
A lot has been happening in the world of nail fashion, which means that if you haven't been paying close attention, some of the trendiest styles may have slipped by you unnoticed. If you're looking for a few surefire ways to jazz up your manicure, grab your favorite 
Although winter is technically still here, women in many parts of the country are enjoying mild temperatures, which could elicit the urge to break out breezier outfits and brighter beauty products. If you can't wait any longer to stock up on the supplies necessary for a gorgeous spring, here are the top trends to consider and a few of the products you'll need to achieve them.
Now that 2011 is coming to a close, it's time to review the year in terms of nail fashion. It was a huge year for nail polishes, glitter and funky shapes, as you probably noticed by looking at what was going on with celebrity manicures and the fingertips of ladies in your social circle. Here are some of the best looks and ideas from 2011, which will totally keep working in 2012.
Just when you’ve mastered the summer makeup look, September rolls around and it’s time for a seasonal update. Luckily, this fall’s trends are easy to create and wearable with just about everything in your wardrobe, so making the switch should be effortless.
A smoky eye can work wonders at the nightclub, but it looks totally overdone on a beachy summer day. If you're heading to the shore and want to look beautiful without looking too made-up, a subtle, shimmery shadow is just the ticket.
In the modern world, there's no "color by numbers" guide to show you where to put your makeup. Runway models (and the likes of Lady Gaga) have all teamed up to show us that where you apply your makeup is inconsequential as long as you can maintain a creative vision.
If you’re like us, you’ve heard the news that the ’70s are back – at least when it comes to fashion and makeup. But while vintage styles by their very essence are partly worthy of revival and partly better left where they expired decades ago, we think there’s something to be said about the trends of the ’70s that do deserve an encore (or two).
If style hounds and makeup fanatics were all scouring the red carpet on Sunday for the latest trends in bold cosmetics, they may have come up empty-handed. As it so happens, demure, understated makeup was more de riguer at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.
Though snow may be starting to fall across the country, it's always fun to look ahead to the trends to come. According to Allure, next season's makeup may be a bit shocking. Electric-colored 
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