I hope you all are wrapping up the work week in style, fully ready to embrace a long weekend (I am!). If you haven’t had time to think about your wardrobe for kissing spring goodbye and saying hello to summer, allow me to offer a couple of alternatives. They’re simple, really. Here’s the deal:

Color, or no color. Those are the options we have. Groundbreaking, crazy stuff, right?

The difference is in the extremes. I’m loving head-to-toe nude as an outfit idea, but I’m also loving major, punchy color. You choose which is right for you, but here are a few guidelines for wearing both right.

Head-to-toe neutrals (as rocked by Jessica Alba, Olivia Palermo, and a Mango model from Spring 2011).

You can’t go wrong if you’re working all neutrals, especially if you stick to nude. I love that you can work a breezy dress near the beach or out to dinner with minimal accessories, do a blazer/pant look for a more formal affair, or work stone-colored shorts or pants with a sweater, hat and scarf (see: Jessica’s look) for a boat trip. All equally gorgeous! If you choose this option for the weekend, really stick to that minimalistic vibe. Don’t overdo accessories, keep your hair fuss-free and make sure each item in your ensemble is completely comfortable. The chicness will take care of itself. You just feel fabulous working this sophisticated style!

Major color (as rocked by Helena of Brooklyn Blonde, Blair at Atlantic-Pacific and Rachel at Pink Peonies).

I have a major love of color right now. Even the fitting room attendant commented on it yesterday when I was trying on loads of stuff at T.J. Maxx (“Wow, you love color!” My response: Um, yeah…). And I say if you want to go for it, then really go for it! I am head-over-heels for the color-blocking look. Choose a dress that’s breezy and gorgeous in this pattern, or pair a solid with bright heels or sandals. Wear pastel shorts and tee, working a mint and bubble-gum pink combo, or baby blue and yellow. Or if you’d rather punch up basic blacks and whites with your accessories, that’s cool, too. Try adding a few different brights into the mix, a la Rachel’s look from above. Pretty lovely (and bold), eh?

Which look will you most likely rock this Memorial Day weekend?

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Word to the wise, though – eyelash extensions are NOT indestructible! Avoid embarrassing mishaps and party time panics by following these few simple tips:

Plan Ahead For Water Play!

Eyelash extensions need to be kept dry for 48 hours after each application in order for the adhesive to fully cure. Be sure to schedule your full set and relash appointments well in advance of wild water adventures!

Slash The Steam Exposure!

Jacuzzis and spas are soothing retreats to wind down from a day of excessive work or play. A bit of steam now and then shouldn’t affect extended lashes, but try to avoid getting “too much of a good thing.” Repeated or prolonged exposure to high heat and steam can weaken the lash bond and cause extensions to fall off early.

Beware The BBQ!

For hygiene and performance reasons, Xtreme Lashes offers only synthetic eyelash extensions and all synthetics CAN melt when exposed to very high temps. No need to worry about the summery weather outside, but do try to keep your lashes away from the BBQ and other high heat sources. If synthetic lashes are directly in the path of a blast of extremely hot air, they could very well get singed!

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Ready to enjoy your warm weather leisure time with long, lovely lashes? Visit the Xtreme Lashes online directory and find a Certified Lash Stylist today!

Credits:
Photographer: Anthony Neste for ExploreModeling.com
Nicolita Swimwear, www.MyNicolita.com
Model: Joy Corrigan, Winner of the Nicolita Casting Contest
Xtreme Lashes Eyelash Extensions: Alexandra Briand, Sultry Eyes Lash Studio

You’re reading How To Save Your Lashes From Summertime Slip-Ups by Xtreme Lashes. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Xtreme Lashes on Faceboook, Twitter, and YouTube!

I’m pretty obsessed with my cut-offs when summer rolls around. Far and away, I wear shorts more than any other piece during that May-September window. They’re just so comfy and you can wear them so many ways.

If you’re under the impression that cut-offs are for wearing to the beach over a bathing suit or a companion to your plain ol’ tanks only, let me take you through a few extra ways you need to wear them (emphasis on need, because these ways are so chic, and totally on-trend right now).

Way #1: With Sparkle. Pair your cut-offs with a sparkly top, which will literally transform the vibe of the whole look. You take a piece with a masculine feel, and amp it up with ultra-feminine glitz? Gotta love that contrast. Wear with heels and a cardigan for even more of a girlie vibe. And if you invested in those shorts, it will really make them stand out against that backdrop!

Way #2: With a Boyfriend Blazer. There’s nothing cooler than stealing from the boys, so pull another piece out of their closets with a boyfriend blazer. Your girlie element could be in the tailoring, adding heels, or choosing a really great color. This is such a versatile look, though, because if you really wanted to go more casual with it, all you’d have to do is wear flats instead of heels, boots or wedges.

Way #3: Accessorized. Accessories take any outfit from “bland and easy-going” to “upscale and chic”. Wear a classy watch, piles of bracelets, an elegant bag — but keep it streamlined. Minimalism is better when you’re dressing up your cut-offs.

Way #4: With lace. Lace functions sort of like sparkle: It is ultra-girlie. If you want a pretty look, choose classic white lace. I love a great, flowy top with long necklaces to give it more of a bohemian vibe. Then add a gorgeous red lip for a night out or work a touch-of-pink pout for daytime wear.

And as a rule for choosing cut-offs and bottoms we’d label as “short-shorts” (you know the ones): When in doubt, choose little bit longer styles. And when in doubt as to the appropriateness of your shorts for any given function, always bear on the side of caution. You should always look like a lady!

How do you wear your cut-offs each summer?

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When I found out Bobbi Brown had a new fragrance called Beach, I was immediately intrigued. First of all, I had no idea the makeup giant even made fragrances and, secondly, a fragrance called “Beach” sure has a lot to live up to (and could very easily smell cheap!). So, it was with a bit of skepticism that I sprayed on Brown’s new scent, but dang does it live up to its name! It really smells like a beach in a bottle! It has that alluring mix of salt water, and sunscreen that’s completely transporting. In fact, it’s so transporting that I’ve been keeping the bottle near my computer and every so often I’ll smell it to give me a happy energy boost.

I have to say that I do love my musk and sandalwood-based scents, but those tend to be very aggressive and, for summer, it’s important to switch things up and go with something lighter. I love that this scent is an alternative to run-of-the-mill florals, while still being approachable. It has notes of jasmine, sea spray and mandarin, and there’s also a body oil, body lotion, and shimmering fragrance lotion. Check everything out here!

Image: Bobbi Brown

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While there may not be any cream, lotion, or potion that has been proven to effectively fight cellulite, there’s a lot to be said about tightening and hydrating products. With the weather heating up and shorts being pulled out of our closets, most of us (especially those of us who are very pale!), are probably feeling a little bit more aware of how our bare legs look. Building up leg muscle is still the best way to fight cellulite, but Kneipp has come out with a slew of products to give you a little extra confidence boost. Better yet, the products are soothing, so they’ll help alleviate tension post cellulite busting workout!

All of the products in the line are natural and holistic and combine grape seed oil, essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and sandalwood fruit extract to firm skin and boost circulation. The collection includes:

Grape Seed Anti-Cellulite Exfoliating Body Scrub: Even though exfoliation isn’t as important during the summer as it is during the dry winter months, it’s still crucial to use a scrub at least once a week to boost circulation (to help prevent those pesky pockets of fat!), and remove dead skin cells.

Grape Seed Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil: This oil is formulated with avocado and jojoba oil and, while I didn’t feel any immediate tightening, it’s incredibly soothing as a post workout oil and will work to hydrate your skin.

Grape Seed Anti-Cellulite Intensive Cream: This treatment contains 21% pure grape seed oil along with Vitamins A and E, shea butter, sunflower oil, and castor oil making for an incredibly hydrating body care product. It also has anti-aging effects because Vitamin A and E improve skin’s regeneration and overall tone.

Kneipp is a go-to drugstore brand in Europe (especially in Germany), but it’s still relatively under-the-radar here, which is a shame. Their prices are great considering their quality and, at least judging from their newbie cellulite collection, they smell refreshing and feel soothing on skin. Check-out their extensive line-up here!

Image: Kneipp

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You know you haven’t slept enough when your under eye bags are so big that you can’t wear eyeliner without risking drawing too much attention to them (not that that’s me at the moment or anything…). Almay has our back now that the warm weather has many of us out more than usual and, perhaps, not getting enough sleep thanks to their new Wake-Up products.

In addition to an eye concealer and a powder foundation (pictured left — this is one of my fave drugstore foundations because it goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel cakey), they’re launching four new products next month. I was able to get a sneak peak and here’s a look at what you can expect!

Eyeliner + Highlighter ($8.99): Tired eyes usually are best left alone, but this pen is formulated with caffeine, aloe leaf, and cucumber extract (i.e. all ingredients more typically found in skincare), to give you an energizing boost. While I’m still averse to eyeliner when I’m sleep deprived, I really love the highlighter part of this pen. Apply it to the corner of your eyes and it really helps to brighten your look.

Eye Shadow + Primer ($8.99): I can’t stress enough how important priming your eyes is if you’re using shadow (and priming your skin if you’re applying foundation). Not only will a primer allow your makeup to glide on smoothly, it will help keep your look in place. This mini palette makes it super easy because the primer is right next to the trio of shadows (three different combinations are available), so you’ve got no excuse!

Blush + Highlighter ($9.99): How genius is it that this, too, is formulated with caffeine? Caffeine is often found in eye creams because it has been shown to reduce puffiness and, combined with the cucumber and aloe that are in this duo, you’ll get nice color along with the possibility of “wake-up” benefits. I’m also impressed that this duo comes with a brush given that most high-end products that retail for three times (or more!), don’t come with brushes anymore.

Liquid Makeup ($12.99): Formulated with SPF 20, cucumber, minerals, aloe and green tea, this lightweight oil free foundation will hydrate while helping to cover-up imperfections. It comes in six shades.

Check-out all of Almay’s products here and look out for these products at a drugstore near you come June 2012!

Image: Almay

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This is one of my favorite outfits to wear and I think that the look with the flared jeans gives it a totally different vibe than if I paired it with skinny jeans. With these type of pants, I recommend wearing tall shoes, as I think flared jeans look best when they are almost skimming the floor and you can’t really see your shoes. The trick for me is that these are petite-sized jeans, so the flare starts in a good place (right above the knee). If I had gone for regular sizing, the flare would’ve started lower and wouldn’t have worked for my frame. So, as with any jeans (but especially these), try to find ones that flatter your leg shape by considering where the flare starts and how big the flare is.

If you are like me and love your skinny jeans, I say give the bell bottom jeans a try. It will definitely open up more options in your wardrobe!

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I love the Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum because it gave my hair great shine and brought it back to health. My ends are a lot less dry and I have less breakage overall. However, it’s not cheap and I found an alternative that’s half the price and double the size! The Agadir Argan Oil is pretty much the same and, at $16, it’s definitely something you can stock up on. If you’ve been looking to bring some life back to your hair, try it out, I really think you’ll like it!

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Don’t you hate it when your makeup refuses to last the day? It’s a huge pet peeve of mine. As a girl with oily skin and a penchant for raccoon eyes and colorless lips (where do those cosmetics go as the hours pass?), I’ve had to learn to combat runaway makeup. There are a few tricks you can try, learned over the years by moi, that I want to share with you. Take a peek:

Disappearing mascara? Fix: You put on two coats of mascara in the morning, and by the time you hit your lunch hour it looks like you have less than one coat left. What gives? The way to make your mascara last is by applying two coats in the morning, and then letting it dry. Apply your lipstick or something, come back in a minute or so, and finally apply an extra to the tips. It might even look a little clumpy for an hour, but as you continue to blink the mascara usually redistributes and looks good for the rest of the day. It’s magical.

Fading lip color? Fix: It’s simple, really. Apply lip stain underneath your lipstick or lip gloss. It’s my favorite trick! Try to find a stain that’s similar in color to your favorite, go-to lip color of choice. For me, I buy NYC Smooch Proof Lip Stain in Forever Freesia, and then add Bare Minerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Birthday Cake over top. Looks fab, the color is rich, and lasts forever. Win, win, win.

Oil-ridden foundation? Fix: Lots of ladies wear liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer…and it’s totally great. You should try some if you haven’t already! Unfortunately, in the summer, it just doesn’t last all day with your skin’s natural oil production and a little sweat from the heat. Make sure to set liquid foundations with powder to create a long-lasting, pretty complexion.

Goodbye, eyeliner? Fix: Oh, eyeliner. I feel every time I add my favorite kohl liner to my peepers, it’s gone before sundown. That’s why I’ve switched to clay liner. The formula is super-easy to apply, and dries smudge-proof on your skin. I adore it!

Vanishing blush? Fix: Gotta have that kiss of color on the apples of your cheeks. However, if you find your blush, like foundation, doesn’t last all day, you’ve got to double up. Add a cream or liquid blush onto your cheeks just after your liquid foundation, and then set your whole look with powder. Use powder blush for your cheeks, and powder foundation for the rest of your skin. Voila!

How do you make your cosmetics last all day?

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Don’t you hate it when your makeup refuses to last the day? It’s a huge pet peeve of mine. As a girl with oily skin and a penchant for raccoon eyes and colorless lips (where do those cosmetics go as the hours pass?), I’ve had to learn to combat runaway makeup. There are a few tricks you can try, learned over the years by moi, that I want to share with you. Take a peek:

Disappearing mascara? Fix: You put on two coats of mascara in the morning, and by the time you hit your lunch hour it looks like you have less than one coat left. What gives? The way to make your mascara last is by applying two coats in the morning, and then let it dry. Apply your lipstick or something, and then come back in a minute or so. Then, apply extra to the tips. It might even look a little clumpy for an hour or so, but as you continue to blink the mascara usually redistributes and looks good for the rest of the day. It’s magical.

Fading lip color? Fix: It’s simple, really. Apply lip stain underneath your lipstick or lip gloss. It’s my favorite trick! Try to find a stain that’s similar in color to your favorite, go-to lip color of choice. For me, I buy NYC Smooch Proof Lip Stain in Forever Freesia, and then add Bare Minerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss in Birthday Cake over top. Looks fab, the color is rich, and lasts forever. Win, win, win.

Oil-ridden foundation? Fix: Lots of ladies wear liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer…and it’s totally great. You should try some if you haven’t already! Unfortunately, in the summer, it just doesn’t last all day with your skin’s natural oil production and a little sweat from the heat. Make sure to set liquid foundations with powder to create a long-lasting, pretty complexion.

Goodbye, eyeliner? Fix: Oh, eyeliner. I feel every time I add my favorite kohl liner to my eyes, it’s gone before sundown. That’s why I’ve switched to clay liner. The formula is super-easy to apply, and dries smudge-proof on your skin. I adore it!

Vanishing blush? Fix: Gotta have a kiss of color on the apples of your cheeks. However, if you find your blush, like foundation, doesn’t last all day, you’ve got to double up. Add a cream or liquid blush onto your cheeks just after your liquid foundation, and then set your whole look with powder. Use powder blush for your cheeks, and powder foundation for the rest of your skin. Voila!

How do you make your cosmetics last all day?

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