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Beauty 101

Spring Clean Your Beauty Routine

 
It’s official: Spring is almost here! We’ll help ya say buh-bye to the gray days of winter and get ready to face the sunshine head-on.
 
Check out these amazing tips to get ya feeling fab and looking gorge once the warm weather is officially upon us!

For the past few months, we’ve been pretty busy kicking dry skin to the curb. But with spring coming fast, it’s time to fight oil and sun damage. Start following up your shower with a moisturizer plus SPF. 

 

Give your kisser fresh, vivid shine with a bright lip gloss. Shades of berry and fuchsia are our musts of the moment. Bonus: They’re flattering on basically every skin tone.

 

Winter can be brutal on your skin. Start a super-hydrating routine now and give your bod the moisture it needs. Extra virgin coconut oil is our new obsession, and it’s ideal for warmer weather. Makes skin feel ahhh-mazing.

 
Coco Lotion, $20, lushusa.com

Experiment with bolder eye colors by swapping out your plain black liner for an electric purple liquid liner. This one’s a little intense for school, but glam it up after-hours for a spring dance or a night out with your girls.
 
 

While winter aromas tend to be warm and spicy, spring perfume should be airy, clean and fun. This one, with layers of strawberry and jasmine petal scents, is perf for sunny days spent picnicking with the besties.
 

-Lauren Carney

BY CAITLIN R. ON 3/19/2010 10:43:00 AM 106 COMMENTS

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GL's Ultimate Spring Fling Countdown...

 
With the weather getting warmer, there’s no doubt that a slew of spring dances are just around the corner. And to help you on your hunt to find the perf dress, red-carpet look and wow-‘em-over confidence, GL’s arming you with the tips you need (when do we not?) to steal the night!
 
The Pre-Party Prep
 
Dress Rehearsal: Build up your confidence…with a catwalk!
Once you get your totally perfect dress, don’t leave it in the closet until the big day. Whether you’ve got another month until Spring Fling or a few days, try the dress on beforehand and do a spin, strut and twirl in front of the mirror. You’ll up your confidence factor, see what works, what doesn’t and nix any trips, rips or blush much snafus.
 
Primp Your Palette for Makeup
The trick to nailing your beauty look starts way before the big day. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized primes your face for smooth makeup application. To reduce roughness and minimize blemishes make sure to daily cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin twice a day. Don’t forget to exfoliate your face with a scrub or mask one to two times a week prior to keep the surface of your skin healthy and radiant too.
 
Practice Makes Perfect
You might feel a bit silly at first, but even celebs before every bash make sure to do a run through before any red-carpet event. So whether you’re using a straightener or curling iron for your hair, applying dark eyeliner, or posing for the camera, PRACTICE. You’ll also avoid any hang-ups, like running late fumbling with your hairdo, or major stress dealing with raccoon eyes. Not to mention, bypass any nightmarish angles during photo ops.
 
The Big Day
 
 
All About Hair

The Braided Bun
A quick ‘n’ super easy updo! Add some volumizer to the top of your head and blow dry with a thick rounded brush. Tie hair into a high ponytail and then braid. Secure the braid and then gently start to pull out the braid a bit to make it messy. Wrap the braid into a bun and secure. Softly tug the hair at the top of your head if you want more volume.
 
Old Hollywood Curls Wanna wear your hair down? Blow dry hair into a dramatic side part and heat up a 1 ½-to 2-inch curling iron. Section off two small sections on the heavier side of your part that frames your face. Starting at the root, curl two ringlets. Then, curl back another two larger sections behind the front ringlets making sure to start the curl only midway this time. Brush out all the curls. Smooth with styling cream to make glam goddess waves.
 
Tip: On the day of your special night, forgo using conditioner. This will help give you more texture for styling and a lasting hold all night for any curls and updos.
 
 
All About Face
 
Eyes An evening affair is the perfect time to experiment with daring and bold eyes. To get a sultry, dramatic look: Pick up a duo with a neutral and dark shadow within the palette. First, apply neutral shadow all over the lid to the brow bone. Then take the dark shadow and brush it onto the crease of your eyelid. Take a dark brown or black pencil liner and draw a thin line right above your lashes. Grab and Q-tip and smudge. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Curl lashes and add mascara.

Tip: Add a bit of shimmery white shadow to the inner part of your eyelids for a great highlighting effect!

Lips Before applying any gloss to your lips, make sure your pucker is smooth by exfoliating. Psst, you can easily make a home remedy by gently rubbing a bit of sugar and olive oil on your lips. Moisturize with some lip balm and then glide on your fave hue.
 
Last Minute Confidence Boosters
 
Before you head out the door, try these few little tricks to feel your absolute best.
 
Lightly spritz your fave perfume. When you smell good, your other senses instantly relax and feel good too.
Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Believe it or not, but just changing your posture not only makes you look better, but can immediately change the way you feel.
Smile (even if you’re a nervous wreck). Whether it’s forced or for real, showing those pearly whites will lift your spirits and everyone else’s in the room.
 
By: Jean Lee

BY JIAE K. ON 3/17/2010 7:00:00 AM 38 COMMENTS

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Spring's Hottest Nail Trends

 
Spring’s almost in bloom and our tips are already topped with the freshest new hues.
 
Need a mani makeover, like, now?
 
We’ve got ya covered, girlie.
 
Keep reading to spy the prettiest colors to keep your hands cute beyond words!
 
And GL's picks are...
 
If your nails are constantly painted black…Try a muted mushroom.
 Lighten up, without losing the drama. Right now, a though-provoking purple-y taupe is ultra-trendy. It’s moody, not to mention stylin’.
 
 

If ya love red nails…Try a punchy vermillion.
A kiss of orange makes nails look fresh—and seriously ready for the beach. You’ll feel vacay-bound, even if you’re stuck in homeroom. Plus, it’ll leave toes set for sandal season (especially with chic neutral sandals).

 

If you love glittery polish…Try some texture.
Go for grainy nails. After top coat, swipe on some nude polish. Then sprinkle coffee grounds onto nails. Let it dry and then sweep a second coat over nails. It creates a sandy texture that’s perfect for warm sunny weather—and is totally runway-inspired.

 


If you always wear ballerina pink polish…Try an oh-so-light purple
Nails with a whisper of violet are a girly way to welcome in the warm weather. Looks unexpectedly cool with tough clothes, like studs and rocker heels.
 
 
Lilacism, $8, essie.com

-Megan Parker

BY CAITLIN R. ON 3/11/2010 3:27:00 PM 134 COMMENTS

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Runway Beauty For YOU!

 
Love all things fashion and beauty? We hear ya, gorgeous girl! That's why we're spilling the latest get-pretty trends to hit the runway. 

Sure, these looks are slated to be major this fall, but they're still ultra gorge right this second. Plus, our new faves are under $10.

Subtly Peach Pucker
Our new everyday hue! Opt for a lipstick that's got a slight peachy undertone. It adds just-right color to your kisser, without being so dramatic.

 


Black Headband 'n' Bun
Models at Donna Karan decked their super-slick 'dos with shiny black headbands. Looks extra cool placed at your hairline, with locks back in a way chic coil.
 

Disco Glitter Headband, $4, forever21.com

Pretty Purple Tips
Love bright polish? Us, too. We spied an oh-so-glam violet hue on the catwalks, and couldn't wait to dip in. Perf for adding color to a gray winter's day.

 

Royal Purple Nail Polish, $3, forever21.com

Sparkly Platinum Liner
Hello, party makeup! Dark shadow works as a cool, thick liner. Use the applicator to draw a line along top and bottom lashes. Add mascara and add clear gloss to your pout.

 


-Katie Abbondanza 

BY CAITLIN R. ON 2/16/2010 10:41:00 AM 175 COMMENTS

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