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7 Brand-New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora Today

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If this were any other day, we’d be incredibly ticked off that our alarms didn’t wake us up on time, or super-heated that our commute to work was delayed to no end and that the weather has been replaying on a gloomy and rainy loop for what feels like an eternity. But nope, not today — because it’s officially June, and that means nothing can stop our beauty-obsessed selves from reveling in the godsend that is Sephora’s brand-freaking-new arrivals.

More: The 13 Best Colored Mascaras That Literally Anyone Can Wear

Yep, clear out your shopping cart and scrap that wish list you’ve been building on for months, ‘cause Sephora’s June arrivals have officially hit, and they’re so damn good (looking at you, silky K-beauty primers and violet-infused sheet masks) that even your shittiest of shitty days will be made. But before you get overwhelmed by the heaps of new products, we went through and narrowed it down to the top seven hair, makeup and skin care products that you need, like, today — all for under $20. Shop all seven of our picks below, and make sure you check back next month for July’s newness.

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer

New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora 2017: Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer (Sephora, $18)

Origins Flower Fusion Violet nourishing sheet mask

New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora 2017: Origins Flower Fusion Violet Nourishing Sheet Mask | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Origins Flower Fusion Violet nourishing sheet mask (Sephora, $7)

BareMinerals Statement Matte liquid lip color

New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora 2017: BareMinerals Statement Matte Liquid Lipcolor | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

BareMinerals Statement Matte liquid lip color (Sephora, $18)

Sephora Collection Moisturizing & Refreshing Body Jelly

New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora 2017: Sephora Collection Moisturizing & Refreshing Body Jelly | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Sephora Collection Moisturizing & Refreshing Body Jelly (Sephora, $17)

Verb Sea Texture Cream

New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora 2017: Verb Sea Texture Cream | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Verb Sea Texture Cream (Sephora, $14)

Glamglow Poutmud Wet Lip Balm Treatment

New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora 2017: Glamglow Poutmud Wet Lip Balm Tint | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Glamglow Poutmud Wet Lip Balm Treatment (Sephora, $19)

Fresh Moisturizing Hand Cream

New Arrivals to Buy at Sephora 2017: Fresh Moisturizing Hand Cream | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Fresh Moisturizing Hand Cream (Sephora, $14)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.


10 Hair-Scarf Tutorials That'll Take Your Summer Style to the Next Level

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Summer is officially here, y'all, and it is hot outside. Unfortunately, sometimes the heat causes us to spiral into a style rut — hair can go a little limp when you wear it down, and you can only wear a plain ol' pony so many times before you start to get sick of it. That's where a simple scarf comes in handy.

From retro to boho, there's a million different looks you can create with a scarf, and many styles either help keep your hair out of your face or add a little perk to weighed-down tresses.

It can be frustrating to figure out a good wrap on your own, but an easy step-by-step guide can make all the difference.

1. Forehead scarf

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Begin by folding a scarf, longways, so it's about 3 inches in width.
  2. Wrap the scarf around your forehead.
  3. Tie the scarf to the back of your head, not on the side, to avoid looking like the Karate Kid.

2. Head scarf

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Stretch out a large scarf around your forehead.
  2. Bring the ends of the scarf around to the back of your head.
  3. Tie off the scarf in a firm, but comfortable, bow in the lower back of your head (the scarf should rest at the nape of your neck). This separates the chic look from the pirate look.

3. Banded scarf

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Run a long scarf through a clear elastic band. The band should be in the middle of the scarf.
  2. Spread the ends of the scarf.
  3. Wrap the scarf around the top of your head along the hairline.
  4. Tie off the scarf at the back of your head. Bring one end of the scarf around to rest on your shoulder. It adds more pizzazz to the whole look.

4. Head wrap

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Fold a long scarf, longways, and wrap it around your hairline.
  2. Tie off the scarf at the nape of your neck.
  3. Pull the end of the scarf to one side of your neck so you can see it when you look straight into the mirror. Tie the ends into a bow for an extra-cute look.

5. Headband

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Make a side braid.
  2. Take a short scarf and fold it, longways, so that it's thin.
  3. Wrap the scarf around your hairline and tie it off where your side braid begins. The tie will make the braid look "decorated."
  4. Add cute boho sunglasses or aviators to complete the look.

6. Head tie

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Fold a large or small scarf longways.
  2. Wrap the scarf around your neck and bring the ends up to the top of your head.
  3. Tie the ends into a bow at the top of your head.
  4. Tweak the scarf so it sits a bit to one side and adds "sass" to the look.

7. Front twist

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Fold a large scarf longways and rest it onto the back of your head.
  2. Wrap the ends to the front of your head and tie them on the hairline.
  3. Tightly twist the remaining scarf ends.
  4. Wrap the twisted ends to the back of your head and tie them into a double knot.

8. Vintage wrap

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Fold a large scarf in half to create a triangle.
  2. Place the largest straight end onto the top of your head.
  3. Bring the scarf ends forward and criss-cross them lightly under your chin.
  4. Take the ends back and tie them loosely or make a pretty bow = so old Hollywood.

9. Triangle wrap

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Fold a large scarf in half to create a triangle.
  2. Place the largest straight end over your forehead.
  3. Wrap the ends towards the back of your head and tie them once (do not make a knot).
  4. Bring the loose ends back toward the front of your head and tie them at the forehead.
  5. Tuck the remaining loose ends back into the scarf.

10. Loose twist

10 Different ways to tie a scarf in your hair | SheKnows.com
Image: Allison Pynn/SheKnows
  1. Fold a large scarf in half and wrap it around the back of your head. Make sure some of the scarf is hanging out loosely (some of the scarf should be hanging on your neck).
  2. Bring the ends forward and tie them off at the hairline.
  3. Take the remaining loose ends and twist them tightly.
  4. Bring the twisted ends to the back of your head and tie them off above the nape of your neck.

Originally published August 2014. Updated June 2017.

The Best Antiaging Hair Products That Really Work

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Oh my God,” you say. “Antiaging hair products? Just stop. STOP.” Listen, we know. We know how stupidly insane all of this antiaging stuff has gotten, how the entire beauty world seems obsessed with stopping gravity and life’s natural cycle through antiaging neck creamswrinkle-reducing blushes and line-plumping lip products. But before you dis the antiaging hair category, trust us when we say that these products really do work — just not in the same way as your retinols.

More: Meet Retinol Oil: The Coolest Antiaging Product That Actually Works

Because no, antiaging hair products won’t reduce the nonexistent wrinkles in your hair shaft or give you the lush hair that you had as a toddler, but they will keep your hair from turning dry, frizzy, wired and faded as you age, which is all you can really hope for when dealing with something that’s already, you know, dead. Because these shampoos, conditioners, serums, mists and hair sprays are all specifically formulated to shield your hair from damage using powerful antioxidants, UV shields and color-preservers, all of which will leave you protected from turning into the Crypt Keeper. Scroll through to see our favorite antiagers, below, and add in a few to your current rotation tomorrow. Your hair in 20 years will thank you.

Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil

Best Anti-Aging Hair Products for 2017: Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil
Image: Phyto

Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil (Phyto, $30)

Nexxus City Shield DD Créme

Nexxus City Shield Hair Crème
Image: Nexxus

Nexxus City Shield DD Créme (Nexxus, $19.99)

L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Vitamino Color A-OX Shampoo

Best Anti-Aging Hair Products of 2017: L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Vitamino Color A-OX Shampoo
Image: Ulta

L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Vitamino Color A-OX Shampoo (Ulta, $33.50)

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray

Best Anti-Aging Hair Products of 2017: Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hairspray
Image: Ulta

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray (Ulta, $21)

Évolis Reverse Activator

Best Anti-Aging Hair Products of 2017: L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Vitamino Color A-OX ShampooÉvolis Reverse Activator
Image: Évolis

Évolis Reverse Activator (Évolis, $65)

Bare Republic UV Protecting 5-in-1 Mist

Best Anti-Aging Hair Products of 2017: L'Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Vitamino Color A-OX ShampooBare Republic UV Protecting 5-in-1 Mist
Image: Bare Republic

Bare Republic UV Protecting 5-in-1 Mist (Bare Republic, $11.99)

Julien Farel Vitamin Restore

Best Anti-Aging Hair Products of 2017: Julien Farel Vitamin Restore
Image: Julien Farel

Julien Farel Vitamin Restore (Julien Farel, $39)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

5 Products That Actually Help Prevent Stretch Marks

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Unless you’re one of the few humans who’s fond of spidery, wiggly purple and red marks across your belly, thighs, butt and boobs (and if you are, we salute you; please teach us how to be you), then we’d like to declare that stretch marks are a pain in the ass. And — don’t shoot the messenger — but regardless of what you’ve read on the internet or what your grandmother swears by, there is no true way to completely prevent 100 percent of stretch marks.

But before you give up all hope and throw away every pair of shorts in your closet, we’re here with a surprisingly positive alternative. Find peace and comfort in your body’s natural progression through life and love your stretch marks just as they are. Or a second alternative: Slather them with products specifically formulated to plump fine lines, smooth bumpy patches and lighten those deep, dark marks.

More: The 10 Best Sea Salt Sprays for So-Pretty Beachy Waves

Products That Actually Help Prevent Stretch Marks:
Image: ImaxTree

First, know this: Your stretch marks are often totally unavoidable, appearing during pregnancy or after rapidly losing or gaining weight. “Your skin can’t cope with extreme tension changes in short periods of time, and that can result in permanent damage to your skin collagen, leading to stretch marks.” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.

And while the only real way to prevent stretch marks would be to go into your DNA and change its coding — which is obviously super-easy — you can still help mitigate their appearance by using ultra-protective moisturizers, gently exfoliating lactic acid and if you’re not pregnant, wrinkle-fighting retinoids. And to help guide you in the right direction, we combed through every stretch mark-fighting product on the market, eliminating all of the ineffective formulas with unrealistic promises, to present to you only the best of the best products. See all five of them below, and get slathering.

A moisturizer that totally smooths bumpy, irregular skin...

Products That Actually Help Prevent Stretch Marks: AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion | Skin care
Image: Target

AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion (Target, $13.99)

A lotion that fades light-colored stretch marks...

Products That Actually Help Prevent Stretch Marks: AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion | Skin care
Image: DermStore

Alpha Skin Care Revitalizing Body Lotion with 12 percent glycolic AHA (DermStore, $21.25)

A lotion that forms a protective, hydrating shield on skin...

Products That Actually Help Prevent Stretch Marks:
Image: Walgreens

Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion (Walgreens, $4.19)

A pregnancy-approved oil that keeps skin soft & pliable...

Products That Actually Help Prevent Stretch Marks: Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion | summer skin care
Image: Ulta

Bio-Oil (Ulta, $19.99)

A retinol that plumps skin & stimulates collagen production...

Products That Actually Help Prevent Stretch Marks: Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion | summer skin care
Image: Paula’s Choice

Paula’s Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment (Paula’s Choice, $27)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

5 Expert-Approved Ways to Stop Sweating Fast

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As someone who has had notoriously sweaty underarms since childhood (R.I.P. old dance costumes and all who stood near me), I’m incredibly familiar with the plight known as sweating and the disappointing array of products designed to stop it. But even if you don’t deal with excessive sweating like I do, it doesn’t mean you’re not totally dreading the sweat-inducing heat of summer, especially if your sweat extends to your hands, feet and, well, everywhere else.

More: Meet Retinol Oil: The Coolest Antiaging Product That Actually Works

So instead of giving you a list of anti-sweat products with bullshit lofty claims, I went to dermatologist Vivian Bucay (who was actually speaking at a conference on sweating just moments before we chatted) to find out every possible option that exists to help you stop sweating, including a new cutting-edge option that could seriously change lives. So keep reading to find out exactly how to stop your sweating fast so you can hang out in the blazing sun without worrying about soaking through your clothes. Dreams, right?

Expert-Approved Ways to Stop Sweating FAST
Image: Getty Images

The fix: Aluminum-based deodorants

The cost: $5 – $15

OK, this one sounds intense, but don’t freak — you’re probably using an aluminum-based deodorant already. Most non-natural deodorants on the market have some percentage of aluminum (either aluminum chloride, the strongest stuff, or aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, the weaker yet more tolerable stuff) since it’s the best-known ingredient to temporarily inhibit sweat production. “If you deal with excessive sweating, you’ll want to try deodorants with high percentages of aluminum-based ingredients,” says Bucay. “Though they’re best for your underarms, they’re also relatively effective on the hands and feet to help curb sweating.”

Certain Dri, for example, is considered the top-shelf pick for sweating, containing the highest amount of aluminum chloride (12 percent) you can get without a prescription. The downside? It can be hella irritating, and you need to follow the instructions perfectly, or you’re pretty much guaranteed to have issues. Or you can try Secret Clinical Strength deodorants, which have the highest percentage of aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly (20 percent) on the market without the harsh effects. “Whichever type you choose,” says Bucay, “make sure to apply it every single night before bed for the best results. You should start noticing a reduction in sweat after just one or two days.”

The fix: Botox

The cost: $600 – $1,200 per treatment (unless covered by insurance)

If deodorants just aren’t cutting it, you might want to try Botox, which is approved for underarm sweating, but is often used off-label for the hands, feet and scalp. “Botox injections basically disconnect the communication between your nerve endings and your sweat glands so your glands won’t produce sweat,” says Bucay. “It’s very effective, but it can be somewhat painful depending on where it’s injected, and it only lasts for four to six months, so some patients may find it somewhat expensive to maintain.” Plus, notes Bucay, Botox can cause something called compensatory sweating, which is where your body overcompensates for the dry areas by producing extra sweat in random places. “For most patients, though, Botox can provide incredible relief from sweating with just a quick office visit and a few injections,” she says.

The fix: Oral medication

The cost: Varies depending on your insurance coverage

Yes, there really is a pill for everything, including excessive sweating. “Robinul, also known as glycopyrrolate, is designed to relieve stomach ulcers, but it’s often used off label to suppress sweat glands in the body,” says Bucay. “I have less than a handful of patients on them because not everyone feels comfortable taking a daily pill for sweating, especially since it can have annoying side effects like dry eyes and dry mouth. Still, they can be very helpful for overall excess sweating.”

Expert-Approved Ways to Stop Sweating FAST
Image: Getty Images

The fix: MiraDry

The cost: Around $2,000

This one is pretty cool because it’s actually one of the newest and most promising innovations in the fight against underarm sweating. Though MiraDry has been in existence for a few years, Miramar Labs recently redeveloped the technology to make it way more effective and way less painful. The FDA-approved procedure is done in office with local anesthetic (“just one tiny needle prick, and you won’t feel anything else,” says Bucay) and involves an ultrasound-looking handpiece that uses microwave energy to target sweat glands. “The microwaves essentially heat the sweat glands until they painlessly shrivel up and die, making the effect immediate and permanent,” she says, noting that the one-time treatment reduces 82 percent of sweating and only takes about 20 minutes per underarm area.

And because MiraDry doesn’t affect your nerve endings, you won’t develop any compensatory sweating like you often do with Botox. Sure, the price is definitely a hard swallow, but “I tell my patients that $2,000 doesn’t seem too bad when you consider the fact that the average person spends about $13,000 a year on dry-cleaning to remove sweat stains and odors,” says Bucay. All right. Fair.

The fix: ETS surgery

The cost: Significantly varies based on insurance coverage, though definitely not cheap

This is, of course, the very last option that should be considered for sweat reduction, though still a totally feasible option if your sweating — especially in your hands and feet — is interfering with your life. “Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy surgery is reserved for only very severe cases because it involves a neurosurgeon collapsing a lung to disconnect certain nerves in your spinal column, which can cause serious and irreversible compensatory sweating, as well as other life-threatening side effects,” says Bucay. Basically, this shit is intense and not frequently recommended by physicians.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

These Are the 7 Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products Right Now

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Every single time we walk into a Sephora — which, let’s be honest, is on a weekly basis — we’re somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer number of new and excellent products. Like, great, we see an entire display of concealers in the corner, but which one is the best concealer? Which one are we actually going to love and not want to return? Which fragrance is the fragrance that will make us smell like a combination of heaven and happiness and love? Tell us, Sephora.

More: The 50 Prettiest Eye Shadow Ideas to Copy ASAP

Well, Sephora has answered… kind of. Mainly, Sephora has very nicely given us a list of their current best-selling cult-favorite products that are flying off the imaginary internet shelves right at this very moment, and we have very nicely rounded up the top seven of them for your easy viewing (and buying) pleasure. All of them will make your beauty life way, way easier. Scroll through to see the top-rated products.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eye shadow palette

Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products June 2017: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette | Summer makeup
Image: Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eye shadow palette (Sephora, $42)

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products June 2017: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer (Sephora, $399)

Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder

Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products June 2017: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder| Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder (Sephora, $38)

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products June 2017: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Sephora, $30)

Sephora Collection cleansing & exfoliating wipes in pomegranate

Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products June 2017: Sephora Collection Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes in Pomegranate Read more: http://stylecaster.com/beauty/top-selling-beauty-products-sephora-june-2017/#ixzz4k1GOO6Ni | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Sephora Collection cleansing & exfoliating wipes in pomegranate (Sephora, $7.50)

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products June 2017: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment | Summer Makeup
Image: Sephora

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment (Sephora, $158)

Tom Ford Black Orchid perfume

Best-Selling Sephora Beauty Products June 2017: Tom Ford Black Orchid Perfume | Summer makeup
Image: Sephora

Tom Ford Black Orchid perfume (Sephora, $120)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

The Easiest Way to Get Pretty Beach Waves Today

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We have many dreams in life, and one of them is to wake up every single morning with perfect, Blake Lively-esque beachy waves like we just took a nap on the shores of Ibiza after surfing with our kick-ass surfer skills that we, of course, totally have. But alas, that’s not reality, and most mornings, our hair looks like a Swamp Thing fighting against the constraints of a ponytail holder.

Perfect beachy waves
Image: ImaxTree

But trust us when we say that beachy waves are definitely doable as long as you’ve got the right tutorial — which according to the 1 billion relatively awful ones currently on YouTube is not as easy as you’d think. So we went through them all to find you the very best how-to that doesn’t require a ton of products or extensions or unrealistic back-combing or even skills — just a simple curling wand and some hairspray or texturizing spray, all compliments of beauty vlogger Brianna Fox.

Perfect easy beachy waves
Image: ImaxTree

The trick to natural-looking waves, as you’ll see, is to alternate the direction you curl each section of hair, angling some toward your face and some away from your face. Sounds too obvious and easy, but it seriously does make all the difference. So watch the tutorial below and try it out on yourself tomorrow.

How to Exfoliate Like a Skin Care Pro

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Maybe you're a master cleanser, or maybe you've got your moisturizing mask routine down to a fine art — but if you aren't giving yourself a little exfoliation love, all that work ain't gonna help.

Exfoliating helps expose that glowy skin that resides under the surface by removing dead skin cells. I mean, who wants dead skin cells hanging out on them anyway? And a good exfoliation routine is the best way to prep your skin for those fancy creams and treatments that you spend so much money on, because when you slough off old cells, your products can really get down to work.

And exfoliation isn't just for your face — our whole body begs to be pampered with a good exfoliating scrub. Whether you are seeking to rejuvenate dehydrated skin or getting prepared to apply tanning products, proper exfoliation is key.

Exfoliating tips
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

How to exfoliate

Supplies:

  • Exfoliating cleanser
  • Loofah, body brush or exfoliating gloves
  • Pumice stone
  • Body lotion

More: 5 Great Reasons to Exfoliate Your Face Tonight

Instructions:

  1. Before stepping into the shower, brush your dry skin with your loofah, body brush or exfoliating gloves. This will help remove the loose skin and prepare your skin for the exfoliating process. Begin with the soles of your feet, working your way up your body.
  2. Get into the shower and wet your body from head to toe. Don't exfoliate your skin if you are sunburned or have any open cuts or wounds.
  3. Use a pumice stone on your feet to eliminate rough spots and calluses. If your feet are extremely rough, soak them in a basin of warm water mixed with a cup of milk for 30 minutes before getting into the shower.
  4. Apply your exfoliating cleanser to your loofah or gloves. Begin scrubbing your body in a circular motion starting with the bottoms of your feet and working your way up. When you reach the bikini area, don't scrub too hard because the skin is very sensitive.
  5. Use a body brush to exfoliate your back and other hard-to-reach places.
  6. Be gentle on your face, particularly around your eyes and mouth. Use an exfoliating product especially formulated for the face, which is gentler than products designed to be used on the body.
  7. Don't forget about your hands. You want them to look and feel soft and smooth too!
  8. Rinse your body with lukewarm water, and follow with the coldest water you can stand.
  9. After stepping out of the shower, apply a moisturizing body lotion all over. Body lotions and facial moisturizers containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids are ideal choices because these acids continue to remove dead skin cells.
  10. Use body moisturizer once a day. Exfoliation is drying to the skin, so you must keep your skin hydrated.

Next Up: Exfoliating products

Updated by Sarah Long on 7/27/17

Exfoliating products

Select exfoliating cleansers that contain sea salt and/or sugar. They key is to select an exfoliator with regular, round grains because exfoliating with square or irregular grains can cause skin lacerations. These abrasions may not be visible to the human eye, but they can cause serious damage.

More: Crazy-Easy DIY Exfoliating Scrubs Your Skin Will Thank You For

Karen Asquith, aesthetician and national director of education for G.M Collin Skin care, explains, "[When] they are damaging the skin, they activate the repair mechanisms. If the repair mechanisms are activated regularly for a long period of time, they are unable to keep up, they become exhausted... This 'burn-out' of the skin’s fundamental functioning causes pre-mature skin aging."

Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually enough to achieve silky skin. However, women with oily skin should exfoliate more often than those with dry skin. If your skin becomes excessively dry or irritated after exfoliation, don't scrub so hard. Cut back on how often you exfoliate, and explore the possibility that you may be allergic to the products you used.

"Over-exfoliating is also a concern," says Asquith. "The skin needs time to recuperate, therefore two to three times per week is sufficient. Following exfoliation, a body cream should be applied. Depending on the treatment, a slimming, firming, or hydrating cream will penetrate better following an exfoliation and the results will be increased."

So, it's not just about properly removing dead skin. It's about what the new skin gets to soak in. So, Asquith suggests exfoliants that contain other active ingredients.

"[Look for] hydrating, anti-septic, soothing and nourishing components thereby addressing more skin concerns and achieving multi-functional actions," she recommends.

Here are some of our favorite exfoliating products:


Your Feet — & Wallet! — Will Love This Amazing Sale From Happy Socks

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Socks and underwear are more than basic essentials — they add a pop personality to getting dressed every day. Happy Socks offers a wide variety of styles and patterns for every taste and size. Show off your cool pairs — and enjoy the comfort of top-quality material and built-in toe and heel support — for a super-affordable price.

SheKnows Shops: Happy Feet
Image: SheKnows Shops

Treat your feet (or a friend's feet) and enjoy $40 worth of Happy Socks merchandise for only $24.99. Your toes (and tush) will thank you!

This post is brought to you by StackCommerce.

7 Insanely Easy (& Pretty) Hairstyles for Wet Hair

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Man, remember that awesome 45 minutes of downtime you had yesterday morning to shower, blow out your hair, curl it into soft beachy waves and then walk out the door totally cool, calm and collected? Oh, wait — that never happened, because who the hell has 45 minutes in the morning to spend on their hair?

If you’re anything like us, there’s a 50 percent chance your hair didn’t even completely dry before you left the house, and an even higher chance it was in a damp topknot or ponytail, which, hey, is totally fine, but wouldn’t it be great if there were hairstyles you could easily and quickly do that were also specifically designed for wet hair? Welp, there are, and we decided to round up the best of the best of them all in one place so you can find the best hairstyle to fit your busiest morning. Check out the seven tutorials below.

Inverted French braid


French twist

Half-down twirl

Tucked & pinned Dutch braid

Rope bun

Triple-twisted buns

Beachy waves

6 Peeling Skin Remedies We All Need After a Bad Sunburn

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Ah, there's nothing better than feeling the freedom that comes with the lazy days of summer. And there's nothing worse than feeling the horrible sunburn that comes from getting a little too lazy about reapplying sunscreen.

4th of July weekend is upon us, and most of us are going to be spending long days in the sun as we celebrate. Of course, the best offense is always a good defense, and preventing a burn from happening in the first place is always ideal — but that's a lot easier said than done. If you get a gnarly sunburn, we've got some remedies that can help cool you off, stop the itch and keep you from being one big mess of flaky skin.

Even if your bun isn't super wicked, these aftercare ideas can help to soothe irritated skin when you've spent too long at the beach.

More: How to Bounce Back From Dry, Peeling Skin on Your Face

Dealing with sunburned peeling skin
Image: SheKnows Design

1. Cool it down

If you notice your skin start to peel, the first thing you should do is take a cold shower or bath. The cold water will help your skin cool down and slow the peeling process. When you are drying your skin, be sure to pat it dry with a clean, soft towel and avoid rubbing. By rubbing your skin, you can actually speed up and spread the peeling of your skin — and you definitely don't want to do that.

2. Stop the itch

At all costs, you should avoid scratching your skin when it's peeling. You can actually do permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. If you get the urge to scratch, the best thing to do is to use ice to dull the sensation. Put ice in a piece of soft cloth and gently place the cloth on top of the area of your skin that itches. The itch should subside once the ice begins to cool down the skin.

3. Moisturize your skin

Once you get out of the shower and dry your skin, apply a moisturizing lotion. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed to work on sunburned or peeling skin. Generally, the lotion should contain aloe vera, which will cool your skin, reduce inflammation and slow the peeling. Aloe vera is a natural cactus extract that has long been hailed for its soothing properties. You can actually buy pure aloe vera gel (or break open the plant, if you have it) and apply it directly to peeling skin to aid healing, fight pain and avoid infection.

Next Up: Drink up

Originally published June 2008. Updated June 2017.

4. Drink up

Now that you have cooled your skin from the outside, it's time to start working on your skin from the inside. Truth be told, nothing helps your skin as much as a tall glass of water. Healthy skin needs to stay hydrated. When your skin is damaged — like after a sunburn — water becomes even more important. Drink a lot of water to give your skin all the fuel it needs to repair and revive itself. If you notice your skin beginning to peel, be sure to drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day.

More: The 7 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

5. Don't peel it

Flaky, peeling skin is more than just irritating and unattractive — it can also lead to an infection. Peeling skin can become infected if you scratch or try to forcefully peel the skin. If there is a segment of dead skin that is hanging off and you want to remove it, don't pull on it, no matter how tempting it is. Instead, get a small pair of scissors and carefully cut away just that section of skin. Be sure you are only cutting away dead skin and you don't tear skin that is trying to heal. Once you cut away the dead skin, apply an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin to the area.

6. Prevent scarring

Reduce the itch associated with peeling (and moisturize your skin) by taking a cool bath containing colloidal oatmeal. You can find this fine oatmeal in most pharmacies. To help prevent scarring, promote healing and reduce long-term skin damage, take antioxidant supplements — vitamin C and vitamin E. Also apply a topical vitamin E cream to reduce the chances of scarring.

Bonus: be prepared

Prevention is the best cure for peeling. Plan ahead and don't get sunburned in the first place. By the time your skin starts peeling, the damage has already been done. Before you go out into the sun, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are going into the water, be sure to reapply sunscreen each time you get out. When applying sunscreen, don't forget about hidden areas, such as behind your ears, which are often forgotten and end up burned.

Let's Weigh the Pros & Cons of Hair Extensions Before You Drop a Small Fortune

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The beauty of the the social media age is that we're constantly flooded with hair inspiration, and we can always count on beauty bloggers and Insta-models to show off a gorgeous style for us to replicate. The downside? No matter how hard we try, our hair just never seems to be as lush and long as the social media stars that we follow.

Yes, extensions can give you longer, thicker hair and even provide a quick color change-up, but are they really worth the time, effort and money? Let's investigate before you book that appointment to put them in.

Facts about hair extensions

  • Extensions don't only add length. You can choose to add volume instead (or in addition to length), which is perfect for fine, limp or thinning hair.
  • Turn that bob into a mane! If your existing hair is at little as 3 inches long, you can get extensions, although the extent of your transformation may be limited if your hair is very short.
  • Extensions can be braided in, glued in, woven in, or — if you only need a follicular boost for a special event — clipped in.
  • You can also add highlights or color with shades ranging from mild to wild.
  • The process isn't painful, so it shouldn't hurt a bit.

What to look for

"A hairstyle can make or break your look," says stylist and hair extension specialist Cesare Safieh. Safieh cautions there are some important questions to ask when selecting extensions:

  • What are the extensions made from? Are they synthetic or 100%-natural human hair? (Human hair is more expensive than synthetic counterparts.)
  • How will the extensions be applied and removed?
  • Can you choose from a variety of weights?

Safieh is a fan of a method of extensions known as Thermo Plastique, which involves a relatively gentle process that can be removed without damage to your hair. (He also adds that the micro bonding points are barely visible.) He says older methods, especially glue, are damaging. "Tracks (sewing) can be too heavy, and metal clips wear out and are hard to brush through."

"[The goal with] extensions is to have the most natural look you can achieve," says Tony Promiscuo, owner of Atlanta's Godiva Salon, who notes that while synthetic types are most plentiful, human hair is superior in its viability. (In addition, synthetic hair cannot typically be heated, so styling options are limited — meaning forget the blow dryer and curling iron.)

What else to look for in hair extensions

"Individual strands allow a customized, more natural, look," says celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Philip Pelusi of New York City's Tela salon. "You can play with the color or length, and fill in spots that need it more than others. It's a more accurate way to get the desired look."

What to avoid in hair extensions

"The most important thing is to avoid extensions and pieces that are heavier than your own hair. If extensions are too heavy, they will damage and break off hair — so hair needs to be long and healthy enough to withstand the pressure," Pelusi points out.

More: The Best Antiaging Hair Products That Really Work

Inquire as to the possibility of getting a variety of weights, because a single one may not work for everyone. In particular, extensions that do not match your hair are most likely to give you problems. Safieh recommends a type of extensions called Hairdreams, which offer a variety of weights or thicknesses to match your true hair — as well as the ability to pre-order highlights and lowlights. Hairdreams last up to seven months and the hair can be reapplied, which also helps to decrease cumulative costs of new hair and removal.

Certain specialty methods have emerged from certain salons, such as the "Goddess Loc," which have a silicon grip and plastic coating in order to not damage your hair.

Next Up: How much are hair extensions?

Originally published July 2009. Updated June 2017.

Jennifer Lopez, Lauren Conrad, Kim Kardashian
Image: Jon Kopaloff/JB Lacroix/Francois G. Durand/Getty Images

How much are hair extensions?

The bad news: Hair extensions aren't cheap. Depending on how much you get, how you get them attached and the type/grade of hair you use, the cost can range from the hundreds to the thousands of dollars — and that's not including maintenance every six to eight weeks. You will also need to make an investment of time, usually four to six hours, for the initial setup.

The specialist who will apply your extensions may be called a hair designer, an extensionist, or simply a hairdresser. No matter what title he or she uses, be sure they are experienced and have photos to prove it. Also make sure you understand how they will be removed, and how damage to your natural hair can be minimized. No one wants a bald spot.

More: 7 Insanely Easy (& Pretty) Hairstyles for Wet Hair

Is caring for your extensions going to give you a headache?

Do extensions require a great deal of upkeep and time commitment? Not really, says Pelusi. "People just need to keep an eye on them — almost like you would with color or anything else," she adds, suggesting to allow for an hour at the salon every six weeks.

Caring for your hair extensions

Here are some specific tips to help you care for your extensions:

  • Human hair extensions can be treated as real hair, but more gently.
  • Use a special brush (often a loop brush) made just for extensions, so you don't damage the new hair or the bond.
  • A gentle shampoo is recommended, and use cool water to help minimize tangles.
  • A light conditioner will help reduce tangling and keep your new hair supple.
  • Sleep with your hair in a ponytail or braid to avoid bed-head and knots.

The 5 Prettiest Half-Up, Half-Down Braids to Wear This Summer

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Braids can be a tricky hairstyle to wear. Not because the majority of them require superhuman dexterity and 15 fingers on one hand, but because the “wrong” style can give you the appearance of either a third-grade schoolgirl or an 82-year-old librarian, which, hey, no shade at either of them, but it’s not exactly what we’re going for on a Saturday afternoon. And that’s why we’re so obsessed with the half-up, half-down braid for summer.

More: 5 Insanely Cool Under-$10 Beauty Products at Ulta Right Now

Yes, it’s an incredibly specific hairstyle, but it’s one you’re about to see everywhere this month thanks to its soft yet refined finish — basically, the this-ol’-thing? of hairstyles. Plus, it’s a style that works on pretty much every hair type, texture and length, so you’ve got no reason not to try out all of our favorite tutorials, below, on yourself today. Keep reading (and watching!) to find your new summer style.

Prettiest Half-Up Half-Down Braids to Wear: Half up half down braided hair | Summer hairstyle 2017
Image: ImaxTree

More: Meet Tubing Mascara: The Best Mascara the Internet Swears By

Soft, messy, boho braids

Cornrow braided topknot

Curly, multilayered braids

Double-Dutch braids

Voluminous fishtail braids

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

How to Get a Bigger, Perkier Butt Fast

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Kim Kardashian’s broke the internet; Beyoncé’s known for hers; and J.Lo owns the original. We’re talking about butts that are — in Sir Mix-a-lot’s words — round and big. Curvy, perky backsides have hit an all-time high in the pop culture realm — and while trends that idealize one body shape over another should be pursued warily, if you are looking for a bigger, rounder butt fast, we’ve got just the ticket. Ahead, 11 glute-sculpting workout moves, solid nutrition advice and pro tips from industry-leading experts about healthy ways to build lean muscle and lift your derriere.

Add weight to your workout

If you want to build muscle, you need to load up on the weights at the gym, says celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser. “Glute isolations are fantastic, but they’re not going to give you a bigger butt — you definitely need to grab some weights,” she said. So, forget those bodyweight-only workouts.

Specifically, she suggests a weighted curtsy lunge as a great way to target all glute muscles. “Grab 8- to 15-pound dumbbells in each hand and really increase range of motion so that you’re bending your knees as far down as possible and straightening your legs as much as you can,” Kaiser recommends.

More: Sculpt Your Legs, Butt and Abs With This Pilates Sequence

Embrace fatty foods

By now, we all know that fat doesn’t make you fat. Instead, the right kinds of fat actually deliver a host of health benefits and can help you sculpt a lean and lifted derriere. Nutritionist Lee Holmes explains: “Healthy sources of fat are essential for us to improve our weight, lower our disease risk and most importantly, get that butt nice and perky.” She suggests olive oil, nuts, nut butters and eggs. Eat up!

Balance your macronutrients

Macronutrients are the label experts give food groups like fat, protein and carbohydrates. And according to Kimberly Snyder, a nutritionist and New York Times best-selling author of the Beauty Detox series and Radical Beauty), striking a strategic balance between each is the key to a bigger butt.

Specifically, you should eat more omega-3-rich foods and cut back on anything brimming with omega-6. Look for hemp and other seeds, coconut oil and avocado — and avoid vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower and soybean oil.

“Most of us get way too many omega-6, which upsets our essential fatty acid ratio and can lead to inflammation and poor circulation, which overall can reduce oxygen and nutrients getting to the areas you want, including your glutes,” Snyder explains, adding that oxygen and nutrients can help you build a healthy and bigger butt.

Adjust your posture

Kardashian trainer Gunnar Peterson, who’s also worked with Jennifer Lopez, Ciara and Dakota Johnson, BTW) is the authority on butt-enhancing exercises, and he says that simply shifting your posture while squatting can make the movement way more effective. “Posture is important! If you pitch too far forward, you will feel your erector spinae [muscles of the lower back] more than your glutes. Foot position is something to pay attention to as well. Foot width as well as minor adjustments in the direction your toes are pointing will all contribute to getting the most glute bang for your buck,” he told us.

Focus on muscle engagement during your workout

Guilty of speeding through your squats to get it over with? Same. But according to personal trainer and Instagram sensation Anna Victoria, while that can help you burn more calories, it’s not going to get you a curvier booty.

“My biggest tip to women wanting to build a bigger, perkier butt is slow it down and focus on muscle engagement rather than speed. Doing as many squats as possible isn’t going to build your booty if you aren’t taking the time to pause, squeeze and engage your glutes,” she says.

Without focusing on engagement, you’re likely relying on leg muscles to do the work, while your glutes are inactive. Instead, Victoria suggests “slowing it down and really focus on relying on your glute muscles to bring you through the movement, pushing up through your heels and then squeezing for a full second at the peak of the movement.”

How to Get a Bigger, Perkier Butt Fast: Anna Victoria Barbell squats
Image: StyleCaster

Get comfortable with eating a ton of nutritional yeast

Women generally try to keep yeast out of our bodies, but this deactivated strain, typically grown on cane or beet molasses under carefully controlled conditions, is great for post-workout snacking if you’re looking to build muscle.

“Nutritional yeast carries an impressive amount of protein — a whopping eight grams of protein in just 1.5 tablespoons to be exact! It is one of the richest plant sources of protein available,” Snyder says. And unlike nuts and seeds, which are mostly fat in their composition, nutritional yeast is low-fat and easily absorbed by the body after a workout. Try this Dharma’s kale salad after your next set of squats.

Do deadlifts every day

Why just deadlift when you can blend your deadlifts with a curtsy lunge and really target the muscles you need to build for a rounder booty?

“Try using 10 pounds in each hand and do a set of 20 on each side, a set of 10 on each side, and then a set of five on each side,” Kaiser suggests, adding: “You’re going to cross the right leg behind the left, and then bend both knees; hips should be facing front.”

Through this movement you should have your knees bent as low as possible, keeping the weights next to your side, one in each hand. Hinge at the waist until your back is flat. As you send your tailbone to the back of the room and keep your back flat, come back to standing. “You should keep the weight in your front heel so that you really target that supporting leg and glute,” Kaiser recommends.

More: Your Guide to Celebrity Butts on Social Media

Take anabolic herbs

Anabolic herbs are natural supplements known to increase free testosterone, and according to medicinal herbalist Daniela Turley will in theory have an anabolic effect, helping to build up muscle. “Herbs used for this include Avena Sativa [wild oat straw], which has been shown to bind to the globulin hormone, allowing more free testosterone.” It can also boost your sex drive, so look out for that pleasant side effect.

Try weighted glute bridges

Victoria’s favorite move for a bigger butt is weighted glute bridges. Why? Your lower body can handle way more weight than your upper body, so you can use a heavy barbell — she suggests at least 50 pounds — to work out your butt.

Victoria explains, “Start by placing your back on a bench with your feet supporting your body and the barbell across your hips. It’s best to use a barbell pad or even a yoga mat rolled up under the barbell during this exercise. Lower your hips and keep your head looking straight, fixated on a point on the wall in front of you. Once your hips are lowered close to the ground, push up through your heels, tilt your hips towards your belly button, and squeeze your glutes for one full second, then release and repeat the exercise.”

Don’t forget to exhale and contract your core as you push up through your heels. Do 15 reps with 50 pounds and repeat three times.

How to Get a Bigger, Perkier Butt Fast: Anna Victoria Barbell Glute Bridge
Image: StyleCaster

Do more hip thrusts

Hip thrusts, a movement that isolates, tones and builds your glutes, are Kardashian trainer Gunnar Peterson’s favorite butt exercise. He suggests starting with three sets of 10 and working your way up to four or give sets of 12 to 15 repetitions. Make sure you push your heels and try to get your hips as high as possible while flexing the glutes.

More: How the World’s Most Beautiful Women Work Out

Eat protein straight after you sweat

Experts agree that eating a good source of protein within 45 minutes following your strength workout will help your muscles repair and grow (the key to a bigger backside). Try eggs, nuts, lean meat or a protein shake. “My favorite source right now is new Pure Protein Super Food plant-based powder because it’s delicious, non-GMO, no soy, no dairy and no artificial sweeteners. You get 20 grams of protein and less than 5 grams of sugar, and it’s as easy as mixing it with water or coconut water because it tastes amazing,” Kaiser suggests.

Nutritionist Kimberly Snyder adds that this only applies to more rigorous workouts. “We’re talking about workouts that are of medium to high intensity and last 30 to 45 minutes. Shorter or less vigorous workouts don’t require special post-workout nutrition emphasis,” she explains.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

The 7 Best Non-Greasy, Non-Shiny Sunscreens for Oily Skin

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If you’re a genetically blessed human with low-maintenance, no-fuss skin, then you’re probably super-duper stoked for summer — and honestly, you have the right to be, ’cause finding that perfect sunscreen that doesn’t mess with your skin will be a walk in the park. But if you’re one of the, well, less-genetically blessed with skin that gets so incredibly shiny that you’d rather hide in a dark room than slather on a pore-clogging, greasy sunscreen, we’ll go ahead and guess that you aren’t welcoming summer with open arms. And sorry to be the bearer of obvious news, but you absolutely need to wear sunscreen, not just because of skin cancer (which kills one person every 54 minutes), but because SPF is also an antiaging, skin-saving miracle-worker that makes your face look like heaven.

More: 10 Best Makeup Products You Didn’t Know Were at Walmart

We know, we know — the last sunscreen you used left your skin in an even greasier state with a white, ghost-like cast. But trust us when we say that top-notch oil-free formulas that won’t leave your skin with a shiny, greasy residue really do exist, and they’ll make your strained relationship with SPF a faint memory. And to help jump-start the forgetting process, we found seven oily skin-friendly sunscreens that you’ll love so damn much, you’ll forget all about your warm-weather woes. Check out the seven lightweight, mattifying formulas, below.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil-Free Face Cream

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin: Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil-Free Face Cream | Summer Skin
Image: Clinique

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil-Free Face Cream (Clinique, $26.50)

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Best Non-Greasy, Non-Shiny Sunscreens for Oily Skin: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen With Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Read more: http://stylecaster.com/beauty/best-sunscreen-oily-skin/#ixzz4k6Yts5kO |Siummer Skin Care
Image: Target

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (Target, $8.99)

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

Best Non-Greasy, Non-Shiny Sunscreens for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid | Summer Skincare
Image: Dermstore

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid (Dermstore, $33.50)

CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50

Best Non-Greasy, Non-Shiny Sunscreens for Oily Skin: CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50 | Summer Skincare
Image: CVS

CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50 (CVS, $16.99)


Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30

Best Non-Greasy, Non-Shiny Sunscreens for Oily Skin: Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30 | Summer Skincare
Image: Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30 (Paula's Choice, $29)

Derma E Antioxidant Natural Sunscreen Oil-Free SPF 30

Best Non-Greasy, Non-Shiny Sunscreens for Oily Skin: Derma E Antioxidant Natural Sunscreen Oil-Free SPF 30 | Summer Skincare
Image: Walgreens

Derma E Antioxidant Natural Sunscreen Oil-Free SPF 30 (Walgreens, $19.75)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.


7 High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge According to Makeup Experts

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Don’t get me wrong — there’s nothing I love more than hitting up Target or Walmart and buying a shopping cart’s worth of seriously good makeup and skin care products without utterly depleting my bank account. But at the same time, I truly smile every morning when I slather on my $98 heavenly scented AmorePacific face cream that leaves my skin looking like a glowing dew drop, which leaves me in a weird guilty limbo pulled between cheap and high-end. And based on a recent viral thread on Reddit’s Makeup Addiction, I realized I’m not alone in my plight, because the same makeup wizards who swear by drugstore dupes recently opened up about the “luxury” beauty products that they swear are actually worth the splurge.

More: 9 So-Pretty Colorful Hair Ideas to Try This Summer

The thread started when one curious user, after regretfully spending money on a high-end mascara that came up short, asked the beauty community for the last item they splurged on and why. One zillion comments later, and the thread is currently loaded with mini reviews and stories about each user’s go-to expensive products that they promise beat anything they’ve ever bought at the drugstore. And because the recommendations were so good, we rounded up the seven top products, including a cult-favorite serum from Drunk Elephant and a Tom Ford bronzer brush along with each user’s review. See the products ahead and get ready to set aside some extra cash for these bad boys guilt-free.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer| Summer Make up
Image: Sephora

“I just ordered the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, because it’s the only primer that I feel has drastically improved the way my foundation looks on my face. [It makes my skin] as close to smooth as [it’s] ever been. So I bought it. Fuck it.” — Wolf_Craft

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (Sephora, $54)

Tarte Tartelette in Bloom clay palette

High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette | Summer Make up
Image: Tarte

“I love [this palette] so much, and wish I would’ve bought it months ago. [It’s] so pigmented and blendable, and the case is perfect.” — HermionesBook

Tarte Tartelette in Bloom clay palette (Tarte, $46)

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum | Summer Make up
Image: Drunk Elephant

“My last splurge was [on] Drunk Elephant’s TLC Framboos Glycolic Serum. I ran out of it and was putting off repurchasing it because of the price, but my skin is definitely reflecting the fact that I haven’t been using it. [It] literally changed my skin, so I can’t say enough good things about it!” — Dnttouchmypizzabely

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (Drunk Elephant, $90)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette

High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette | Summer Make up
Image: Anastasia Beverly Hills

“I hate that [Anastasia Beverly Hill’s] Modern Renaissance [is] a cult-favorite, [but] after a year of debating, I finally bought it. I was worried that it would be an overhyped palette, but I absolutely love it. The shadows blend like a dream.” — Ohemgeeme

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette (Anastasia Beverly Hills, $42)

Tom Ford bronzer brush

High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Tom Ford Bronzer Brush | Summer Make up
Image: Tom Ford

“I caved and bought the Tom Ford Bronzer Brush, and I don’t regret it at all. It’s hands down the best brush I own.” — Valpal890

Tom Ford bronzer brush (Tom Ford, $115)

Smashbox Spotlight palette

High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Smashbox Spotlight Palette | Summer Make up
Image: Smashbox

“I [just] got the Smashbox [and] Casey Holmes [collaboration] highlighter palette in Pearl, because I needed a new highlighter … I love the 'glow from within' look it gives me.” — Tired_duck

Smashbox Spotlight palette (Smashbox, $35)

Nars Narsissist loaded eye shadow palette

High-End Beauty Products Worth the Splurge: Nars Narsissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette | Summer Make up
Image: NARS Cosmetics

“There wasn’t any reason for buying [the Nars Loaded Palette] other than that I wanted to, [but] I don’t regret it. The colors all work well for me, and it’s the perfect size for traveling.” — Rainbow_city

Nars Narsissist loaded eye shadow palette (Nars, $59)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

This Viral Beauty Hack Will Change the Way You Get Manicures

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Just when you thought we were done with flower crown filters and creepy face-swaps, an innovative 18-year-old in Texas has found a seriously smart way to use Snapchat — and it’ll change the way you get manicures.

Emma Young, a teen high school graduate (and possible genius) came up with the clever real-world application for Snapchat Stickers. While visiting a salon to get her nails done, Young decided to use the app to trial different colors. Because physically trying on the nail polish color at a salon before your manicure is basically out of the question, instead she took a photo of the shade and used Snapchat to see what it would look like IRL.

More: 26 Times Celebrity Manicures Gave Us Life

“I was looking at the nail options, and the nail salon I go to has them glued inside the book so you can’t put your finger under it to see how it looks,” Young tells BuzzFeed. Remembering that Snapchat allows you to make your own custom stickers, she picked a color, took a photo of one of the fake nails in that shade, turned it into a sticker, and used her phone to see what it would look like on her hand. The whole process took less than a minute.

How to Use Snapchat Stickers to Try On Nail Polish
Image: em_young_/Twitter

Young tried four different shades and then, understandably impressed with her idea, shared the beauty hack on Twitter — where the teen was basically labeled a wunderkind. In just a few days, the manicure trick has received almost 100,000 retweets and 260,000 likes.

BuzzFeed reports that Young ended up going with a mink gray color, by the way. And if you’re sitting at the office wondering what your nails would look like a different shade, you can always try an app like ShadeScout or ModiFace that lets you virtually “try on” hundreds of different colors, no Snapchat Sticker required.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

7 Best Under-$20 Drugstore Self-Tanners That Won’t Streak

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Just in case your dermatologist, mom or, like, anyone with basic UV-ray knowledge hasn’t lectured you enough, we’re about to be really honest with you. Even after you’ve found your match made in sunscreen heaven, it’s still incredibly dangerous (see: dumb) to veg out in the sun. Yep, it doesn’t matter how good your pasty-as-hell legs would look after a few hours in the sun, ‘cause sun bathing can cause wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer, which 1 in 5 Americans will develop in their lifetime. But don’t worry; you don’t have to look like a ghost all summer long — because the beauty industry is currently flooded with top-notch self-tanning products that, unlike the orange-skin-inducing formulas you used in high school, actually leave your skin with pretty, glowing color.

More: The 5 Prettiest Half-Up, Half-Down Braids to Wear This Summer

And if you’re a straight-up self-tanner hater, we hate to break it to you, but you’ve probably just been applying it wrong — or rather, too hesitantly. The biggest misconception with self-tanning products is that the formula’s pigment is in your control, when actually, it’s predetermined. Think of self-tanners like lipstick. No matter how many or how few coats you apply, you’re more or less getting the same color — so smearing a small dollop of product across your entire body is only going to result in uneven, streaky color.

And after sifting through all 8 billion self-tanners on the market right now, we weeded out any formulas with false promises or ridiculously high price points to find the absolute seven best, easiest-to-use products that are safe enough to slather across your entire body — all for less than $20. Including subtle, gradual tans for newbies and hydrating mists that’ll coat even your hardest-to-reach areas, these seven self-tanners are so damn good, you’ll forget you got it indoors and sans sun.

Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance Gradual Tanner & Body Lotion

Best Under-$20 Drugstore Self-Tanners : Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance Gradual Tanner & Body Lotion | Summer Skincare
Image: Target

Nivea Sun-Kissed Radiance Gradual Tanner & Body Lotion (Target, $6.99)

Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan

Best Under-$20 Drugstore Self-Tanners: Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan | Summer Skincare
Image: Neutrogena

Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan (Neutrogena, $10.99)

Bondi Sands Wash Off Instant Tan

Best Under-$20 Drugstore Self-Tanners: Bondi Sands Wash Off Instant Tan | Summer Skincare
Image: Target

Bondi Sands Wash Off Instant Tan (Target, $15)

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse

Best Under-$20 Drugstore Self-Tanners: St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse | Summer Skincare
Image: Target

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse (Target, $12.99)

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Sunkissed Tint Body Lotion

Best Under-$20 Drugstore Self-Tanners: Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Tinted Body Lotion | Summer Skincare
Image: Soap & Glory

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Sunkissed Tint Body Lotion (Soap & Glory, $8)

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Tanning Mousse

Best Under-$20 Drugstore Self-Tanners: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Tanning Mousse | Summer Skincare
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Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Tanning Mousse (Walmart, $11.97)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

5 Super-Easy Braids You Can Do on Long Hair

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If you have long hair, you know how quickly it can go from Rapunzel-level awesome to holy-shit-my-scalp-hurts annoying, especially when you try to wear a heavy, hardcore-pinned updo for more than 15 minutes. That's why we’re so in love with simple, easy braids for long hair.

More: This Website Tells You If Beauty Products Will Break You Out

We’re not talking about insanely intricate prom-level updos, but truly simple and surprisingly gorgeous braids that are perfect for long hair, like French-braided ponytails, half-up, half-down braids and loosely braided chignons. So we rounded up our favorite long-hair braid tutorials, below, that are ridiculously easy to follow. Keep reading — and watching! — to find an official replacement for your boring ponytail.

long-hair-braids
Image: ImaxTree

Part-braided bun

Dutch side braid

Softly braided chignon

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French-braided ponytail

Multilayered curly braids

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

10 Nail Polish Mistakes We’ve All Made & How to Prevent Them

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You don’t need to be a professional manicurist to do a great job painting your nails, but you do need to watch out for some common nail polish mistakes, from using old polish to doing your nails right before bedtime. We all make these mistakes (and yeah, knowing how long it takes for nail polish to dry is half the battle), so rest assured that you’re not alone.

We’ve rounded up the 10 most common nail polish mistakes and how to prevent them.

1. Taking a hot shower right after applying polish

Never shower immediately after a manicure, as you probably haven’t given the polish enough time to set in, but a hot shower? That’s even worse.

“Exposing the nail polish to the heat and steam of the shower can cause it to bubble or smudge,” says Danielle Candido, manicure expert for Gelish. “It’s best to wait a full hour after the manicure is done before showering.”

2. Going to bed right after applying polish

Although nails will appear dry within 20 to 30 minutes, it actually takes a full 24 hours for nail polish to fully dry.

“A super-easy trick to help the drying process along is to wait a minute or two for your polish to start setting up, then run very cold water over your hands for about three minutes,” says Candido. “The cold water helps the polish set up faster.” However, she warns, “Be careful to not to run the water directly on the nails, as the force of the water may cause the polish to smudge.”

3. Skipping topcoat

“Skipping a topcoat not only cuts down on the shiny finish of the manicure, but it also shortens the longevity of the manicure,” Candido says. She also recommends applying an additional layer of topcoat every other day for an even longer lifespan.

More: 5 New Nail Polish Colors We’re Obsessed With Right Now

4. Skipping base coat

Who hasn’t thought they could get away with skipping the base coat once or twice? You live and you learn. Candido explains that base coat smooths the surface of the nail for a flawless finish, improves adhesion of the polish to the nail plate and prevents the pigments in the nail polish from staining the natural nail, which means avoiding the yellow nail struggle altogether. It’s an extra step, but totally worth it — for more reasons than one.

5. Applying thick coats of color

To compensate for the color looking lighter and sheerer on nails than in the bottle, we tend to paint on thick coats of color. In this case, though, patience really is key.

“When we apply color in thick layers, the polish takes much longer to dry, and the longer it takes to dry, the more likely we are to smudge the manicure,” Candido says. Instead, apply thin, even coats and wait two minutes in between. The polish will actually dry faster. Also, Candido adds, “If you apply a heavy coat of polish, it’s much more likely to flow into the cuticle area, which means you’ll have to clean up the mess with an orangewood stick and remover.”

6. Using one stroke to apply polish

If there is one technique you should take with you from the salon, it’s that manicurists use three to four strokes to apply polish to the nail. With one single stroke, it’s difficult to get the sidewalls (left and right edge of the nail) and cuticle area, making the nails look unfinished. Plus, the color will grow out in mere days.

“Apply color to the nail in three or four strokes,” Candido advises. Her approach? “Start in the center near the cuticle, swipe down the nail to the right side, return to the starting point and swipe down the nail to the left, then return to the center and swipe down the middle. If there is any uncovered area, swipe down the whole nail one more time.”

7. Starting with greasy nails

“If there’s oil on the surface of the nail before the polish is applied, it’s much easier for polish to peel — nothing sticks to an oily surface,” Candido says. Instead, wait to apply cuticle oil after the polish, and go easy with the lotion. “It’s best to use a product like Gelish pH Prep to ensure all surface oil and moisture are eliminated before applying your basecoat.”

This kind of product works by neutralizing the pH level in the nail to better accept the base coat. Basically, it’s like a primer for your nails.

8. Using old nail polish

There’s nothing more depressing than saying goodbye to a favorite nail polish that’s looking a little worse for the wear, but it’s gotta be done.

“As polish ages, the solvents evaporate, causing it to thicken and get stringy. This makes applying polish quite difficult,” Candido explains. “Old polish [also] doesn’t adhere to the nail as well as fresh polish does. As a rule of thumb, go through your polishes every year and replace anything you didn’t buy in the last 12 months.”

More: Ugly Nail Polish Colors Are Trending For Summer 2017

9. Avoiding the whole cuticle area

If you’re not super-diligent about keeping your cuticles in check, your manicure will look messy.

“You only need to leave a hairs’ width between the polish and the cuticle,” says Candido. “To get as close as possible without touching the cuticle, plant the brush on the nail plate near the cuticle and apply light pressure to spread the brush out. Then, lift slightly and push towards the cuticle, stopping at the cuticle without touching it. Then swipe down the nail, turning the brush slightly in your fingers to the left or the right to get along the sidewall (left or right edge of the nail plate).”

10. Using acetone remover

Nail polish removers high in acetone dehydrate the nail and surrounding cuticle.

“Repetitive use can cause white spots on the nail as well as splitting at the free edge and drying of the cuticle,” Candido warns. “Non-acetone remover is a much kinder and gentler choice.”


Originally posted on StyleCaster.

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