Beauty, Hairstyles, Fashion Trends & More

Having the talk with your daughter is never easy. No no, I'm not talking about "that" talk, ladies. I'm talking about the shaving talk! When it's time for your little lady to start shaving, turn to these tips from Venus' resident dermatologist.

SheKnows: When should you first start talking to your daughter about shaving?

Dr. Jody Levine: It’s such a wonderful topic to discuss together, as it usually occurs at the beginning of the teenage years, when you want to really establish a great relationship with your daughter moving into her formidable years. It also helps your daughter see you as the person to turn to for this kind of advice.

When exactly to begin the conversation really depends on your daughter. In my experience, there are two types of children. There are those that are very open and talk to you about everything that is on their minds. In that case, as soon as your daughter takes the initiative and mentions it, it’s a great time to start talking about shaving. Then there are those children who may be embarrassed and don’t really say what’s on their mind. In this case, look for hints that they want to talk about it, like mentioning that a friend started shaving or saying that they’re noticing the hair on their legs — then address the topic.

SK: Any tips for how to start the conversation and what to say?

JL: I like to start the conversation in a positive light by making shaving exciting and treating it like a milestone in their life. If you’re excited to show them and talk to them, it really helps get the process going off on the right foot. When my oldest daughter began to shave, I actually pulled out the video camera and made the biggest deal out of it !

I find it’s easiest to relate things personally to children, like “I remember the first time I started shaving,” and then either “it was so hard because I didn’t have someone to show me how to do it and I had to learn the hard way” or “I appreciated having someone to show me, so that I could do it safely.” I think it’s important to explain how easy shaving can be and how once you start doing it, it’ll naturally become part of your routine.

SK: There are so many shaving products out there! What's a great option to start off for teens and tweens?

JL: The razor that you use is very important. You want to choose a sharp razor, with multiple blades to keep shaving safe. The Venus Embrace has five blades, placed closely together, that way the skin can’t pucker up in between the blades, so you’re less likely to cut yourself. When the blades are sharper, you actually get a closer, more long-lasting shave and you’re less likely to irritate your skin because you don’t have to go over the same areas multiple times. The Venus Embrace also has an ergonomic handle that makes the razor easy to grip, especially in a wet environment.

I also recommend using shave gel like the Passionista Fruit Satin Care Shave Gel, to help lubricate the skin so the razor glides smoothly. Another great benefit to using shave gel is that it makes the hair stand up a bit, making it easier to shave them. It also smells great, so your daughter will love it! You can show your daughter how much shave gel to use, so that she covers the whole area. Then, the shave gel can act as a guide to help her see where she’s gone.

SK: What about waxing? Is it safe/appropriate for teens?

JL: I am not a big fan of waxing for your legs or underarms. For a girl at this age, you want them to feel independence and have confidence that they can take care of their body. It’s hard to do that with waxing because they need appointments and someone to take them there. The hair needs to grow out to be waxed and that in between time can make your daughter feel self-conscious. When you provide them with a good razor to use in the shower, it’s just so easy for them to be in complete control of their body. It’s something your daughter can easily do on her own, once you’ve shown her how.

SK: What are some simple techniques you can teach your daughter so she doesn't injure herself but so that she still gets a close, nice shave?

JL: The right way to shave really involves using the right tools. The Venus Embrace razor for new shavers has a “Perfect Shave Tips” guide, which has answers to those frequently asked questions, like how often to change blades, how to minimize nicks and cuts and how to prevent razor bumps. Once you have that, there are a few simple tips:

The best shaving environment is in a warm shower, when the skin is moistened and the hairs are softened.
You want to shave smoothly in small strokes, without pressing very hard. If you feel like you need to press hard to get a good shave, then it’s time to replace blades.
You don’t need to cover a whole area from your ankle to your knee in one stroke.
Also, don’t go over the same area multiple times, as this can lead to irritation and razor bumps. Using your shave gel as a guide can be helpful to avoid going over one area multiple times.

SK: Any other tips and tricks?

JL: I recommend learning to shave your legs first and then moving on to other areas. The skin on your legs is nice and tight, which makes it easy to learn to shave on. Plus, you can see exactly what you are doing. When you’re shaving your underarms, it can be helpful to pull the skin taut to get a closer shave. You can also shave in two directions in the underarms — downward as well as upward. The hair here grows in different directions in your underarm, so this helps you get them all.

Learning how to shave is really a great opportunity to bond with your daughter, so you shouldn’t miss it! As a mother, I can tell you that as time goes on, there are few things that they are going to consider important and personal and yet feel comfortable enough to ask for your help with.

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Heading on a first date? While you're figuring out where to go and what to wear, don't forget to give your hair some attention! Justine Piecuch, hairstylist at Boston's renowned Jeffrey Lyle Salon, shares her first date hair dos and don'ts.

First dates couldn't be more nerve-wracking. If all we had to do was put together the final details, it would probably be a piece of cake. Instead we spend countless hours trying on 20 different outfits and talking in the mirror, trying to figure out how to describe ourselves.

In the process, we tend to forget one minor thing: what men think about our hair at first sight. I have always been one to question my single male clients about their dating lives and am always shocked to see how much they actually DO notice the small things. Being a hairstylist, they always tell me what they thought about a woman's hair. Taking their thoughts, here are some of the dos and don'ts of first date hair!

Do maintain your hair color

If you have gray roots, get them done. Visible roots can reveal a lot about a woman's age, and men will quickly notice. Besides, obvious roots just look sloppy and unkempt! If it's the cost of coloring that you're concerned about, work out a plan with your stylist. Single gals should always look somewhat put together when looking for a mate.

Do trim unruly ends

If it's been a while and you need to really work to smooth out those ends, go get them trimmed. One thing men do notice is whether or not hair looks good. Guys like things that look shiny, healthy and natural! Dead hair looks frizzy and dry, and nothing says you don't take care of yourself more than that.

Don't get over done

Before you go out, think about the place you're going and try to create an appropriate 'do just like you would an outfit. If you're doing something active, a simply pony is perfect. Getting overly done says you're way too high maintenance, and although some men love this, it's a major turn off for most.

Do put some effort in

Getting over done is a definite no, but not doing anything at all simply says you don't care. Men love it when we spend a little time looking good just for them. Date night is definitely the time to take your daily look and turn it up a notch.

Do keep it natural

Women often ask whether men prefer curls or straight hair. The easiest answer is that every man is different, but as a hairstylist, I often lean more toward the straighter side. Doing a simple at-home blowout is an easy way to polish up locks, but if you're hair challenged, go get one done.

Blowout

Do you want to achieve that fresh out-of-the-salon look at home? Click here to learn how to master the basics of a blowout.

Don't play with your hair!

For many women, nerves lead them to play with their hair. If you want to show your date you're interested in him, a flirty flip or toss over the shoulder is all you need! Anything more is straight up annoying.

6 Ways to have more confident body language>>

Do show your face

Men often say they love it when their girl has her hair pulled back, no makeup on and is wearing sweatpants. I swear if this were really true, it would save us all millions of hours in our busy lives. But there is something to be said for the toned down look. If you're feeling ultra-confident, pulling hair back can be perfect and leaves some element of surprise. A loose chignon is great for almost any date and outfit. Talk about being fast too!

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Photo credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

Obsessed with chic mom Naomi Watts' killer street style? We're showing you how to steal her best looks.

Mommy style

Get Naomi's
chic style

Obsessed with chic mom Naomi Watts' killer street style? So are we! From the beach to the street and beyond, we're showing you how to steal her best looks.

Naomi's fashion scorecard

Her signature style: Open Naomi's closet and you'll find sophisticated British-inspired pieces like ladylike coats mixed with super cool downtown jackets and leathers.
Most memorable red carpet moment: Her dramatic and totally glamorous burgundy Zac Posen stunner at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards. She looked like a true Hollywood movie star in this breathtaking gown.
Her number one style tip: Don't go overboard! Especially when it comes to your beauty. "My mom always said, 'Don't dye your hair — it's like getting tattoos — once you start, you won't stop," she told InStyle. "She's right!"

Here are Naomi's best street style looks and how to get them!

Beach bum

Beach Bum

American Vintage Scoop Neck Tee $20, Current/Elliott The Stiletto Cropped Skinny Jeans $228, Topshop Hanna Flatform Sandals $64, Lucky Brand Straw Fedora Hat $50, Max Studio Gold Frame Aviators $90

Girl on the Go

Sheinside Camel Lapel Long Sleeve Split Button Coat $111, Tilly's Full Tilt Lace Back Shirt $18, Mango Jeans $35, Zoe Tee's Scarf $35, Charlotte Russe Sueded Hi-Top Wedge Sneaker $39

Cold weather chic

Cold Weather Chic

Chicnova Black Longline Coat $173, Dorothy Perkins Black Square Knit Jumper $35, Seven for All Mankind Olive Second Skin Jean Leggings $147, ALDO Graziana Sneakers $110

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Photo credits: WENN.com WENN.com, STS/WENN.com, TNYF/WENN.com

We all know that pregnant women get a gorgeous glow — not only from the happiness that pregnancy can bring but from hormones working overtime! However, sometimes the outlook is not so pretty. Nausea, fatigue, over-zealous hormones combined with having to avoid most skin care products with harsh chemicals or treatments force moms-to-be to alter their regular beauty regimens. I spoke with real moms and mom bloggers to find out what the biggest change in their beauty routine was during pregnancy.

Woman putting lotion on stomach

When I first became pregnant, I know that my biggest change was not being able to get wrinkle-freezing treatments on my forehead! I came up with a quick fix by asking my hairdresser to cut bangs. Thanks to pregnancy hormones, my hair was long and thick and bangs added a chic and fun change to my look! The advice from real moms ranged from treating pregnancy-related issues, like stretch marks and melasma, to adding simple ways to perk up their look while pregnant.

Here's what they shared:

Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing System

Mom favorite: Clarisonic system

Kerrie Thompson, mom of four boys

I was not able to use any retinol, glycolic or vitamin C products during my pregnancy. I made sure to exfoliate my skin and I bought the Clarisonic system. I also had a few microdermabrasion treatments to keep the texture of my skin in good shape.

Romy Schorr, mom of one and blogger at RomyRaves

I had to lay off my go-to, more aggressive anti-aging products like retinol and hydroquinone because they could possibly have damaging side effects during pregnancy.

Jennifer Brandt, mommy and blogger at Perfectly Disheveled

Lotion! I used more lotion than I ever had in my life on EVERY. PART. OF. MY. BODY. Other than that, I wore as much makeup as I do now and still did my hair… In fact, I wouldn't leave to go to the hospital until I had fully blow dried my hair when in labor.

"I wouldn't leave to go to the hospital until I had fully blow dried my hair when in labor."

Molly Skyar, mom of two and parenting blogger at ConversationswithMyMother.com

I had never had a facial before I was pregnant, but during my first pregnancy, I developed terrible acne. Gigantic undergrounders that would come out of nowhere and were mostly concentrated on my face. It was awful. About half-way through, my girlfriend suggested I get a facial to change the PH balance of my skin. I couldn't imagine that would help, but at that point, I was desperate! I got a facial and she was right — it cleared up the acne and I had a lot less of it to deal with for the rest of my pregnancy.

Shelby Barry, mom of two

Well, it was actually nothing that I even tried to do, but I think my hair and skin were the best ever when I was pregnant. I slept a lot earlier so I got more than enough sleep. I didn't drink caffeine or alcohol so my skin looked better than ever and just naturally your hair is longer and shiny because of the vitamins. I felt better than ever when I was pregnant .

Charli Eaton, mom of one

Using all-natural based products. No chemicals, no animal testing.

Other ways moms can feel beautiful while pregnant

Beauty for pregnant women should include products or treatments that do not involve harsh chemicals. Good options include microdermabrasion instead of a glycolic peel, blowouts for your hair, manicures and pedicures.

Pregnant beauty products

In terms of skin care, try a skin care line targeted toward pregnancy, such as Belli Cosmetics. If acne is a problem, try Belli’s Anti-Blemish Facial Wash, which contains lactic acid and lemon peel oil .

For those who color their hair, this can be a big challenge as well. Most doctors will advise you to wait until after the first trimester to color your hair and to stick with semi-permanent hair colors, such as highlights . Any treatments should also be done in a well-ventilated area, to reduce inhaling any chemicals or fumes.

For manicures and pedicures, try a nail polish brand like Zoya , which has more than 240 colors and doesn't contain toxins like formaldehyde and toluene. If you find your skin looking blotchy from hyperpigmentation, apply a corrective concealer to problem areas with a concealer brush. One to try is Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer .

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When you lead a busy life, your personal style can take a hit. You rely on the same outfits to get you through the week. But you don't need to compromise time for style. These simple outfits can help you look pulled together in 10 minutes or less.

First date

Outfit for a first date

The new beau in your life is looking to take you out ASAP. You want to look sweet and approachable with a little touch of sexy. This look brings the best of both worlds. This cobalt blue mini skater dress is combined with opaque tights , which offer a little bit of leg without being vulgar. Top off your shoulders with this adorable mustard yellow cardigan , cobalt pumps , a chunky ring and a classy "collar" necklace . When that sweater comes off, it's suddenly va va voom!

Total outfit cost: $297

Night out

Outfit for a night out

More than color, texture or prints, going-out looks are about finding out what looks good on your body. Tailored, structured looks are sure to be a hit in a sea of tube dresses. Class it up with this super-cute black-and-white print peplum top paired with the perfect dark-wash skinny jeans . Peplum shirts hide tummy problem areas while form-fitting skinnies accentuate muscles for cute thighs, calves and butts. Make those legs shine even more with this pair of sultry-yet-comfy wedges , and then add a bit of color with a waist-defining turquoise belt , itty bitty clutch and face-framing earrings .

Total outfit cost: $409

Running errands

Outfit for running errands

Ditch the yoga pants, chick. You know you didn't just come from the gym. This everyday errand-running outfit is the perfect swap for your dumpy comfy pants. Head to the grocery store in style with this super-chic midi skirt topped with a tucked-in tank for a figure-defining look. Nude accessories are the ultimate neutrals. This massive patent bag will hold your wallet, touch-up makeup, hairbrush, grocery lists and more as you head from store to store. Toss on a pair of supportive flats and a gorgeous statement necklace to make it all come together.

Total outfit cost: $255

At the office

Outfit for work

If you work at an office and don't already own a pencil skirt, what are you waiting for? These figure-defining skirts perfectly blend with just about any top in your wardrobe. Here, we used a sleeveless tie-top blouse , which would look fabulous tucked into the skirt . Then, we added a touch of color with this fashion-forward cross-body bag , a chunky bracelet and to-die-for blue-green pumps . If you work at a more conservative office, adding tights and a blazer into the mix will work seamlessly.

Total outfit cost: $273

Tip: See a look you love? Snap a picture and pin it to the start screen of your Windows Phone for instant inspiration when you’re shopping for new outfits.

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When your weekday mommy wardrobe mainly consists of jeans and a T-shirt, it's easy to forget that you might actually need to release wrinkles from your dressier clothing. And oh no! Just minutes before you head out the door, you realize your favorite dressy top is filled with frumpy wrinkles. Not to worry. Anyone can manage these handy wrinkle tricks on the fly.

Bye bye wrinkles

Steam it up

You're about to take your daily shower when you realize your work pants are creased and crinkled. Skip the iron — clip them on a pants hanger and let the steam do the work!

Take your typical warm-to-hot shower, making sure to close the door behind you so steam builds in the bathroom. As soon as you get out, dry off and head over to your pants.

Section by section, hold the fabric taut until the wrinkles release. This might not work for deep wrinkles, but for tiny creases, it easily does the trick.

Wrinkle release spray

There are many types of wrinkle release spray on the market, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser. Or you can simply make you own with one teaspoon of white fabric softener and one cup of water. Mix them in a water bottle with a fine mist setting. Keep a travel-size bottle in your purse or car for emergency situations. When a wrinkle problem presents itself, simply mist the article of clothing and hold the section taut, exactly as described in the steam method. When you don't have steam at your disposal, this might be your best bet!

The car window

On those extra hot, blaringly sunny summer days, you can use the weather to release your wrinkles, all while making the drive to your destination. When you're ready to head out the door, place your garment on a hanger on the hook above the door in the back of your car. Make sure the garment is facing directly toward the sun. Just as an iron would apply heat to release wrinkles, the sun will do the same. When you're ready to wear the garment, simply pull it taut to make sure all the wrinkles are released.

Dryer method

So maybe that shirt has been on your floor a little longer than you're willing to admit. When it's ready for a wear, simply pop it in the dryer on high heat for five minutes.

The heat will release the wrinkles. Plus, the spinning drum will make sure the shirt doesn't develop any new wrinkles in the process.

Once five minutes are up, immediately pull out the garment and wear it.

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Quick hairstyles for moms

We know you're busy, mama, but we guarantee you have time for these hairstyles.

Moms are super busy, but that's no reason to give up your good looks! These five-minutes hairstyles can be put together quick in the mornings, and you'll look like a rock star all day long. You go, mama!

The Beachwaver

The beachwaver

There's nothing like running errands and busing kids around while looking like you've been lounging on the beach! The Beachwaver is a hair tool that might look a little intimidating, but is really quite simple to use. In just a few minutes, you can go from flat, boring hair to fun, beachy waves. Stylist Sarah Potempa shows you how to create perfect beachy waves with this hand styling tool.

Learn how to use a Beachwaver>>

The top knot

All you need is a hair wrap and an elastic tie to create the perfect top knot.

It's a great way to get your hair up and out of your face without falling back on a boring ponytail.

Stylist Sarah Potempa shows you how to complete this look in minutes.

Learn how to create the top knot>>

The pseudo bob

We all want a short and sassy look every now and then, but we're not all willing to chop off our locks to get it. Stylist David John shows you how to make you long hair look like a short bob — no scissors necessary! How fun is that?

Learn how to create the pseudo bob>>

The low, loose bun

The low, loose bun is perfect for a bad hair day . It takes just minutes to put together, but looks like you spent hours in front of the mirror. Celebrity stylist David John shows you how to get the look. You won't believe how easy it is!

Learn how to create the low, loose bun>>

Tip: Simply pin this page to your start screen on your Windows Phone, and the next time you feel a bad hair day coming on, you’ve got style savers right at your fingertips!

Up next: A real mom test drives these styles >>

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