Funky Summer Manicures

It's such a relaxing feeling to get a mani-pedi, am I right? It just makes the day seem a little brighter. Just knowing our nails look groomed and pretty instantly adds confidence in our step. But since getting nails professionally done can get expensive and also a little worrisome when it comes to cleanliness, home manis are a great alternative. While they may not provide the complete relaxation of someone else giving the mani, it will save money and offer a different satisfaction because you can take the credit for such beautifully applied nail polish/ nail art.

Whether it's a professional mani or a home mani, try something new. It's very invigorating! Below are some new-to-me color schemes that I tried recently. What new-to-you color schemes will you try?

Orange & Lime- Fun, quirky and very summery

Goes perfectly with neon & neutral trend

Polish: Peace Polish Set from Lady Foot Locker

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Come Hither Darks- Sophisticated, chic and beautifully bold

Goes perfectly with most night looks, even great for the office

Polish: Sally Hansen Grey Area, Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black/Noir

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Vix3n R3D- Vampy and definitely daring

Goes perfectly with fantasy looks, lingerie, costumes & whatever outfit you pair with it

 Polish: Wet'n'Wild Fantasy Makers Red, Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black/Noir

Happy 4th of July!

Have a SAFE and fabulous 4th of July!

Shades of Fall 2010

Fall in the Midwest is beautiful with the leaves changing colors and the breeze that brings a new season to life. The Midwest perfectly showcases the tone of fall. Changing seasons also means evolving fashion trends and makeup colors. Fall 2010 is all about understated drama. Shades of burgundy, plum, wine, jewel and metallic tones are at the focus of makeup trends for fall.

Lips:
I have seen a lot of burgundy lips on the runways; however in every day life, I am not such a fan of super dark lipstick. Nude or red lips are always fresh, but burgundy is tricky to pull of without looking dated or Gothic. Trying it out on your own lips is the only way to see what works for you.

Eyes:
Winged, or "cat-eye," eye liner is huge on the runway, and I am a fan of this trend. In fact, I often have worn and still wear my liquid liner in a winged version. The liner I wear though is a less dramatic "cat-eye" portrayal than what is on the catwalks this season. If you have not tried this trend (or classic? you decide), try winging your eye liner when you have some time to perfect your version.

I recommend using a liquid liner that is fairly easy to swipe on and one that dries fairly quickly to prevent smudging. You can start at any point on your upper lash line. However, many makeup artists have a systematic way to apply this type of liner, whether the starting point is the inner portion, the middle or the outer portion of the eye. The key is for each eye to look alike and also keep each line is solid and precise. Find an application style that suits you best.

Cheeks:
Light blush and/or simple contouring is a perfect pairing with dark or red lips. If going with a lighter or nude lip, I suggest a touch of bronzer, even if paired with a light coating of blush. Contrary to what many makeup artists say is appropriate, I use bronzer all year long and as eye shadow, blush, and also, very carefully, for contouring. A little bronzer goes a long way, and I love how refreshing and warm it is. I use Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Sunset Strip. Just because it is colder outside does not mean that the sun disappears so bronzer still makes sense to me (if applied appropriately, of course). Makeup routines are personal so find what works best for you.

I plan to post more YouTube videos very soon, especially for tutorials so stay tuned at www.youtube.com/user/CatBstyle.

Thank you for reading. Have a fabulous day every day.

Leg Exfoliant Recipe

If you been looking for a new exfoliant for your legs, try the following combination and modify it for your skin's needs. Make sure you test it first on a small area to check if you are allergic or get irritated. This recipe works for me but may not for you so try at your own risk. Everyone's skin is unique.

1. Mix together until paste-like the following items-
Coffee Grounds
Milk or cream
Citrus juice (pure)
Grape pulp
Honey, Olive Oil or Avacado
2. Apply as paste to desired area (I use it on my legs.)
3. Rub in circular motions for a good exfoliation.
4. Leave on for a few minutes if desired. You can even wrap legs in a warm towel and let sit for a more spa like experience.
*Baking soda and sugar are also wonderful exfoliants.
IMPORTANT: Do not use if skin is already irritated and immediately wash off if skin becomes irritated.
5. Be sure to moisturize after you rinse and pat dry.

Have a fabulous day every day.

Summer Beauty Basics

Summer can be so much fun. It is a time for going on vacations, swimming at a lake or pool and hosting BBQs. However, summer can also spell disaster in the beauty department if you are not prepared. Here are some summer basics (in no order) that should help you stay fabulous as you enjoy an amazing summer.

1. Wearing sunscreen daily should be second-nature by now, but I feel I still have to include this on the list. Make it a water resistant sunscreen if you will sweat or be in water. Reapply if you need to. Always protect your skin. There are some wonderful makeup formulas that include a sunscreen (if you do not need it to be water resistant). Also, protect your lips with SPF lip balm.

2. Exfoliating your skin at least weekly (as long as you are not sunburned) is still important as is moisturizing your skin. Always remove your makeup before you cleanse and exfoliate your face. There are many cleansers that also exfoliate. Try Neutrogena's Wave Duo. It cleanses and exfoliates simultaneously and can be used daily. ***If you have a sunburn, especially if it is still painful, do NOT exfoliate until your skin has healed or until you have spoken with your dermatologist.

3. If your usual foundation is too heavy for the hot and humid summer months, try tinting your moisturizer with a drop of concealer or foundation or use a pre-made tinted moisturizer available at many drugstores and makeup specialty stores.

4. Oil absorbing sheets are perfect for hot summer days when you start to shine in the not-so-camera-ready way.

5. Teeth whitening strips are a fabulous and affordable way to brighten your smile. Crest has some wonderful teeth whitening product options.

6. Summer is the perfect time, or excuse, to wear your hair tousled. Add a splash of salt water to your locks and voila, sexy beach hair created in your own home. It may not be appropriate to wear to the office, but on vacation or on weekends, this look can be ultra sexy, especially with longer strands.

7. Add a silky scarf or ribbon to your tousled hair as a tie around a low pony-tail or spice it up in a bun or add it to a loose side braid.

8. Summer is about fresh, airy and seemingly effortless style and beauty. Think simple, refreshing, light... Insert CoverGirl's slogan, "Easy, breezy, beautiful..."

9. Smile. This is always the number one way to look fabulous and confident. Additionally, smiling is contagious. Just watch the effect of your beautiful smile on others.

10. Think positively...about yourself. Confidence is key. See your beauty inside and out. And I know that summer can bring some added stress if you are uncomfortable with your body. The older I get, the more I have to work at caring for my body and reminding myself that I love my body even when I gain a few extra pounds. Everyone has a different body, and we are all beautiful in our own unique ways. Our differences are beautiful and fascinating.

Have a fabulous day every day, and enjoy your summer, beautiful!

Neutrogena Wave Duo Review

I personally try numerous facial cleansers, body cleansers, moisturizers and makeup products every year. I love to try new products and see the benefits of each. Skincare is important, and some products work better than others. That said, skincare is a very personal routine. Products work differently for different people so it is important to find what works for you.

The Neutrogena Wave Duo works wonders for me. I love it! Here is what I love about the Neutrogena Wave Duo:

1. I saw visible results after my first use. The box claims these results, and I definitely agree.
2. The Wave Duo is small and convenient enough for travel.
3. The Wave Duo comes in cute color choices, and I love pink!
4. My skin feels much softer and cleaner after using the Wave Duo.
5. It is a great exfoliator, and it does work well for men also, especially for a pre-shave cleanse.
6. The Wave Duo offers two speeds and is incredibly easy to use.
(The Wave Duo is a little noisy, but it is nothing compared to a hair dryer. Also, I do not use the Wave Duo every day because the pads (and packaging) are wasteful (even though they are tiny)- not to mention that buying the replacement pads gets a bit pricey. I wish there were a more eco-friendly Wave that had a reusable pad that would be washable... Neutrogena, take note- Green is in. :) )

Overall, I recommend the Neutrogena Wave Duo for excellent exfoliation and deep cleansing. When I use the Wave Duo (about 3 times a week), I use it after I remove my makeup with the Makeup Remover Wonder Cloth, and my skin looks and feels softer, cleaner and healthier. On the days I do not use the Wave Duo, I am trying other cleansers.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Thanks! Have a fabulous day!

(c) 2009 CS

Review of Wonder(TM) Cloth: Makeup Remover Cloth

Makeup application is one of my favorite forms of art so I wear makeup daily. I love trying new makeup removal systems, and using the double-sided Wonder Cloth is one of my favorite ways to remove my makeup.

I bought my first Wonder Cloth for $9.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I have had it for almost 2 weeks and have washed it in my washing machine just like any other wash cloth. The cloth does have a distinct smell to it, but for the amazing results, I can handle it. The Wonder Cloth removes all of my makeup fairly easily and gently exfoliates at the same time. Impressively, the Wonder Cloth even rinses out with no residual makeup stains.

I highly recommend this product for anyone who would like to remove their makeup easily and conveniently. In my experience, there has been no need to use makeup removal oil when using the Wonder Cloth (even on mascara) so the Wonder Cloth is especially great for anyone with oily skin. I also recommend this product for men to use before shaving.

Hope you find this review helpful. Have a fabulous day!