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The Pitch: Sarika Doshi sells the ultimate product-searching hack

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Name: Sarika Doshi

What you’re pitching: Rank & Style revolutionizes and simplifies how you discover your next favorite fashion, beauty and lifestyle product. We publish multiple daily lists of the Top 10 products in every imaginable category; think jeans, lipsticks, sneakers, bras and beyond. The list of lists can go on forever! Visit Rank & Style daily for new rankings of the best, buzziest and most in-demand products, and sign up to live list-fully ever after!

Position: CEO and cofounder, Rank & Style

Hails from: Grew up in Connecticut, but I have called New York City home since freshman year in college.

Birthday: Sept. 12. Virgo to the core!

Personal life: Single

Priors: Attended Columbia University and the University of Michigan (go Blue!); international corporate attorney in London; management team at a NYC-based growth company.

Pitch inspired by: Leslie Knope! As silly as it sounds, Amy Poehler's Parks and Recreation character taught me a lot about the contagious power of optimism, kindness and persistence.

Mentor(s)/people who inspire: My parents. I wake up and go to bed every night grateful for the gift of being their daughter.

Words to live by: If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.

Last read/watched/listened: Alec Baldwin's podcast Here's the Thing. His voice is built for radio, and I love the candor and intimate, detailed nature of conversations with his accomplished, inspiring friends.

Expert in: Modeling and pursuing a life akin to Curious George levels of curiosity, adventure and mischief!

Social: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Guilty pleasure: Nachos

How I recharge: Transcendental meditation. Ellen DeGeneres talked me into it a few months ago, and she always knows best.

Top of travel wish list: I've always dreamed of visiting the gorillas in Rwanda and am determined to make it happen this year.

Favorite life hack: Where has coconut oil been my whole life? I use it everywhere — food, skin and hair — and it truly makes everything better. And (of course) lists. I make one every day for tasks, mental goals, emotional aspirations and beyond!

What does it take to change someone’s mind? To convince them to buy a product, modify their daily routine or completely make over their lives? Could you sell someone on an idea in under 60 seconds? We invite you to try. But remember — the clock is ticking. To participate in The Pitch or recommend someone you know, contact us at ThePitch@SheKnows.com.


The myths and facts about women shaving their faces

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Kate Somerville, facial specialist to the stars swears by it and admits to it having been part of her weekly beauty routine since her 20s. At first, she did it to rid herself of unwanted hair, especially on her upper lip, but after a while, she started to notice her skin looking much smoother.

Doctors stand behind women shaving their faces too, especially if they have sensitive skin and don't handle waxing well. Dermatologist Dr. David E. Bank, director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, says it's the perfect cheap, pain-free method of hair removal. Still dubious about the whole idea? Here are some common myths about shaving your face and some expert-backed facts to help you get over your fears and grab that shaving cream.

Myth: My hair will grow back darker and thicker

Not true at all. NYC dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz, host of DermTV.com and creator of BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz, told Cosmo, "That myth exists because people mistake the wispy feeling of their unshaven facial hair with the slightly blunt feeling they experience as their hair starts to grow back in as 'thicker,' and the new, not-yet-sun-bleached hair as 'darker.'"

Fact: Facialists and dermatologists have been shaving clients for years

However, they call it "dermaplaning" to through you off, but it's essentially the closest shave you can get. Even beauty icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor use to have their faces shaved. Specialists use a super sharp, single-blade instrument akin to a scalpel, which helps cut down on ingrown hairs.

Myth: Laser hair removal is the best way to remove all facial hair

Actually, lasers miss the soft, pigment-less hair commonly called "peach fuzz" that covers everyone's face. You can get rid of this by shaving with a single blade razor on your dry face. Michelle Money from The Bachelor even made a YouTube video of the process.

Fact: Facial hair grows back at the same rate whether you wax or shave

According to Dr. Bank, only laser hair removal, which takes out the hair follicle at the root, makes hair grow back slower.

MoreEverything you need to know about laser hair removal

Myth: The direction you shave in doesn't matter

Shaving down, or in the direction of the hair growth is the best way to minimize irritation. You can shave up to get the closest shave, but do it infrequently and gently.

Fact: Using your tongue does actually help you get a closer shave

So when guys do it, they aren't just making funny faces! It helps you get the hard to reach places around your mouth.

Myth: Soap and shaving cream work the same

Shaving cream reduces irritation and allows for a cleaner shave, according to dermatologists like Dr. Bank.

Fact: Shaving exfoliates your face as well as removes hair

Every time you shave, you're removing skin cells, so over time, your skin will feel softer, and look healthier and younger. Dr Shultz says, "Shaving is actually a form of physical exfoliation. While chemical exfoliation is far superior to physical exfoliation, all forms of exfoliation — when performed regularly — improve the quality of your skin. That’s one of the reasons why men’s skin often looks better than women's skin at comparable ages."

Helpful hint: Shaving in the shower or in a steamy bathroom, helps reduce irritation and facilitate extra exfoliation. Here's Dr. Schultz's shower shaving tip: "At the beginning of the shower, use a cleanser on the areas that you‘re going to shave; the cleanser will strip the oils off the hairs so those hairs can be penetrated by and softened by the moisture in the shower."

And make sure to moisturize when you're done!

Serum foundation is all the rage — how to make your own for cheaper

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But do you have to run out and fork over 30-60 bucks for yet another foundation formula? No ma’am! Let me show you how to make your own. As long as you already own concealer or have a favorite foundation and a facial oil, you're set.

You will need:

  • Cream concealer that matches your skin tone
  • Facial oil
  • A flat top kabuki for application

Directions:


Step 1:

DIY Serum foundation: Step 1

Using a cosmetic spatula or even a butter knife, scrape a pea-size amount of cream concealer onto your hand or a palette. If you don’t want as full of coverage, use less concealer.

Step 2:

DIY Serum foundation: Step 2

Add 3-4 drops of your chosen facial oil and mix until well incorporated. If you have oily skin, you may opt for less and if dry, for a little more.

Step 3:

DIY Serum foundation: Step 3

Now dip the end of a flat top kabuki or beautyblender into your newly created serum foundation and apply by buffing in circular motions.

Step 4:

DIY Serum foundation: Step 4

You’ll still want to dust a setting powder on top to make your makeup last and to cut down on any excess shine. I love serum foundations for their glowing, dewy appearance though so I only dust translucent powder on my t-zone.

DIY Serum foundation: Step 5

Mom of 4 shows off her 'perfect' post-baby body

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Constantly being told that for someone who has given birth four times, Henderson has the “perfect” body, the solo singer and songwriter decided to upload a photo of her stomach to Facebook to shed a little light on her perfect imperfections.

"Everyone always compliments me on how I have such a 'perfect' body after four kids,” she writes. “I decided to upload this pic and leave my belly 'unedited' 'unphotoshopped' because I used to struggle with accepting my body."

Kimberly Henderson

Kimberly Henderson

There is no denying that pregnancy takes a heavy toll on a woman’s body. Oftentimes we are quick to focus on the weight gain from inevitably eating for two (babies like cake, right?), but aside from the extra pounds, as a baby develops and grows inside a woman’s uterus, the mother’s abdomen stretches to make room for the child. Weight gain is only half the battle after giving birth. Women also struggle with loose skin and labor scars.

More: Pregnant model skinny shamed because her belly is 'too small'

"I used to have a six pack before my babies," Henderson goes on. "And now even though I work out I know its not going to make my loose skin tight.. Or my stretch marks disappear ever lol and I'm ok with that because everyday I get to wake up to 4 beautiful smiling faces and I'm reminded that they are worth this flabby belly and they are worth these stretch marks."

More: I 'waist trained' after my 5th baby and the results were dramatic

There are many women who, after giving birth, are able to whip their bodies back into shape. For others, that is not the case, and oftentimes the struggle is all too real. It is important to remember, as Henderson would like to point out, the beautiful process your body has been through and that when you wake up in the morning, there is the life that you made, that you carried in your body and brought into this world. There is nothing more beautiful than that, even a six-pack.

5 Things you should know before dyeing your hair pastel

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But, is it the right look for you?

Before you jump into the world of rainbow hair, there are five things you should know before you commit to swapping your natural color for the world of pastel.

1. It doesn't suit everyone.

Platinum and black are not hair colors just anyone can pull off and the same applies when it comes to pastel colors. Sure, there are many shades to choose from — you can go pink, blue, purple or anything in between, but not everyone can rock any shade.

You need to think about what the color will look like against your skin tone and your wardrobe too. If you wear a lot of black, gray purples may end up making you look older. If you have a skin tone with more pink hues, green hair isn't going to be very complementary.

More: What to know about platinum blond before you can nail this look

2. You'll need to bleach it, a lot.

If you're starting off with blond hair, you're one step closer to obtaining a perfect pastel shade, but you're not quite there. If you have darker hair, your initial steps will be much more challenging. Before going pastel, the closer your hair is to platinum (or white), the better and that means you need to bleach it and a lot of it too.

Visiting the salon is best for this step because it's so much more than just stripping color. You want to keep your hair healthy and that can be really tricky when using bleach. Toning to remove most traces of yellow will help ensure the pastel is truly pastel once you get to that step.

3. It can be expensive.

All that bleaching and toning at the salon doesn't come cheap and depending on how fast your roots grow, you'll be going in for bleaching touch-ups every few weeks. If you choose to add the pastel at home, you will save a little money versus if you ask your hair colorist to add the rainbow. But, once you see how much semi-permanent hair color you'll need to buy to keep it up at home, you may be shocked with how little you save.

4. The color fades fast.

Unlike more natural colors, the pastel shades fade really fast. If you start off with light pink strands, in less than three weeks your hair will likely be a more peach color. If you start with light blue, it will fade fast into a green color. You need to make sure you can either keep up with refreshing your pastel every couple of weeks or get comfortable with the fade colors too.

More: How to use dry shampoo

5. You need to change your hair care routine.

If you're hoping to keep your pastel as long as possible, you're going to have to change your hair care routine. Heat and shampoo both strip the color from your strands quickly so washing your hair every few days instead of daily will help you hold on to the pastel. Also, washing your hair with cold water and avoiding too much use of heat styling tools are also essential for keeping your color.

Urban Outfitters sells $8 drugstore hair tie & Twitter hilarity ensues

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The hilarious overcharging has now given birth to something even more hilarious: #urbanoutfittersbelike. The hashtag on twitter is everything and truly skewers the overpricing and ridiculous repackaging the company is famous for. See some of the most hilarious below:

lunch box

lunch box

bobby pin

bobby pin

hair pick

hair pick

lip gloss

lip gloss

accesories holder

accesories holder

Maya's Marble ponytail holder may look familiar because it is the same thing you wore when you were 6. The same thing you paid less than $1 for back in the day. So what gives?

More: 10 Makeup hacks that will make you a beauty genius

The whole aesthetic of Free People, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie is vintage expensive. Sure, you could go to a thrift store and get the same dang thing for a quarter of the price, but you are paying for the branding. And the cute store.

Let's call a spade a spade, though. Don't overpay. Twitter nailed it.

More: Shoes: Pleasure and Pain is a must-see for every stiletto lover

Naturi's BET Awards dress was made by amazing teen designer

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Just a little over three weeks ago, Kyemah McEntyre went to her prom in a knockout dress of her own design and not only won the night, but all our hearts. She took a traditional-looking tribal pattern and modernized it by giving the dress a low-cut V-neck, long sleeves and a billowing, A-line skirt. The quote on her Instagram page captured her efforts succinctly, "don't let anyone define you. Beautiful things happen when you take pride in yourself."

MoreTeen makes her own stunning prom dress, sends inspiring message

Kyemah prom

Kyemah prom

Now see how far she's already come thanks to the power of the internet. Rapper and actress Naturi Naughton commissioned the 18-year-old to make a dress for her for the BET Awards. Naturi, like the rest of us, fell in love with McEntyre's prom dress design, and asked for a similar look for the award show that aired this past Sunday night. The resulting dress certainly had the mark of the teen's signature style.

Image: Getty Images

More2015 BET Awards: Live winners list

The pattern and cut of the dress are definitely bold and eye-catching. The low V-neck looked stunningly sexy on Naturi's curvaceous figure. The bright orange overall color also worked well with the actress' glowing skin and dark hair. However, several fashion and style blogs have put the dress on their "worst dressed" list, because they think it's "too busy." EOnline tried to be nice about it but still called the dress' mermaid style "stiff." Personally, I think they're being a little harsh — it is, after all, the young designer's first foray into the fashion world, and considering that, I think it holds its ground quite well against the others.

However, the red carpet isn't as forgiving as, say, Dancing With the Stars — you won't get sympathy votes just because you're still learning. That being said, McEntyre did quite well considering the time constraint on the dress and the number of fashion sharks just waiting to tear any design that's slightly off-point apart. I think with a few years of fashion school under her belt, she'll be fully equipped to conquer the red carpet. Let's just hope there are more stars like Naturi out there willing to take a chance on her.

MoreBET Awards upsets viewers with its tasteless close-up of Rihanna

10 Slightly unsexy body hair issues that every woman has

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Come on, ladies. I know it's not just me. We are all dealing with slightly unsexy body hair issues. Unless, of course, you're one of those lucky women who likes her armpit hair. (In which case, yes, you are totally sexy and enjoy.) 

According to Dr. Garrett Gause, Director of Medical Affairs for Ideal Image, women head to hair removal facilities in secretive, flocculent droves. "The most common complaint seems to be facial hair," he says. This was relieving news to me, since I spend time each week plucking four persistent whiskers from my right cheek and left neck-chin. "Other common problem areas are the bikini line, full bikini including nether parts, the lower abdomen, underarms and legs," he says. It's also common for women to seek help for their woolly feet, hands and toes.

More: 6 Wacky (but amazing) face masks you have to try

Upon discovering that my ankle hair is totally normal, I will probably just let it grow out. Strength in numbers, right? In honor of all those body hair issues that we usually don't discuss, here are the top 10 I've heard about in conversations with my best girlfriends. Women, unite.

1. The lady mustache. It is a thing of mystery. Shadow? Food particles? Or your own glorious facial hair?

2. Big toe hair tufts. These curly beauties are certainly the topic of conversation every time you seek a professional pedicure.

3. Sasquatch arms. You keep the arm hair for warmth, because you're a practical kind of woman.

4. The happy trail. Gotta love that dark arrow of hair growing between your belly button and your pubic bone.

5. Swaths of invisible pubes. These are the pubes that are invisible to the human eye until you're laying out in a bikini in the light of day.

6. Windblown behind the knees. Your legs are so smooth. So perfect. Until you step outside in a sundress and feel the wind blowing through your knee-pit hair.

7. The uni-brow. It lends an air of intrigue, don't you think?

More: It's actually a good idea to shave your face if you're a woman

8. Prickly whiskers. At least that one stubborn cheek whisker grows in at the same place every few days. And at 37-times the thickness of a normal whisker.

9. Ankle hair curls. These are similar to the hair that blows behind the knees. Only more curly, and more pube-like.

10. The lady-glove. Is it a demure Victorian-style glove, or is it a downy layer of finger hair? A lady will never tell.

These are normal issues, and you're not alone. If you're concerned with your body hair, Dr. Gause said that most issues are easy to troubleshoot. Try a razor for a quick fix — or a depilatory cream or waxing for longer-lasting results. A professional laser treatment, however, is the only solution if you want a permanent fix. "Utilizing well-trained medical professionals with state of the art lasers is going to be your best bet for any type of unwanted body hair," Gause said.


7 Things you do every day to cause eye wrinkles

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We have the control to limit and minimize the number and intensity of wrinkles we accumulate — especially the ones that develop on our faces.

For most of us, we first begin to see those tiny little canyons of doom — I mean, wrinkles — creep up around our eyes, like crow's feet, bunny lines and frown lines. And there's a ton of things we do every day that are making them worse!

1. Eye makeup remover

While the oils in eye makeup removers can actually be beneficial (they keep the skin hydrated), the intense rubbing that goes along with them is not so beneficial. The skin around the eyes is at least half as thin as skin around the rest of the face — so let's be gentle, ladies! Leave the eye makeup remover on your lids for a couple minutes before you begin (gently!) wiping it off. And if you're using pre-moistened wipes, run them under the faucet first if they are feeling too dry.

2. Eyebrow waxing

Think about this one: The hot wax heats your skin, allowing it to reach into every little crevice and pore. Then, it is vigorously ripped off your very thin eyelid, stretching and pulling the elasticity to its limits. We don't want stretching and pulling. Instead, opt for threading and try to maintain your brows as best you can after the visit, so you can extend your bi-monthly appointments to maybe just once a month.

More: 9 Skin treatments you can do now to avoid wrinkles later

3. Fake eyelashes

Yes, I hate this one too. Fake eyelashes work wonders — your eyes double in size and boys fall at your feet — but their magic ends there. How many times have you carelessly ripped them off along with all the other bridesmaids in the after party's bathroom at 2 a.m.? Just me? Well, what we have here is more stretching and pulling. Next time you wear them, make a vow with your other girlfriends that you won't tear them off post-cake cutting, but rather you will tenderly remove them with the eyelash glue remover.

4. Contact lenses

Everyone has their own special way of inserting contact lenses. Lift top lid back. Pull down on lower lid. Twist head sideways. Lift eyebrows as high as possible. I'm not saying you should start putting them in like a robot, but just be aware of your motions. Maybe you don't need to extend your eyelid that far down. Maybe you don't need to lift your eyebrows as high.

5. Not wearing sunglasses

Always keep an extra pair of sunglasses in your car. They will help you ward off wrinkles in two very important ways. First, they will keep you from squinting. The more you squint the more you crinkle. Wearing a pair that is polarized or mirror-coated will reduce the most glare, allowing you to keep your eyes wide and perky. Second, sunglasses will also protect you from UV rays, which are your biggest wrinkle nightmares. Glasses labeled "UV 400" will protect you from 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

6. Sunscreen (or lack of)

Wear it. No ifs, ands or buts! For daily sunscreen, you should be coating your face with SPF 30. If you are a camp counselor, marine biologist or park ranger (you get the point), you should be using a block with at least SPF 50. Even if you are wearing UV 400 sunglass lenses, you still need to slather up in SPF — the sun's rays can still reach your eyes from the sides, tops and bottoms of the lenses.

More: Where you should live if you want less wrinkles

7. Sleeping positions

You're not actually getting "beauty" rest if you're sleeping on your stomach or side. You know how you toss off your work clothes the second you get home, and then find your favorite sweater in a crumpled heap of wrinkles the next day? Same goes for your face. If you're sleeping on your face for eight hours (OK, even six) every night, you are ironing wrinkles right into your skin! Stop it! Tell those crow's feet to keep walking and learn to sleep on your back.

100 Years of Russian beauty in under 2 minutes (VIDEO)

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Cut.com launched a new installment of its 100 Years of Beauty video series Monday, featuring model Anya Zaytseva transforming before viewers' eyes, taking us on a tour through Russian beauty trends over the past century in only a matter of 90 seconds.

More: Beauty secrets of women in history

Viewers are first introduced to a bare-faced Zaytseva, but it takes only seven seconds for hair and makeup stylists to time-warp the model into the 1910s, complete with pearl headband and flower accessory. The 1920s featured darker shadows, the ‘30s, women proud of their strength, having to put on their tough-girl face for their families under the Stalin era.

100 Years of Beauty

100 Years of Beauty

The 1940s were full of glitz and glam, with bold lips and teased hair, the ‘50s full of pearls. Then came the swinging ‘60s, complete with headbands and winged liner, the ‘70s, a little more natural, just a hint of blush. The ‘80s were filled with big hair worldwide, and the ‘90s looked very sleek. The 2000-2010 decade screams individuality and woman empowerment.

More: 10 Decades of beauty time-lapsed in 1 amazing minute (VIDEO)

The video ends with a tribute to feminist protest group Pussy Riot, who were founded in 2011 to fight for LGBT rights in Russia, with Zaytseva hiding her makeup-painted face under a balaclava.

We may be continents apart, but women from all over are connected in our journey to find and embrace our beauty. It amazed me that throughout the video, although there were differences, beauty trends we've seen throughout the decades in America proved to have been universal. Even those that maybe shouldn't have been — cue awkward photos of our mothers and aunts sporting overly teased hair in the '80s.

There is no denying women have come a long way through the years. With fewer restrictions we have embraced bold looks and dabbled in style experimentation. Though we continue to come into our own and find our desired styles, through trial and some error, one thing is for sure: No matter the style, we are all beautiful.

How often you should actually be washing your essential wardrobe pieces

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Many of us would rather do anything — clean toilets, even — than spend two hours washing, drying and then folding clothing. It just takes so long. If you have a washer/dryer at home, you're pretty much resigning yourself to hours stuck inside (because there's nothing worse than the smell of washed clothes that have been sitting in the machine too long) and if you have to ship off your items to a laundromat, well, that's a whole other level of torture.

But, the reality is, lots of us are washing some of our attire far too often, which isn't good for certain fabrics and just winds up prematurely fading bright colors.

We got experts to weigh in on how often we really should be washing these ten clothing items.

1. Jeans

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Jeans

Denim is one clothing item that can actually look better the less you wash it. Fashion and food blogger Luci Petlack of Luci's Morsels says the fibers that hold jeans together break down naturally with wear, which is why your favorite old pair of jeans seems to be perfectly molded to your body. Too much time spent in the washing machine fades, frays and destroys the shape of your denim pants and shorts. Petlack suggests washing jeans only when you see a visible stain or no more than every 10 wears. And never, ever put them in the dryer — air drying denim is always best.

More: 3 Ways to conserve in the laundry room

2. Bras

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Bras

Kayla Inserra of ClosetSpace reminds women that we should never wear the same bra two days in a row because the elastic needs time to reshape before the next wear. "If you rotate numerous bras throughout the week you can definitely plan to wash them after several wears," Inserra said. Remember: Never toss your delicate bra in a washing machine. Stick to hand-washing them with a delicate fabric wash.

3. Sweaters

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Sweater

Depending on the type of sweater, you can wash cotton, silk and cashmere after two to three wears or more durable fabrics like wool and acrylic after five wears. To clean sweaters, Fashion Guru Lawrence Zarian, author of Lawrence Zarian's 10 Commandments for a Perfect Wardrobe, suggests using a special wool shampoo and either washing them in lukewarm water or putting them in a mesh lingerie bag and using the gentle cycle of your washing machine. Zarian warns to never wring out sweaters and to instead roll them in a towel to absorb excess water and then lay them flat in a well-ventilated room before gently reshaping them so that they dry evenly.

4. Suit pants and jackets

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Suits

You aren't really wearing your work suits out to many dinners where you're spilling steak sauce all over them, right? In that case, rest assured that they don't need to be cleaned very often. In fact, because all suits require dry cleaning, which uses harsh chemicals, Antonio Centeno, the founder of Real Men Real Style (yep, we're borrowing a tip from the boys) suggests only cleaning your suit if a stain has penetrated. If you spill a little coffee on it but can soak that sucker right up, go for it. Even if you often wear the same suit, Centeno says you can go a month or two months before bringing it to the dry cleaner.

5. Leggings

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Leggings

We all have a pair of go-to leggings that we turn to on those mornings we couldn't be bothered to get dressed up. But the American Cleaning Institute doesn't want you to walk around with baggy knees (not a good look) and advises that you wash them after every single wear.

More: Making your own cleaning products is easier than you think

6. Pajamas

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Pajamas

Wash your pajamas after three or four wears. Remember: We often sweat during the night, which is obviously not something you want lingering on your nightgown. Experts say you can go longer between washes if you shower before bed.

7. Tights

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Tights

Like leggings, you must hand wash tights with a gentle fabric detergent after every single wear. Not only does a good wash help reshape them, but it prevents odors — which can easily become trapped in its light fabric — from lingering.

8. Jackets

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Jackets

Good news: Tough, weather-resistant outerwear like coats and jackets needn't be washed more than once a season, according to Zarian. Obviously, exceptions will be made if you find yourself rolling around in mud, in which case, you should always check the label, which will likely require you bring your jacket to the dry cleaners.

9. Expensive yoga/athletic pants

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Yoga

If you sweat in your yoga or athletic pants (which is the whole point, right?) you're of course going to want to wash them after each workout. But the key to making your pants last for years and years is how you wash them, according to Well + Good. A few quick tips: don't wash your pants with towels (hello, lint), use fabric softener, or fill up your cup with detergent — a little goes a long way and a lot can ruin the fabric. Check the label of your garment before determining how to wash it, but if you're just in a rush or cut off your label long ago, Lululemon suggests washing them in cold water and tumble drying on a low setting.

10. Swimsuit cover-ups

You're probably washing your clothes too much: Swimsuit coverups

Just because you don't swim in your swimsuit cover-up doesn't mean it isn't affected by the same elements as your bathing suit — which means it encounters chlorine, salt water, and sunscreen. Since most cover-ups are made with delicate material, it's crucial you treat them as kindly as you do your swimsuit. Hand wash them in cold water anytime you feel they've come into contact with chemicals or oils and skip the dryer. Be careful not to wring out your cover-up — simply lay it flat to dry in a ventilated area.

Images: Karen Cox/SheKnows

The best pastel and neon hair color for your skin tone and eye color

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That's cool, more power to you. According to colorist Nelson Bray of Indigo Bliss Hairapy, however, you should narrow your wild color palette with a quick assessment of what nature has already given to you. "When it comes to neon and pastel hair, anything goes," Bray explains. "But sometimes one color looks better than others on certain skin tones, or to bring out eye color."

So before you scope out your next color, find out which tones Bray suggests for your skin and eyes. He says that natural hair color doesn't matter so much, as long as you find a vibrant hue that jives well with your skin tone.

The best pastel and neon hair color for your skin tone and eye color

Pale skin

Pale sisters, beware. You can go seriously wrong if you pick the wrong shade, since pale skin is the least forgiving of neon missteps. "Pale skin does not always look good with neons," Bray says. If you go neon, he says that pink is your best bet.

Even better? Chill out your hue with pastel colors rather than neons. "Pastel blue is gorgeous with pale skin and blue eyes for a striking Frozen look, and shades like pastel gray can even look flattering on pale skin."

Olive skin

Whatever you do, don't add olive to olive. "Neon greens and yellows give an odd tone to olive skin," Bray says. Your gorgeous skin will look much better with a neon pink, orange or blue instead, since they contrast nicely with your naturally earthy aura.

Even if pastels are more your speed, Bray still suggests you keep things in contrast. "Olive skin looks gorgeous with a pastel coral color," he says.

Dark skin

Lucky you! Neon and pastel shades are your perfect companion, since Bray says you can't go wrong no matter the color you choose. Can't pick? "Neon orange is dynamic against darker skin tones," he says. "And even though dark skin tones look divine in almost every color, I suggest pastel purples for a look that's to die for."

Brown eyes

Deep and dark neon dyes can bring out the luster of your brown eyes. Think gem tones. Bray says that brown eyes look incredible with deep Kelly green or purple highlights, like emerald or amethyst.

Green eyes

Your green eyes are quite adept at adapting. As long as the neon you choose melds with your skin tone, you can count on your green eyes to look great with any color of neon. "Green eyes also look lovely with pastel pink," Bray says.

Blue eyes

According to Bray, icy blue eyes look best with a contrasting or eye-catching color. Help them pop with a neon orange highlight, or complement them with a pastel blue.

Still feeling overwhelmed? If you're a vibrant-hue virgin, Bray suggests you start with pastel pink. "I love pastel pink on every skin tone," he says. "It's the most flattering shade. Like a pink light in a room, it warms the skin."

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A look back at Donna Karan’s legacy as designer and a woman

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After 31 years at the helm of her fashion brands, Donna Karan is stepping down as head designer at Donna Karan International. Though she’ll be continuing on as a figurehead for the label, the brand’s fall 2015 and resort 2016 collections will be the last under Karan’s creative direction.

“Over the past three decades, Donna Karan has inspired women around the world to embrace their power and sensuality,” said the company in statement released on Instagram. “When she started her collection in 1985 she set out to simply make clothes for her and her friends.”

Karan and her late husband Stephen Weiss co-founded DKI in 1984, releasing a debut collection in ’85 called “seven easy pieces,” during a time when the fashion industry was failing to cater to the modern working woman. Her objective? Show how a few basic items could form the basis of a full day-to-night arsenal of outfits, with a black bodysuit as the central piece. Several years later, in 1989, the younger, sportier line DKNY was launched, which evolved to comprise an impressive family of brands, including DKNY Jeans, DKNY Active, DKNY Underwear and DKNY Kids, and famously rolled with the times, tapping buzzy models and stars for its iconic ad campaigns.

More: 3 Cool fashion jobs you never knew existed

Of course, you can also thank Karan for some of the most gorgeous gowns to ever walk a red carpet–her simple, elegant, timeless designs have been worn by just about every A-lister in Hollywood at every age, including Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, Taylor Swift, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, and Blake Lively.

This is truly the end of an era, and to celebrate Karan’s incredible career, here’s a look back at some of her most memorable moments.

1. She became one of America’s richest self-made women.

On Forbes’ recently-released roundup of America’s richest self-made women, Karan was listed at number 31 (tied with Diane Von Furstenberg) with a whopping $450 million fortune.

2. She designed for real women.

Karan didn’t design for size zero models, and was famously open about her own body hangups. Her signature “cold shoulder” dress (famously worn by Hillary Clinton) channels Karan’s belief that a woman’s shoulders are the one body part she continues to feel confident about at every age or size. “The only place you never gain weight is your shoulder,” Karan explained. This is just one example of how the iconic designer made clothes for real women.

3. She was the first designer to tap a personality for social media.

“DKNY PR Girl,” is the now famous personality behind DKNY’s Twitter account, but when it came to early social media use by fashion brands, Karan was well ahead of the curve by choosing to tap a single person with a point of view to run the brand’s social media offering.

Donna Karan ad

Image: DKNY

4. She championed the idea of a female president back in 1992.

Long before it looked likely that America could have a female president, Karan introduced what’s now one of her most iconic campaigns, In Women We Trust. The 1992 campaign, shot by Peter Lindbergh, shows model Rosemary McGrotha being sworn in as president–wearing a fabulous, Donna Karan double-breasted blazer, naturally.

More: The Pitch gives women a platform to sell their visions (WATCH)

5. She founded a major charity.

While she’s stepping back from the head designer role, Karan told WWD that she’ll be ramping up her philanthropy efforts. Now, she plans to spend more time at Urban Zen, the foundation she created following her husband’s death. Karan also runs a fashion and homeware brand of the same name, which donates 10 percent of profits to great causes, including post-earthquake relief in Haiti.

Want more? Click through the gallery to see 12 stunning red carpet creations designed by Donna Karan.

Donna Karan slide show

This piece was originally published on StyleCaster.

A beauty routine to hide your hangover in 5 minutes (VIDEO)

An open letter to the dry shampoo that changed my life

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I remember our first encounter. I had just finished getting a beautiful blowout. My naturally wavy, incredibly thick hair takes an hour to blow out and every minute that passes after the stylist stops blowing it dry is a moment closer to its inevitable destruction. Wind. Rain. Showers. They are all enemies of the blowout. But then there was you.

"Try this," my stylist told me, pushing a spray bottle toward me. I have never been a product person. I hate hair sprays and gels and anything that takes away from my hair's natural texture. But I agreed to try you. It was two weeks before I had to wash my hair again. Two weeks! You are miraculous.

More: What to know about platinum blond before you can nail this look

Of course, it's not always perfect between us. Like any relationship, we have had our bad days. Not every brand is the same and some bad ones have left residue in my hair or made it sticky and smelly. But by and large, you have been my constant companion, the reason my morning routine is down to 15 minutes and basically the best friend a gal has ever had.

You are not for everyone. Thin-haired girls might not appreciate you the way I do. But you can extend a blowout for me for two weeks. I only have to wash my hair two or three times a month and I look salon-fresh for weeks. How could I do anything but adore you?

More: How to use dry shampoo

The fact is, washing our hair every day is a major beauty blunder, but people do it anyway. You soak up all the oils and make us look fresh. You call yourself "shampoo," but you are really more like powder and oh how we love you for it.

So please keep rocking what you do. You make so many women so very happy. And let's not forget the beauty of your tinted versions. No need to show your grays anymore thanks to you. Dry shampoo, you win. You are the product I cannot live without. And now I never will have to.

XO,

Sasha


How to shop summer trends online

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Aside from not having to leave your house, online shopping can offer some deals you just can't find in-store. And you may have an easier time finding your size and more options too.

To get the best summer trends online, stick to these simple tips:

1. Sign up for newsletters

You might cringe at the thought of signing up for newsletters but they are definitely the best way of discovering the next sale date or receiving discount codes before everyone else. Keep your inbox clean by only signing up for your favourite store's newsletters.

2. Don't just stick to what you know

Branch out a little online. There are so many retailers you might have never heard of and which may not even have a store front option.

3. Look for discounts on delivery

Lots of online stores offer free delivery, if your purchase is over a certain amount, so keep an eye out and pick up everything you need in one place to save on delivery costs.

4. Focus on summer trends

crochet throw over

Image: Blue Vanilla

If you've been searching for the perfect crochet statement piece try Blue Vanilla for a huge range of 70s-inspired stock featuring crochet throw overs and cardigans, which will help you create that perfect festival look.

CROCHET LACE BRA INSERT BODYCON DRESS WHITE

Image: Misguided

If you don't mind baring some skin, Missguided has plenty of sheer and skin-baring clothing items to choose from. Mesh insert shorts, sheer wide leg trousers and panelled dresses are all on the menu for you to grab in preparation for the upcoming summer break.

gladiator sandals

Image: New Look

If you're looking for gladiator sandals, New Look is a hot spot for this footwear trend; this style has already sold hundreds of pairs so get there quickly to pick up your very own for those cocktails at the hotel bar while on holiday.

Kimono from F&F at Tesco

Image: F&F at Tesco

If you love a kimono, F&F at Tesco has a huge range of kimonos ready for summer in their online store and the best thing is you can order clothing to be delivered to your nearest branch the next day (if you order before 3 p.m.) – so you can pick up your clothes and do your food shopping at the same time.

Simply Beach bikini

Image: Simply Beach

And if you need to top up your bikini selection, try simplybeach.com.

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7 Body lotions with SPF for daily sun protection

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That doesn't mean you have to power through the work day feeling greasy or smelling like a coconut though, thanks to a new breed of everyday body lotions infused with SPF. Simply swap one of these in for your regular moisturizer to reap the same hydrating benefits with a boost of UVA/UVB protection.

Hint: Keep a bottle at your desk. These are perfect for morning use and a SPF refresh before heading out to lunch during work, but you should always wear higher SPF in prolonged sun exposure.

1. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 15

If summer's prickly heat has left you feeling dry and itchy, this emollient option is for you. The sensitive skin-soothing formula contains Aveeno's signature ingredient, colloidal oatmeal, which serves as a protective barrier to lock in moisture all day long (Drugstore.com, $10).

2. Glytone Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15

Glytone Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15

You may balk at its price tag but this fast-absorbing cream is well worth the splurge. Shea butter offers some of the deepest hydration around while glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin — a potent combo that guarantees supremely smooth limbs (Dermstore.com, $52).

3. Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 15 Moisturizing Body Lotion

Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 15 Moisturizing Body Lotion

No one likes having their body lotion compete with their perfume, which is why this fragrance-free lotion is such a breath of fresh air. In addition to sparing nearby noses from olfactory assault, it takes a two-fold approach to sun protection: Titanium dioxide serves as a physical blocker while vitamin E naturally defends skin against free radicals caused by UV exposure (Target, $9).

4. Philosophy Fresh Cream Body Lotion with SPF 15

Philosophy Fresh Cream Body Lotion with SPF 15

It's hard to resist the temptation to lick yourself after smoothing on this indulgent lotion — the popular vanilla and macadamia-laced scent smells that delicious. The fragrance isn't the only thing reminiscent of whipped cream: The silky texture is just as featherweight (QVC.com, $30).

More: Natural and organic sunscreen reviews that reveal what's worth your money

5. Coppertone CLEARLYSheer For Sunny Days Body Lotion in SPF 30

Coppertone CLEARLYSheer For Sunny Days Body Lotion in SPF 30

Despite offering the highest level of protection, Coppertone's lightweight lotion goes on just as smoothly. Factor in the zesty, mood-boosting lemon-lime scent and water resistance up to 80 minutes, and this one gets extra-high marks for being an overachiever (Walgreens, $10).

6. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion Daily Shade Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion Daily Shade Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Green beauty buffs, we haven't forgotten about you: This all-natural option relies on aloe vera, green tea and chamomile extracts to deeply nourish skin the healthy way. It also boasts the most effortless application and least residue we encountered in the category (Albabotanica.com, $15).

7. Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

 Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

There's practically no difference between Lubriderm's regular vitamin B-enriched lotions and this SPF 15 variation — at least from a consistency standpoint. Bonus: It boasts the Skin Cancer Foundation's lofty seal of approval (Walmart, $7).

More: French company invents bikini that prevents sunburn

6 Chic ways to wear orange this summer

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The “same old” can be comforting, but sometimes it’s nice to step outside the box and try something new. This summer, give your wardrobe a facelift with a bold, statement-making color: orange. Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to wear the color orange without looking like you’re celebrating Halloween a little too early. There’s a chic, fashionable side to this color that you may be missing out on.

It can be hard to know where to start when incorporating this color into your wardrobe, especially if you’re used to wearing darker colors. But fear not because I’ve got your back with six options to ensure you’ll be rocking this color without resembling a traffic cone.

1. Go for a patterned orange shirt

Orange patterned top outfit

If you’re too nervous to dive into this color by wearing a solid orange shirt, dip your toes in by opting for a patterned orange top. Be sure to go for patterns with white or beige tones instead of black to avoid looking like you’re on your way to a Halloween party.

Get this look: Patterned top from New York & Company, $22.

2. Try orange shoes

Orange shoes outfit

Though it may be tempting to buy another pair of brown or nude shoes because they match with everything, try stepping outside your comfort zone with a bold orange pair of heels or sandals. Dark blue pairs well with orange because the two are complementary on the color wheel.

Get this look: Heels from DSW, $60.

3. Wear it with a beige blazer

Orange dress outfit

Looking to brighten up your work wardrobe? You’re in luck because yellow-orange hues look great when worn with beige, sandy tones. Rather than reaching for that same black or gray work dress, spice things up with a light orange dress paired with a beige blazer and gold accessories.

Get this look: Dress from H&M, $50.

4. Accessorize with orange

Orange accessories outfit

I’ve always been an advocate for statement-making jewelry, and orange is sure to add the perfect pop of color for any outfit. The key is to choose a simple outfit, and you can never go wrong with the classic blue jeans and white button-down combination.

Get this look: Statement necklace from HSN, $15.

5. Mix orange bottoms with a patterned top

Orange shorts outfits

Though orange is an eye-catching color itself, it’s possible to tastefully wear it with a pattern without your outfit being too overwhelming. Florals look especially chic and are perfect for springtime, although stripes are another classic alternative.

Get this look: Skirt from J.Crew Factory, $39.

6. Add an orange purse

Orange purse outfit

This is the perfect way to incorporate orange into your wardrobe in a small dose. Though an orange purse could be worn with any type of outfit, my personal favorite option is wearing it with a white dress and army green jacket — perfect for breezy spring days spent outdoors.

Get this look: Cross-body purse from Macy's, $50.

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Mastectomy lingerie inspired by cancer survivor is beautiful

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When I spoke to Elle, 22, about her beautiful range of Hummingbird lingerie she told me that she didn't realise how difficult it was to buy attractive mastectomy lingerie until she helped her grandmother shop for some after her operation.

"Women are being diagnosed a lot younger now and there is nothing available for them," revealed Elle. "So I decided to create a luxury lingerie brand for women that have had mastectomies embracing their bodies, femininity and fun!"

It wasn't an easy process — "there isn't really a set way to go about making a mastectomy bra," said Elle — but she worked hard to ensure that her Hummingbird lingerie range was super soft, lightweight and luxurious. All the bras have inner silk pockets, no side seams to ensure optimum comfort against scarring, come higher in the cup for extra coverage and contain no wires.

More: Stunning ads honour women after mastectomies to defy gender stereotypes

During her research Elle spoke to women who have had mastectomies and discovered how embarrassed they felt shopping for underwear in a small area at the very back of a department store. "Lingerie in general is a very emotional thing, and especially if you've had a mastectomy," said Elle. "I want women to feel sexy, excited and proud when they shop and wear Hummingbird lingerie."

The Hummingbird range includes beautiful, delicate suspender belts, bodies and silk sleepwear as well as bras and pants to give customers the same range of choice as a "normal" lingerie brand.

Elle Goldie mastectomy lingerie

Photo credit: Elle Goldie

Elle Goldie mastectomy lingerie

Photo credit: Elle Goldie

Elle Goldie mastectomy lingerie

Photo credit: Elle Goldie

Elle is due to graduate from London College of Fashion this summer and she hopes to then focus her energy on launching Hummingbird. She's currently up for the Jack Wills Young Brit Award for enterprise and you can vote for her here if you'd like her to receive the funding and mentoring to grow her business.

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Women admit their husbands have never seen them without makeup

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31-year-old Samantha Micklethwaite’s husband has not seen her barefaced once throughout their four years together, and while I wonder what that says about Samantha, I also wonder what that says about her husband. “I worry he won’t find me as attractive with a bare face,” Micklethwaite tells Daily Mail. “He has only ever known me with make-up on. It’s exhausting making sure I am the first up every single day, but I worry Wayne has fallen in love with the made-up me — and wouldn’t be as interested if I didn’t do it.”

Is this not a red flag waving high? According to Daily Mail, one-third of women wake up to put on makeup before their partner rises, while 3 percent of women make it a priority to never let their partner see them barefaced.

I always took notice of my mother’s lips. They are rarely — if ever — without color. One Sunday morning, while my father was downstairs cooking breakfast, my mother shook herself out of our lazy, television-immersed zone and got out of bed, went to her dresser and applied a light pink-tinted shade. I asked her why she was even bothering to put on lipstick only to eat eggs in her nightgown. She simply told me that she likes to look nice for my father.

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Though he would find her beautiful regardless, I always found this to be a sweet gesture. It is natural to apply an extra shimmer of gloss or throw on a pair of slightly higher heels to “wow” that special person. It is not, however, natural to completely hide the face beyond our cosmetic masks.

Micklethwaite sets two alarms every night — one for the appropriate time to wake up for the day, the other at 4 a.m. to remove her makeup from the day before and instantly apply a new batch. Surprisingly enough, and so unfortunate at that, she is not alone.

Neither the former nor current husband of makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has seen her face without makeup. She tells Daily Mail, “At night, I lock the bathroom door, and I take off all my make-up and then reapply my eyeliner and a little bit of mascara. They’re my bedroom eyes.”

Bedroom eyes? My bedroom eyes are either completely or almost bare, with a bit of pesky eyeliner that refused to come off. Two years with my boyfriend, and he has seen every which way my face can transform with or without makeup. I’ve never seen him flinch once.

What these women are failing to realize is that this is extremely unhealthy in regards to their mental health, their skin and, not to mention, their wallets. Micklethwaite’s beauty routine is costly, and not just in terms of money. The wear and tear of applying and reapplying makeup on a constant basis is sure to damage her skin. ‘I’ve told her hundreds of times she is stunning,” Wayne says. “I can’t imagine she’d look worse without make-up, but she just won’t let me see. I actually think I’d prefer her without it.”

More: 11 Things that happen when you go makeup free in public

As much as women enjoy putting on makeup for their significant other, they do it for themselves just as much if not more than for the acceptance of others. While we all may not feel insecure and depend on the power of makeup — which is a thing, mind you — there is no denying that it makes any one of us feel a little more confident in our appearance. It is when makeup becomes the sole provider of confidence that the admiration of what it can do becomes an obsession and reliance.

There is a lesson to be taught through the use of cosmetics that I believe is important to relay to our daughters and future generations of women. Makeup should be used as a beauty enhancer and not be seen as a tool to create beauty that did not previously exist. And while accepting ourselves is enough of a struggle, finding someone who accepts our natural selves should not be.

If you find someone you feel is special enough to pursue a life with, then the only way a relationship can function healthily is by both partners exposing their true selves and being valued and loved for exactly who they are. If a man or woman takes their leave after you show them your true self, then this is not a fault on you, but on them. Makeup may secure a pretty face, but it cannot guarantee love.

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