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If you think celebrities always look good, you are wrong!

Check out this video of celebs without makeup.

More information on beauty and style from SheKnows.com.

It’s that time of year again… time for the semi-annual sale at Bath and Body Works. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited.

I haven’t always been a huge fan of B&BW, but they have recently started carrying more brands and improving the quality of some of their higher end products. Of course, with that improvement comes higher prices, which makes the semi-annual sale all that much more anticipated.

Unfortunately, not all of their fabulous products go on sale, but a lot do! Some of my favorites that are on sale are: Be More Pacific Body Wash and Tahiti Sweetie Body Lotion are both on sale for $5 from $15, Aromatherapy Sleep (Lavender Vanilla) is on sale for $5 from $13, and all of their home fragrances are BOGO free.

B&BW runs their sale by putting some things on sale all month, while offering other things on weekly specials. This week’s special is the $5 cleansers and moisturizers. Look next Monday for the new sale.

Happy Shopping!

Reference: Bath and Body Works
Reference: Bath and Body Works Reviews at BizRate

Today we are seeing more and more young girls suffer with low self-esteem, resulting in eating disorders and a true lack of confidence. Now, you might be asking yourself, “what on earth does self-image and beauty have to do with education?” It’s not that they are synonymous with education, but as educators I feel it is our place to ensure a well-rounded education and that means focusing on “self-image” and how it correlates to beauty. Today’s societal trends send such a negative message to our youth, and an awareness of body image is starting much earlier these days. Therefore, it is our place to distinguish between reality and fantasy, I believe. This can easily be incorporated into a health lesson or even social studies where we can discuss self-image, and how this plays into what is acceptable these days. Our children spend a great amount of time in school, and I think it is important to allow the student to flourish in all ways, and give them every opportunity we can to develop into productive adults. There is so much we can do to send positive messages in the classroom, which may help dispel the messages received in media, advertisements, movies, etc. I believe we owe it to our children to try and encourage good health in all ways, including fostering a positive self-image.

Reference: “For better reading – a more positive self-image”
Reference: Eating disorders enter the classroom
Reference: Making sense of health, teaching positive self-image

Interested in having a peel done but not quite at the age where you really need/want to spend a big chunk of money on it? Many companies have introduced at-home peels, including Avon. Avon has recently revamped their Anew Clinical Peel, which previously won Allure Best of Beauty 2005 - Reader’s Choice Best Peel, Wall Street Journal 2005 - At Home Facial Peels Best Overall Facial Peel, and Allure Best of Beauty 2004 - Editor’s Choice Skincare.

The newer version is only one step (versus the previous product’s two steps). They are pre-moistened pads that you swipe over your face, no need to rinse or neutralize. The newer version is a Cosmetic Executive Women Insider’s Choice Finalist (the CEW award).

While the previous product boasts 10% glycolic acid, the newer version is less forthcoming with that info, opting instead to say that it’s results are superior to a 35% peel. The actual percentage is never stated.

Overall, it’s a good product. At $25 per container of 30 pre-moistened pads, it’s a decent buy. In my experience there is no burning or even tingling, but my skin is far from sensitive. If you did experience uncomfortable burning (highly unlikely), you could quickly neutralize the acid with a senstive skin moisturizer.

As for it’s performance, I am happy with the product. After even just one use, I noticed clearer skin. After about a week, there was definitely a noticeable difference in clearness; plus, it seemed my skin had a nice glow about it. It’s great for someone in their mid to late 20s who wants a good exfoliant to help any early fine lines, dullness, or minor sun spots.

Reference: Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel
Reference: CEW Beauty Awards

When ex-boho queen Sienna Miller hung up her floppy beach hat, the fashion world followed. The trend-setting starlet, armed with a league of influential fashion houses like Chloe and Missoni, suddenly turned mod. Minimalist retro choices like short shifts and stacked heels flooded every fashionista’s closet, pushing out peasant skirts and threadbare handbags for what seemed like forever.

As with every seismic fashion shift, the overly 60s mod look has found its harmony. Laid back, more free-spirited pieces are finding their way back into the wardrobes of the twenty-first century, thanks to looks by Miguelina, Tricia Fix, and the uber romantic Louis Vuitton.

But before you pull out that floppy hat, here are a few tips for updating that boho style, and creating a look that’s more fashion than flower child.

Pair a loose-fitting tunic in a wild pattern with skinny jeans. The slim bottom balances out the volume on top, and besides, have you ever seen a hippie in skinny?

Skip the heavy jewelry. Simple earrings or a clavicle-skimming pendant are OK, but pass on the bangles and layered necklaces. This year’s look is cleaner and more ladylike.

Long dresses look best if they show some skin on top. Choose a halter or strapless version, pull your hair back and keep makeup clean and fresh. Otherwise it’s just too much.

When the weather cools down, pull on a pair of black or gray tights under those drapey duds. Slip on some sleek platforms and rock the best of your past…and present.

Reference: “Floor-Grazing Dresses” from InStyle
Reference: Boho with a modern twist: styles from Miguelina
Reference: Keep clicking! Poster child for the new free-spirited chic

Does your eyeliner tend to smudge? Need it to make it through a 12+ hour day? In the rain? MAC Liquidlast Liner is the answer.

I found this liner by accident while shopping in MAC. This great colored eyeliner caught my eye, so I put it on the back of my hand to see it on and then couldn’t get it off! I tried makeup remover and even the alcohol they use in the store for sterilization to try and get it off and it didn’t even smudge! Finally, the saleslady helped me by using an oil-based makeup remover, with which it wiped right off. Once I got home, I put it on again and tried face and hand soap to no avail. If you want a smudge-proof and waterproof liner, this is definitely for you.

They have some great colors. I am particularly a fan of Aqualine, a “bright teal with gold pearl,” but that’s because I enjoy bright, flashy colors for nights out. Don’t worry; they also have more classic colors, such as black, brown, and navy.

Reference: MAC Liquidlast Liner

Britney’s done it. J-Lo’s done it. Even teen queen Hilary Duff’s done it. And soon His Purple Highness Prince will do it too, when he releases his own fragrance in July.

Like his March 2006 album, Prince’s signature scent will be called 3121. It will be packaged in a diamond-shaped bottle with, unsurprisingly, a purple hue.

Larry Couey, president of the fragrance’s marketing company, Revelations, said Prince “was very much involved in the fragrance creation. With Prince, things need to be purple.”

3121 will be available online and at selected Macy’s stores from July 7. Prince will donate seven percent of the launch date’s online sales to seven personally selected charities.

Date: May 29, 2007
Article: Prince’s Purple Perfume
Reference: 3121 Perfume
Reference: Prince and the NPG

We all know that the heat and humidity can wreak havoc on your style. Now that we are nearing summer in full swing, Cosmo magazine has some beauty tips to combat the most common heat and humidity beauty issues.

One of the most common issues that the heat and humidity brings is frizzy hair. Cosmo advises to keep locks hydrated with a rich conditioner and a leave-in conditioner to avoid the frizz factor in the first place. If the frizz has already taken hold, Cosmo suggests running wet hands over the top layer of your hair and then adding a texturizing or wax product to re-shape curls.

Another common summer issue is blisters on the feet. Cosmo suggests to head off a blister by using a foot powder or a bandage where the rubbing is happening (be sure it does not show!). If a blister has already formed, you should drain the fluid and add an antibiotic dressing.

The article goes on to tackle issues such as brassy hair, yellowed nail polish, and the ever-dreaded sunglasses tan.

And here’s my question for you: what is your most annoying summer beauty issue? Post below!

Reference: Cosmo’s 7 Hot-Weather Beauty Horrors

I love to try new products all the time, but on a graduate student’s budget, it’s not so easy. I love InStyle magazine’s beauty picks because, first, they really have great taste, and second, you can search for beauty picks under $20! It’s a great way to try out new and recommended products without breaking the bank.

Some of the products from the first few pages (there are 1150 products under $20) to check out are the Avon Instant Pedicure Stickers, the Sephora Mini Ribbon Gloss Tins, Eucerin Redness Relief, Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock, Neutrogena Healthy Anti-wrinkle, Anti-blemish, and L’Oreal True Match Foundation.

Generally, I find that the best way to find out about great products is through friends. So, what are your favorite beauty products under 20 bucks? Post below!

Reference: InStyle Beauty Picks Under $20

Love the look of the newer blowouts? Not stick straight and thin, but rather full, soft, and bouncy? Well, it’s a lot easier to do than you may think. The Glamour magazine website has a step-by-step video on how to create the perfect blowout.

Some of my favorite tips include using a volumizing spray on the roots if you have fine hair (like me!) and using the rollers after blow drying for volume and wave/curl. Sure, it’s an extra step that will take a bit longer, but it’s worth it for the gorgeous volume you’ll get.

As for products, I am a big fan of the Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Blow Dry Gel. You work it through wet hair and then blow dry to create volume. And for a volumizing spray, you could give Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray a try.

Reference: Glamour Blowout Video
Reference: Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Blow Dry Gel
Reference: Bumble and Bumble