Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.

After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.


Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

expert advice: keep your hair frizz-free with these tips from Yves Durif


In less than two months, we'll see the start of summer and the onset the most frustrating hair season. Sun, humidity, sea-air, wind and humidity all contribute to an abundance of frizz. There are plenty of frizz serums out there but how do you know which to choose? Yves Durif, of the Carlyle, shares his tips for keeping hair frizz-free.

Prettyisprettydoes: What are the biggest mistakes women make when trying to de-frizz their hair?
Yves Durif: "They do not use a nozzle on their hair dryer to concentrate the airflow, they do not dry their hair completely or they use an incorrect product for their hair type. If you visit ProfoundBeauty.com, every woman can find their own personalized routine and select the products that are right for their specific hair concern."

PIPD: What can you do to avoid the frizz in the first place?
YD: "Using a defrizzing product like Profound Beauty Linear Serum or Hush Time-Out treatment before blow drying will help to eliminate frizz once the hair is dry. After blow drying you may want to add a finishing product like Profound Beauty's Design Paste to keep hair free of frizz throughout the day."

PIPD: What should you look for in a de-frizzing product to know that it will work?
YD: "You always want to look for a product that has conditioning elements in it. All products for eliminating frizz might not work on all hair types. Different hair textures need different products, for example the coarser the hair the stronger defrizzing agent the product should have. Again, log on to ProfoundBeauty.com to fill out your unique hair profile to find out what products are best suited for your hair type."

For more info on frizz control, log onto
www.profoundbeauty.com. Stock up on these frizz-fighting products from Profound Beauty and you'll be set for summer.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

expert advice: brush up on your brush basics


We all do it, usually every day. But sometimes little things like brushing your hair can become so routine, we may forget the basics. TRESemmé celebrity stylist Mara Roszak helps us brush up.


PIPD: Why is it important to brush your hair?

MR: "It is important to brush your hair because everyday we shed a certain amount of hair naturally and if your hair isn't being brushed daily, some of that hair gets locked into the other hair and causes knots and tangles. It’s best to brush hair when it’s wet in or out of the shower to cause less breakage."


PIPD: How often should you brush?

MR: "Daily in the shower, preferably with conditioner to prevent breakage. Brushing dry hair can cause damage and breakage. Always brush starting at the ends and work your way up."


PIPD: How do you choose the brush that's right for you?

MR: "I always recommend metal brushes or brushes without the balls on the ends of the bristles, which can damage hair."


PIPD: What's the best way to clean your brush?

MR: "Clean your brush with a wide tooth comb by scraping it at the base of the brush."


For more great hair care tips and products, check out www.Tresemme.com.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

expert advice: lancome's tarek abbas

Yet another reason to get to the Windy City...or a great way to spend a day if you're already there. Stop by Nordstrom Chicago this Friday (5/29) or Saturday (5/30) for some hot new makeup tips from Lancôme National Makeup Artist Tarek Abbas. For advice that will truly highlight your individual features and skin type, book a one-on-one appointment to get an inside look at the season’s hottest beauty tips and learn how to create a flawless finish for summer. Tarek has been creating glamorous looks throughout the years and has touched the faces of the most beautiful celebrities and models including Elettra Wiedemann, Juliette Binoche, Selena Breed, Eva Longoria, Goldie Hawn and many more. He is one of Lancôme’s go-to makeup artists and has become Lancôme spokesmodel Arlenis Sosa’s favorite artist. Tarek created Arlenis’ fabulous look for the Met Ball this May. Check out the schedule below or go to www.lancome-usa.com for more specifics.

Nordstrom Michigan Avenue on 5/29

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

55 East Grand Avenue, Chicago IL 60611

Number to book appointment: 312-464-1515 ext. 1427

  • 10:00 am – 11:30 am – General appointments. There is a $50.00 reservation fee fully redeemable towards Lancôme products.

  • 11:30 am – 1:30 pm – One-on-one appointments. There is a $100.00 reservation fee fully redeemable towards Lancôme products.

  • 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm – General appointments. There is a $50.00 reservation fee fully redeemable towards Lancôme products.

Nordstrom in Oakbrook on 5/30

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

10 Oakbrook Mall, Oakbrook, IL 60521

Number to book appointment: 630-571-2121 ext. 1064

  • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – One-on-one appointments. There is a $100.00 reservation fee fully redeemable towards Lancôme products.

  • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm – General appointments. There is a $50.00 reservation fee fully redeemable towards Lancôme products.