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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2011 Hair and Beauty Trends

Warm weather is just around the corner, which is typically the cue for most women to want to update their looks in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways. If you’re like me and are itching to give new life to your look, here are a few hair and make-up trends for you to try:

Sleek/Curly Hair

Zoe Saldana

Rihanna

Sleek hair or coiled tendrils - take your pick because either is a win! Both styles are sexy and wearable day-to-night looks, sure to liven up your current hair style.

Bold Eyes

Keri Hilson

Dior Spring 2011

If you’re feeling brave, try a bold eye shadow. Try out a variety of colors (for your face and personal taste) until you find your favorites. Use a bold eye to give added sex appeal to your nighttime look.

Fringe Bangs

Camilla Belle

In a nod to the 60’s and 70’s, bluntly-cut bangs have made a return in a big way. Try this style if you’re feeling sweet or sultry. Bangs are pretty during the day (I love a fresh face and fringe), or vicious on those who love the nightlife.

Bold Lips

Gucci’s Fall 2011

Amber Rose

Punch up your lip color! Bold lips are a great way to update your current look. A word of advice: pair this suggestion with a subtle eye to avoid looking over-done and draw focus to your lips.

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am getting married in a few months on a shoe string budget and I need to find a hairstylist and makeup artist that I can afford. So far I haven't found anyone yet - any suggestions? I'm freaking out!

Signed,

Bride on a Budget

------------

Dear B.O.A.B.,

A bride in your financial position has to be resourceful. And the best resource for you would be to contact a local cosmetology school. There are pluses and minuses to this suggestion but it must be said that this is a vastly untapped resource of raw talent that could work to your advantage as long as you know what - and who - you are looking for.

You need to find a student in their final year of studies that would be willing to do your hair for whatever your budget can bare and/or in exchange for giving them permission to use your photo in their look book. Just be sure to test their skills by way of a hair trial appointment to make certain that they're up to the task of creating the perfect 'do for your I do's.

You could find a capable makeup artist in the same place as your ingénue hairstylist, but another suggestion would be to sit down with a makeup artist in a beauty department. You may be encouraged to make a purchase even if it is the consultation for the big day so if it comes down to the budget then stick with the student who would more than likely be willing to work with you price-wise. You will still want to have a consultation with them as well as a trial run the same as you would the hairstylist.

For both instances you want to take pictures from multiple angles to use when recreating the look you're going for. And don't be afraid to speak up if the hair or makeup isn't exactly how you imagined. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to cheat yourself out of what you've envisioned for your day.

If you start looking now you should be able to find someone to do your hair and makeup within your budget and with your exact vision in mind. Though to be honest, no one will be as concerned with your hair and makeup as how you look in your dress, the meal served at the reception and if there's an open bar and dance floor. Those are the elements of a wedding that guests will remember most. So take a deep breath and relax.

No one likes a frizzy, err, frazzled bride-to-be.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com