Affordable fall beauty secrets revealed

(ARA) - In the sea of beauty lotions and potions, how do you know what really works and is worth your hard-earned dollar? It's best to trust the experts who test them all so you know what is fabulous, and what will flounder.

Polly Blitzer, founder and editor-in-chief of BeautyBlitz.com, has spent years immersed in the beauty industry. Today she offers her insider tips for getting the best style at an affordable price:

Tip 1: Utilize the Internet for beauty buzz and best buys

The Internet is a great place to research, find and buy beauty products. There are blogs, sites and forums devoted solely to helping you look good and they can even save you time and money by weeding through the fads and helping you cut through the beauty aisle clutter. Blitzer recommends drugstore.com for their deals on top products.

Tip 2: As weather cools, keep hair healthy and shiny

When looking at hair products, it's hard to tell if it's worth spending more for expensive treatments. What's the difference between pricey and less expensive products? There are a few things that could account for the price difference – packaging, exotic ingredients, small manufacturing facilities, etc. That doesn’t mean, however, that products without those are any less effective. Look for hair care products that have won numerous awards by beauty and fashion magazines since they have expertise in the area.

To get sexy autumn locks at an affordable price, try Pantene Pro-V products. Experts agree that Pantene products provide damage protection that even the leading salon brands can't beat and the line was even recently awarded the "Good Housekeeping" Institute Seal.

Tip 3: Utilize household staples

When looking to save a buck and still look fabulous, see what you have around your house. Always stock up on cotton swabs because they can be used for virtually anything. Clear nail polish goes beyond nail use – fix a quick loose stitch on the bottom of your pants or stop an itching mosquito bite.

Tip 4: Think quality skin care for less

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a quality skin care product. Magazines and beauty editors say great things about – and give plenty of awards to – drugstore favorite Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. Priced at $25, it recently outperformed pricier luxury creams costing as much as $350 in testing by the "Good Housekeeping" Institute. Its high quality ingredients and both immediate and long-term results make it a great buy.

Tip 5: Focus on the fall beauty trends

Metallic nail polishes are in this season – everything from silvers to bronzes to golds. The red lip is still on-trend as is the smoky eye, although it’s been freshened up by using soft grays instead of severe blacks. Finally, on cheeks, try a nice pink flush to give yourself an almost fairy or pixie look. Blitzer likes CoverGirl’s Cheekers collection, also a regular winner in the beauty magazine competitions.

Tip 6: Get the hair color to match the look

Want to find a way to extend the time between your salon visits without sacrificing great looking color? Current at-home dye kits are very easy to use. One that particularly stands out is Clairol Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy. It was the most awarded at-home hair color in 2008 by beauty editors at national beauty magazines because it’s the first to offer high-gloss hair color that covers 100 percent of grays in just 10 minutes. Look for rich, shiny colors this fall in shades of gold.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Three beauty looks to get ready for the holiday party season

(ARA) - With the season of soirees upon us, the ultimate look is needed to stand out among the crowd of little black dresses. With a few simple steps, it’s easy to have the appearance of professionally done makeup without emptying your wallet. Be your own makeup artist by trying these three looks from the pros to accent your best features.

Smokey eyes
International makeup artist, Jemma Kidd recommends a dramatic smoky eye to pump-up the glam.

Step 1 – Sweep a light highlighter shade over the whole lid to the browbone.

Step 2 – Apply a dark and intense shade along the lashline, blending up and smoking outwards to the socket line.

Step 3 – Smudge eyeliner across upper and lower lashline; use black for ultra intensity.

Step 4 – Finish off with dark, black mascara, and for a full on look, go for false eyelashes. For an ultra-modern take, add a touch of glitter to lower lids and lashes.

Tip: To finish off the face, use a nearly-naked base, with barely-there flush on cheeks and a nude color for the lips.

Natural perfection
Petra Strand, makeup artist and creator of Pixi, firmly believes that makeup should make a woman look like herself – only more gorgeous.

Step 1 - Prime the skin with a primer – skin will look youthful, glowing and hydrated.

Step 2 - Switch to a base that is sheer and use a concealer for those areas that need a little extra help. Your complexion will look naturally flawless.

Step 3 - Use a cheek gel instead of regular blush to give an instant "lift" with a transparent touch of color on the apples of the cheeks.

Step 4 - Switch from full coverage lipsticks to a tint of color that has both the moisture and treatment of a balm for a perfect pout.

Tip: The next generation of powders is here with a diffused matte finish that is truly perfect to "set your makeup" so that it goes the distance yet you look "fresh as a daisy."

Sophisticated glamour
For classic holiday glam, celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis recommends being bold and brilliant.

Step 1 – Prime your skin for a flawless canvas for makeup application and follow with your perfect foundation match for full coverage and matte skin.

Step 2 – Make a lip statement. Red lips are the most glamorous trend of the season. Pick your favorite red and make sure to always apply lip liner to prevent bleeding. To give the illusion of fuller lips, dab some gloss only on the center of the pout, over lipstick.

Step 3 – To perfectly complement your bold lips, keep the eyes neutral. Use a neutral and easy palette of taupe eye shadows for a seductive eye.

Tip: Complete the look with black mascara – always remember that three coats is the magic number, and a look is never complete without show-stopping lashes.

Don’t have all that’s needed for the ultimate glam look to show off your best assets? Relax, Target has you covered. Pick up premiere makeup products at budget-friendly prices from Pixi, JK Jemma Kidd and NP Set at Target stores nationwide and at target.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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L'Oreal Reveals Beauty Habits in the Face of Recession

/PRNewswire/ -- In an ongoing effort to better understand women's beauty routines, L'Oreal, in its 100th year, commissioned an international usage survey. The research featured some unexpected findings about how women's makeup habits are adapting in response to the recession, including how women are using makeup to get ahead at work.

The Beauty Barometer survey asked 4,000 women in the U.S. and four European countries about their cosmetic products and usage. And findings revealed that while women have changed the shades they purchase to be more "natural," they won't be giving up their favorite products anytime soon. Survey highlights include:

-- Nearly half of U.S. women surveyed believe wearing makeup gives them
an advantage at work and makes them feel more in control
-- Four out of 10 U.S. women are wearing more neutral shades and a more
natural makeup style than before the recession

-- The majority of women surveyed believe wearing makeup makes them feel
more self confident, and even more believe that wearing makeup
improves their self image (82 percent and 86 percent respectively)

Proving that beauty is recession-proof, nine out of 10 women in the United States and Europe reported no change in makeup usage despite the economic crisis.

Women won't compromise on their hair either - when it comes to saving money, most U.S. women surveyed (63 percent) have not cut their hair to make it less expensive to maintain.

L'Oreal has led the beauty industry for the past 100 years through a keen understanding of consumer attitudes and preferences. The brand's goal has always been to make beauty accessible to all and to develop products that meet the cultural preferences and beauty needs of women and men around the globe.

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Why Look Older When You Can Look Simply Ageless?

(NAPSI)-If you think you're looking older, you may have your foundation to blame.

Different techniques and approaches work best at different ages, so it's best to periodically reconsider the products you use and the way you apply them.

For example, Dr. Zoe Draelos, clinical and research dermatologist, points out that "Females typically wear facial foundation at least eight hours a day, so a formulation that helps improve skin condition can have profound benefits over time, especially for women with sensitive skin."

The routines you use in your teens and 20s may actually work against you in your 30s, 40s and 50s. Here are some tips from the experts:

• After 35, less is better. Heavy makeup can accentuate wrinkles by settling into fine lines. You may want to use a foundation with added vitamins and antioxidants such as CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation to achieve a smooth, even finish and skin tone.

"When applying foundation, it's important to only apply where needed, then blend throughout. Simply Ageless is great because the formula is light and sheer but easily buildable for full coverage," says Molly R. Stern, CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist.

• Opt for a cream blush. Powder blush can provide an unnaturally heavy spot of color that does not blend easily. A cream blush will give your skin a natural, dewy, glow that will look like it's coming from inside instead of the color just sitting on the skin.

• Focus on the eyes. Choose lighter (charcoal, gray, blue and brown) rather than black eyeliner, which can make eyes look small and can also emphasize fine lines around the eyes. Choose lighter shades for eye shadow as they tend to visually open the eyes. Keep your eyebrows in shape and a little fuller. A too-fine brow line can be aging.

• Lighten up. Choose a lighter shade of lipstick and preferably one with a hint of gloss. Also, stick to warm shades. Shades with blue undertones can make mature lips look cold.

Finding the right shades and products is easier than ever, as there are an increasing number of products on the market for mature skin. In this economy, drugstores can be a great alternative to spending department store prices, and can offer products that are just as effective. CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation is part of a new generation of anti-aging makeup that stays suspended over fine lines and wrinkles, making them look less noticeable and providing beautiful flawless skin. The formula helps promote collagen generation and contains antioxidants to help protect the skin from free radicals.

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Oscar Recap From Beauty & Style Expert, Sue Devitt

/PRNewswire/ -- International style expert and celebrity makeup artist, Sue Devitt offers her commentary from last night's 81st annual Oscars and the spotlight's all about color. Attending the Oscars to offer style and beauty commentary for the Red Carpet coverage of E!'s pre-show programming, Sue thought color was the big show-stopper.

"Color represents Hollywood's most profound makeup direction right now ... from blue and purple, green and coral, the Red Carpet is bursting with vibrant, bold shades," says Sue. While last year's approach reflected a sharp emphasis on brown smokey eyes, right now, eyes are being defined with primary and tertiary hues. The trick to applying strong color in a classically beautiful way, advises Sue, is to practice moderation. "Use color to rim and add dimension to the lash line and if you wear a bright eye, use more neutral shades on lips and cheeks," adds Sue.

When going for a dramatic, glamorous lip, it doesn't always have to be about red, remarks Sue. "Opt for a fruit colored lip that is the perfect balance between feminine and fun. Pink and coral shades work best for this look whether you're on the Red Carpet, the boardroom or the beaches of Ibiza. But make sure you keep the tone soft and muted for a classic look." The Oscars are the perfect prelude to Spring and Summer looks with actresses being the first to tout upcoming trends. That said, color seems to be a major contender as a "must look" for the upcoming season.

Sue thought the overall aesthetic was classic, sophisticated, and that looks were beautifully paired with ornate jewelry and accessories. Among her favorite Hollywood looks of the evening were Natalie Portman, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry and Queen Latifah. "Each of these women looked exquisite, with perfect symmetry between makeup, hair and dress. These women weren't afraid to experiment with bold colors on the red carpet; truly Oscar worthy."

Sue Devitt is a top international makeup artist whose work has graced the runways of Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino. Devitt continues to work with her A-list clients for Red Carpet events including the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, the Cannes Film Festival, the Toronto Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.

Her successful treatment-based skin and makeup collection, Sue Devitt Beauty is available in the United States at Barney's New York, select ULTA stores, www.beauty.com and luxury boutiques and spas. Sue Devitt Beauty is also available in the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico City, Korea and the Philippines.

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Makeup Artist, Paige Padgett Predicts Top Beauty Trends for 2009

/PRNewswire/ -- The overall makeup theme for 2009 is free-spirited, yet polished. There is a strong focus on texture and finish. New, high-tech products will create interesting finishes. The trend in cosmetic spending is eco-friendly. The buzz words in beauty are sustainable, ethical, organic and natural.

-- The Nude Face has come back in a variety of manifestations. But don't
assume it's seamless; from primers to a myriad of skin-preps, this is
makeup worked to the max. The face is flawlessly finished. This look
is highly groomed and uber sophisticated.

-- Gloss, Glitter, and Gossamer is a key beauty story this year. Cheeks
will glimmer with luminizer. Eyes will sparkle with glitter. Skin will
gleam with gloss.

-- Metallics create instant luxe. And who doesn't want that? Faces will
be drenched in gold, bronze, copper, and platinum.

-- Eco and Ethical is tipped for the greatest opportunity for growth.
Organic Monitor published late last year valued the global organic and
naturals market at $7bn, and forecast that it would surpass the $10bn
mark by the end of the decade.

-- India and China are setting trends. Cosmetic companies and consumers
alike are looking to authentic remedies from the East for beauty
inspiration such as traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvidic Medicine.

Paige Padgett has been a successful makeup artist for more than 5 years. She has worked on TV shows including "Shear Genius 2," "The Biggest Loser," and the "Today" show. She has done work for Self Magazine, Nike, "Got Milk" campaign and developed a line of makeup for Randolph Duke for HSN, as well as working on the runways of Diane von Furstenberg and Badgley Mischka, to name a few. Paige has worked with the Environmental Media Association, is a contributing writer for Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa and is the beauty expert for JillianMichaels.com where she writes a green beauty blog.

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Shine This Holiday Season

(NAPSI)-The holidays are around the corner and it can be easy to achieve a holiday-ready look at home. Hollywood's top celebrity stylists explain that shine and shimmer are key trends this season and offer tips to achieve a shine-inspired look.

Celebrity stylist and star of "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" Gretta Monahan says, "The 'must have' look of the season is all about shine. Increase your shine potential with hair products and accessories that accentuate the natural style and texture of hair."

Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal predicts shimmery cheeks and luminous eyes-the perfect complement to chic and shiny hair -will carry over from the fall season for sophisticated holiday style.

Monahan and Roncal lay out some shine-infused looks that are easy enough to try at home and are universal enough for everyone.

Chic Sleek Shine:

To get started, use products that put shine in your hair. Monahan recommends Dove Shine Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner to give dull, lackluster hair shine. They help to protect, repair and align damaged cuticles to restore hair's ability to reflect light.

For straight hair, slick it back in a sleek ponytail, keeping it close to the scalp for an instant clean and sophisticated look. Finish off the look with a jeweled ponytail holder that is modest in size.

For a makeup look to match, keep eyes neutral with a focus on the cheeks. Achieve a sophisticated shimmer with a dewy, fresh face. Apply cream blush to the apples of the cheeks and finish off with a shimmered powder highlighter.

Modern Natural Shine:

For curls and waves, dry your hair halfway on low setting with a blow-dryer, then let your hair take a break from the heat and see the natural body bounce to life. Polish the look and add sheen with a satin bow headband.

Achieve a makeup look to complement this hairstyle with gilded eyes enhanced with rich metallic shadows, especially gold and silver.

To pull this off during the day, apply a metallic shade of gold across the eyelid or just to highlight under the brow bone, tear duct and cheekbones. To make your eyes shine, dab a little extra shadow in the inner corner of your eyes for a completely polished look.

Roncal recommends, "Be sure you are always holiday-party prepared-throw a Q-tips purse pack in your clutch. Q-tips are the ultimate beauty tool, especially for precise makeup application, blending and touch-ups."

Visit dovehair.com for a free sample of Dove Shine Therapy. For more holiday makeup tips, visit www.qtips.com.

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Keep Your Eyes Beautiful With Safe Makeup Tips

(NAPSI)-Department store and drugstore makeup aisles are filled with a tempting array of makeup colors and products for the eyes. But knowing how to apply and remove eye makeup properly will not only make your eyes beautiful; it will also protect your vision as well.

“Makeup is a part of many women’s everyday routine, but they should be aware that improperly applied makeup is a risk to the eye,” says Cynthia Bradford, M.D., clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma. “Even something as simple as testing a sample at the makeup counter can lead to problems. We want the public to know how to look their best without jeopardizing their eye health.”

Through its EyeSmart campaign, the Academy wants to remind consumers to use healthy and safe habits when using and testing makeup. Dr. Bradford explains: “Proper care and caution when using makeup can prevent eye infections that range from minor cases that can be treated with medication to more serious cases that could impair vision.”

Here are some safe makeup tips from Dr. Bradford:

Infection: It’s very important to remember that makeup expires, especially eye makeup. Eye makeup should be thrown away three months after it is purchased but immediately if you develop an eye infection when you are using it. Liquid or creamy makeup can harbor bacteria easily. Once you open and use mascara, cream eye shadow or face base, you should replace it within three months. If you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your ophthalmologist tells you it is safe to do so and then only use fresh, new makeup. Never share your makeup with anyone else.

Allergy: If you tend to be easily allergic when you try a new product, introduce only one new product at a time. If there is no reaction, you can add another new product. If you try a new product line of makeup and add too many products at once, it is hard to pinpoint which one is the offending product. If you notice that you become allergic to a product, you should find out what the ingredients are in the product and bring that to your doctor’s attention. Dr. Bradford recommends using the least amount of products on or around your eyes to prevent irritation or infection.

Applying: When applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean before you begin. Never apply makeup over the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid, as these oil glands secrete oil that protects the surface of the eye. To avoid covering the oil glands or inadvertently applying makeup directly on the eye, always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye.

Removing: At night, remove all eye makeup, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Use a clean cotton swab to brush along the base of the eyelashes to get the last resistant debris of eye makeup off. If you use an eye makeup remover, make sure you don’t get any in your eye. When you are done, rinse the remover off your eyelids completely to avoid possible irritation of the eye or lids.

If you think you have an eye infection or allergic reaction to your eye makeup, it is important to seek medical help by contacting your ophthalmologist.

Learn about eye diseases and the names of eye M.D.s in your area by visiting www.GetEyeSmart.org.

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Going Glam Could Change The World

(NAPSI)-For two best friends, the best way to celebrate a victory over breast cancer was to launch a new product during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and donate a percentage of the proceeds to finding a cure.

Jerrod Blandino, founder of Too Faced Cosmetics, and Betsy Olum, senior vice president of Sephora, have been "best buds" from the day they met. So when Olum was recovering from breast cancer surgery and asked Blandino to bring back her favorite discontinued Too Faced eye shadow, Heiress, Blandino happily obliged. He even worked with Olum to develop a limited-edition eye shadow duo, renamed Betsy Baby, in honor of her battle with breast cancer.

In addition, Sephora has created a pink ribbon pop-up brush for October. For each $17 Betsy Baby purchase, $9 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; for each $8 brush, $1 will be donated.