How to Wear a Scarf

By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide

Do Choose a Sophisticated Monochromatic Look

Tone-on-tone scarf and outfit looks work best with neutrals -- black, navy, camel, cream -- and take on a sophisticated vibe when you mix fabrics (satin, shine, wool, etc.) Charlize Theron's all-black is elegant because she paired a long knit scarf with a metallic jacket. 

Get This Look: Take a long scarf and hold it in front of you. Twist it a few times in the middle, then toss the ends straight over your back. Bring each end back to the front on the opposite side and leave the ends to dangle.


Don't Think a Scarf Can Save a Bad Outfit

Even gorgeous Faith Hill looks frumpy in a voluminous shirt and skinny scarf.

Faux Pas to Fab: Save skinny scarves for more fitted tops and jackets. Although monochromatic looks can be chic, they can also be boring unless you mix textures.


Do Wear a Flattering Color Next to Your Face

A flattering pop of color -- like Anjelica Huston's choice of a red scarf -- can add lots of excitement to a winter coat look.

Get This Look: Wear a long, fringed winter scarf -- in cashmere, blends, wool or knit -- tied once close to your neck to get this look.


Don't Overwhelm Your Look with a Scarf

It may have been a stab at being trendy, but Julianne Moore's oversized scarf looks like it's choking her.  

Faux Pas to Fab: Skip the trend of giant knotted scarves on your neck, and go for a more timeless look with a simply draped or tied scarf.


Do Make a Scarf Your Spotlight Accessory

Olivia Palermo's white scarf, which contrasts nicely with her black pantsuit, is all she needs for a sophisticated evening look.  

Get This Look: Start with a long scarf, holding it midpoint in front of your neck. Toss the ends over your back, then pull the ends forward on the opposite sides of your shoulder and leave the ends to dangle.


Don't Throw on a Scarf as an Afterthought

Throwing on a random scarf with an cocktail dress doesn't work for Diane Krueger.

Faux Pas to Fab: Eveningwear works best with a pashmina shawl, gracefully draped around the shoulders.


Do Wear a Scarf for Dressy Events

Cameron Diaz adds color and warmth with a scarf tossed over a dress.  

Get This Look: Use a larger scarf or shawl and toss the ends over each side. You can use a decorative brooch to keep it in place.


Don't Overaccessorize

A scarf and a floppy hat for Naomi Watts is too much of a good thing (it's only a pair of sunglasses short of looking like a disguise).  

Faux Pas to Fab: Wear a smaller brimmed or knit hat with a large scarf so the two accessories don't compete with each other.


Do Try a Print Scarf

Kelly Osbourne's natty Burberry plaid scarf sets off her coat perfectly.  

Get This Look: Loosely drape a long scarf around the front of your neck, pulling the ends over opposite sides and letting them hang free.

Children's Shoe Size Conversion Chart - Inches to International

Boys and Girls Shoe Sizes

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

When shopping for children's shoes online, or around the world, the numbers can get kind of confusing; in addition to manufacturer's variations, there are different shoe size charts.

The following chart will help you convert kids' shoe sizes, but remember, the best way to get the proper fit is by having your child try on the shoes, or to measure your child's feet and compare those measurements to the size charts offered by the manufacturer.

If you do by online, be sure to check for a return policy in case the shoes don't fit.

After checking the chart below, you may want to check out these Children's Shoe Shopping Tips.

 

Boys and Girls Conversion Chart

 

Inches	US / Canada	Europe	Japan	UK
5.38	6.5	23	-	5.5
5.56	7	23.5	14	6
5.75	7.5	24	-	6.5
5.88	8	24.5	15	7
6.06	8.5	25	-	7.5
6.25	9	25.5	16	8
6.38	9.5	26	-	8.5
6.47	10	26.5	16.5	9
6.67	10.5	27	-	9.5
6.83	11	27.5	17.5	10
6.98	11.5	28	-	10.5
7.14	12	28.5	18.5	11
7.30	12.5	29	-	11.5
7.46	13	30	19	12
7.77	1	31	20	13
7.93	1.5	31.5	20.5	13
8.09	2	32.5	21	1
8.25	2.5	33	21.5	1.5
8.40	3	33.5	22	2

Character Shoes Your Kids will Love

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

When it comes to kids' shoes, it can be hard to make both you and your child happy. Kids' shoes need to be durable, but if you want to avoid a scene at the shoe store, you might want to consider shoes that will also make your children happy.

Let's face it, we all want our shoes to look good, and kids are no different! These top character shoes will make everyone happy.

 

1. Spiderman Kid's Shoes will Delight Young Super Heroes

If your kid loves Spiderman, these kid's shoes will definitely do the trick. With a cool slip-on style and rubber outsoles, these shoes are mostly black with Spiderman images on the vamp.

2. Meow Kitty Rain Boots from Western Chief

Some of the cutest rainboots I've ever seen, and will brighten even the greyest of days. Pink with a cat face on the vamp, and cat tail winding up the side, these children's rain boots even have handles to make pulling them on a breeze.

3. Hannah Montana Shoes

These cute sneakers feature every girls' favorite pop star on the side, and lots of pink accents. The double mary jane straps are a nice touch, and the rhinestone accents are sure to please.

4. Hello Kitty Boots for Rain and Fun

These rain boots are so cute I can hardly stand it, and they're sure to please little Hello Kitty fans in your own house as well. Available in toddler and youth sizes, the best part is they're totally practical too.

5. Pirates of The Caribbean Shoes for Kids

Classic sneakers with a Pirates of The Caribbean theme, these black lace-ups feature a skull and cross bones on the side, and plenty of personality to boot.

Children's Shoes

Tips & Advice for Choosing the Right Shoes for Children

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

Unlike many adults, kids don't really enjoy shopping for shoes. But at the rate they outgrow them, trying shoes on is absolutely essential for growing feet. Here are some tips that will help you be certain that your children's shoes fit properly, and remove some of the nightmare elements of shopping for kids' shoes. 

When to Buy New Shoes for Your Child

Unless your child complains that they are uncomfortable, you may not know when it's time for a new pair of shoes.

It's a good idea to periodically check your children's shoes to make sure what they're wearing is still working for them.

Look for particularly worn areas, or stressed seams. If the sides are bulging or wearing out more quickly than the rest of the shoe, then they may not be wide enough. Toes that bend upwards are also a sign of shoes that don't fit properly, and worn out toes or heels can also mean it's time for a new pair of shoes.

 

Shopping Tips for Children's Shoes

• Shoe shopping should always be done later in the afternoon or evening, since feet swell over the course of the day.


• If you're child is particularly not into shoe shopping, look for a store that specializes in children's footwear, as the staff should be well-versed in how to deal with the reluctant shoe shopper.


• While there are so many cute and trendy shoes available for kids, unless it's for a very special occasion, it's best to avoid overspending as children outgrow shoes so quickly and new shoe occasions are seemingly always right around the corner.

 

Getting the Right Fit in Kids' Shoes

• Have your children's feet measured when buying shoes, since what might seem comfortable to them for a minute or two in the store is very different from what will be comfortable after a day of playing. Feet should be measured while standing, and always have both feet measured. Since one foot is usually larger than the other, buy shoes to accommodate the larger of the two feet.


• When your child is wearing the shoes, and their feet are fully extended (watch for toe crunching!), there should be a bit of room between the edge of the shoe toe and the edge of your child's toes - about a half inch.


• With the rate children outgrow shoes, it's probably tempting to buy shoes that are too big, but you should never buy shoes that are more than one size too large for your child. Shoes that are too big can cause a child to trip and develop foot problems while trying to walk in shoes that are too large.


• Obviously a shoe that has too tight of a heel will cause discomfort, but having shoes that are too loose is also very problematic. The heel of the shoes should rest snugly but not tightly around your the back of the child's heel.


• As adults, we often say we're "breaking in" a pair of shoes - this is really a bad idea for anyone, but particularly for kids. Shoes need to be immediately comfortable - don't allow for a breaking in period or expect shoes to get more comfortable over time - they need to fit and feel good now.

 

Choosing Shoes for Children

• Children's shoes should have laces, velcro or some other fastening system. As a general rule, avoid backless or slip-on shoes for kids.


• Look for shoes made from breathable materials, such such as canvas or leather. In addition to being more durable, they will help to keep the child's foot cooler and dryer, helping to prevent blisters, discomfort, and smelly shoes.


• While they may look cute, always avoid heels on children's shoes. Not only is it difficult for kids to walk in heels, they are particularly bad for proper foot development. When it comes to children's shoes, stick with flats and even soles.


• Look for a pattern or textured sole, as this will provide traction and help prevent your child from easily slipping on slick surfaces.


• Soles should be sturdy and thick enough to protect the feet from pain and injury, but the sole also needs to be flexible too so that it will bend with the foot.


• Once you've found shoes that fit and are appropriately designed for a child's feet, allow your children some input as to which shoes they prefer. It's bound to make for a better shopping experience if they get to choose a color or design they like from shoes that fit well and are appropriate for growing feet.

How to Care For Your Shoes

By Elizabeth Larkin, About.com Guide

Shoe care can save you money. I know a very wealthy man -- we’re talking private jet owner here -- who hasn’t purchased a new pair of shoes in a decade. He gets them shined regularly, and once a year he takes them to the cobbler where they are re-soled, re-lined, cleaned and back in fighting form within two days.  

A good cobbler can transform your shoes into something that very closely resembles “new.” Before you buy a new pair of shoes, consider the services a cobbler can offer:

Basic Shoe Repair:

• Replace heels and soles
• Install a protective outer sole
• Replace or repair inner sole (tip: Don't repair, just replace the insole!)
• Cleaning and reconditioning
• Stretching – this is key for people, like me, who have one foot slightly larger than the other.

High Heels:

• Repair the heels
• Recover a heel in new fabric (suede, leather, etc.)

Boots:

• Waterproof the outside
• Stretch or tighten the shaft

Beyond the Basics:
In addition to the basics, a “luxury” or “upscale” shoe repair outfit may offer the following services:

• Change a wide heel into a stiletto
• Additionally, can widen a stiletto into a traditional heel
• Lengthen or shorten straps on your strappy sandals or sling backs
• Have shoes dyed to a new color (tip: Many women do this to their wedding shoes.)

If you're not sure where to find an upscale cobbler ask around at the most high-end stores in your area. My friend Meghan, a confirmed fashionsita on a budget, once needed a pair of J Crew pants hemmed. She asked the store and they sent her to their own tailor who works independently at a store front in her neighborhood. Score!

TIP: Once you get your shoes back, don’t expect them to fit exactly the way they previously did; think of them like new shoes you need to break in.

How to Organize Shoes

By Elizabeth Larkin, About.com Guide

Assess Your Shoes

Go around your house and gather all of your shoes including flip flops, slippers and sneakers. If you have a sneaky suspicion that shoes are lurking in places not immediately visible, check the following:

• Under the couch and bed - I once found a pair of shoes wedged between my friend's night table and the wall.
• In your gym bag - especially if you have extra pairs of sneakers.
• Luggage - Missing a pair of flip flops and just returned form a beach vacation? If you had no place to store your shoes and no organizational system, you may have just "forgotten" them in your suitcase. In general, it's much easier and more pleasant to unpack if you have a proper place for every item.
• Under your desk at work - this is especially true for women who commute in sensible shoes and change into three-inch heels once in the office.

Most likely, they are all by the door - usually in a pile.


Declutter Your Shoes

A common theme in personal organizing is editing and purging your collections - everything from clothes, books, take-out menus and old receipts. If you're not using something or you don't love it, it's just clutter. With this in mind, create three piles of shoes:

1. Toss: Shoes beyond repair, or shoes you haven't worn in over a year.
2. Keep: You love them, you need them and you wear them regularly.
3. Maybe:The ones you're oddly attached to and can't bear to part with.

If you're still hoarding shoes, I've compiled a list of tips to stop the hoarding habit here.

Options for Shoes in the "Toss" and "Maybe" Piles:

1. Cobbler: Cobblers can mend heels, recondition linings and re-sole just about any pair of shoes. More about How to Use a Cobbler.
2. Donate: Many charities will gladly take your shoes. Find a donation center Where to Donate
3. Swap: They may not have fit you perfectly or exactly gone with the outfit you thought they would, but your "maybe" might be a friend's new perfect pair.

Plan Shoe Storage Solutions

Now create piles of shoes by type and size, and be specific: work flats, snow boots, dressy shoes-you get the idea-and decide how much space you need for each type of shoe. Here are your storage options by size, from smallest to largest. There are several different options for shoe storage. Here, we'll focus on the most simple.

Small Collection:

• A Hanging Canvas Bag: if you're especially short on space and have a relatively small shoe collection, this option should work for your non-boot shoes.

Medium Collection:

• Over the Door Shoe Organizers: This is another good option if you're short on closet floor space.

Large Collection:
I recommend using the original boxes for shoe and boot storage. This is by far easiest method for three reasons:

1. The boxes are very easy to stack.
2. Shoe boxes always come labeled. If you have more than one pair from the same brand, label the boxes accordingly.
3. Boxes are easy to move when you swap out your Spring/Summer shoes for your Fall/Winter shoes. 

Maintain Shoe Organization

Now that you have the proper storage solutions, think about location. Here are some tips:

• Boot Storage To preserve the boot's shaft, store them upright or in a box, and stuff them with tissue paper. Unless they are super-sturdy work boots, rain boots or snow boots, I don't recommend boot hooks. They tend to stretch the boot shaft. Check out our Boot Storage Guide.
• Swap Your Shoes Twice a Year If you live in a four season climate, out of season shoes should be stored in boxes or bins very high up in a closet. Your knee-high black leather boots should not be taking up prime closet real estate during the summer months, nor should your strappy sandals be front-and-center in February. If you decide in the middle of July to take a ski trip to Argentina then you can take the snow boots down from the top of your closet. (And bonus, since you just moved them up there a few months earlier for storage, you'll know where to find them when you're packing.)
• Keep Frequently Worn Shoes Nearby If, like me, you're the kind of person who takes their shoes off by the door and never bothers to store them in the bedroom closet, then allow yourself some flexibility here and carve out a storage space in your entry way. This will keep your shoes from piling up by the door. Remember: you should be storing shoes by utility. They don't all have to be lined up next to each other in the same space.
• Store Dressy Shoes in a Closet or On A Shelf Your dressy shoes are likely to be your most expensive shoes. I recommend these are stored either in their original boxes or in clear plastic shoe boxes on a shelf to keep them clean and safe from kids, pets and spills.

Test out your new organization system for a few weeks and then ask yourself the following questions:

• Is it too complicated?
• Do I have a good idea of where most of my shoes are stored?
• Is it a hassle to keep my shoes organized?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, adjust accordingly. If you find the over-the-door rack is not realistic for you, try the under-the-bed bag. If you're having trouble getting your shoes into your bedroom closet daily, move them to a closet closer to your door.

In short: your system should fit you; you shouldn't be struggling to use a product.

6 Beauty Rules That We Can Break

By Lika Aprilia Samiadi

 

 

Do not wear bright red lipstick during the day! Adjust the color of the bag with shoe color! That the ancient rules. This is when you rest "ban" a few in the world of fashion and beauty.

1. Bright red lipstick can be used only at night Who says? Red lipstick, or eye makeup smoky eyes, we can use it throughout the day. Origin, do not combine the two. If you wear red lipstick during the day, make sure your eye makeup natural. Conversely, if your eye makeup is quite "heavy", use lipstick with soft colors.

2. Long hair is not suitable for women over 50 years old Many women who have decided to cut short hair to look younger and fresher. Although not always like that. Some people even look old with short stiff hair. If your hair healthy, long, alone. Layer pieces framing the face can make your face look younger, especially if coupled with bangs.

3. Should be the same color shoes and bag with color color dress using a black belt with red bag, red belt and red shoes, it does look sweet. Matching the style is perfect if you want to look retro. But for modern impression, which is needed is not a hit-and-color.

4. For the sake of beauty and health of the skin, stay away from the sun's rays are the sun can cause skin damage, but that does not mean you have to shut myself inside the house. During the skin is always protected by sunscreen, there's no harm in occasionally sunbathing.

5. Mini dresses and shorts are not suitable for women over 40 years supermini hot pants or skirts should be avoided if you are old. But who says you can no longer wear skirts above the knee or mini dresses are so beautiful? What is important, make sure the top closed, or add a cardigan.

6. Do not use in conjunction with gold jewelry silver jewelry according to the old rules, if we wear gold necklaces, bracelets and gold earrings too sure. So even if we wear silver jewelry. And if you know the trick, mix the two types of jewelry can really make you look stylish and unique. The key, make sure both are not in the same amount. For example, wearing two gold necklaces silver necklaces as well. Or two and three gold bracelets silver bracelets. 

 

 

Summer Makeup Trends for Multicultural Women

How to Match the Looks to Your Skin

By Gerrie Summers, About.com Guide

The shades of summer are fun and fabulous. You can be soft and neutral, or you can be vibrant and bold. While I suspect the yellow eye shadow from the runways would look more like a battle lost with a bottle of mustard on my eye lids, I can rock the copper and bronze shades. I spoke with makeup artist and brow/lash expert Juliana Landis about the hot summer makeup trends and how to match the looks to ethnic skin tones.

Nails: Snap, Crackle and Pop

• Expect to see a lot of frosted colors and glitter. "It's all about adding drama to nails," says Landis. There will be "pretty purples, deep purples, blues, greens," and a lot of "spackle," i.e. shatter and crackle nail lacquer. 

• Asian & Latina. Asian and Latina women with yellow tones in their skin should stay away from greens and yellows. Those colors will "accentuate the yellow in the skin." Instead add pink and reddish undertones to balance out the yellow. Peach tones, coppers and bronzes will brighten up the skin.

• Indian skin. Because of the reddish tones, golden and champagne shades brighten up the skin. This also applies to mid-tone range in African Americans.

• Dark skin tones. Use berries and bronze shades. Stay away from grays and purples which can appear muddy on the skin.

Eyes Sparkle

• Light to medium tones. Shimmery pinks like MAC's Hush and a coppery shade called Mulch look great on African Americans of lighter skin tones. Mulch is also nice on mid-range African American skin. 
  

• Latinas. Latinas should try berries and burgundy shades. A suggestion is to use Make-Up Designory's Berrywood on the lids and contour with a light taupe like MAC's Wedge. For a fun look, line the eyes with a metallic berry liner.

• Indian women. Golden tones complement the skin of Indian women. "A lot of Indian clients don't like to use too much color," says Landis. "They're more on the conservative side and like more of the golden, light bronzes, and the shimmery bronzes but more on the lighter side."

• Medium to dark skin tones. Vibrant colors look best on these skin tones. For summer add sparkle. Consider colors in the pink and bright purple range. Try MAC Gleam, "a pretty pink metallic, all over the lid to the brow." Then brush MAC Swish on the lid and Plum Dressing in the crease. Line the eyes with Plum Dressing and finish with a brown liner.

• Dark skin tones. Use champagnes and copper on dark skin tones. Champagnes with a little shimmer and glimmer will brighten up the eyes. Black skin tends to get oily, so use a good primer on the lids, which will give eyeshadow staying power.

Lips Go Gaga

• The Lady Gaga MAC Viva Glam shade looks natural on every skin tone. "It's more like a nude and has a creamy, light color. On the catwalks it was all natural, nude lips and very sculptured brows." With sculptured brows and contoured features, it's best to keep the lips light and natural.

• To keep the nude colors interesting, use different lip liners. To take a nude to a pinker color, you just use a different lip liner," says Landis. "If you want to take it to a browner side you would use a brown-based nude lip liner. Or you can take it to a berry, but you always want to keep the center of the lip nude for this season's look."

Foundation

• Many ethnic women, Asians and Latinas in particular, have a problem with oily skin during the summer. Use a light, moisturizing foundation or a foundation with an oil-free formula. Be sure to use a good oil-free primer.

• If you have extremely oily skin that doesn't need a lot of coverage, use an anti-shine product that you can put over the makeup like Smashbox's Anti Shine gel. For the evening a foundation called MAC Velvet Teddy is "amazing for oily skin."

• Those who have oily skin and prefer a matte foundation, yet want a dewy look, should invest in a good luminizer. Luminizers are similar to mineral foundations and can help even out the skin and give it a healthy glow. Luminizers are also great for acne-prone skin because ingredients don't clog pores. One to try is NARS Illuminator Luminizer. "You just put it on your cheekbones, on the forehead, and the bridge of the nose." Smashbox also has a good luminizer called Artificial Light, which you can mix into your foundation. "It doesn't make it look oily. It just gives it a glow."

• "A lot of people use matting foundations, but they don't want to look flat. So these are good things to add dimension and a little life to the face."

Holiday Beauty Tricks and Tips

Great ideas for hair, makeup and more

By Julyne Derrick, About.com Guide

Holiday parties are just around the corner and to get you ready to go from work to cocktail party, here is a holiday makeup tips interview I recently sat for.

What are the hottest makeup trends to watch this holiday season?

Two looks are classic and hot right now: The smokey, shimmery eye paired with light lips and the deep red lips balanced with a light eye. Shimmer is in this year, as it was last year, and it's the perfect festive look as long as you don't overload on the shimmer.

Can you recommend any specific lines or products that are very in for this season?

Primers are a must this season for both face and eye makeup. Primers go on before foundation or eye shadow and keep makeup in place for hours. They also fill in fine lines and skin imperfections so your tinted moisturizer goes on smoothly. Also this year, skip the foundation and try a tinted moisturizer which is much more light and gives a dewy finish, which is very sexy. Laura Mercier makes a near perfect primer and tinted moisturizer, though I've found the color tone I bought in summer is already too dark for winter!

Work makeup is, in general, pretty conservative. What can a woman do to punch up her look without taking it all off and starting over? (i.e. with lip makeup? Eye makeup? Blush?)

Transitioning from work to evening is actually pretty easy if you prep yourself. Apply tinted moisturizer (or foundation), mascara and gloss or lipstick before work. After work, cover any blemishes by patting in a concealer (never rub). Then follow these steps for either the smokey eye look or the deep red look:

For the Smokey Eye

1. Apply your eye makeup: Eyeliner on both top and bottom lashes (be sure to 'smudge it,' dark eyeliner will age you), a eye shadow primer (I like MAC Paints), and a shimmery shadow on the lid. Don't apply any more mascara unless your earlier application has rubbed completely off, otherwise you risk getting clumpy lashes.
2. Dab a shimmery blush to cheeks (I love Bobbi Brown's creamy blushes which also works as lipstick).
3. Powder your face lightly.
4. Apply a light lipstick or gloss.

For Deep Red Lips

1. Cover unsightly veins on eyelids with a matte eyeshadow in a color that's as close as your skin tone as possible (such as beige).
2. Apply a very light shimmery blush on cheeks.
3. Line lips and fill in with your favorite red color.
4. Powder face.

What different kinds of makeup should a woman wear to a chatty cocktail party, as opposed to a high-class late-night party?
For the high-class party: Apply more shimmer or go deeper with the red lipstick.

How can women wear these party looks without their makeup looking costume-ish?
The number 1 rule of thumb: Never play up BOTH the eyes and the mouth.

What can women to do make sure that the makeup they are wearing for a good 16 hours (8am-midnight) keeps looking fresh and clean?
Primer is key here. Women should prime their skin before applying foundation or tinted moisturizer (again, Laura Mercier has a great primer) and they should prime their eyes before applying shadow. Also, carry oil-blotting papers if you tend to get greasy, holiday food can be very rich. MAC has some great ones. It's better to blot the oil than to keep applying powder, which can give you a cake-y appearance.

Do you have knowledge of hair? What can women do to go from office professional hairstyles to party glam in a snap?

For hair, here are some suggestions:

1. For straight, medium-length hair, I suggest washing hair and blowing it 2/3rds dry in the morning, then twisting it into a low bun (a few unkept strands are very sexy). Undo hair before the party -- you'll have gorgeous waves. Spray with a purse-size hair spray. You could also do the opposite: Blow hair dry and wear it down during the day, then twist it into a sophisticated bun for the evening. A few ends popping out is very in right now.
2. For curly, long-ish hair, an 'unkept updo' is very sexy for parties. Let hair airdry in the morning, twisting ringlets in place with fingers. After work, pull hair up in a modern version of a French twist or messy bun. Another option is to pull hair on the sides back and clip in place with a fancy clip. This gives shows off your long curly locks, but accentuates the face as well.
3. For short hair, curl hair in the morning then freshen curls before the evening with a curling iron. Spray hair before you go out. You can do this in your office bathroom. Don't have access to a curling iron? Add body by back combing and hold it in place with a bit of hairspray. You can also accessorize with a headband. 

Look Professional in 5-Minutes

By Faith Lawless, About.com Guide

Whether you are already a business woman or you have a job interview, you should make sure that your makeup looks appropriate. So if you are already living life in high speed, there will be little time for makeup. However, there are some very quick and easy steps to take, so you can look professional in 5-minutes or less.

 

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 Minutes

 

Here's How:

1. After cleansing and prepping your face you can begin by using a really good makeup primer, such as Nars Makeup Primer (Compare Prices). Apply all over the face, except for around the eyes and on the lips. The makeup primer will work as a good base for your foundation, so it will help it go on smoother and last longer throughout the day.
   
2. Once you apply the makeup primer, you can apply a good all-day foundation, such as Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation (Compare Prices). Apply the foundation all over you face and make sure you blend it slightly under the eye. You shouldn't go directly under the eye, instead you should stop at the orbital bone (you should be able to feel this bone with your fingertips). It's ideal to use a foundation brush when applying, but if you don't have time then your fingertips will work just fine.
   
3. After you apply your foundation, and before you apply powder, you should first dab on any concealer that may be needed around the eyes and on blemishes or flaws. If you can find a good foundation, such as Smashbox's foundation makeup, then you should only need to add concealer around your eyes to help diminish any darkness and work as a base for eyeshadow.
   
4. Next apply a nice cream stick blush on your cheeks. If you can find a really pretty all-in-one item, like Nars The Multiple stick (Compare Prices), then you can use it on your cheeks, lips, and also to highlight your eyes. You will want to use this before you apply your powder, so the color will last all day on your cheeks. Simply use your fingertips to dab the color on your cheeks and then on your lips.
   If you plan to use it on your eyes too, then I would wait until you apply your single shadow color first.
   
5. After adding color to your lips and cheeks, you should then apply a pressed powder. Instead of dusting your entire face, gently dab it where you need it and then throw it in your purse for touch-ups later. Basically, if you cleanse your skin daily and you wear a makeup primer with a good foundation, you shouldn't need to cake on a lot of face powder too. After all, you want to look professional and natural, not made-up and ready to party.
   
6. Now you can concentrate on your eye area. First smooth out your eye brows and do any quick fill-ins, if needed. Then take a single neutral to medium eyeshadow, such as M.A.C single eyeshadows (Compare Prices), and apply it to the lid area only. Follow up with 1-2 coats of all-day mascara, such as Chanel Inimitable in black (Compare Prices).
   
7. As a final step, take a neutral lip-colored lip liner and line your lips, then lightly fill in. You can then add more of the all-in-one stick, if you used it before, or a favorite lipstick. Since you are playing down your eyes you can add a little more color to you lips if you want. Just make sure not to go too bright, unless your complexion can carry it off. As a general rule, if you look in the mirror and automatically focus on your lips because they are screaming red, then they are too bright for the work environment.

 

Tips:

1. To keep your makeup looking professional, down play your eyes and then add more color later if you decide to go out on the town.
2. If you have oily skin, keep a pack of oil-blotting papers in your purse or in your desk.
3. After you get to work, continue to keep it professional by not touching up makeup at your desk. Instead keep a small cosmetic case with the necessities and quickly slip into the restroom for a moment.
4. If you find that you are in a rush for time in the morning, have 2 cases of makeup; one containing your 5-minute work makeup and another containing the items you like to use outside of the work week.

 

What You Need:

• Makeup Primer
• All Day Foundation
• Concealer for Around the Eyes
• All-in-One Color Stick
• Compact Face Powder
• Single Neutral to Medium Eyeshadow
• A Good All Day Mascara
• Lip-Colored Lip Liner

25 Makeup Tips to Look Younger

How to conceal wrinkles, crow's feet, crepe-y lids & much more

By Julyne Derrick, About.com Guide

The last time I posted beauty tips for older women on my blog, women wrote in begging me for "more, more, more." So ladies, here you go. I've compiled my 25 best makeup tips older women.

 

Stay Away From Dark Lipstick

As we age, our lips thin. Super dark lipstick on skinny lips isn't attractive. Your best lipstick bet is the shade closest to your natural lip color or if you like color, rosy reds. Orange lipsticks are aging, but pinks are not. Instead of playing up your lips, concentrate on your eyes as your feature attraction.
Not sure what color works for you? Hit the department store counter along with a friend you trust. Try on many colors with the help of a counter person and you'll figure out quickly what shades flatter your skin tone.

A bit of lip gloss makes lips appear plumper. Dab a bit on cheeks to create a dewy glow.

Try Eye Pencils Instead of Liquid Liners

Eye pencils are softer than liquid liners, which can be harsh on aging eyes. To soften the line even more, smudge it with your fingers. And don't line the inside of the eye if you have small eyes, it makes the eye appear smaller.

Make Your Eyes the Center of Attention With the Right Eyeshadow Shades

Just as a fireplace can be the focal point of a gorgeous living room, you should make your eyes the focal point of your face. This will detract attention from any fine lines or turkey wattles.
Enhance your eye color with eyeshadow shades that will make your eyes pop. For brown or hazel eyes, golds and browns are gorgeous. Blue eyes look great with blue-gray and lighter browns and dark eyes look fantastic with dark shades.

7 Tips for Concealing Crow's Feet (aka "Laugh Lines")

People start developing crow's feet around the eyes in their 30s. I consider my own "laughing lines" and believe they are a sign of a good life. I hope to develop many more as I grow older.
But not everyone loves crow's feet. You can fix them with Botox or fillers, but there are few other non-invasive ways to conceal them or diminish the signs of them.
Find out how in How to Conceal Crow's Feet.

 

Don't Overdo Your Makeup

Less is more when it comes to makeup as you age. You don't want to pile on the foundation, the eyeliner and the heavy lipstick. Instead, you want to use highlighter pens, tinted moisturizers and a lighter touch with the shadow and lipstick. Oh, and you might want to get some bangs.
Check out these tips and many more in How to Conceal Wrinkles on Your Face: My 9 Best Makeup Tips.

 

Adopt a Great Skincare Routine

The key to looking younger than you is to get your skin in tip-top shape. ,p> A good skincare routine will create the allusion of youthfulness. You shouldn't just cleanse and moisturize your skin, you should also exfoliate weekly and consider antioxidants or Vitamin A products. Super hydrating masks can do wonders to mature skin (see my list of the Best Face Masks). And if you really want to get rid of those wrinkles, you might consider lasers, Botox or fillers.

How to Conceal Sagging Skin

As we age, we may begin to notice a big change taking place under the chin. And I'm not talking about excessive growth of chin hairs. You may develop a turkey wattle or you might what you consider a double chin. Either way, you might want to conceal it.
You could see a plastic surgeon and have lipo under your chin or a facelift, but if you don't want to spend the cash or endure surgery, there are inexpensive ways to conceal sagging skin and a crepe-y neck.

Check out these tips and many more in Loose Skin? 4 Tips to Conceal Sagging Skin.

 

How to Conceal Droopy Eyelids Without Surgery

Drooping eyelids are another natural part of the aging process but there's no need to invest in eyelid surgery. You can spend thousands on an eyelift or you can try these beauty tips that cost nothing.

Find out how in How to Conceal Droopy Eyelids Without Surgery.

 

Thinning or Bushy Eyebrows

I'm a stickler for good brows and am known for making my friends let me tweeze theirs. Keeping your brows done nicely is like having a facelift without surgery, according to author Charla Krupp's brow guy. Here are some tips for perfect brows:

• Get your brows professionally done. Nothing opens eyes up like curled lashes and neat brows. If you can't afford waxing or threading every few weeks, use the professional's job as a map for your own tweezing. Simply pluck the stray hairs that grow in between professional tweezing or waxing. How to pluck your own brows.
• Drawn-in brows are a no-no. You know the pencil-thin line you see some of your friends or women in your town wear? Well, they only age you and they're somewhat tacky. Learn how to properly fill in sparse brows.
• Avoid tweezing gray brow hairs. Instead, conceal them with a brow powder or pencil.

 

Thinning Lips

Personally, I love a thin lip. I read somewhere once that it's a sign of intelligence. I don't know about that, but I do know that as we age, our lips lose some of their fat. Here's how to plump up thin lips.

• Picking the right lip color is a must. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown suggests skipping the bright colors and instead opt for a color that's just a shade or 2 darker than your natural lip color. Check out 16 Lipstick Tricks and Tips.
• As you age, your natural lip line fades. Create a lip line by coloring in lips first with a lip liner, then apply gloss or lipstick over the liner.
• Consider getting rid of lipstick and using lip gloss instead. Gloss creates the illusion of puffed-up lips, especially when applied to the middle of lips.
• Lip plumpers do work, but the effects don't last long (we're talking under an hour). So skip the plumpers and save your money. Even Vaseline on lips will make them appear larger.

 

Ack! What to Do About Sprouting Chin Hairs

For the record, I know 30-year-olds with chin hair problems. You can tweeze them or have your stylist tweeze them, but they will always grow back. The only way to keep chin hairs at bay permanently is electrolysis.

How to Get Rid of Your Moustache

• You have 2 options for moustaches: Wax them off with a home waxing kit you can buy in any drugstore or have a professional do it. See How to Get Rid of Hair on Your Face.
• To lighten dark moustaches, try kit made just for this which you can find in your beauty aisle at the drugstore.

Your Guide to Perfect Skin

10 Dos & Don'ts to Help Slow the Aging Skin Process

By Julyne Derrick, About.com Guide

Maybe you're in your 20s or early 30s and you think you can't possibly have (gulp) aging skin yet. Well, you're wrong. Your skin's "youthfulness" has less to do with age than how it's been treated, so if exposed to sun, smoke and stress, your skin will start "acting old," losing collagen, glow and elasticity. Lines will develop prematurely and your skin may look dull and "blah."

It's easier to prevent damage than to repair it, but the good news is you can put the brakes on prematurely aging skin and you can reverse the aging process, well, to a point.

Here are 5 dos and 5 don’ts to help slow down and reverse the aging process and leave your skin glowing at any age.

5 Dos and 5 Don’ts to Help Slow the Aging Skin Process

• Do stop smoking. Ever notice the skin of a lifelong smoker? It can appear wrinkly like a squashed paper bag. The fact is, smoking is the 2nd biggest cause of skin damage after sun exposure. Why? Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin. Not good things.
  
  
• Do use a retinoid every day or every few days. A daily application of a prescription retinoid lotion (such as Retin-A or Tazorac) can erase years from your face. In fact, dermatologists claim retinoids are the one anti-aging product that really works.
  Before I used Retin-A, I suffered from dull skin. My complexion had a white cast, a dull pallor until I bought a tube of Retin-A over-the-counter in Mexico. I had friends who swore by the stuff. After using the product for a few weeks (and going through the annoying period where my skin turned red and peeled), all of a sudden I had dewy, glowing skin and people started to tell me I had gorgeous skin.
  
  AHAs used properly not only rids your face of dead skin, but can seem to take 10 years off as well by reducing fine lines. (Keep in mind these products do NOT shrink pores. Your pore size is completely hereditary, so don't believe promises of permanent reduction). Over-the-counter options such as RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream are good, but prescription creams work the best. Extra tip: You must stay out of the sun if you use retinoids. You are extra-susceptible to sunburns.

• Do give yourself a facial once a week. If you follow my Basic At-Home Facial I guarantee your skin will never look better. My facial takes only 30 minutes and includes cleansing, exfoliation via a facial scrub, a hydrating mask, a quick steam and moisturizer.

• Do wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine. You’ve had it ingrained in your head since youth, but seriously, even in winter it can take just 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to damage the skin. Here's a list of great sunscreens, including what I believe to be the best sunscreen in the world.
  By the way, it's a MYTH that 80 percent of your lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, according to O Magazine. Katie Rodan, MD, adjunct professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, says in O that this myth stands officially debunked and studies indicate we get only 23 percent of total UV exposure by age 18. Of course it gets worse as we age. So you CAN prevent sun-induced aging by wearing sunscreen.
  
  
• Do shield your windows. The average commuter gets 200 hours of sun exposure each year and 80 percent of sun exposure is through car windows, according to Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch in Harper's Bazaar. To protect your skin against sun damage (the leading cause of aging skin), invest in a window shield like Solar Gard. Shields with SPF 285 can block UVA and UVB rays by 99 percent.
  

   

  You saw the 5 "dos" for perfect skin care. Now here are 5 don'ts:

   

• Don’t pull and rub your skin. Aging skin has been under attack by UV rays, stress and carbon monoxide so don't stress it more by pulling on it.
  
  
• Don’t forget to moisturize. While it's a myth that wrinkles are caused by dry skin, moisturizing can improve the appearance of lines by temporarily plumping them up. Also consider a good eye cream. Eye creams are controversial because some pros claim they don't really do anything, but many women swear by them.  
  Extra tip: Moisturizers are best used on damp skin. They lock the moisture in. Dr. Dennis Gross doesn't use tap water when washing skin because of harsh minerals found in many city water sources. Instead, he rinses off with Evian water.
  
  
• Don’t ignore your neck and chest. The neck and chest are first to show the signs of aging (they have fewer oil glands than the rest of your body), yet most of us ignore them. Look for moisturizers that have age-fighting ingredients like vitamin A (retinols), kinetin, copper or vitamin C.
  
  
• Don’t tan. Even if wrinkles haven't shown up yet, you need to stop tanning now because they will. Once signs of aging appears, you'll be spending a lot of money to reverse it. So if you do have sun damage? You can reverse the damage with photorejuvenation such as pulsed light treatments. Many spas and dermatologists provide these pricey fixes. If you do have brown spots, treat them with lemon juice diluted with water, according to NY dermatologist Jessica Krant in Harper's Bazaar. Krant suggests applying the mixture with a Q-tip nightly, gradually increasing it twice daily until sun spots fade away.
  
  
• Don’t sporadically take care of your skin. It's important to cleanse your face every night not only to avoid clogged pores, but also to wash away all the pollution your skin has been prone to.
  As for anti-aging regimens, you need to keep it up for best effects. You may suffer redness and a bit of peeling at first, but this is normal. To get the full effects of acid peels, retinoids, AHAs, and moisturizers you have to keep at it. The initial benefits will go away if you stop using them.
  
  
  

How to Style Hair: 13 Secrets to Styling Hair

What Your Stylist Didn't Tell You (But Told Us)

By Julyne Derrick, About.com Guide

Women with to-die-for locks usually have two things going for them: basic hair care knowledge and a darn good stylist.

I've compiled 13 hair styling secrets that I've culled from the pages of magazines and from years of talking to those amazing stylists. Let me pass the stylists' secrets on to you...

How to Style Hair Secret #1: Yes, you can shampoo daily Shampoos these days are gentle enough to be used daily, it's the blowdryers, flatirons and curling irons that do the most damage. So if you have super oily hair, go ahead and shampoo daily. Just try to let hair air-dry or go easy on the heat products.

How to Style Hair Secret #2: Dirty hair is easier to style Stylists prefer if you don't wash hair the morning of an updo. And don't be surprised if they sprinkle dry shampoo on your hair. These help create the perfect texture for an updo. Keep this tip in mind when creating your own updos. Soak up extra oils with baby powder, which creates the same texture as dry shampoo but at a fraction of the cost.

How to Style Hair Secret #3: Get runway hair with Velcro rollers Runway stylists know the simplest, non-fussy way to get hair to roll properly is to curl it with a curling iron first. First, spritz dry hair with a styling spray (we like TRESemme Instant Heat Tamer Styling Spray), then use a medium curling iron to curl 2-inch sections of hair before rolling hair in Velcro rollers. The new curl simply takes best to the Velcro.

How to Style Hair Secret #4: Want Sexy, Messy, "Just Off the Beach" Waves? The secret is sea salt spray. I once dropped by one of Manhattan's hottest salons to check in on the new perming trend. I wanted carefree, loose waves and was wondering if they did them there via the perming process.

No can do, said the girl at the front desk, who just happened to have the hair we wanted. "Do you happen to perm your hair?" I asked, oh-so-delicately. She smiled and leaned forward to tell me her little secret. "Nope, I use salt spray. And I make it myself." You too can make a spray using a bottle, several tablespoons of sea salt and water. But if you want to buy it yourself, I recommend Fekkai's 'Marine Summer Hair' Beach Waves or an old-school favorite, Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray.

So skip the perm and first try spritzing sea salt on damp hair, scrunching hair and letting airdry. Since most hair has some sort of natural wave, the sea salt naturally enhances it.

How to Style Hair Secret #5: Don't bring out the brush too soon When blowdrying hair, separate tangles with fingers until hair is about 80 percent dry then try brushing. You want to make sure your fingers glide through hair effortlessly before introducing a brush to wet or even damp hair.

How to Style Hair Secret #6: Bangs are hot, just make sure you get the right bangs We love the look of thick, heavy bangs and side-swept bangs. Just avoid the thin, wispy, all-one-length bangs; it will make your face look "boxy" and dated. A very hot look right now are thick bangs paired with long, wavy layers. Sexy.
Especially with perfect highlights. Not ready for the thick bangs? Try side-swept bangs paired with long layers. Layering hair with bangs works best because it's less boxy while allowing your hair to grow out without looking too extreme if you decide to grow out the trend. Just make sure your side-swept bangs hit the middle of your brows -- any shorter and you'll look dated.

How to Style Hair Secret #7: Yes, you can go blonde or red Some skin types work best with colors than others. Most olive-skinned women (think Jennifer Lopez or Linda Evangelista) can get away with any hair color: Blonde, black, brunette and even red. Women with pink tones have a harder time and can't get too drastic. But believe it or not, pink skin tones tend to work well with red hair color. As for going blonde, if you were fairly blonde-ish as a child in the summer, then you are a good candidate for going blonde as an adult.
But olive-skinned girls with black or brown hair can look great blonde, too. Have a stylist help pick the right tone for you.

How to Style Hair Secret #8: Don't go long and blah You know the look: Hair that's gone just a little too long, has no style and is just plain, well, blah. We've all been there (I was there earlier today until I visited Eva Scrivo Salon in NYC). What this hairstyle says to the world is "I am low-maintenance and can't be bothered with regular salon visits." This is fine if you aren't interested in making an impression on anybody and feeling fabulous. But it isn't sexy. Cut in some layers, add some bangs, get some highlights. Just get yourself to a salon, pronto.

How to Style Hair Secret #9: The secret to "piece-y" hair You know the look you're going for. That long, wavy hair where the waves seem to fall in pieces. Some stylists swear it's in the cut. It most definitely is, but you also need the right product.

To get the "piece-y" look, you want long layers: Hair that's just one length simply won't do. Your stylist will also want to lighten the thickness of hair by texturizing, this basically lightens the load and gives hair needed body. Texturizing also gives hair thickness at the roots, allowing it to fall in sexy, soft waves.

Once you have the perfect cut, however, don't forget the product. A good pomade run through hair helps separate pieces. We like Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy Pomade. But almost every haircare brand will have a nice pomade.

Hair Styling Hair Secret #10: Buns are cool, just keep them loose Updos aren't just for prom, New Years and Lois Lane. A loose, casual updo is a quick way to look pulled together. Simply finger-comb hair into a low, disheveled bun or knot and attach with a ponytail holder and bobby pins. And please, leave the tight, ballerina 'do for the dancers.

Hair Styling Hair Secret #11: A temporary end to frayed ends Here's a stylist secret courtesy of Marie Claire: When suffering from the nasty frayed endsies, hairstylist Rodney Groves spreads Kerastase Serum Nutri-Sculpt (a leave-in treatment) through dry hair, then blasts ends with a blow dryer. We recommend you put this product on your list and keep it around for those moments before every hair cut when we need help (and fast!)

Hair Styling Hair Secret #12: Don't wait too long before color touch-ups If you get your color touched up on a regular basis (about every 28 days) you may actually keep your hair from unnecessary damage. Not waiting too long means your stylist won't have to dye your whole head due to color fading. In the meantime, cover up roots with a home hair-color kit. Although there are great root touch-up kits out there, a regular dye kit will do you. And don't worry about perfectly matching, it's likely not going to happen on a salon dye job and no one will notice. Swap out the brush that comes in the kit and instead use a clean mascara wand (you can get these at any drugstore).

Hair Styling Hair Secret #13: Shiny hair doesn't have to be genetic Stylist know the secret to sheen is to spritz or add a couple drops of shine serum.

Curly Hair

10 secrets to styling curly hair

By Julyne Derrick, About.com Guide

First of all, understand that if you were born with curly hair, about 90 percent of women with straight hair have been jealous of your hair at some point. Women with limp, stick-straight hair spend hours of their lives with curling irons trying to mimic what comes naturally to you. How do I know this? I have straight hair. I own four curling irons. 

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, there are pros and cons to having curly hair. The pros include body and the fact you don't suffer from Oily Hair Syndrome and therefore have to wash your hair every day. The cons include frizz and Puffy Hair Syndrome, which tends to happen in high humidity and when the hairdresser gets too snip-happy. But there are secrets to living with curly hair and I've discovered every single one of them.

Secret #1: Thou Shalt Not Fight Your Natural Curl on Humid Days

If you're in a hot, humid climate, you might as well put away your flat iron. You might spend hours straightening your hair, only to step outside and ... POOF!
So what to do in humid climes? Embrace the curl. We'll get more into that in a bit.

Secret #2: If You Want to Go Straight, You Can

One of the great benefits to curly hair is with a little bit of muscle or chemicals, you can go straight. Nicole Kidman has been sporting stick straight hair on the red carpet for years now, but the truth is, she has super curly hair.
There are several types of professional hair straightening available including the controversial Brazilian keratin treatments which removes frizz from curly hair leaving you with more manageable curls that are more easily straightened with a flat iron. There's also the Japanese hair straightening methods, which really make your hair stick straight. It's just a matter of finding one that fits into your budget and your hair texture. The solutions used are much like the solutions for a perm, only instead of curly hair, they straighten it.

Even after a professional straightening, you'll likely need to iron hair. Invest in a great ionic flat iron -- it's much less time-consuming and a great iron won't fry your hair.

Secret #3: No, You are Not Destined for a Life Full of Frizz

As you likely well know by now, humidity can wreak havoc on curly hair. Curly hair tends to be dry and therefore vulnerable to humid air -- it simply wants to soak up moisture. This causes cuticles to expand, which causes frizz. The secret to keeping frizz at bay involves a few hair products including: non-sulfate shampoo, a leave-in conditioner, a deep conditioner and a styling product involving silicone. If you have curly hair, these should be staples in your bathroom cabinet. All either keep the hair moisturized or protect the cuticle from moisture.

Secret #4: There are Right Ways & Wrong Ways to Use a Blow Dryer

The blow dryer can be a curly girl's nightmare if used improperly. To avoid poof, let hair air dry as long as possible, then blow dry hair with a diffuser like this amazing one from Deva. Hold the blow dryer under hair, squeezing curls in your palm as you dry hair.

If you don't use a diffuser, aim the blow dryer nozzle downward, in the direction hair grows.

Secret #5: Throw Out That Brush & Invest in a Comb

A comb is your best friend, a brush is not. Some women swear off even the comb, preferring finger-combing (I know of one woman who swears she's never, ever combed or brushed her hair). Combing hair is great, because it ensures you're coating locks with that silicone serum you have dutifully purchased.

Secret #6: Curly Hair Looks Best Long-ish

Remember when actress Kerri Russell (pictured on this page) cut off her famous long, curly locks and the public went ballistic? Turns out her long hair was beloved and she just didn't look so great with short hair.
The problem with short hair on curly women is that short hair doesn't always look good because it tends to get pouffy. Curls need length to weigh them down, so women with curly hair tend look best with hair that grows below the shoulders. When I say "below the shoulders" I mean when hair is dry.

But if you love short hair, you can get away with it, provided you get the right cut.

Secret #7: The Most Flattering Type of Haircuts

Curly hair tends to look best with layers cut into it. Without layers, curly hair tends to resemble a Christmas tree.
I almost always advise women to seek out stylists who are experienced in cutting curly hair. This can be daunting, I know, because if you call a salon and ask for such a thing you'll likely be assured that all the stylists can cut curly hair. If you admire another curly woman's hair, get her stylist's number. It could be the most coveted seven digits in your cell phone.
Extra tip: Stylists with curly hair probably know how to cut curly hair.

Secret #8: Some Styles Look Better on You Than Anyone Else

Ballerina bands look best on women with curly hair. There are some romantic updos that I covet and that look good only on curly hair. After all, when one thinks "romantic updo," the image conjured up in the mind is not a sleek chignon. It is curly hair pulled back and up. Just be careful with the tendrils, which can get too '80s.
The half-up, half-down hairstyle is also very romantic and looks great on curly hair.

Also headbands. Headbands look fabulous with curly hair, which leads me to ...

Secret #9: Headbands are an Excellent Choice When You're Short on Time

For curly-haired women short on time, a headband can be a lifesaver. If you pull hair back in a band while it's damp, it's a great way to "flatten" hair at the crown, leaving the curls at your hair's ends. Later you can pull off the hairband and you'll have gorgeous body.

Secret #10: Loose Buns are Utterly Sexy

Because you abide by secret #5, chances are you have long hair and long hair looks fabulous pulled back in a loose bun. To get this look, simply pull hair back, then twist at the nape of the neck into a bun. Secure with a rubber band. Loose and messy is good, tendrils are not.