i'm sure you've thought about it at one point or another!? no?? hmmm.
BANG-love!
CNN's Top Ten Beauty resolutions!
"1. Find your signature scent.
If you've been spritzing the same fragrance since Y2K, this may be the year to try something new. Narrow your search by checking out a classic such as Chanel No. 5 or Shalimar -- don't underestimate how original it may be on you.
Also investigate indie brands like Serge Lutens, L'Artisan Parfumeur and Annick Goutal for something unique. And take your time -- sample a scent and live with it for a day to see if it feels right: "You want to smell like yourself, not a trend," says perfumer Frederic Malle.
2. Schedule your first skin cancer screening.
Many of us know the statistics: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and early detection saves lives. But not all of us know our risk level or have had a head-to-toe skin check.
Designate a month for an annual appointment with your dermatologist, and book checkups now for the next two years.
"The doctor will examine every square inch of your skin -- behind ears, inside your mouth, eyelids, nail beds, bottoms of feet, and more -- for unusual moles or other suspicious skin growths," says dermatologist Audrey Kunin.
Abnormal moles (those that are asymmetrical, have ragged borders, or are larger in diameter than a pencil eraser) will be measured, photographed or biopsied.
3. Pick a perfect shade of foundation.
A natural-looking base is key because it sets the stage for the rest of your makeup. Pinpoint your best match by testing colors on your jaw line -- not your face, wrist or hand -- and on your throat, says makeup artist Mally Roncal.
"The right one will vanish," says Roncal, who emphasizes that the most natural shade should match your neck even if it's a bit darker than your facial skin, which is often lighter due to exfoliation.
Always check colors in daylight: Ask for a hand mirror at the makeup counter to take outside. Commit to different shades for winter (when skin is paler) and summer (when you're tan). And with the matte look big on spring runways, you may want to experiment with a powder foundation for a different effect.
4. Scout out the right light to do your makeup.
Proper lighting is essential for achieving a polished, natural look. Avoid overhead bulbs, which can create under-eye shadows. Instead, cast an even light by positioning lamps on the sides of your mirror at face level.
Daylight is the most ideal condition, says makeup artist Tina Turnbow. "Place a mirror on the windowsill and face out if there's a soft sunlight; use a hand mirror and face away if the light is harsh."
5. De-clutter your makeup bag.
"If you haven't used a product or tool in a month, toss it," says Roncal. Ditto for multiples of similar colors. Instead of carrying around two, three (or 10) pink glosses, keep only the one you reach for most.
If you want to make a fresh start, experts recommend packing these essentials: a double-duty cheek and lip stain, black eyeliner to transition from day to night, mascara, concealer, and a mini eyelash curler.
6. Discover a brave new nail color.
Not just any fashionista-caliber shade will do. To find a dark, arresting polish, choose a hue that complements your skin tone. The pros say dark complexions look best in rich burgundies with gold undertones and in deep purples (like Yves Saint Laurent's Black Tulip).
Women with medium or olive skin wear deep berries and reds well (try Essie's Berry Hard). And plum polishes won't wash out fair skin, says Mariana Mejia, a manicurist at Haven Spa in New York.
The best shape for dark nails? "Ovals extending just past the tips of your fingers," says Jan Arnold, co-founder of Creative Nail Design.
7. Undo hair damage.
Step 1: Limit how often you wash your hair, since the drying process can be damaging. To refresh between washings, "try a dry shampoo every other day," says New York hairstylist Oscar Blandi. When spritzed on your roots, it absorbs dirt, restores volume and gives hair a freshly showered scent.
Step 2: Switch to an ionic hair dryer. The technology dries hair faster, emits heat without frying hair, and prevents breakage and frizz.
Step 3: Treat your scalp to a rubdown with a restorative hair serum, such as Yarok's. "A weekly scalp massage stimulates blood circulation, which encourages the hair's strength and growth," says Blandi.
8. Assemble the perfect hair-accessory wardrobe.
Most women rotate through four hairstyles: down, up, half up and slicked back. To enliven these everyday looks, invest in a few accessories.
"They add an instant sophistication without any expertise required," says Boston hairstylist Gretchen Monahan. Tie a ponytail with a feathered elastic, use a gemlike barrette or pretty slide in a bun, and upgrade any look with a thin headband.
9. Get out your hot rollers.
This year's glam retro styles are easy to create with a classic styling tool: hot rollers.
"Roll hair away from your face, saving the bigger rollers for longer hair and sections in the back of your head, and the smaller ones for shorter pieces," says N.Y.C. stylist Sam Leonardi. Wait 20 minutes for rollers to cool, then unravel hair. Finish by gently running a brush through curls so they mellow into soft, screen-siren waves.
10. Commit to a skin care regimen.
The secret to seeing a difference in how your skin looks? Patience. Long-term results don't happen overnight, and swapping products too frequently can cause inflammation. "New regimens alter the elastin and collagen in your skin, a process that takes time," says dermatologist Frederic Brandt.
One caveat: "If you develop a rash, swelling, redness or itching, you may be allergic to a product. Or you may be applying it incorrectly, so stop using it and consult your doctor," advises dermatologist Audrey Kunin.
Otherwise, follow these timelines to see initial results:
Acne-Fighting Regimen: Use for six weeks to three months.
Skin-Lightening Regimen: Use for six to 12 months.
Anti-Aging Regimen: Use for three months"
rain coming soon!
we had dinner and movie night last night. helped Brandon cook-shocker!!!! and watched Dane cook's Rough Around the Edges! hilar! love him more and more. numnums.
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