As Gossip Girl season comes to a close and the spring swarm of concerts begin, we decided to let the sun shine in by dressing up Gossip Girl’s Kaylee DeFer like a…well, like a Flower Child.

On her beauty must-haves: “Let me think about this one. I use Caudalie products and they’ve completely changed my skin. I’m obsessed with Caudalie! I use the Vinoperfect line it’s amazing. My skin’s been completely clear ever since. I used to have breakouts and acne around my mouth and on my cheeks, and it’s even getting rid of my acne scars without having to do laser treatments. It’s amazing, it’s taking away the redness and it’s the best. And then I use Sam Brocato, it’s called Constructor. You can use it as a shampoo or a conditioner, but it basically high in protein and it literally wraps your hair and saves it from all of the blow-drying and the product and the ironing. It’s amazing, it’s completely changed my hair. My hair’s thicker, it’s healthier, it’s been growing quicker, it’s amazing.”

On her favorite decade: “I think it would be…man that’s a tough call! I’m constantly in an inner battle with myself over this discussion. I would probably say be born in the 60s, live in the 70s and 80s. Hit them all! I think being born in the 60s, having the crazy revolutionary period with the hippies and the music, running around naked with flowers in your hair.”

On which show she’d love to guest star: “Breaking Bad! But it’s one of those things where I just want to kind of be an outsider looking in, I don’t want to get too close to my most favorite show on television, it could ruin it a little bit. That’s my most favorite show hands down. I’d love to do Shameless, or this new show Girls, with a really talented cast. What else is out there? You know what I really secretly want to do and be on? Ghost Adventures. I want to go on a walk through a haunted place. They do! They take actors and pro wrestlers and stuff. I should write them or tweet them. I want to so bad! I’ll send them this article!”

Check out more photos and Kaylee’s full interview here: http://www.beautyhigh.com/gossip-girl-kaylee-defer-stars-in-the-dreamer-editorial/

What do you think?

Video Link: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/26/t-exclusive-video-a-polished-look-by-chanel/?ref=t-magazine

T Exclusive Video – A Polished Look by Chanel

When Peter Philips, Chanel’s creative director for makeup, wanted to showcase the latest collection of Chanel nail polish on film, he called upon Ruth Hogben, a London filmmaker known for her work with Gareth Pugh and Louis Vuitton. The inspiration to use sign language came shortly after.

In this video, the Dutch model Saskia De Brauw manually conveys some of Coco Chanel’s most famous quotes; while her hands do the talking, her fingernails show off an array of chic Chanel lacquers.

Source: T, The New York Times Styles Magazine.

Watch any fashion makeover and you’ll find that what you wear underneath certain garments is just as important as the clothes themselves. An ill-fitting bra can turn even the chicest sheath into a fashion fail, and panty lines will instantly detract from form-fitting pants.

Quality lingerie can be pricey but is ultimately worth the investment. And like most things, intimates often go on sale and can be found at a great discount if you know where and when to look. Here are several tips from Kendall Perez on finding lingerie for less, as well as ways to extend their shelf life.

1. Get Fitted
Before you even think about buying a new bra, get fitted. Retailers like Macy’s and Nordstrom offer bra fittings, along with lingerie specialty stores like Victoria’s Secret. You may assume that by now, you know what size fits you best, but you might be surprised what you can learn from a professional. Check out Good Housekeeping’s article on what to expect.

2. Know Your Brands
You can find great deals on bras from discount retailers like TJMaxx and Ross, but you need to know your brands before you buy. A cheap bra will fall apart quickly, so avoid purchasing just any type for budget’s sake. Wacoal, Maidenform, Calvin Klein and Vanity Fair are all top quality and can typically be found at these stores for reasonable prices.

3. Shop Online
Once you’ve been properly fitted, ordering online will be easier than ever and allow you to take advantage of great deals. For example, I can use the size and style reference card provided to me by a Victoria’s Secret salesperson and take advantage of their online coupons from FreeShipping.org without sacrificing fit.

4. Take Care
As with most things, taking proper care of bras will increase their longevity. Hand wash delicate garments in cold water with gentle detergents. Alternatively, place bras in a mesh bag and wash on the delicate cycle to prevent any snagging. Always hang dry and take a queue from lingerie stores for storage: Place bras in rows within in your dresser drawer.

5. Quantity Counts
In addition to taking proper care of your undergarments, owning multiple bras will keep each one from wearing out too soon. Be sure your boudoir includes the basics, like a nude or skin-tone bra to wear under white garments. For other must-haves, consult this list from The Budget Fashionista.

6. Buy Multipurpose
Though it’s important to own multiple bras, it’s also helpful to own a bra that can adapt to numerous styles. Most brands offer a bra with adjustable straps which you can use with racerback, strapless, and one shoulder styles, like the Butterfly Convertible Multi-Function Bra by Dominique.

7. Consider Additions
Buying one bra for every style of outfit you own will get pricey fast. Accessories like bra clips, petals and extenders represent an inexpensive way to adapt existing lingerie to the style you want to wear. Nordstrom offers cute, heart-shaped clips for just $8, but you can also find them at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Kendal Perez is a frugal fashionista and bargain shopper who helps fellow shopaholics find hassle-free ways to save money. As the marketing coordinator for Kinoli Inc., site manager for a family of money-saving websites, Kendal has the resources to be an extreme couponer but prefers a less complicated approach to staying in-budget. Kendal has been quoted in such media outlets as CNN Money, FOX, ABC, NPR and Kiplinger Personal Finance. For savings tips and more information, visit HassleFreeSavings.com.

Makeup Removing Secrets

Prevent a stain. It might look silly, but putting a polyester scarf over your head before pulling on a dress or top can prevent makeup and hairspray stains in the first place. It won’t muss your hair and it helps tight stuff slide on easily. Or spring for a reusable nylon makeup mask, which costs about $4 at most drugstores.

Nix deodorant marks. To remove those unsightly white streaks from your little black dress or other clothing before they set in, you can buy special texturized sponges made just for the job. Or grab that pair of ripped panty hose you were going to toss and use it to rub away the marks. No panty hose? Try a nylon sock or a used dryer sheet.

Sponge it up. The foam that often comes on hangers from the dry cleaner can also lift deodorant marks and foundation. Wrap the foam around a finger, then press and gently brush on the stain to lift it without smearing. Still there? Hit it with diluted Dawn blue dishwashing detergent. Simply work it in with a toothbrush and rinse.

Dab it away. To remove foundation from garments, blot up any excess, then dip a cotton swab in alcohol and gently dab the stain from the inside. Repeat until the stain is gone or there’s just a tiny trace, then launder or dry-clean the garment. If the fabric is washable, cover the stain with a laundry pretreatment product. Resolve Laundry Liquid aced our recent tests.

Blow it off. If a dusting of face powder, eye shadow, or even the powdery sugar from a doughnut ends up on your outfit, try blowing it off with a hair dryer. Don’t wet it; that could drive the powder deeper in. If the blow-dryer doesn’t get it all out, toss the garment in the wash or take it to a dry cleaner.

Take a powder. To remove lipstick from a white collar, sprinkle baby powder on it to absorb the oils, then cover it with a clean cloth and run a warm, dry iron over it. It will come right up like the melted wax off a tablecloth. A dusting of baby powder helps lift oily gunk from faux fur, too. Sprinkle the area, put the garment in a cool dryer, and the stain will fluff off.

About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon the publication’s celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. ShopSmart features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. It’s ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

A new breakthrough study featured in the latest issue of Allure suggests both topical and oral caffeine use can promote the destruction of UV-damaged skin cells, and can actually reduce our risk of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer! Another reason to get my daily Americano fix!

There’s increasing evidence that caffeine may help prevent skin cancer. Researchers monitored 112,897 people for more than 20 years, during which time nearly a quarter of them developed the disease. Compared with women who didn’t drink coffee, those who drank more than three cups of caffein­ated coffee daily had a 20 percent reduction in the risk of basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer and the most prevalent cancer overall). Decaffeinated-coffee drinkers didn’t have decreased risk. Studies in mice have found that both orally ingested and topical caffeine promote the destruction of UV-damaged skin cells and reduce skin-cancer risk, says Fengju Song, an epidemiologist at Harvard School of Public Health. The new study is one of the largest to confirm the link in humans, and it’s the first to show that the effect is specific to basal cell carcinoma, which is diagnosed in about 2 million Americans per year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Source

Mally Roncal Virtual Pajama Party Tonight 4/3/12 8pm EST

Day: Tuesday, April 3rd
Time: 8pm EST
Location: USTREAM: http://www.facebook.com/mallybeauty/app_196506863720166
Attire: PJ’s Recommended
Viewers will have the chance to win exclusive prizes and deals as well as ask their burning makeup questions!

Mally Roncal is sharing the love again! Throughout her career, she has been a makeup artist to celebrities from Beyoncé to Jennifer Lopez and from Mariah Carey to Celine Dion. She’s known for flawless, glowing skin, which instantly makes you look like you’ve had 8-hours of sleep! Here are Mally’s easy and quick steps for getting a radiant, well-rested look:

Step 1: First, start with a good moisturizer to smooth over any dry or flaky spots.
Step 2: Next, apply my Perfect Prep Poreless Primer to fill in your pores and fine lines, creating an invisible barrier between your skin and your makeup.
Step 3: Apply a creamy concealer underneath your eyes, and then dab on any blemishes. Even out your complexion with my Ultimate Performance Foundation and a powder brush to get that diffused, airbrushed look.
Step 4: Using a highlighter, apply to the brow bone, cheek bones, temples and down the center of your nose; swirl a universally flattering pinky-peach blush onto the apples of the cheeks.
Step 5: Use my Volumizing Mascara and with the wand, apply inwards for a starburst effect that instantly opens up eyes.
Step 6: Finish by using my Lightwand Eye Brightener. Take the pencil end and draw a sideways “v” in the inner corner of your eyes. If you want to take it to the next level, take the spring-loaded powder dabber on the other end, and apply it on top of the pencil!

Above left is  Demi Moore, modeling for Helena Rubenstein’s 2012 campaign and to the right  is a recent candid of Demi Moore. While I agree we all have our bad days and look better when we have had time to make ourselves up. This photo shows how far beauty advertising has gone from the truth. I am not against a touch up here or there to clean up a picture but when the pictures are so glaringly different that falls into false advertising.

In comparison Intelligent Life did something shocking had their cover model Cate Blanchett appear Photoshop free!

March/ April issue of Intelligent Life Photo: INTELLIGENT LIFE

While Cate’s un-retouched photo shows her wrinkles it also shows a real live beautiful older woman.

The magazine’s editor, Tim de Lisle, explained the reasoning behind the un-retouched image in his editor’s letter: “When other magazines photograph actresses, they routinely end up running heavily Photoshopped images, with every last wrinkle expunged. Their skin is rendered so improbably smooth that, with the biggest stars, you wonder why the photographer didn’t just do a shoot with their waxwork.”

 

What do you think? Do you like the perfected Photoshop look on models? Or should we have a limit to how much retouching can be done on product adverts?