Makeup to Beat the Summer Heat

Summer is the perfect time for embracing your natural beauty! If you want to enhance the au naturel look, there are great long-lasting and waterproof products out there for you.  Our picks will stand up to sweat and sun and keep you looking beautiful.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in Steel, $23
This cream eyeshadow is easy to apply with your finger and dries soon after you blend.  You can wear it all day and not have to worry about creases!

Bite Beauty Line & Define Lip Primer, $22
Make your favorite lip color stand up to the heat with this minty primer.  Color won’t bleed and your pout will stay perfect!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $19
No smudging, no running and super easy to put on, this is soon to be your new favorite liner! They come in a gorgeous array of colors for your every mood.

L’Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24 Hour Mascara, $7.99
L’Oreal makes amazing mascaras at a great price point.  This waterproof formula won’t flake, keeping your lashes looking lush in even the hottest weather.

Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer, $44
The name says it all…this full coverage foundation won’t budge.  Plus, it’s a 2-in-1 concealer so you can even out your skin and cover blemishes with one product.  And who doesn’t need more room in their makeup bag?

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain & Balm, $8.99
Lip stains are by nature long lasting, but we love how this one comes with a balm for refreshers.  The sheer shades are flattering on many different skin tones and foolproof to apply.

Fab Fixes for the Worst Beauty Crimes

Unfortunately, beauty has a bad side. Between late nights, stress and, sometimes, just plain laziness (consider me guilty as charged!), our appearances can go horribly awry. In honor of today’s Partner-in-Crime Girlfriend (have you told us why SHE is your Partner-in-Crime Girlfriend in the National Girlfriend Awards yet?), we’re letting the crime fit the punishment with fab fixes for your biggest beauty law-breakers.

CRIME: Late-Night Laziness

PUNISHMENT: Late nights and a little too much wine can often lead to laziness, especially in the skincare department. After all, isn’t that 10-15 minutes it takes to remove your makeup better spent in bed? Alas, waking up with mascara on your cheeks and foundation on your pillow is never fun. Cut your nightly beauty routine in half with Olay’s Daily Facial Express Wet Cleansing Cloths for Sensitive Skin (SALE: $4.49 at CVS). These pre-moistened wipes are alcohol- and fragrance-free and contain skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe—they even take off water-proof mascara! Perfect for ladies with sensitive skin and those who would like to get some shut-eye, ASAP (uh, everyone?!).

CRIME: Dark Under-Eye Circles

PUNISHMENT: So that double shot of espresso might be a totally necessary start to your day (and night), but too much caffeine and lack of sleep will start to show eventually. Fight tired eyes and dark circles with Aveeno’s Active Naturals Smart Essentials Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment ($9.59 on Drugstore.com). This easy-to-apply product comes in a roller ball that massages eyes to reduce puffiness while distributing anti-aging antioxidants like Southernwood and vitamins E and C. Bright eyes are just a swipe away!

CRIME: Bald Brows

PUNISHMENT: If eyes are the windows to the soul, then make sure they look awesome by not over-plucking your eyebrows. Thicker, more natural-looking brows have been the trend for a few years now and there is nothing sadder than seeing a pair of unflattering, pencil-thin brows. The key to a great at-home pluck session is backing aaaaway from that fluorescent-lighted, magnified mirror (use natural light and stand back a bit, believe it or not!) and dropping the hard-to-hold tweezers for an easy-to-wield option like the Tweezerman Slant Tweezer ($20). The shape and fullness of brows should complement your face, which means being able to see your entire face before and during plucking.

CRIME: Popping Pimples

PUNISHMENT: Pimples have the worst timing (job interviews, weddings, first dates), but drop the rubbing alcohol and tweezers already (popping a zit will probably just result in blood and having to cover an unsightly spot with concealer, anyway!). Try Neutrogena’s Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Fight and Fade Gel ($8.99 at Target) to effectively zap zits. Good guys like salicylic acid help erase pesky spots and fight any fade marks after the fact.

CRIME: Hair Help

PUNISHMENT: Every now and then I go a little crazy with the styling tools—I have a pretty intense relationship with my blow-dryer (…and my flat iron, curling iron, etc. ). Add over-styling to all that summertime humidity and fun (like swimming), and anyone’s tresses can get into some serious trouble. So, sentence your strands to Oribe’s Shine Supershine Moisturizing Cream ($49 at Neiman Marcus), a lightweight, creamy leave-in conditioner that moisturizes hair while fighting frizz, humidity and even defining curls—all while creating shiny and touchable hair.

What beauty crimes are you guilty of committing? How do you help punish your bad habits? What do you think of our fixes?

-Elana Lott

Sheckys.com lets you share your man’s mystifying moments, get easy tips for the healthiest, happiest and most fashionable you, discover our Girls Night Out events and more, all while earning OMG Points toward free goodies!

Breakfast For Your Hair

Chances are your hair needs some TLC after a hectic work week and last night’s happy hour. Check out some super-easy tips from Natasha Sunshine of Byu-Ti Salon.

The MANE source of nutrition for your hair is a protein diet. If you want healthier hair, you need to make sure your diet consists of protein, water, iron and vitamin C. This will protect your hair from thinning, breakage and brittleness.

So, start your day with a protein shake.

Take a scoop of Power-gy protein and a scoop of almond butter, banana and one tablespoon flax oil. Mix in blender.

Protein for strength.

Almond butter and flax for omegas.

Banana for energy and potassium.

Other suggested protein-rich breakfast foods: Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs…just to name a few.

ABOUT NATASHA SUNSHINE: As Founder of Santa Monica’s premier hair boutique, Byu-Ti Salon, Natasha has run her fingers through some of Hollywood’s most notable manes, including that of Ivanka Trump, Molly Sims and Eva Herzigova. Known in the Los Angeles and New York City fashion circles for her keen sense of style and unique approach to hair therapy, Natasha not only created a six-step consulting system for helping her staff identify and meet her client’s needs, she has also developed her own seven different hair care products, to supplement the line of top-notch goodies already in use at her salon. When Natasha is not helping people feel fabulous from the inside out, or making herself camera-ready for a television appearance (most recently, The Rachael Ray Show), she is working as an industry leader and educator for L’Oreal’s exclusive hair care line, Pureology.

Sheckys.com lets you share your man’s mystifying moments, get easy tips for the healthiest, happiest and most fashionable you, discover our Girls Night Out events and more, all while earning OMG Points toward free goodies!

Breaking Down Beauty Ingredients

Wandering the beauty aisles can be a daunting task. It’s not just about finding the perfect shade of nude lip gloss, part of the problem is we’re just not familiar with the ingredients and what they do. That’s why I’m giving you the scoop on some seriously great ingredients and, as always, some deals so you can get what you need. Give it a try—it’s a break for your face and your wallet!

A is for Apples. A product that’s flying off the shelves right now is the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength ($45). I always thought “natural” or “organic” was a bit too delicate and hippie to really be the industrial powerhouse I needed, but I was wrong. I was very wrong. Not to get all sciencey on you, but this is sort of interesting, and what makes the patented Green Apple Peel ingredients so powerful and effective is:

Malic Acid is from Green Apples
Citric Acid is from Lemons
Tartaric Acid is from Grapes
Salicylic Acid is from Willow bark (Full Strength Only)

It’s the unique combination of the above alpha and beta hydroxy acids from organic ingredients, along with raw cane sugar, that make this product so strong! The reason the organic ingredient part is important is because organics have 30-35% higher antioxidant and vitamin loads than non-organic ingredients.

BONUS: FREE Full-size hydrating mask with any purchase over $35 CODE Meg. Ends July 31st.

A is also for Argan. We see it in everything from makeup to skincare to hair products. Use it while pregnant and it even prevents stretch marks! Women try it and they don’t turn back! It’s so multi-use and a little goes such a long way that it’s a must-have in every medicine cabinet.

So, what is Argan Oil? Argan oil is an oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree. Endemic Argan oil remains one of the rarest oils in the world due to small and very specific growing areas in Morocco.

Taylor Swift and Salma Hayek have gone on record to say that they’re huge Argan Oil fans, but with all of these new Argan Oil products flooding the market, why do we at Megsmakeup.com love Zakias Argan Oil 100% Pure and Natural ($39.99) so much?

Because the women that harvest the Argan Oil, the Berber woman of Morocco, do it all by hand and in small groups. They painstakingly, manually grind the Argan nuts into a paste and then extract the oil. Zakias does not use machines, and it employs and empowers women with jobs.

BONUS: Want to try it? Here’s a deal! Use Code MEG2000 and enjoy 20% OFF of any order!

“It’s Good as Gold!” There’s no wonder why Hollywood’s gliteratti have been flocking for years to facial serums with gold in them. When La Prairie launched their Cellular Radiance Gold (at $580 an ounce!) in 2006, they had a bestseller on their hands. Study after study has shown that gold maintains firmness and elasticity and works on improving circulation and decreasing skin inflammation. Pure gold helps to soften expression lines, reduce fine wrinkles and diminish the appearance of age spots.

On Megsmakeup.com, we just had a tremendously positive review of KenetMD’s 24k Gold Serum ($95). Formulated by a very fancy and heavily degreed celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Barney Kenet, this serum has Hollywood buzzing. Botanicals mixed with actual gold flecks glide onto skin and leave you with a very illuminated look. I have never used anything that works so perfectly as a primer.

It makes sense that Dr. Kenet would create this, since he’s New York City’s Upper East Side Golden Boy, tending to a few big-name clients (Demi, Sandra, Jennifer…). If you too want to hold a big gold statue someday, practice in your mirror with this little gold bottle!

BONUS: Want in? The retail is $95 BUT with code Meg Head you only pay $60 (good for the first 100 only so move quick!).

“You Are What You Eat!” We’ve all heard that one, and we all know about the skin benefits of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Well, this amazing product has all of that plus a huge infusion of Vitamin F. Let me introduce you to Cosminology’s Galactive Glove Seal Your Skin Anti-Oxidant Serum ($75)!

“Vitamin F” was the designation originally given to essential fatty acids that the body cannot manufacture. They were then “de-vitaminized” because they are fatty acids, but you need fatty acids! Acids are probably what you’re swallowing every day to promote healthy hair and nails. That’s where your daily multi-vitamin comes into play, since our bodies do not manufacture Vitamin F. The issue (like much of nutrition) is balance. For example, Omega 6s are considered “pro-inflammatory” while Omega 3s are “anti-inflammatory.” Our body needs some inflammation to survive.

Galactic Glove Seal Your Skin Anti-Oxidant Treatment has been a “holy grail” item on Megsmakeup.com and it has been a life-saver for women that suffer from acne. I know putting an oil on your face seems counterproductive, but not when it’s stored with this many anti-inflammatory properties. The added antioxidants also combat free radicals and act as a barrier to heal and protect your face. Who’s behind this innovative product? Brilliant dermatologist, Dr. Dima!

BONUS: Vitamin F for Frugal! Want a deal on this baby? Just type in Code MEG For 20% OFF.

Hyaluronic Acid is Your Friend! Your skin is thirsty for it! You’re probably pretty familiar with this term and you see it in a lot of great anti-aging skin products. So…what exactly is it? Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance that can be found in the body. Since it helps retain water, it keeps skin hydrated, moist and soft, thereby maintaining a youthful appearance. As we age, the level of HA in the body also decreases, so the older we get, the less ability the skin has to retain its moisture, hence the occurrence of lines and wrinkles. Epione’s Correction ($175) has the highest pharmaceutical grade of Hyaluronic Acid available on the market today!

Epione Corrective Skincare is what Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills’ own Lisa Vanderpump swears by. The creator, Dr. Simon Ourion, is who I see when I am in Beverly Hills for all of my facial work.

Speaking of…where else do I recommended for a good skin fix? When I’m on the East Coast, I run to Dr. Barney Kenet. When I’m in a jam heading down south, I see Dr. Dima in Reston, VA. For days when I’m in Los Angeles and I have a “TV problem,” you can find my tush in a seat in Dr. Ourian’s waiting room and I’m never alone. I see many A-Listers there!

BONUS: You want some? I knew you would! Use Code MEG for 20% OFF.

I hope this info proved valuable to you! Just a few things I have learned and a few great products I have found as we all search for the fountain of youth. What ingredient do you always look for before deciding whether or not to buy? Hope these discounts help on the best products on the market!

-Megan O’Brien of MegsMakeup.com

Megan O’Brien runs Megsmakeup.com. Meg is a beauty expert and makeup artist who frequently guest stars on national television. Megsmakeup.com is her baby, where she believes, “Always remember, true beauty comes from within…from within bottles, jars, compacts and tubes!”

Image Credit: Sheckys.com

Sheckys.com lets you share your man’s mystifying moments, get easy tips for the healthiest, happiest and most fashionable you, discover our Girls Night Out events and more, all while earning OMG Points toward free goodies!

Simple Summer Updos From Roy Teeluck

Hot temps and high humidity make it difficult to look elegant and effortless, particularly in the hair department. Roy Teeluck (of the eponymous Roy Teeluck Salon in New York and Miami) to the rescue with easy updos to get that hair out of your face and off your neck, and tips and tricks for the hautest hot-weather hair ever.

Sheckys: What’s an easy way to create an elegant updo this summer?

Roy Teeluck: Summer updos should be unfussy and unstructured. One of my favorite looks right now is a ballerina bun. Gather hair in a ponytail at nape of neck, securing with an elastic, then twist hair strands as you roll it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins. The bun shouldn’t be perfect; let a few loose ends stick out for added softness.  

S: What’s your go-to updo suggestion for a girl who doesn’t have a ton of time?

RT: For shorter hairstyles, take a dime size amount of L’Oreal Professionnel’s Or Graphic Golden Modelling Gelee*, smooth in palms, and distribute through hair to add texture and hold. Think of Ginnifer Goodwin’s punky short cut.

For longer hairstyles, a ponytail is always classic and chic. To keep it from looking too girly, gather hair at nape of neck in a loose ponytail, secure with elastic, and gather a few strands to wrap around elastic. Secure ends with bobby pins.

S: What are your top three hair product essentials for creating the perfect updo?

RT: L’Oreal Professionnel Infinium Hairspray for hold, L’Oreal Professionnel Smooth Essence Weightless Smoother to smooth the hair cuticle and bobby pins in a range of sizes. Use ones that most closely match your hair color.

S: Any summer hair tips to keep in mind during this heat?!

RT: Minimize use of styling tools such as blow dryers and flat irons. An excellent cut and the right product will allow you to make the most of your hair’s natural texture. Don’t fight it, work with it!

P.S.: Roy also loves L’Oreal Professionnel’s Liss Ultime line; created specifically to tame frizz. The Perfecting Serum is fantastic for addressing rebellious strands and adding shine. Rub a small dab in your palms and run through ends and lightly around hair line.

P.S.: Roy also loves L’Oreal Professionnel’s Liss Ultime line; created specifically to tame frizz. The Perfecting Serum is fantastic for addressing rebellious strands and adding shine. Rub a small dab in your palms and run through ends and lightly around hair line.

*to purchase L’Oreal Professionnel products, e-mail sarah@royteeluck.com. Your order for L’Oreal Professionnel products will be personally placed for you.

-Reported by Lynden Halpern

Sheckys.com lets you share your man’s mystifying moments, get easy tips for the healthiest, happiest and most fashionable you, discover our Girls Night Out events and more, all while earning OMG Points toward free goodies!

Simple Summer Hairstyles for All Lengths

Summer is approaching, and Natasha Sunshine, hairstylist and founder of Santa Monica’s Byu-ti Salon, wants to ensure that everyone has an easy summer go-to style no matter the length of your hair! Check out her top three suggestions and look stylish in a cinch this summer.

SHORT HAIR:

In the summer months, fresh is the operative word for hair. Using a light styler with a touch of hold like Pureology’s Colour Stylist Nourishing Nectar Sculpting Gel ($24.98 on Amazon), slick hair back while making a side part to keep the look feminine. To ensure that this style stays modern, make your part a little deeper than usual and use your fingers versus a comb to rake hair back. Let hair dry naturally, then run your fingers through one last time to break up any crunch from product. The result will be a clean yet soft summer style, like Victoria Beckham’s picture above.

MEDIUM LENGTH HAIR:

Go for a natural look by skipping the blow dryer. First, apply your favorite styler. I love Pureology’s Colour Stylist Cuticle Polisher Shine Serum for Colour-Treated Hair ($20 on Amazon) for most hair types. Use a quarter size for thicker hair and a dime size for finer textures, and evenly distribute throughout.

For hair with a wave or curl like Kate Hudson (above), twist two-inch sections away from the face until your whole head has twists. Let air dry, then scrunch any product crunch away for a shiny, naturally wavy look.

For straighter hair, twist each section, then clip the end into a loop with a pin curl clip (you can find these at most drugstores). Let air dry completely or use a diffuser, remove clips and scrunch. You’ll end up with a fun, new textured ‘do.

LONG HAIR:

For a beautiful and easy updo, start with dry hair. Decide where your part looks best, then break the bottom section of hair into three even sections at the nape. Braid each section to the ends and secure with a rubber band. Then, take the three braids and braid them together. Roll that big braid up or under depending which way looks best, and secure with extra-long bobby pins for a classic low chignon like Jessica Alba’s (above). People will be shocked that you created such a beautiful style on your own!

ABOUT NATASHA SUNSHINE: As Founder of Santa Monica’s premier hair boutique, Byu-Ti Salon, Natasha has run her fingers through some of Hollywood’s most notable manes, including that of Ivanka Trump, Molly Sims and Eva Herzigova. Known in the Los Angeles and New York City fashion circles for her keen sense of style and unique approach to hair therapy, Natasha not only created a six-step consulting system for helping her staff identify and meet her client’s needs, she has also developed her own seven different hair care products, to supplement the line of top-notch goodies already in use at her salon. When Natasha is not helping people feel fabulous from the inside out, or making herself camera-ready for a television appearance (most recently, The Rachael Ray Show), she is working as an industry leader and educator for L’Oreal’s exclusive hair care line, Pureology.

Sheckys.com lets you share your man’s mystifying moments, get easy tips for the healthiest, happiest and most fashionable you, discover our Girls Night Out events and more, all while earning OMG Points toward free goodies!