Kate Winslet’s reveals her most intimate beauty secrets!

What are the secrets of this gorgeous natural beauty? Oscar Winner, Kate Winslet, always looks stunning wherever she goes. We have seen her in many events, promoting her films and attending many red carpet events –where she won best actress for her roles in “The Reader” and “Revolutionary Road”. But, what does she do to keep herself beautiful and radiant? She’s not the common beauty we see in Hollywood, we don’t hear about her last Botox treatment or plastic surgery. What everybody loves about Kate Winslet is her natural and classic beauty. She claims to be like every woman, she isn´t obsessed about being skinny.

Let’s check out her tips.

First, she says that she can’t allow herself the same routines as when she was in her twenties. Now she’s a 36 year old mom and has no time for herself. For some moms, time doesn’t allow them more than 5 minutes to put on make-up. At home Kate prefers to do her own make-up by using the right products like mascara, a bit of concealer and lip balm. Should they be expensive? Well, they don’t! She prefers to use those products she knows work properly for her face, and they don’t have to be pricey products.

Another advice she can give us is not to wear so much make-up so you don’t look caked by the end of a long day. A common advice among all the stars is: it doesn’t matter how tired, exhausted, or burned out you are, you must always take your make-up off because when you’re sleeping your skin is working hard to renew its cells.

She also talks about her exercise routine. It’s well known that she practices Pilates to be in shape, but this is not a matter of obsession for her. She’s one of the actresses who claim that women should be happy by accepting themselves as they are. Restrictions about food can be a nightmare for any woman; she prefers to have a relaxed and calm life in order to take care of herself. Does she eat chocolate? Sure, but not too much. That’s a rule! Does she drink sodas? Of course, not often, but when she does, she drinks a fat Coke, what she calls “the real stuff”.

So, something we can learn from Kate’s experience is to enjoy everything we like, but we have to remember a key word: moderation. A little bit of everything will help us to keep in shape and beautiful… but above all, happy!

Be patient!.. febstore will reveal more amazing celebrity beauty secrets in our next article…

And you know we won’t hide any secrets from you… We´ll tell you EVERYTHING!

Publications: Febstore

Long Hairstyles

Women with long hair can play with dozens of braid styles for a simple - or exotic - new look.

When you have long hair, no style is more fun to experiment with than braids. If you think braiding is limited to the standard English style (three strands of equal size, crossed back and forth to form a simple ponytail-style braid), you haven’t explored the possibilities. There are dozens of braid styles-some understated, some complex, all eye-catching.

Braids can be worn by women of all ages, and even those with only chin-length hair can pull them off. They keep your hair neat, off your face when the weather is hot or humid, are perfect if you engage in sports, and can be worn during the day or evening. Some of the most common braids perfectly accessorize both tennis dresses and evening gowns. Which hairstyle can claim greater versatility?

Once you’ve mastered one style of braid, you’ll have the skill needed to attempt others. For braiding success, follow these tips from Patricia Coen and Joe Maxwell, authors of Beautiful Braids:

• Before trying a braid style, read all instructions, and imagine performing them. Braid in your mind before braiding with your hands.

• Don’t watch yourself in the mirror. Close your eyes and concentrate. You’ll work intuitively, which will produce a better braid.

• Work with damp hair, which is more manageable when you’re braiding.

• Don’t use an office-supply–style rubber band to secure a braid, as it promotes hair breakage. Choose proper accessories designed to hold hair: coated bands, clips, barrettes and other ornaments.

• Don’t tense up. If you don’t like the result, you can always try again.

As for braid styles, consider the following:

• Create a simple English braid, and coil it around your finger. Tuck the end of the braid under the coil, and secure it to the back of your head. This is called an “English braid with chignon.”

• The “Dutch braid” is similar to an English braid, but the three strands of hair (equal in size) are crossed under, rather than over, one another.

• The classic “French braid” is one of the most sophisticated—and popular—hairstyles ever invented. You start with a center section of hair and divide it into three strands. As you braid, you add new strands gathered from both sides of your head. The finished braid rests flat against your head and is secured at the bottom. Check out Dreamweaver Braiding, an online educational braiding site, for complete directions, or Coen’s and Maxwell’s book for a step-by-step, illustrated guide.

• The “invisible French braid” is constructed like its classic namesake, but the hanging braid is folded upward and pinned to your scalp.

• The “accent braid”—popular among teenagers—is a single, thin braid that adorns loose hair, positioned on one side of your head. Select three thin strands from one side of your hair and braid them. Secure the braid at the bottom and let it rest against your loose hair.

• The “princess braid” was made famous by Carrie Fisher’s Star Wars character, Princess Leia. The style actually dates back to the 14th century, when it was all the rage. You create two English braids—one on each side of your head, pigtail style—and coil them. Affix the coils to your scalp with hairpins.

• Cornrows are a trendy style among African-American women, but the very Caucasian Bo Derek immortalized them for women of all ethnicities in the 1979 film 10. Cornrows tend to remain in the hair for a protracted period, due to the amount of time needed to create them. If you want this look, go to an experienced braider or stylist, as braid evenness is vital.

You can always work ribbon or yarn into any braid to add a splash of color. Adorn braids with hair jewels or fresh floral buds for special occasions.

Publications: Febstore

Extensions and Weaves

Weaves and extensions add length and volume, allowing women with short hair to enjoy an instant makeover.

If you’re looking for an effective way to add length or volume to your hair, extensions and weaves may provide a perfect solution—but only when applied by a qualified stylist.

With extensions, hair strands are either braided into, or glued onto your hair. Each extension may be the same length or the stylist may apply several lengths. Extensions are relatively easy to maintain and allow for many styling options: worn loose, tied into a ponytail or coiled into an updo.

Weaves, by contrast, are sewn onto the hair. The stylist first braids the natural hair, starting at the scalp and creating a series of evenly spaced rows. The weaves are then hand-sewn into the braids—a process that necessitates meticulous attention to detail and takes more time to complete than extensions.

Weaves and extensions are ideal for women with short hair who want to add length and fullness, but women with hair of any length can wear them. You have your choice of human hair, which is more expensive, or synthetic hair, which can appear less natural and sometimes be itchy. Synthetic hair is also heavier, holds water longer and dries more slowly, according to Dianne M. Daniels, a certified image consultant in Norwich, Connecticut. Excess heaviness can make your natural hair more fragile, leading to possible breakage.

Whether you choose extensions or weaves, it’s critical to find a qualified stylist. With improper techniques you run the risk of developing problems that require a physician’s attention. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a dermatologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has some issues with these styles because he has personally seen the consequences of poor salon and do-it-yourself jobs.

“If one must use hair weaves, then the sewn-in method is much more desirable,” he tells Stellure.com. Glue is more problematic because contact with the scalp may cause an allergic “contact dermatitis”—an inflammation of the skin characterized by irritation, scales and even scarring “if the process is deep and intense enough,” he notes.

As a specialist in natural hair care, Farika Broadnax, owner of No Lye in Washington, DC, has spent many hours during her eight-year career correcting other hairstylists’ weaving and extension errors. The major problems she sees are hairline thinning and follicle damage.

“Sometimes braiders braid too tightly, for a ‘clean’ edge line,” she tells Stellure.com, “but the drawback is that edge-line hairs are finer, weaker and thinner than other hairs on the head.” Hair follicles become overstressed, and the hairline can actually begin to recede.

Clients who wear extensions, weaves or braids need to allow for “downtime”- a “less stressful hairstyle between applications, usually every three months,” Broadnax says.

Proper maintenance is also essential.

“Clients think that because they can't wash their hair by submerging it in water, they do nothing to the scalp,” Broadnax explains. “In time, this creates an unhealthy scalp. Because the hair is not being combed, brushed or stimulated for three to four months at a time, the scalp is also not being stimulated, so it doesn’t shed as it should. The results can be a dry scalp and clogged pores drowned in oils applied by the client. Not good! Using products like Sea Breeze and ‘no lather’ shampoos can help remove oil, dirt and debris from the scalp so the pores don’t get clogged and flakes can be removed. Some braiders don’t tell clients how to maintain their scalp health—just how to maintain their look.”

“Washing weekly, or once every two weeks, is recommended for maintenance of a clean and healthy scalp,” adds Dr. Andrew Alexis, a practicing dermatologist and associate director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City. “The frequency depends on a woman’s susceptibility to ‘seborrheic dermatitis’—an itchy, flaky scalp—and oil build-up,” he tells Stellure.com. “Washing more frequently than once a week, however, will often lead to unwanted drying of the hair.”

Before having extension or weaves applied, ask your stylist the following questions, supplied by Broadnax:

1. How do I maintain them?

2. What products should I use on my hair—and on my scalp?

3. What can I use to clean my scalp if I can't wash my hair?

4. How long should I wear this style before taking it down?

5. Do you have a portfolio or your work?

6. How long have you been doing braids?

Publications: Febstore

To Blow Dry or To Air Dry?

Should the hair be blow dried or air dried?

It is a matter of preference, actually. Some people do not have much time to devote to styling their hair, or want to achieve the maximum styling they can get for their hair, so they opt for blow-drying it. On the other hand, there are some people who think that blow-drying is a waste of electricity and is the quickest way of damaging the hair, so they opt to have it air dried.

Which is better, you may ask?

Both ways of drying the hair have their advantages and disadvantages, and there are proper and improper ways of doing both. Read on and find out what these are.

Air drying. Air drying is usually done by people who have short and low-maintenance hairstyles, or by people with curly hair. There are also people who have long hair yet have their hair air dry, as air drying does not subject the hair to excessive heat. Therefore, the hair is not as susceptible to damage as hair that is blow dried.

If you are going to have your hair air dried, it is very important to remember that the hair is at its weakest when it is wet. So, take care not to rub your hair dry with the use of a towel. The friction caused by rubbing the hair with a towel will make the hair brittle and eventually break. Rather than rubbing it, you should instead blot the moisture out of your hair with the towel. Also, be careful not to tug or pull at your hair that much when it is still wet. Once the water is blotted out of the hair, fluff it out with your fingers.

Blow Drying. Blow drying the hair is the most convenient way of doing it, and because most people live fast-paced lives, blow drying the hair is the way most people want to do it. Moreover, drying the hair using a blower adds volume to the hair. But as convenient as blow drying can be, it is also damaging to the hair, especially if overdone as it can make the hair very brittle.

If you blow dry your hair, make sure that it is not soaking. Blot the water out with a towel first. Do not hold the dryer too close to your head; keep it at least six inches away from your hair and move the dryer constantly around your head. Protect the outer strands of your hair from being over-dried by bending over and blow drying your hair with your hair hanging upside down. Also, try not to dry your hair completely with the blow dryer. Stop while the hair is still slightly damp.

Whether you air dry your hair or you blow dry it is completely your own choice based on your own lifestyle and preferences. But whatever you do, always remember that the hair is fragile. Be careful when handling it.

Publications: Febstore

How to Blend Nail Tips

For some women, 10 long and flawless fingernails make them feel more feminine. However environmental and physical factors can cause nails to peel or chip. Fortunately, alternatives to perfect natural nails exist. Nail professionals apply artificial tips to the nails to lengthen them.

If you have patience and a steady hand you can apply your own tips. Blending the tip well is a critical step in application.

Significance

Blending the tip creates a natural-looking nail extension. It also creates a smooth base for the application of nail enhancements such as acrylic, silk, fiberglass or gel nails. Without properly blending the nail, a ridge forms where the product joins, and does not create the stable base needed for a long-lasting enhancement. Blending the nails becomes especially key when you intend to wear sheer or French manicure nail lacquer since an obvious seam detracts from the beauty.

Tools

Select a thin, fast-drying glue that dries clear and leaves no reside. Purchase a file to gently reduce the plastic material that forms the artificial tip. To make the job easier and faster, use a tip blender. It has acetone, which breaks down the plastic material of the nail tip. For the finishing touch, use a buffer to smooth the tip and make the transition to the natural nail seamless.

Techniques

Select a nail tips that fits snuggly between the sidewalls of the nail. Apply glue directly to the tip, using a small dot of fast-drying nail glue, allowing it to spread evenly on the tips, so you do not have air bubbles once you apply it to the natural nail plate. Place the tip at the top of the free edge of the nail plate and gently roll the tip onto the nail. Once the glue dies, apply the tip blender. Use a 180-grit file to thin the tip where it forms a joint with the natural nail. Buff the nail with a 240-grit buffing block to give the nail a smooth natural surface.

Considerations

Use a soft 240-grit file to remove the natural shine from the surface of the natural nail. A coarse file could disrupt the layers of the nail plate and cause air or contaminates to become trapped between the natural nail and the tip, resulting in the growth of mold or fungus. Dehydrate the natural nail with alcohol to remove the oils from the nail plate and improve adhesion of the tip to the nail.

Publications: Febstore

The French manicure is a timeless classic in the beauty world.

I can lift any outfit and instantly make you feel pretty, feminine and ready for any special occasion.

Increasingly, nail art is expanding with new colorful tricks and techniques being introduced, and we're not just talking glittery acrylics.

Nail wraps, crackle polishes and newspaper print nails are among the new wave of artist designs that are taking the beauty world by storm. And the best bit? You don't need to spend a fortune on having falsies put on to achieve the looks.

None of us have the luxury of having salon perfect nails, but if you want to achieve a quick and simple manicure, then here a quick step-by-step guide.

1. Apply a base coat to the nail and let it dry.

2. With white polish draw two small vertical lines at either side of the tip and draw a thin line along the tip of the nail. The two lines make it easier to keep the line even. A handy hint, keep the brush flat and make sure there is no excess on the nail to avoid dripping.

3. Once you have your basic line on each nail, go back and make it as dark and defined as you like.

4. When it has dried add a couple of coats to add color and pigment to the nail.

5. When dry, add a clear nail polish for extra shine and protection from chipping.

If you struggle to achieve a straight-ish line on the nail, either use paper tape or French manicure stickers for a rough guide.

Following on from the spring/summer season's love affair with color, it is so easy to use this classic style to change it up a bit with a twist.

Instead of using the traditional base coat pink and white tips why not go for something a little more colorful and daring.

You can combine any contrasting or complimentary colors you’d like and chose a different combination for each finger and really follow the block color trend.

Follow the same technique as the above, but empty out your collection of polishes and have fun creating your own personal manicure!

A little tip...my nails at the moment are red and bubblegum pink, but instead of a red body, pink tip I've gone a little different and drawn a diagonal line across from one top corner down the nail. You can make the line as fine or big as you’d like.

It's eye catching and is a great tip for shorter or longer nails.

Publications: Febstore

Short Hairstyles

From layered cuts to fashionable crops, celebrities are rediscovering how alluring short hairstyles can be.

Radiant Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy Award-nominated actress who plays Detective Olivia Benson on the NBC hit drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, started out her show-business career with long hair.

What very few people realize is that the 40-year-old actress, who first became a recognizable face when she played hospital clerk Cynthia Hooper on ER during the 1994 season, is the daughter of legendary 1950s blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield, who died tragically in a car accident in 1967. (Mariska and her brother were in the backseat.) Place pictures of Mariska and her mom side by side, and the resemblance is uncanny.

Just married to actor Peter Hermann (who occasionally guests as an attorney on his wife’s show), Mariska (pronounced Ma-rish-ka) has a progressively shorter haircut since her L&O debut in 1999. Preferring short, layered cuts, with both red and gold highlights to augment her medium-brown hairstyle, Mariska has been seen lately with her short hairstyles pushed back, styled away from her face, with the ends flipped up. To duplicate her sleek look, apply a styling cream to wet hair, blow-dry hair away from the face, use a round brush to flip the ends, and clip side and back tendrils to the back of the head with a designer clip.

A great cut is the secret to exquisitely coiffed short hair. For many celebrities, like Oscar-winning Dames Judi Dench and Julie Andrews, the “short crop” has never gone out of style. In fact, it’s their trademark hair do. And while both actresses are among Hollywood’s more mature elite, age—long blamed for the dearth of roles for female actresses—hasn’t slowed their careers. Dame Julie is charming audiences of all ages. Don’t let the short crop fool you. It’s ideal for women of every age, according to Joey Battisti, artistic director for Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in New York City.

“This style works for almost all face shapes,” he tells Stellure.com. “I feel it works best for people who have softer facial structures. It is very short, which means it will enhance any flaws or protruding facial and head shapes. For example, someone with a longer face may need to keep the edges around the hairline longer to soften the look a bit.”

When Joey creates a short crop, he relies on his razor for precision cutting.

“The razor is an amazing tool,” he explains, “but it has to be used carefully. The blade has to be replaced very often to make sure it is properly texturizing the hair. The razor helps add a soft, deconstructed finish—rather than the bluntness you receive from scissors. You can use it on all hair types—though not necessarily on thicker, curly or wavy hair because of the natural texture these hair types already have. It works best on fine to medium textures that lack movement.”

While Joey agrees that women of all ages—does the name Halle Berry ring a bell?—can wear this look, he thinks short hairstyles are the ideal style for older women.

“On someone like Judi, it is quite extraordinary,” he says. “More mature women like it for its easy, carefree style, yet it is very modern and sophisticated.”

He also believes it’s a winning style for clients who lack the time to fuss with or pamper their short hairstyles: the wash-and-go set. He advises them to use a volumizing shampoo, towel-dry hair, apply a spray-on conditioner for detangling, and dab a touch of pomade on select chunks of hair. If there’s no time for blow-drying, simply let hair air-dry.

“Pomade is usually made of wax or a silicone/dimithicone base,” Joey says. “This is not good for naturally oily hair types. It works best for definition, separating hair, and adding shine, texture and movement.”

He adores one of his salon’s own products, Paul Labrecque's Shea Butter, because it “shapes the style while conditioning the hair at the same time. It can be applied to wet or dry hair. The shea butter helps protect, moisturize and nourish the hair, while bringing out the natural shine.”

Publications: Febstore

The secret to simple, sexy hair...

We've all had days when we cannot be bothered with our hair, so wouldn't it be great if there were a few tricks of the trade to help with a sexy, sophisticated do with minimal effort?

Though sleek, straight hair can be sexy, it can also take time and effort if that's not your natural look, so run-your-fingers-through-it volume is the best way to go for effortlessly sexy hair.

Not only does it suit so many fashions and makeup trends, but whether you’re working with wet or dry hair you can achieve a sexy look within 5-10 minutes.

When washing your hair it's all about the products that you use to give your hair a helping hand. Choose a good volumizing shampoo and add a volumizing moose when you’re blow drying. Whilst drying the hair, scrunch your fingers into the hair for added body. When completed, either add a little backcombing from the crown to the root, smooth a little and add some hairspray to secure the height in place.

Either leave the hair down or style however you like. We recommend a mid-height ponytail with a quiff for height or a half-up, half-down look for quick and sexy glam.

A good hair cut can be the key to low-maintenance hair. Next time you're at the salon, get plenty of layers cut into your locks at different heights on the head/hair, depending on the length of your hair. If you have a short bob (Dianna Agron or Pixie Lott) then it will be easy to scrunch in some styling putty or spray and ruffle for a sexy shaggy bob. If your hair is longer (Lauren Conrad) then simply give your hair a flip over the front a quick brush, flexible hairspray and put into place with your fingers. Remember: Less can be more.

**A quick hint: The messy/straight out of bed hair look can work in your favor. If giving it a quick comb through and spray isn't an option, a messy twisted bun (Whitney Port) or ponytail is trendy. Be confident to pull off messy hair and you can make it as sexy as a professionally style hair do.

If you're feeling a little down come the winter weather then why not go for a change in hair color? A rich brunette shade has proved to be the most sexy in some recent polls, so why not go all out and try rocking chocolate brown? It sounds so simple but can inject confidence and appeal in a dated look. Go for it!

A glossy mane is always a head turner and with good reason. There is something about shiny hair that makes it sexy and you can do achieve this look with minimal effort. When jumping in the shower, rather than jumping straight into shampooing, take the time to buy a good deep conditioning treatment. Massage this in first, wash out and then shampoo. Not only will this nourish the root but it will allow the shampoo to penetrate the hair better leave a cleaner look and less residue on the hair. Finish off with a normal conditioner midway up the length of the hair and massage in well.

Though you don't have to deep condition everytime you wash, always condition your ends and keep you hair hydrated. It will appear feather-weight and be easier to manage too.

**A quick tip: Rub a little argan oil into your hands and lightly coat the hair. This will add that extra shine to a night-out do without having to spend hours in front of the mirror.

Finally - sexy hair can be fun. Now that we got some tips on how to have healthy hair and generalities out of the way, why not let your hair down!

Indulge you and your partner in a little fantasy. Instead of tying up your hair with a clip or band, why not try a pencil or chopstick - very secretary-esque. Imagine slipping it out and just letting your hair cascasde down your back. Seeing his face will make it all worth it!

Publications: Febstore

How to do newspaper print nail art

Nail art is becoming more and more artistic with creative and innovative techniques popping up all the time.

One trend about to take the beauty world by storm is the simple to do, but oh so effective newspaper print nails. Here's a step by step guide as to how to achieve this funky look, with a picture of my nails to show you what the finished product looks like.

For this look you will need:

A pale basecoat, a small amount of vodka/rubbing alcohol 10 strips of newspaper cotton buds A clear topcoat.

So:

1. Apply two coats of your pale basecoat and leave to dry thoroughly. The lighter the color the better for this look as it helps the newspaper print to show up better. Go for either a pale pink/white or grey depending on how much you want the nail to stand out.

2. Put a little vodka into a bowl or a lid. Dip a finger into the vodka for about 10-15 seconds.

3. As soon as you remove it, lay a strip of newspaper, words facing down.

4. Press firmly and rock your finger over the strip of newspaper for 15-20 seconds.

5. Lightly peel back the newspaper and the words will be left on the nail.

6. Repeat this process for all the nails and leave to settle for 2-3 minutes before touching anything or moving around.

7. When the ink has dried sligthtly, apply a LIGHT top coat to the nail. Try to make this as thin as possible so as to avoid it running with the ink. If you do it lightly, then it will stay in place.

8. Once this has dried, go on to do a second coat, this time a little more liberal. This will protect the design and add shine to the finish.

9. When your nails are protected, go around the nail with nail polish remover and a cotton bud to clean away the print.

10. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water to clean the hand thoroughly

There you have it, take a look at mine done with exactly the same process.

Apparently, using filtered water in place of the vodka/alcohol is an option for those with irratable skin or brittle nails.

The print may be a little lighter, so you may have to press down a little longer with the print to achieve a darker tone. Keep practising until you have a look you're happy with.

Take a look at mine, and have a go yourself.

Let FemaleFirst know what you think...

Publications: Febstore

Hair Color Tips & Solutions ...

Green hair, orange, brassy tones, having trouble covering grey hair? Below are some useful tips to hair color disasters.

Coloring Grey Hair

Grey and white hair happen when all the pigment or most leave the hair shaft. These "colorless heads" tend to be more coarse then pigmented hair. This means that the hair coloring process is a little bit different for grey hair, than hair coloring pigmented hair.

• Your grey hair may have to be "softened" to allow the artificial pigment to penetrate your hardened hair shaft. "Softening" increases the porosity of the hair allowing more pigment to set in. This is made with shampoo, developer, and sometimes bleach. Or by applying developer to the stubborn grey for 5 minutes before applying the hair color.

• Allow color to stay on hair at least 35-45 min. It may take longer. The longer you allow the hair color to stay, the better the result.

• Use one hair color shade darker than the target hair color

My Hair Color is Fading and Won't Stay

Your hair color may be fading due to many factors:

• You have chlorine in your water. Buy a water filter to clean out the chlorine

• Your hair may be too porous. If your ends are fading, this is most likely the case. Here's how to make the hair color stay. Use what is called color filler. You can buy it at any professional beauty supply store. Hair color Fillers come in clear and primary colored pigments such as red, blue, and yellow. Opt for the clear one if you are doing this yourself. Apply the filler to the tips of your hair and let it set for its set time. Then apply hair color as you would normally. Always read the directions!

• It may be the hair color brand. Try switching and see if that helps.

• You may need to pre-soften the hair. This means that you increase the porosity of your hair with a mixture of bleach, developer and shampoo. Do not leave on hair for long! Usually, 5 minutes is enough. Then, rinse and apply the hair color normally.

• The type of shampoo you're using can play a big roll in hair color fading. Use a shampoo specifically made for hair color treated hair. Stay away from those $.99 deals on shampoos. We all know what brands I'm talking about! Read more in Maintaining Your Hair Color

• Also check out Why Hair color fades for more information on helping your color stay longer.

Coloring your Hair During Pregnancy

Some Doctors advise their patients to stay away from hair coloring during the first 12 weeks or even throughout the whole pregnancy. While there is little evidence supporting this, you may want to talk to your Doctor. Remember all Doctors and Colorists will have different opinions on this, so keep this in mind. Whatever you put on your skin or scalp, seeps into your bloodstream. Whether in large amounts or small, no one knows. Here is my suggestion, if you do opt to avoid hair coloring during pregnancy, and you are a rookie at hair coloring, go for a highlight with the cap or foiling method. Nothing touches your scalp and it'll give you a new look!

Green Hair

Your hair color may be green for 2 reasons, you're exposed to chlorine in your water or pool or you blotched your hair coloring job! If it's the chlorine, use a clarifying shampoo once a week or get a water filter. If it's the other, apply a red based toner. You can buy them at professional beauty supply stores or you can make it yourself. Get a red based hair color the same level as your hair color. Mix a little of the red hair color, developer and shampoo in a bowl. Apply it to wet hair like a shampoo. Leave it on for only a minute. Remember, if you wash it out and it still hasn't worked, you can re-apply. But don't leave it on for more than 5 minutes or you'll be back at the store looking for a green based hair color and the cycle starts again! You can also try this: Mix a scoop of hair bleach, developer and shampoo in a bowl. Apply on wet hair like a shampoo for 2 minutes. Watch the green disappear and rinse well.

Going From Dark to Light

As brown hair is lightened it goes through a color spectrum from brown to red to orange to blonde. And most (even Level 3) hair colors are only strong enough to lighten medium to dark brown hair into the red area, but not all the way to blonde. To go from dark hair to delicate blonde requires a two-step process: lightening which removes the red and gold pigments, and then toning, which puts the desired shade of blonde into your hair. Hair color can only "lift" you up 2-3 shades from your natural color. So if you are a level 3 (dark brown) and want to be a level 9 (light blonde) you must do a 2-step process. Highly suggest having a professional Stylist do this service for you.

Going From Light to Dark

Be very wary of going darker if you are a level 8 or up. It's in your best interest to have a professional do this because a lot of times you will come out with a secondary color (green, orange etc.) and a second hair coloring will have to be performed with a neutralizing hair color. If you are a level 7 and darker, you should gradually go down 2 levels at a time till you reach your hair color goal. Sometimes, if your ends are very porous, the hair color will grab onto them and they'll turn darker than the rest of your hair.

Neutralizing BAD Hair colors

Green hair- use a red based toner or hair color. (A toner is basically a color)

Orange hair- use a violet based hair color

Blue hair- use an orange based hair color

Red hair- use an ash/green based hair color

Yellow hair- use a neutral or violet based hair color or beige and BE CAREFUL!

Publications: Febstore

Pedicure an ultimate treat to your feet

Ever wondered about the importance of pedicure? Our feet take us around everywhere we go; this is why they need some pampering every so often. We usually don´t realize how important they are because they are down there hidden inside shoes. Does that mean that our feet aren’t being noticed? Well, to tell you the truth, your feet do get noticed and they have a great impact on your personality too. In fact, they tell what kind of person you are. Clean, beautiful feet are enough to impress anyone.

You can have beautiful feet by following a simple and easy routine of pedicure. Pedicure is a treatment available at Salons where your feet are cleaned, your toe nails are shaped, filed and you are also given a relaxing massage. In short, it is a wonderful treat to your feet.

The whole experience is great. The process of a pedicure starts by dipping your feet in warm water which softens the skin and nails allowing better cleaning. Different ingredients such as lemon extract, a bit of conditioner and shampoo are mixed in water. The dead skin is removed and exfoliated. Your feet end up being even-toned with no dark patches because the polishing and bleaching makes them look fairer and glowing. Nails are given special attention in pedicure. First, with the help of a cuticle remover, your dead cuticles are removed, making your nails look wider and healthier. A buffer is one of the most important tools in a pedicure because it will turn your nails extremely shiny, smooth, and glossy. Buffing also makes your nails look naturally pink. After all toe nails are taken care of it is time for a massage. Your feet are given a moisturizing massage that relaxes the muscles and increases blood circulation making them look years younger. Pedicure is a treatment that everyone should do at least every two weeks.

Publications: Febstore

Pucker Up! Beautiful lips with lipstick tips! What's the difference between:

Matte Lipsticks: These lipsticks usually contain kaolin as a primary ingredient for staying power and give lipsticks a no shine, no grease texture. These lipsticks tend to be drying, but if you're looking for staying power, matte is a good option.

Long-wearing Lipsticks: These are the lipsticks that claim to stay all day through the kisses and everyday wear. If you've used one of these you know that's not the case. Don't waste your money. See below for tips on making lipstick last.

Sheer/Stain Lipsticks: The pigmentation of sheers and stains is not very high. They tend to be more moisturizing then other types of lipsticks.They also tend to wear easy but leave a nice hint of color.

Moisturizing Lipsticks: These contain lots of conditioning ingredients such as shea butter. These lipsticks tend to wear off easy due to the moisturizing ingredients in them but if you have dry lips, then go for these.

Choosing the shade of lipstick for your skin tone:

Medium skin should use rich, deep pinks, deep reds, rich caramel shades, medium brown with yellow or pink undertones, and creamy coffee colored brown lipsticks. Stay away from browns that are very pale. They can make medium skins look ashy and washed out.

Dark skin should try reds with blue undertones. Also, mahogany, deep plums, wine reds, almost any shade of brown, rich, dark, coffee browns flatter the skin. Avoid orange undertones in lipsticks.

If you have fair skin deep, plum reds, berry, wine reds with a blue undertone look best. Browns -light medium browns or beige's with pink undertones flatter fair skins. Pink undertone lipsticks compliment fair skin very nicely. However, stay away from those bright, loud pink lipticks.

Olive/Yellow skin should choose rich, deep brown reds and deep, dark berry shades. Stay away from orange/reds and pink/reds, they can bring out the yellow undertones in your skin. Try to avoid pink lipstick at all costs.

Medium skin should use rich, deep pinks, deep reds, rich caramel shades, medium brown with yellow or pink undertones, and creamy coffee colored brown lipsticks. Stay away from browns that are very pale. They can make medium skins look ashy and washed out.

Dark skin should try reds with blue undertones. Also, mahogany, deep plums, wine reds, almost any shade of brown, rich, dark, coffee browns flatter the skin. Avoid orange undertones in lipsticks

Application of Lipsticks and liners:

Step 1: Apply a coating of foundation to smooth and soften lips. This step helps to fill in the lines and smoothes the surface of lips. Also helps lipstick to last longer. Dust with loose powder

Step 2: Use a lip liner that matches or is slightly darker than your lip shade (if you want to make lips appear to be larger.). Line lips starting at one corner of your upper lip tracing around your lip line to the other corner. Repeat for bottom lip. Do not go right to the corners. The top and bottom liners should not meet or you may get the "circle' look. Fill in lips using your lip liner to prevent a ring being left behind when your lipstick wears off. This step will also help lipstick stay longer. Smudge liner slightly.

Step 3: Apply lip color with a lip brush to avoid disturbing liner. Swipe the brush over the lipstick a few times. Starting at the center of lips, work the color outwards. Be sure to line color where lip liner ends at the corners of your mouth. Brush lips one more time with another coat of lip color. Repeat a third time if a more intense pout is what you desire. Blot excess off

Step 4: Optional- Apply a lip gloss to give a nice shine to lips

LIP TIPS:

• By applying foundation before lip liner and lipstick, you will achieve longer, lasting coverage.

• Lessen the color of a dark or bright lipstick or lip pencil with an overcoat of lip gloss

• If you want to make lips appear smaller, use concealer over natural lip line. Line just inside natural lip line. Fill in new lip shape with lipstick.

• If you want to make lips appear fuller outline lips just outside natural lip line. Fill in lips with pencil lipstick.

• If one lip is thinner and you want to make lips appear balanced, outline thinner lip just outside natural lip line. Line fuller lips along natural lip line. Fill in new lip shape with lipstick.

• Use moisturizer throughout the day or at night. JOEY New York Super Duper Lips is a great product to use to get the moisture back into your lips.

Publications: Febstore

Wedding Hair Styles

Obviously, your wedding day is the most important day of your life. For this reason, you want everything to be perfect, including the flowers, cake, photography, music, gown, and of course, your hair. Along with all the other aspects of the day, your wedding hairstyles need to look better than ever. You will reach a point where you have to decide the type of wedding hairstyles that appeal to you most.

Some brides prefer an updo while other brides like down wedding hair styles. To make your decision, several factors will come into play. For instance, if you are considering a theme wedding, then you should discuss wedding hairstyles with the bridal party to ensure everyone is on the same page. This is important in that you will probably have friends standing up with you that have a variety of haircuts. For example, if you were planning a Victorian style wedding where the women had long, curly hair, the bridesmaid with the short hair would have a challenge to deal with.

Other factors important to consider include the style of your wedding gown, your specific hair type, the type of veil, headpiece, or hair jewelry you plan to wear, the season, and of course, your personal preference. If you will be wearing a wedding gown that has a low-cut neckline, then wedding hairstyles with soft, feminine curls would look beautiful, cascading around your bare shoulders. On the other hand, if the gown were high-collared, then you would want to consider wedding hairstyles that could be worn up.

If you are simply unsure where to begin, keep in mind that traditional wedding hair styles never become outdated. These styles remain very popular and work well with a formal or informal wedding. This type of hairstyle would include an updo, sprayed and pinned into place and then tight curls created at the nape of your neck. Typically, a veil or headpiece would then be attached to the bun or roll at the crown, with soft tendrils flowing freely at the sides.

For many brides, the goal is to look sophisticated and elegant on this special day. If glamour is what you are looking for in your wedding hairstyles, then you could pull all your hair up in a topknot, which would be ideal for framing the face. With a bun created on the crown and then the rest of the hair swept into it, you would see chic contrasting streaks that are gorgeous and definitely glam.

Another option to consider when it comes to wedding hair styles is one that can be worn with short hair. In this case, the hair would be backcombed, as a way of creating fullness. Then, the hair would be pulled back smooth and pinned to create an oval shape. Finally, with a curling iron, you would create delicate curl that would fall just around the front part of the veil and fastened with bobby pins that match your hair color or adorned with gems.

To achieve a romantic look on your wedding day, you can always use a number of hair ornaments or jewelry. Even simple wedding hairstyles can be enhanced with the right accessories. For example, you could wear your hair pulled back in a ponytail but by adding a chignon or beaded wrap, you have taken an everyday hairstyle and transformed it into a beautiful and romantic wedding style. Even wearing your short hair down, you can add small pin curls and jeweled barrettes to create an elegant look. Other options to enhance wedding hairstyles would be to interweave lace, ribbon, or matching gown fabric in your hair.

With a little creativity, the options for creating that fairytale look are endless. You might consider rolling your hair with medium size rollers with your hair just barely damp. Under a dryer, allow the curl to set and then when the rollers are removed, you can use a wide, bristle brush to brush the curls loosely. Then take the hair and twist it up, leaving small strands of the curl out with the rest of the hair secured with the veil or gemmed hair jewelry.

Finally, if you want a fairytale look, you can roll your hair with medium rollers. For the best results, make sure your hair is damp and then once rolled, set under a dryer. Once the rollers are removed, you will use a wide bristle brush to brush the curls out loosely, being careful not to pull the actual curl out and then twist the hair up and pin it. To complete the look, simply work with the curls until a tousled look has been achieved.

Publications:Febstore

Tips to Prevent Oily Hair

Best 6 Ways to Reduce Greasy Hair with Proper Styling & Care

The scalp has sebaceous glands which can produce grease (known as sebum). This grease naturally penetrates the hair follicle and can spread down the hair shaft. In most cases, this will allow your hair to look shiny and glossy. However, if the glands produce too much sebum, you can end up with stringy hair, matted hair or even an itchy scalp. To avoid and prevent oily hair, use these beauty tips to help you learn how to keep your hair healthy and never too greasy.

1. Shampoo Just Enough

If you struggle with greasy hair and want to eliminate it, learning how often to shampoo is very important. Most experts recommend that you wash your hair with shampoo every other day, choosing to just rinse with water on the opposite days.

The thing to remember is, if you don’t shampoo often enough, your hair will look and feel greasy due to products building up on your hair shaft or from environmental toxins seeping into your hair. Obviously, you want your hair to be clean. However, if you over-shampoo your hair and strip too much grease from the shafts of your hair, the sebaceous glands will try to produce more oil to compensate in a natural way. So, experiment to see how many days you can skip shampooing to get the results you desire.

2. Use Fewer Styling Products

Often the scalp will become oily because the skin is suffering from oil build-up. This can be caused by styling products or even perspiration. You can help eliminate this potential problem by scrubbing your scalp to get rid of excess oil but reducing the amount of products you use can fix this issue as well. Of course, if you’re dealing with an oily scalp and you need a quick fix, a product like dry shampoo can be your saving grace!

3. Adjust Your Diet

Just like with skin care, getting the best results in hair care can certainly involve eating a healthy diet. When you eat a healthy diet, your scalp’s natural oils will be balanced. Be sure to reduce the amount of fatty or oily foods you eat and try to stay away from preservatives and additives. Think about taking a multi-vitamin and eating more fresh fruits, vegetables and protein. When you eat healthy, your entire body will improve including your hair.

4. Don’t Over-Condition Your Hair

Many people overuse conditioner which can lead to greasy hair. If you struggle with greasy hair, never use a leave-in conditioner and reduce the amount of daily conditioner you may use. Instead, use a conditioner you rinse out and search for a lightweight variety. If your hair is extremely greasy, skip the deep conditioning altogether as well. Also, try applying the conditioner only to the ends of your hair to get rid of a greasy scalp.

5. Stop Stressing

When you are stressed out, your body will react with fluctuating hormones that can affect your hair and many other areas of the body. So, if you’re feeling overly stressed, be sure to find ways to calm yourself. Try your hand at meditation or hit the gym to burn off the extra stress load you’re carrying. Just remember to wash your hair after because sweat can make your hair extremely greasy.

6. Visit Your Salon for More Helpful Treatments

If all else fails and you’re still struggling with greasy hair talk with your stylist. Some salons offer a clarifying treatment which will strip some of the natural grease from your hair. However, these treatments can be quite expensive. A stylist might also be able to advise you on specific hair cuts which might contribute to excess grease. For instance, shorter hair seems to get greasy faster because there is less hair to naturally distribute the sebum your scalp creates.

Publications: febstore.com

Hair Highlights

Highlights consist of selecting small or thick strands of hair that are then lightened at least 2 shades lighter than the rest of your hair.

Highlights should compliment your natural or artificial color. You should never go more than 3 shades lighter than the rest of your hair color. The object of highlighting is to give you a sun-kissed look and to bring depth and light to your overall color.

So if you want to achieve salon perfect results at home when you highlight your hair, here's what the pros say:

• Use a clarifying shampoo on your hair at least two days before coloring. 

• Never shampoo the day you color.

• Check the expiration date on the package. And once you mix the color, use it right away!

• Toss out the brush that comes in the box and buy flat 1/2 and 1/4 inch acrylic brushes. These brushes, used by artists, are available at art supply stores (they'll give you better control and more natural-looking results).

• Make sure you have on hand a pair of good, tight-fitting latex gloves (the ones that come in the package don't always fit well). 

• Start from the back of your head and work forward. By working from back to front, you won't smear the pieces in front by having to reach over them to do the back.

• Apply the highlights only to the top layers of your hair. By leaving the hair underneath alone, you'll create depth and a sun-kissed look that looks completely natural!

Publications: Febstore

How To Effectively Eliminate Frizzy Hair

Does Frizzy Hair affect you like it does to so many others?

Frizzy Hair can be caused by many different factors, the most common of them being dry, thin split-ended hair and/or hair that reacts badly to humidity. Curly hair is most commonly known for its unruly frizziness and flyaway ends, CHI Curl Preserve Shampoo and CHI Curl Preserve Conditioner can help to totally eliminate your frizz dilemma!

You can effectively eliminate Frizzy Hair in 4 simple steps with the help of CHI Curl Preserve Shampoo and CHI Curl Preserve Conditioner.

Step 1

You should get your haircut at least every 6 to 8 weeks in order to avoid getting split ends and also to help keep your hair beautifully healthy. Ask for a blunt cut, but you must always make sure your hairdresser is qualified and is aware of your hair type.

Try to find a hairdresser that you can trust, that understands exactly what you want, and how to cut hair that is prone to frizziness, as too many layers or feathering can lead to horrendous frizz, on frizz prone hair types. Ask your hairdresser to use CHI Curl Preserve Shampoo and CHI Curl Preserve Conditioner for the best results every time.

Step 2

Invest in some good quality deep moisturising shampoo, conditioner and hair masks, just like CHI Curl Preserve shampoo and CHI Curl Preserve Conditioner, which are specially designed, with frizzy hair in mind, to help smooth out and control unruly hair. This will prevent the hair from becoming dry, reduce split ends and ultimately tame your hair, as well as leaving your hair beautifully bouncy, light and gorgeously shiny.




Step 3

After washing your hair with CHI Curl Preserve Shampoo and then conditioning with CHI Curl Preserve Conditioner, make sure that you always remember to apply a pea-sized amount of anti-frizz serum all over your hair before blow-drying it, or after towel drying your hair, to avoid rubbing the serum off.

This will help to keep all those flyaway hairs down and smooth, at the same time as moisturising your hair and protecting your hair from the daily tasks that can damage it, such as brushing too harshly and the use of both straightening irons and hairdryers.

This can be avoided by applying an anti-frizz serum that has thermal protection included or use a thermal protection spray like, CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray as well as an anti-frizz serum.

Step 4

Last but not least, use a pair of CHI Hair Straighteners to straighten your hair from the root down, with the straightening plates facing inwards to completely eliminate any frizz. If you have curly hair and wish to keep it curly rather than straightening it, use a CHI Turbo Spring Curling Iron in order to enhance your curls or wonderful waves.

Apply another coat of anti-frizz serum to smooth down any last flyaways and then set your hair in place by spraying some CHI Flex Hold Hair Spray, all over.

And there you go 4 simple steps to sexy, silky smooth Frizz-Free hair! Enjoy…