EcoColors Hair Dye

Permanent, gluten free, non-toxic and all natural, Eco Colors is available in hair salons and has an at-home hair dye kit option.  Made primarily from 100% organic Rosemary oil it also contains Vitamin E & C, grapefruit, seed extract, nettles and flower essences.  It works well on gray hair, comes in a wide array of colors and provides a high quality shine that helps to restore hair each time it is used.

Light Mountain

This one has been around since the 1980s. Light Mountain is henna based and has a smaller amount of basic color options like red, blonde and brown.  It works by softly tinting hair of all types, especially gray hair.  It is extremely affordable and can be used often.

Clairol’s Natural Instincts

One of the first mass-produced, semi-permanent natural drugstore options Natural Instincts has a range of shades that brightens hair without using ammonia.  You can go from blonde to black at any time and keep hair loaded with antioxidants.  This tint gives good shine while still being low in peroxide and loaded with Vitamins C & E.

Garnier HerbaShine

Garnier has a few options for natural hair coloring but HerbaShine is their star performer.  Made from Bamboo extract this is one luxurious cream that feels silky and rich that cares for hair during the coloring process.  Using an ammonia-free formula is offers brilliant color in over 18 color options.  It is also fast and easy taking only 10 minutes to cover gray hair or test out a new hue in a natural way.  Priced right and sold in drugstores.

L’Oreal’s Natural Match

It may have limited color choices (only brown and dark blonde) but it packs a colorful punch while using only natural ingredients like jojoba, pomegranate and apricot oils.  Giving hair a gorgeously glossy shine it pumps up dull, dry hair and is ammonia-free.  Highly affordable, Natural Match is available in drugstores everywhere.

Today there are a wide set of options to color your hair naturally in beautiful, shiny shades that are also less damaging to your hair, body and the environment.  Ask your stylist if they can also be used on your next salon visit.

All Lined Up

Eyeliner is having a moment right now and it is a big one. It is all about finding new ways to experiment with one of the beauty industry’s often shunned products.  We buy liners with good intention and for experimentation but then tend to move away from wearing them beyond the cursory swipe.  Don’t be shy, girl!  Break out the black, the bold and the colored pens or sticks.  It is time to wing it out, cat-eye it up (thick or thin lines) and get free.  Rim your eyes in a dark tone and smudge it out a little bit for an updated take.

Paging Debbie Gibson

Blue eye shadow and eyeliner keeps trying to come back in style.  By the looks of the latest fashion magazines and blogs it might have finally taken root.  The switch for 2013 is that – rather than wearing the eye shadow on the eyelid – it is being placed just under the eye on the lower eyelid.  Bright blue, cerulean and even baby blue shades were seen on many models walking the spring catwalks. Designers like Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff and Monique Lhuillier showed off various versions of this bright blue hue. Lining the bottom lid with a shadow or creamy liner is not a subtle look but it can be a fun one when the top lid is muted in shades of bone or beige. Can’t you just see yourself sitting poolside or heading out for a night with friends all lined in blue?

Get Smokey

The dark grey or black version of the smokey eyes is still in style – but this spring and summer you can change it up with a softer, smokey eye in brown tones. Bobbi Brown illustrates this beautifully.  Using a light base of cream shadow from lid to brow bone then apply a subtle brown in taupe or fawn color to create the smokey effect.  Using a deep brown chocolate liner plays is up further. It’s a look that works on everyone.

Fake It

Another hot trend is the fake eyelash. Kim Kardashian might just be your new style queen. She reigns supreme over the long lash style gracing the runways and fashion glossies. Using a few well-placed false lashes you can draw attention to your eyes, making them appear bigger and you look more awake.

Shop this set at Polyvore

Lighten Up

In the warmer months we wear (or should) lighter make-up and want our skin to look brand new and blemish free.  The goal is to wear less make-up and the best place to start is by changing your moisturizer. Ditch the heavy winter creams and pick up a suitable day lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it daily and don’t forget the ears – which can burn easily. Your eye cream doesn’t have to change but you might want to find a lighter night cream as well.

Masquerade

A good face mask is one that clears and hydrates your skin while giving it a soft glow. If you want something that fights wrinkles and fine lines a cloth masque can plump up skin while working against the sands of time.  Clearer skin can be found in this easy DIY mixture of orange juice and baking soda.  It’s a great one for preparing skin for wearing less make-up this time of year.  This masque cleans skin and exfoliates it and works well on hormonal breakouts.

1. Combine 1 tbsp. of real orange juice with 1 tbsp. baking soda.  Use more baking soda to thicken mask, if needed.
2. Apply a thin layer to face. You can use any extra on your neck, if you wish.
3. Leave on for 20 minutes. Keep still to avoid flaking.
4. Using damp finger tips, scrub the mask in circular motions for extra exfoliation.
5. Rinse off.  Use a toner for balance and moisturize to keep skin soft and protected.

Head to Toe

Don’t forget the rest of your body.  Ready your skin for more revealing fashions by exfoliating with a sugar body scrub.  You can pick up one at your local drugstore, beauty, department store or make one at home using white or brown sugar (about a ½ cup) mixed with your daily body wash.  If you use self-tanning lotions or gels this will get skin ready for application too.

Last, take a look at your feet. Are they cracked and dry from the long, cold winter?  If so, apply a coat of petroleum jelly like Vaseline or a foot balm made from Shea Butter.  Apply it before bed and wear a pair of cotton socks to soften feet fast.

There are many products out there to get your skin ready for its warm weather debut.  From lotions to creams, scrubs to balms you can find the right scent and type to suit your skincare needs.  Remember that SPF is the most key to it all!

You Are Not My Sunshine

Stay out of the sun.  One of the best (and safest) things you can do to prevent signs of aging is to protect it from the sun.  Harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause wrinkles, pesky dark spots and possibly future cases of skin cancer.  Use a daily, non-pore clogging SPF with a rating of 30 or higher to keep the rays at bay.  Plying your skin with a Vitamin C and E rich anti-oxidant serum will keep your skin looking good for years to come.

P.S. It’s a myth that the sun’s rays can clear up acne.  It might work initially but shortly after the reverse becomes true and the sun can aggravate the skin and cause it to break out even more.

Bad Skin & the Possible Culprits

What you eat contributes a lot to your skin’s appearance.  So take a look at what you are putting into your body and possibly revise your diet.

• Diet soda and refined sugars can create an insulin imbalance. Take it down a notch and watch your skin clear up in a few weeks.
• Dairy consumption can lead to acne. Cow’s milk and cheeses are loaded with hormones which create and imbalance in your body and then the pimples pop out.
• Gluten may be another factor as it can disrupt the digestive system. Eliminating wheat-based foods for weeks at a time can reduce the inflammation.  Instead opt for foods high in fatty acids with Omega-3’s and 6’s like avocado, blueberries, salmon and kale to create great skin.
• Smoking is another way to ensure premature aging in your skin.  It can make complexion gray or yellow, cause wrinkles around the mouth and erase that youthful glow, so stop smoking now.

Just the Basics

It may seem overly simple but doing something as basic as instilling a skincare routine using a daily moisturizer and washing your face (morning and night) with a gentle cleanser can make your skin look fantastic in a very short amount of time.  When skin is high in moisture content the cells line up and skin looks rosier and healthier.   Add a serum and retinol cream to increase your chances of having younger looking skin.  Stick to products that work for you and try not to be swayed by fads.  Exfoliating a few times a week with a brush or scrub will remove dead skin cells and create a fresh complexion.

Having a youthful glow, fresh face or blemish and wrinkle free skin takes time and forethought.  It doesn’t have to be complicated but it does have become routine.

Labels tend to make it even more confusing and overwhelming when we aren’t sure what we’re looking for. Sometimes we are tempted by the lure of labels reading “younger skin in 30 days”. But knowing the safer choices is something we can control. While some skin experts say that if you are applying a product to less than 10% of your body, the systemic risks of chemical ingredients will be extremely low, others only recommend natural or organic skin care saying chemicals can make a difference in your health both now and in the future. And still other experts in skin care have no problems at all with using the newer science-based chemicals and preservatives.

If you are on the path of a more natural, healthy way of living, then you probably already buy organic foods at least part of the time when you shop. You may have turned to green cleaners and eliminated using things like chemical weed killers. So it’s only natural to make sure that the lotions and make up you put on your skin, and your children’s bodies, are safe.

There are some chemicals in current skin care products that are considered dangerous, and others that are listed as unsafe. Knowing what’s in your skin care and making informed decisions about what you purchase is your right. The first thing is to look for a short list of ingredients you can pronounce. Safe items include:

• Essential oils
• Plant derivatives
• Hyaluronic acid
• Collagen
• Aloe
• Vitamin C
• Co Enzyme Q
• Glycerin
• Tocopherol

Next you’ll look to make sure there are none of the ingredients you should avoid, like:

• Parabans – linked to hormone imbalance and  may disrupt the endocrine system. There are varying levels of controversy around these preservatives.
• Synthetic fragrances - many of which contain chemicals harmful to health and certainly aren’t good for people with allergies.
• Phthalates - reported to have toxic impact plus a growing number of studies are showing it to possibly be linked with male reproductive disorders.
• Mineral oils - can block skin and strip natural oils
• EDTA- which doesn’t readily biodegade
• Propylene glycol, acrylates, and carbomer - derived from petroleum
• DEA - associated with known carcinogens
• BHA and BHT - linked to breathing and lung impairment
• Animal testing - cruel and not necessary
• Oxybenzone - a sunscreen linked to irritation, and allergies as well as possible hormone disruption.
• Ceteareth - contains impurities linked to cancer
• Nano particles – not enough is known about long-term effects and research is inconclusive if it’s absorbed into the body
• GM (genetically modified) ingredients – not enough known about long-term implications

If you’re still not sure about reading the labels – you can start off by looking for skin care from a reputable company that clearly states the ingredients on their labels and has several ingredients listed that they do not use. With more companies turning to natural and organic skin care options, we have more choices than ever.  Until the answers are completely clear on what is safe and what is not, and the industry has more regulation over labeling skin care in the U.S, make the best choices that feel good for you and your family. Read our article on toxic chemicals in your home to learn more about the hazards we face every day.

The Not-So-Proper Pastels

Put away those old ideas about pastels being prim. This year’s crop of colors is cream-based and not as polite. Think a shade beyond lilac, a soft yellow with a brighter burst of sun and soft mint green. ButterLondon’s spring collection rocks this look with six new shades that will take you from afternoon tea to a night of tango. Don’t forget to add a scoop of sherbet to your nail polish set. Toned down coral colors like Dior’s Vernis in Delice add a dash of color works on any skin tone. Paint a metallic stripe down the center of the nail in silver, gold or bronze for extra kick.

Nudes with ‘Tude

You scanned the racks of soft pastels and have a cache of last year’s dark nude lacquers. This year it is all about neutral, cream-colored pale nails like Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure in Almost Almond. It works with the minimalist trend from last year that is still going strong. Marc Jacobs showed off milky shades in soft hues that offered a cool contrast to his black and white runway styles. Gucci used pale pinks and peaches together for an alternate two tone manicure. Get this look by swiping on the milkier shade as the base and using the darker pale color at the nail crescent. It’s a bit of a fun, un-done French mani that was also seen on the catwalk at Chanel.

Get Romantic

Going in the complete opposite direction is the slightly romantic and Victorian shades that are both dark and stormy. Jason Wu used a grayish navy shade to great effect at his spring runway show with OPI’s Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees. The dark angel mood was also seen in purple tones at Marchesa using Essie’s Tuxedo and at Vera Wang. When you go gray you break away from the rest of the pack and their cheery colors. The color is subtle and portrays a gothic vibe that can be seen in shades like dove grey to silvers. Check out the Topshop varnish in Granite, NARS Shimmer Nail Polish in Disco Inferno or Essie’s Maximillion Strasse Her to make this stunning alternative from spring’s usual hues.

No matter what your style the shades of spring can be cheery and bright to brighten your day or choose to remain neutral to show off your soft side. When you need to go dark there’s a lacquer for that too. Rest assured we’ve got you covered.

Shop this set at Polyvore

Work Your Backdrop

It is easy to get carried away when you head out for a night on the town.  Remember to keep it simple with your outfit.  Think of it as a backdrop to your ensemble.  Opt for an all-black outfit – whether it is a cute little dress, black pants or skirt.  If you’re going for black bottoms, keep the top basic using a solid but bright pop of color.  Dolman style shirts like one from Victoria’s Secret work well with slim cut or trouser style pants or even a sleek little mini.

Stand Tall

Forget the flats tonight!  Find a pair of heeled boots, spiked or studded heels that add height and lengthens your legs. If super high heels aren’t your thing, try wearing a set of wedges to beautifully off-set an outfit.  Nicole Abloom wedge heels in taupe have a sweet little fabric rose above the peep-toe that create an element of fun. A t-strap shoe or leather ankle strap pump adds vintage style for a unique spin on the night. Studded heels like the BCBG Generation Bennett in Spectrum Blue also let you play with color.

All Made Up

This is quite possibly one of the best parts about going out.  Girls night out is the chance to try the bold and beautiful make-up tricks you’ve been learning via YouTube tutorials (Ssh, we won’t tell!) or the a-bit-too-bright-for-work nail color you just had to buy.  Break out the metallic eye shadow like Bobbi Brown’s Sparkle eye shadow in Bone or Cement, or test out your cat-eye making skills with an extra dramatic swoop.  Test out that hot pink or coral lipstick on your personal focus group.  Check out Valentina an orange poppy lip balm by Stila. Whatever you do, go bright and bold.

Baubles & Bags

Before you step out the door, add that last bit of sparkle with a cocktail ring or chandelier style earrings.  Banana Republic has perfect examples of both with their Pearl Cushion Cocktail ring or Green Combo Chandelier earrings.  Each one makes a statement.  Don’t be weighed down by a hefty bag. Grab a fashionable wristlet or glittery clutch to complete your look.  Etsy always has special designs that are usually one-of-a-kind, amazing finds.

While it’s fun to hit the town with your BFF and crew – the best thing about going out with the girls goes beyond the pretty, sparkly things it is how restorative it is to spend time with dear friends.

Shop this set at Polyvore

Say Yes to Lingerie

Trashy, vampy, and gorgeous: all words used to describe lingerie.  Buy yourself something that you actually want to wear (even if it is only once!) this V-day.  The act alone will add excitement. There is so much to choose from depending on your personal style: sweet or bombshell, petite or plus-size, you can find it.  Lane Bryant is where it’s at for plus-size pieces that are downright desirable.  Their chiffon lace baby doll sets are both pretty and comfortable.  For pure elegance treat yourself to a luxurious nightgown or robe from Nordstrom.  Throw in a good book or that someone special and you have the recipe for racy good time.

Think Pink

February is awash in red.  Hearts, flowers, candy and baubles are all richly ruby.  Change it up and celebrate pink with your ensemble or your face.  Medium to bright pink eye shadow was seen all over the runways this spring and soft to juicy pink lips are also having a moment.  Copy the trend by using the shadow to create a halo effect around the eyes.  Think of it as a sheer wash of color just around the eyes.  Play it up as much as you want.  ButterLondon’s latest pink lacquers ‘Fruit Machine’ and ‘Kerfuffle’ are all the rage this season.

Bathe yourself in luxury by pouring L’Occitane’s latest spring fragrance collection, Spring Cherry into your tub for a relaxing moment alone.  Add a bath bomb from LUSH provides fizzy fun that melts into you and your loved one’s skin while you soak.

Use your accessories to keep the pink going by adding a soft blush purse like the gojane.com metal plate clutch to your wardrobe or a pair of passionately pink ballet flats or hot pink pumps to punch up an outfit. Take a cue from Hayden Panettiere rocked it on the red carpet with a simple white blazer and black pants.  If it is cold throw on a pink scarf or shockingly bright pink gloves for some color on a winter day.

The real secret for a great Valentine’s Day is all about indulging your own desires and passing on the fun whether it is jewel-encrusted, wrapped in leather, cashmere or satin.

Shop this set at Polyvore

Effortless Eyes to Neutral Nails

1. Eyeliner is in full effect right now. The cat-eye is still trendy, but the look is a little more streamlined. Use black eyeliner played tight to the tops and bottoms of the lids and then delicately smudge it out. The runways were dominated by this look. Chanel took it from day to night by adding a sweep of metallic shadow. Great buys in liner include Chanel’s Precision liner which offers a light smudge and L’Oreal’s Double Extend Eye Illuminator with its two liner stick and deep color.

2. Neutral nails are easy to maintain and look good with everything. For winter look to shades in pale pinks and greys to stay current. Essie’s pale pink ‘Ballet Slippers’ is a tried and true classic. Forever 21 ‘Pale Grey’ is affordable and a beautiful soft grey that offers up a new way to decorate your tips. Get bold with Pantone’s color of the year Emerald green. Sephora teamed up with OPI for a muted take on this trend.

3. Don’t bother pinning down a lip look for this season. 2013 lips are all about what works for you and your outfit on any given day. Need a boost? Get a bold, matte lip in orange or bright pink (think Dior’s ‘Diva’ for pink) for a pop of color that adds energy to your day. Want to go more tame? Opt for nude lips, like Revlon’s Colorburst in Crème Brulee.

Statements in Hair

1. Running late? Hair still damp? Low ponytails are one of the best ways to look chic fast. Seen all over the spring runways, including Alexander Wang, you just gather your hair at the base of your neck and secure it with a ponytail holder.  Adding a ribbon or jeweled clip makes it extra chic.

2. Make a statement with hair accessories this winter and spring. There is no need to worry that the beaded headband you got for the holidays will have to stay stashed in a drawer. Headbands, bows, barrettes and more are here to stay. Pearl adorned ties and bands were on the seen at Chanel for spring. The beaded baubles, ribbons and honeycomb hair pieces are both elegant and put together when paired with low-slung or side-parted knots and ponytails.

When it comes to hair and make-up in 2013 the approach is more minimalist. Pick a hair style, lip or eye look and play that one area up and tone down the rest. Less is truly more right now.

Shop this set at Polyvore

Lemons

These sunny palm-sized fruits don’t just smell good, they have a lot of health benefits too.  Lemons are anti-viral, immune-boosting and loaded with antioxidants. Add fresh lemon juice to warm water to help fight infections, cleanse your system and eradicate harmful free radicals from your blood.  If you have oily skin then try this deliciously easy lemon oatmeal mask to fight dirt and acne.

Mask Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, chilled oatmeal
• 2 tbsps. lemon juice

Combine both items in a small bowl and mix together well. Apply to face evenly and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse clean with warm water.  Use up to one time per week.

Brown Sugar

We all know that brown sugar makes your food taste sweeter.  Did you know that it can be used as facial scrub or body exfoliate?  Oh, indeed.

Body Scrub Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sweetened almond oil
• 1 tsp. Vitamin E

Combine together and use as a full body scrub while in the shower.  It rinses off easily and makes for super soft, moisturized skin.

Facial Scrub Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3-4 ripe strawberries, hulled.

Mash strawberries with a fork and add brown sugar.  Mix well and apply to face.  Scrub in circular motions over cheeks, and back and forth on the forehead and chin.  Leave on for a few minutes for added exfoliation.  Rinse clean.

Baking Soda

You know that old saying about small packages and big things? Well it definitely applies to that little box of baking soda and its numerous possibilities that reach beyond home cleaning.  Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a gentle facial scrub.  Add it to your shampoo to remove build-up from your scalp.  Use it as a hand softener, excellent in the winter months, by combining one part liquid hand soap to three parts baking soda.  The list goes on too.  You can add a teaspoon to a small glass of water to create a non-alcoholic mouthwash or add a dash to post-gym hair to add volume and eliminate oil.  Baking soda is one small wonder with man uses!

Share the ways you use these home ingredients and others.