Fail-Proof Fall Lacquer

It’s that time again ladies and gents (if this is your thing!); time to pull out your wallets and invest in some new nail polish! I use nail lacquer as a subtle way to communicate my personality and my emotions to the world (sometimes daily). The best part? It doesn't have to be expensive. So treat yourself to a little bit of magic in a bottle with one of these awesome on-trend fall colors.

Beige is a great fall color. It’s neutral and effortlessly chic. Whether you just feel like toning things down a bit or you normally prefer an understated manicure, this color says “I know I’m vicious, and I dare you to try to tell me otherwise.”

Featured: Topshop Nail Polish in Sandy Lane; Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure for Rachel Roy in Terracotta, available in October.

Blue is back from its introduction this summer, bolder and a nice break from the more traditional fall colors. Go dark with a navy or bright with a cobalt, but whatever the shade, have fun with it!

Featured: Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in My Personal Serpent; Dior Vernis in Blue Denim.

Browns are chocolately, modern and beyond chic. Choose the shade that gives off the impression that you are feeling serious, sultry or both.

Featured: Dolce & Gabbana Intense Nail Colour in Chocolate; RGB Nail Polish in Seal.

Green polishes made an appearance in the spring and are back now for fall in richer, earthy tones. Perfect for pairing with your fall wardrobe.

Featured: Butter London 3 Free Nail Polish in Wallis; Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro in Rags to Riches.

Fall brings us a wide variety of purples, ranging from playful to sexy to serious business. Where do you fall? Let your nails tell the tale!

Featured: Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in Eve-y on the Eyes; MAC Nail Lacquer in Rain of Flowers, available September 15.

Red is replacing this summer’s coral for fall. Sexy and vibrant, red is perfect for the girl who wants to have a good time, or at least appears like she's up for one. Choose from brick and wine-inspired options.

Featured: OPI Nail Polish in A Color To Diner For; Lancôme Le Vernis in Bang Bang Red.

These slate-colors are another sweet option for a neutral-colored nail. These shades always give a polished, sleek look to the person wearing them. Choose a shade anywhere between concrete to metallic.

Featured: Essie Nail Polish in Power Clutch; Orly Nail Color in Sea Gurl.

And remember, you can always refer back to this post on "how to give yourself a perfect manicure"!

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Fall Beauty Checklist

The time has come where we followers of fashion are cleaning out our closets, chanting “out with the old, in with the new,” boldly trying a new trend or look. Yes, September, dually known as the “January of fashion”, is right around the corner and we are all getting ready to set our fashion new year's resolutions in motion. This coming month, women worldwide will be scouring through the biggest magazine issues of the year to see what’s hot, what’s not and where they will fall on the line. But amidst all of the excitement, be mindful that September is not just a special time for your closet; your beauty bag wants some of the love too. Take this opportunity to try out bold new looks for your hair and makeup but do so with everything you need to protect your skin and hair from the cold weather that is to come. Here is your beauty checklist; don’t start fall without everything you need!

The past year has been revolutionary since the launch of lash-enhancing products. The beauty world is going crazy over lashes since products like Latisse and RevitaLash have landed on the market, ready to aid those with thin eyelashes. This fall is all about intense lashes so use products that will not only enhance but also intensify lashes. Also on the market is Kate Somerville’s True Lash Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover, so you can keep your eyes healthy and clean while continuing to work towards getting that super glam look that you want.

Featured above: Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara, Kate Somerville True Lash: Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover and Fusion Beauty StimulashFusion Lash Enhancing Liquid Eyeliner, available in September at Sephora.

Spend time basking in the sun this summer? If so, you’re probably beautifully bronzed. While it looks great to have sun-kissed skin, the effects aren’t always so great. Clogged pores and uneven skin tone are common to those who have spent lots of time in the sun. Combat those effects by exfoliating regularly. Prep for the upcoming season by gently scrubbing skin to reveal a fresh face for fall.

Featured above: Ren Micro Polish Cleanser, Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner, Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub.

While we’re discussing facial care, we can’t forget to moisturize. Moisturizing really goes hand-in-hand with exfoliating. While I preach about moisturizing regularly year-round, it’s especially important during the fall and winter months to protect and hydrate your skin.

Featured above: RMS Beauty Lip & Skin Balm, One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Multi-Balm.

While we’re talking about moisturizing, why stop at your face? The only way to keep skin looking luminous and feeling supple when the elements are working against you is to moisturize regularly. While lightweight body lotions are primarily used throughout the summer, the cooler months require super-emollient moisturizer; or, if you’re feeling bold, try a luxe body oil!

Featured above: Alba Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil, Duchess Marden Body Serum, Kiehl's Creme de Corpes Body Moisturizer.

What’s worse than chapped lips? I can’t think of many things that will send you on a downward beauty spiral faster. Keep lips happy and hydrated with lip balm, but amplify that happiness to excitement by adding a tint to the hydration.

Featured above: Votre Vu Bebe Duette Moisturizing Lip Balm & Luxe Hand Cream Duo, Eco Tools Lip Balm.

Your smile is your most recognizable accessory and you have to play it up every chance you get. No one wants to go into fall with mother-of-pearl colored teeth; it ruins any lip color you may be trying as soon as you open your mouth. Make sure your teeth are at their whitest without costing you a small fortune by using an at-home whitening system.

Featured above: Crest 3D White Strips Professional Effects, GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device.

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Madonna: A Music and Style Icon Through the Years

August 16 is an important day in history if you are a lover of music and pop culture in general. This is the day that Madonna Louise Ciccone (affectionately known as Madonna) was born in Bay City Michigan. In 1977, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in modern dance and got way more than she bargained for. By 1983, she released her debut album and the world of popular music was forever changed. Madonna has been known for her edgy persona but she is also well-known for being a risk-taker in her style and beauty choices. Her influence is prevalent in today’s pop princesses, but to me, she will always be the pop queen that reigns supreme. Happy birthday Madonna, you royal stunner, you!

1982

During the days of “Lucky Star” and “Borderline”, Madonna could be seen on a typical day looking EXACTLY like this. Blue and purple lipstick has never looked so good to me…or so normal. Her hair was typically pulled into an updo and topped off with a bow. While her style was a little out there (whose style wasn't in the ‘80s?), she sparked a trend in women’s complete looks from head-to-toe.

1984

Madonna kept it simple and sexy for the “Material Girl” video. Based on Marilyn Monroe’s iconic performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the classic film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," Madonna went totally blonde with emphasis placed on her eyes and lips. BTW, we can’t leave 1984 without mentioning “Like A Virgin”!

1986

1986 found Madonna releasing her third full-length album, True Blue. “La Isla Bonita” and “Crazy For You” were in heavy rotation, and she was filming "Who’s That Girl" (which was not very well received by movie critics, though I loved and still love it). It was during this time that platinum blonde was the hair color of choice and a vicious red lip was in order. Her hair was short and a little wild, but it suits her personality perfectly.

1989

Before Gaga was making headlines with “Judas”, Madonna was making headlines, waves and other natural disasters with “Like A Prayer” for her portrayal of Jesus Christ as a black man (among many other things that had the church calling “foul” and blasphemy). For the video, Madonna returned to her Italian roots with her brunette curly hair and natural-looking makeup. During this time, the world was also given the gift of “Express Yourself” which remains an anthem till this day.

1990

“Vogue” – need I say more? I don’t even dare. Back to blonde, Madonna’s hair was cut into a bob, worn curly and sexy. Bold brows to frame her eyes and yet another vicious red lip completes a solid look. And I don’t dare leave this era without at very least mentioning the coned breasts that made their debut in this video.

1994

1994 is the year that Madonna made it know that she does what she wants and is unapologetic for it. The “Human Nature” video found her hair dark again and corn-rowed. Her makeup was kept clean and simple to allow her lips to really make an impact. The same look (just softer) was used in the video for “Take A Bow”.

1997

The "Ray of Light" album brought us a more serene Kaballah-loving Madonna and she looked the part. Her makeup was more natural in the video for the album’s title track with long, strawberry blonde locks. Conversely, the video for “Frozen” was much darker in tone and her look was a reflection; long, straight, jet black hair and pale skin.

2005

"Confessions on a Dance Floor" was Madonna’s triumphant return after 2003’s "American Life". This album was her return to amazing dance tracks and feel-good songs from a clearly matured pop icon. She looks amazing again as a blonde with high and lowlights and clean makeup. The overall look was very ‘70s inspired with the use of glitter on her eyes and fanned-out hair.

Happy Birthday Madge - we can only imagine what's next for you - musically and aesthetically!

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Beauty at your Fingertips.com

In an age where smart phones are more prevalent than not, it would seem that there's an "app" for everything. And you would be remiss to not take full advantage of all of the beauty apps at your manicured fingertips. Gathered here are "The Top 10" beauty apps you can't - or rather, shouldn't - go on living without. And the best part? They're free! Technology never looked so good for so little.

1. Daily Glow - Offers step-by-step makeup application advice, beauty tips, how-to advice from beauty experts, product reviews, a hairstyle guide and much more.

2. Hair & Beauty - This app comes out in "issues" and each is jam-packed with A-list celebrity hair styles prime for the mimicking, three-step style galleries for "cut, color and finish", runway inspiration and product reviews.

3. Total Beauty - The website's motto "Expert advice. Unbiased reviews" has an app offering just that. Browse close to 300,000 unbiased consumer reviews and ratings on beauty products ranging from makeup to skin and hair care.

4. Mark. - Its beauty. Its fashion. Its on trend. So what's not to love? View seasonal must-haves sure to be trends and watch videos to "meet" the Mark beauty and fashion experts for advice and tips on the topics.

5. Lookz - Created by Barry M cosmetics, this app claims to be "the world's first 'made for mobile' makeup and beauty app". Whether that's proven or not, they've certainly proven themselves useful by offering categorized looks like "Catwalk," "Everyday," "Clubbing" and "Celeb Inspired" with video tutorials, insider tips and tricks and even mobile wallpapers.

6. OPI - This app allows you to customize the skin tone and shape of the virtual hand that allows you to "try on" any shade of polish from the brand's endless array of colors. It also includes a "salon finder" to get your manicure as quick - and as close! - as possible.

7. Sephora - Even if you're not a beauty buff, this app is essential for anyone who's interested in beauty and familiar with the store. It offers everything from tips, new product information, a store locator, shopping cart and even keeps track of your past purchases so you can easily look up your favorite products for in-store reference.

8. Glamzy - Similar to OPI's concept, except for makeup! Upload a picture of yourself and virtually "try on" your pick of lipsticks, blushes, eye shadows and mascaras. Definitely a place to get your "glam" on without it costing you a cent!

9. Hair Cast - Never have another "bad hair day" again with this app! Just plug in your current location, the weather report and hair type and it'll deliver a personalized "mane forecast," complete with styling tips.

10. SpaFinder - Need to get away but not sure where to? How about a relaxing day at the spa? This app utilizes the GPS tracker in your phone, finding the spa - and any specials/deals they're offering - nearest to you. How about that for luxury at your fingertips?

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Eyelights: Highlighting the Natural Beauty of Your Eyes

Your eyes are not only for seeing, but also for being seen. They are sweet and sultry; pure and sexy, all at the same time. Not sure how to highlight the features in your eyes? Here are some easy tips on how to really make them sparkle.

1. Blue or Gray: Make blue eyes pop by playing up their steel undertone. Do so by using silver on lids followed by a smoky gray contour in the crease. If you have gray eyes, use a touch of bronzer on the brow bone that will add balance and warmth. Play with darker shades of blue such as navy or royal blue as accent shades with liner or mascara.

Featured: Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense Eyeliner in Blue; Tokidoki Punk Lash Mascara in Baby Blue; e.l.f. Essential Duo Eyeshadow in Black Licorice.

2. Green or Hazel: If your peepers are green or hazel, using shades of green will give eyes an exotic, flirty look. For the day, try blending a sheer wash of a shimmery jade eye shadow on your lids. To transition into a night look, line the entire eye with purple or chestnut to enhance neutral, warmer color in the eyes.

Featured: Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour in Cute-cumber; L’Oréal Double Extend Eye Illuminator in Black Quartz; Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hypershadow in Sweetzer.

3. Brown or Dark Brown: Brown eyes come in a wider range of tones than the other eye colors. Enhance their beauty by layering a variety of shades of brown to play up your personal hue. Try blending lighter shades on the browbone and lid, then add richer, chocolaty colors into the lash-line, outer corner and crease.

Featured: Lancôme Color Design Palette in Taupe Craze; Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in Antique Gold #206; Hello Kitty Beauty Charmmy Eyeshadow Stick in Cookies.

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5 Bad Beauty Habits to Break...Now!

Everyone has bad habits; some worse than others. When it comes to beauty there are so many that can be harmful to you - or someone else's - health. Whether done out of nervous habit or you were given bad information, here are five practices that you may not know are causing more harm than good - and now's the time to stop doing them!

1. Over-plucking eyebrows

Eventually the hairs will be so weakened that they won't grow back. When it comes to eyebrow plucking, apply the age-old "less is more" rule. Pluck less to retain stronger, healthier-looking eyebrows. Besides, bold brows are what's hot; virtually non-existent brows? Not.

2. Shaving

While it's generally not spoken about, some women do have facial hair. Plucking can be very painful, and most women don't want anyone else to know about it so they shave. There are a few things wrong with this: A. re-growth appears thicker and coarser because the hair is cut mid-shaft rather than removed at the root and, B. as a result of A, 5 o'clock shadow is in the future of any woman that shaves. Ultimately ladies, you're not alone in the battle against facial hair; bite the bullet and get it waxed or threaded by a professional. You'll find that the embarrassment is all in your head.

3. Using lemon juice to lighten locks

This is bad if it is done regularly and not done properly. If you want hair that looks and feels like straw, use lemon juice on your hair without caring for it. However, if you want to use this as a natural alternative to lighten your hair, be sure to condition hair well and use a little extra TLC.

4. Biting and licking lips

While this can be sexy at the appropriate time, what is not sexy is chapped or bleeding lips. The skin on lips is very delicate and easily broken. Don't bite off skin and don't lick your lips, causing

them to dry out. Instead, moisturize liberally with a (delicious) lip balm to keep them soft, hydrated and healthy.

5. Sharing makeup

She may be your best-friend and you may know everything about each other but sharing makeup is never a good idea. What you don't know about each other is the types of bacteria you could be swapping when you use each other's products and tools. For example, while your friend may not exhibit signs of conjunctivitis now, there may have been a time when she had it and used a particular eyeliner. She didn't throw it away and without thinking, you use it. Now you've got pink eye. Get it?

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Eye Shadow Trend Alert: Metallic Mania

Metallic eye shadows are everywhere. When applied properly the finished product is a smudgy, sultry, glamorous eye that is sure to turn heads. Try one of these looks to take your sexy to the next level.

Shimmer in Silver

Fall runways were lined with vicious chrome-detailed eyes. Pictured above, Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Epatant and Fantasme; Chanel fall ’11. The angular look comes from the silver accent in the corners of the eyes as shown on the Altuzarra fall ’11 runway.

Navy, Baby!

Navy eye shadow can be tricky to pull off. It walks a fine line between bruised-looking eyes and sexy heart breaker. Be sure not to start off applying with a heavy hand; instead, build color gradually to find just the right amount of eye shadow to compliment your skin tone. Above, the Vera Wang fall '11 models are wearing Clé de Peau Beauté Satin Eye Color in Chocolate Gold and M.A.C Cosmetics Big Bounce Shadow in Black Diamond and Clé de Peau Beauté Limited Edition Cream Eye Color in Night Brown (available in September!) Tip: for added intensity apply color towards the brow and along the lash line.

Purple Paradise

For a sexy night out with the girls or to grab the attention of the guy that’s caught your eye, take a cue from Catherine Malandrino’s fall '11 show and layer on lavenders and purples. Pictured above are Bare Escentuals Prime Time Primer Shadow in Chroma Violet, Maybelline Eye Studio Color Explosion Lumizing Eyeshadow in Amethyst Ablazed, and Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Dab.

Beauty In Bronze

Shown above are two looks from Roberto Cavalli’s fall ’11 show. These beauties walked the runway with fierce, just-weathered- the storm looks, complete with wet hair, dewy skin and dark eyes. The shimmery bronze eye shadow played into the intensity of this look. For a more wearable alternative, lightly line eyes with a black eyeliner and smudge. Next, sweep on a bronze cream eye shadow and finish with dots of gold or beige in the corners of eyes. Sultry indeed. Try using Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Shadow Pot in Beach Bronze, Cover Girl Intense Shadowblast in Beige Blaze and/or Cover Girl Intense Shadowblast in Brown Bling to achieve this look.

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Naturally Beautiful: A Two-Part Look at Natural Hair (Pt. 2)

Part 2: Team Au Naturel

Last week, I shared with you a few of my favorite natural celebrity hairstyles and blogs that support women with, transitioning to, or just thinking about making the change to natural hair. This week, I offer you tips on natural hair care:

1. Comb conditioners through hair thoroughly. Not doing so can result in matting or tangling, which can result in knotted hair and breakage.

The complete Softsheen-Carson Roots of Nature Haircare line

2. Use natural products. The Nature Remedies line by Soft-Sheen Carson was recommended several times over by women who have gone natural. The product line is lightweight, non-greasy and uses natural ingredients like mango oil and sweet almond oil to promote healthy hair and growth.

Roots of Nature Thermal Smoothing Serum

3. When flat-ironing or blow drying hair, always use a protective serum to prevent damage to strands. Many friends that have gone natural recommend Roots of Nature Remedies Thermal Smoothing Serum by Soft-Sheen Carson.

4. If you choose to style your hair using braids or extensions, avoid pulling around the hairline. This pulling creates tension, resulting in excessive breakage.

5. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE HEAT! When blow drying, divide hair into 2-3 inch sections from the nape of the neck up to the front of the head. Also, use a Denman brush for less pulling. Keep in mind that heat damages hair, so the less you use the better.

6. During winter months, be sure to give your hair a little extra TLC. Make sure that your hair and scalp are regularly moisturized. It is recommended that you add at least one additional round of conditioning throughout the week.

Roots of Nature Stimulating Scalp Oil

7. If your scalp is feeling dry or tight, use a lightweight oil to moisturize. Roots of Nature Stimulating Scalp Oil by Soft-Sheen Carson was recommended to me to soften and add moisture without weighing hair down.

Roots of Nature Strengthening Oil Moisturizer

8. If your hair is dry, restore moisture by using a moisturizer. The Soft-Sheen Carson Roots of Nature line offers a strengthening oil moisturizer which will strengthen and condition tresses.

You are now armed with a guide for caring for natural hair, ideas for styles and resources for when you may feel a little lost on your journey towards going natural. If you choose to begin the transition, I wish you well in your process. This can be an enlightening, liberating and exciting experience; be open to the change and enjoy it!

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Naturally Beautiful: A Two-Part Look at Natural Hair (Pt. 1)

Part 1: Natural or Not

Chemically processed hair is common among women of color. But for those women who are natural and take the health and beauty of their hair seriously, I commend you! It isn't always easy to take the time necessary to maintain your hair in its natural state. It is a commitment to yourself, one that will cause moments of enlightenment - and frustration! - on your journey in the care of your hair.

Personally, I love the texture and volume of natural hair; in fact, I envy it. (As a user of "the creamy crack” my hair won’t hold a curl if I begged it to.) I also envy the freedom of those who have taken the DIY approach. While there are many salons that cater to natural hair styling, those who do their own hair enjoy saving money (one of my family members stated that she saves approximately $1,200 a year!) and time since they aren't sitting in salons bi-weekly or even weekly in many cases.

Many celebrities are wearing their hair naturally and show how to do so beautifully. Some of my favorite examples are:

Corinne Baily Rae

Jill Scott

Lauryn Hill

Solange Knowles

Tracee Ellis Ross

India Arie

If you are natural and looking for some tips on how to maintain your hair, or are thinking about making the switch (which is a huge commitment, but the results are worth the effort), my favorite natural hair sites are Motown Girl and Curly Nikki. These sites include tips for transitioning, hair care, upkeep and photo-journals of the process.

I also learned a few insider tips in speaking with friends and family members who have transitioned into natural hair, as well as suggestions from various guides online that they've recommended. I will feature hair care tips in part 2 of this post, so come back next week for the conclusion to Naturally Beautiful!

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