Beauty Products You Should Be Using in Pairs

Some things — peanut butter and jelly, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Mulder and Scully (what?) — just work better in twos. The same can be said of beauty products. Granted, using multiple products at once is hardly a new trick, but certain treatments, when combined, really pack a punch. Be it the way their ingredients invisibly interact to better shield your skin against sun damage or, on a more superficial level, the lewk they achieve when applied in direct succession, the skin care and cosmetics world is full of game-changing duos that should be as ingrained in your neurons as the aforementioned condiments/fashion designers/FBI agents.

Antioxidants + SPF

If you have skin, sunscreen is a nonnegotiable. But to really get the most out of your SPF, you’ll want to team it with a powerful antioxidant like vitamin C, which zaps free radicals and is incredible for brightening skin. Per New York dermatologist Dr. Patricia Wexler: “In serums, [vitamins C and E] have been shown to enhance the function of SPF formulations when used in combination, reducing the incidence of sunburns and increasing the SPF’s stability.” As far as SPF goes, we’re partial to Supergoop’s latest formula, which protects against UVA rays, UVB rays and the infrared and blue light emitted by your electronic devices. Couple it with The Ordinary’s ultra-lightweight, ultra-affordable ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate/vitamin F serum. (Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is “an oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C that can be used in higher concentrations without drawbacks”; vitamin F equals essential fatty acids.) Either pat the oil on first or add a few droplets to your daily sunscreen dollop. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $32 at Sephora The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F, $17.80 at The Ordinary

Moisturizer + Full-Coverage Concealer

For a naturally glowy finish and soft, bouncy skin, combine two cult favorites: Nars’ creamy Soft Matte Complete Concealer and Weleda’s ultra-moisturizing Skin Food. (The concealer-to-lotion ratio depends on the level of coverage you require. Also, don’t let the blend’s rich texture deceive you — it’ll melt right into your skin.) It’s like whipping up your own custom BB cream. NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $30 at Sephora Weleda Skin Food, $9.89 at Target

Matte Lipstick + Setting Powder

When using a highly expensive, highly esteemed lipstick (i.e. one of Pat McGrath’s Best of Beauty award-winning MatteTrance tubes), you want to make it last as long as possible. Enter Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Just as it does to the rest of your makeup, the powder will mattify your lipstick and keep it in place. Here’s what you do: after applying your color, place a single-ply tissue over your lips, then lightly brush the setting powder over the tissue using — what else? — a big, fluffy powder brush. Next, remove the tissue and continue on with your life, unplagued by the nagging desire to check your face in the mirror. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $23 at Sephora Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick, $38 at Sephora

Glycolic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid

Those who suffer from acne and dryness, meet your skin super-duo. Kate Somerville’s best-selling cleanser re-texturizes and de-gunks skin using natural fruit enzymes, lactic acid and glycolic acid (the teeniest and most efficacious of the alpha-hydroxy acids, due to its ability to deeply penetrate skin). Follow up with Peter Thomas Roth’s light, airy, water-vapor-trapping cream. Hyaluronic acid, which we’ve written about at length, is a lightweight but heavy-duty moisturizer — each molecule can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water — found in just about every anti-aging product. It quenches and plumps your skin without adding any oiliness to the equation, which, if you’re pimple-prone, is more than ideal. Neither it nor Peter Thomas Roth can do any wrong. Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash, $38 at Sephora Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, $52 at Sephora

Move Over Crop Tops, Extra Long Shirts Are the New Must-Have

There was a time in the not-too-distant fashion past when everything was cropped: our tops, jeans and even hair. But now influencers are aiming for Rapunzel locks instead of buzz cuts, cuffed jeans are making way for classic bootcuts and shirts are plunging below our waistlines. Whether it’s a white button-down that goes down almost to your knees or a floor-scraping top worn over pants to replicate that whole dress-over-pants vibe, the longer your top, the better.

Call it a response to the deconstructed shirt trend or all those short dresses/tops with trains on the red carpet (Kendall Jenner FTW), shirts with elongated hems are growing in popularity and were trending at New York Fashion Week Spring 2018. Oscar de la Renta gave us a variety of extra long shirts, either splattered with paint-like splotches or boasting silver streaks. Monse reigned supreme when it came to offering extensions, from an off-the-shoulder red blouse that could double as a dress to a striped cold-shoulder creation that exposed skin in the front, but covered things up in the back. And Brandon Maxwell sent several waterfall-style shirts down his runway with hems so long, they rivaled any trains.

The street style set already embraced longer lengths while attending the Spring 2018 shows. They sported winter floral blouses that went down almost to the knees of their jeans or opted for pajama co-ords with the top reaching way below the waist. And since longer lengths look great poking out the bottom of practically any winter jacket (we’re talking puffers, teddy jackets, etc.), the Fall 2018 showgoers are also favoring shirts that they can still flaunt even when outerwear is closed tight.

How to deal with hat hair

Between going about your daily life and also trying to find the perfect present for your brother, it’s easy to forget about hat hair — that is, until you get a good look in the mirror. Maybe you have the dreaded dent from your beanie. Or, if you’ve lucked out and avoided that, your hair may be so staticky that it’s standing straight on end. The verdict, either way: Not cute.   Hat hair stems from two problems: The hat itself and its BFF, static. Static is the consequence of dehydrated hair; for that, blame dry winter air and cozy indoor temps. Here, how to deal with both, whether you have time to prep or need to do some damage control — fast.

Style Wisely

Be strategic about the hairstyle and choose your hat accordingly. “If you’re going for a fitted cap, like a soft wool beanie, try wearing your hair in a low pony,” says hairstylist Nunzio Saviano, owner of Nunzio Saviano salon in NYC. On the other hand, when you have a hat with a tighter band (like a fedora) try wearing your hair wavy. “If you have waves from the mid-shaft of the hair to the ends, the crease will just blend in,” explains Nunzio. His ultimate fail-safe? A cute side braid.   Keep It Dry.

Never wear a hat when your hair is damp. Not only is your hair more prone to breakage and frizz when it’s wet, but any air-dried crease will be there until your next shower. “If you let your hair dry naturally under the hat, it’ll set that way,” warns Nunzio. It’s worth taking the time to blow-dry damp hair — or, if you’re not in a rush, letting it air-dry completely before putting your hat on.   Act in Advance

After styling (but before pulling on your hat), spritz an anti-static spray all over your hair. Try a hydrating one like R+Co Foil Frizz & Static Control Spray, which even has nourishing vitamin E and argan oil to keep flyaways at bay. Or, as an alternative, tuck a pack of Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets into your bag. Once you take your hat off, they’re easy to smooth over hair and will deliver moisturizing coconut oil.

Shake It Out

If you have straight hair, stash a mini brush so you can brush it through. If your hair is wavy or curly, just flip your head upside down and shake out your hair. “Then, rub a light oil onto your hands and run them through your hair,” says Nunzio. It adds shine and moisture without messing with your hairstyle. A mini version like Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum won’t weigh down your purse — or your hair.

Turn Off the Hot Tools

Even with the help of a heat protector, hot styling tools like straightening irons and blow-dryers will only up your static factor. If you can’t quit them, Nunzio recommends using a moisturizing styling cream on damp hair to salvage some of the damage. We love Drybar Velvet Hammer Hydrating Control Cream.   Shower Up.

If your M.O. is to make your blowout last and last, now is the time to put that routine on hold. Skipping showers can actually make your hair drier — and thus more static-prone. “We tend to take fewer showers in the winter, since we’re not sweating as much,” says Nunzio. “As a result, we condition hair less.” Since using conditioner is like instant hydration for your hair, skipping it is a bad idea.   Worst Case Scenario: Put It in a Ponytail

Don’t forget your face (Home spa day)

Applying a face mask is one of my favorite at-home spa treatments. This Yogurt & Honey Face Mask leaves my skin soft, moisturized, and it makes applying makeup easier because it plumps the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles!

Yogurt and Honey Mask

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Dash of ground cinnamon
  • Dash of ground nutmeg

Mix in cup or bowl (at this point you WILL be tempted to EAT it…it’s that good! You must resist…this is for your face!) and apply to face. It might tingle just a bit at first, that just tells you it’s working. Leave on for 7 to 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.

According to Jodi, the yogurt contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates dead skin cells and brightens the complexion. It also contains probiotics, so it’s great for healing blemishes. The honey naturally hydrates the skin and is rich in antioxidants and has anti-microbial properties. Cinnamon has a warming effect on the skin which brings fresh, oxygen-rich blood to the surface to kill bacteria and detoxify the skin and gives a healthy rosy glow. Nutmeg helps to “plump” the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Colors: What it says about your personality

Color plays a major role in our lives by the way it influences our moods and emotions. You wouldn’t think that a color can make you feel secure or make you feel un-easy, but it can. When you choose to use a color or avoid it, that action can reveal much about your personality.

Here’s a guide to what the color of your clothing may be saying about you (with or without your knowledge):

Black colors: It used to be that black was the color of mourning. You only wore black while you were grieving. Luckily, wearing black is no longer just to respect the dead, and it’s perfectly acceptable to wear it at any time.

Black symbolizes extremes — all or nothing — and is a color of strength, power, sophistication, elegance, and authority.

Blue colors: Blue soothes and cools. When you wear blue, you’re broadcasting creativity, positivity, peace, loyalty, and you’re saying that you’ve decided to live by your own rules, and by your own truth. Because blue wearers think for themselves, they’re smart, have a quick wit, and are independent.

Brown colors: When you wear brown, you’re representing all things solid and grounded such as the color of the earth. Brown is the color that people associate with someone who’s stable, smart, and dependable.

Grey shades: One thing we all know is that there are many different variations, shades if you will, of grey. Wearing grey can wash you out, and make you seem indifferent, depressed, and apathetic. It can also seem suppressive and give off the impression of a lack of confidence. There’s a reason the classic color of sweatpants is grey.

Silver colors: Wearing metallic colors like silver isn’t just for hookers or socialites any more; metallic clothing comes in everything from cute tops to sophisticated dresses. If you wear metallic, you’re letting the world know that you aren’t shy, but that you’re adventurous, up for anything, and hip.Not everybody can wear metallic; it reflects the light, which will make you look older, so either you’re young when you wear silver, or you’re a bad*ss.

Red colors: If you want to stand out and grab the spotlight, wear red. It’s the color of energy and is the symbol of life. An Indian bride wears red instead of white. Wearing red is empowering and can give you confidence. Red is also the color of sensuality, aggression, passion, and boldness.

Orange colors: Orange is known as the color that makes new possibilities happen. It’s creative, enthusiastic, and is associated with good times, warmth, and ambition. If you wear orange, you like to be the life of the party, and are in a positive, energizing, and engaging mood.

Pink colors: Pink is very much associated with femininity, but when a man is comfortable with both the masculine and the feminine side to his personality, he can really rock a pink shirt or jacket. Pink is the unconditional love color and it’s known to sooth out aggression.

Purple colors: Prince’s nickname of His Royal Purpleness is kind of redundant as purple is the color of royalty and is a symbol of wealth. If you want to convey that you’re rich — both of possessions and spirituality — then wear purple. Purple shows that you have a rich inner life, are intuitive, artistic, creative, and have great instincts about people.

Yellow colors: There’s no mistaking yellow, as it’s logical, happy, cheerful, and optimistic. It has the power to bring out creativity, but is completely overpowering if too much is used (you don’t want to dress head to toe in yellow or you’ll look like Big Bird). Yellow encourages intelligence and inspiration, and is a good color to wear when you need that added boost to finish a work project or ace those exams.

Green colors: Nature and money are green and both things are very important. Green is a calming color and is associated with generosity, healing, and a rejuvenated state of mind. People who wear green are charismatic and care deeply about the feelings of others.

White shades: Wearing white signifies cleansing and new beginnings. When you put on a white shirt or skirt, you feel as if you’re staring the day with a clean slate, and you appear to have a fresh and bright outlook. White is the color of balance, harmony, purity, and courage.

Most Romantic Winter Getaways in the U.S.

If your idea of the perfect romantic vacation includes cuddling in front of a roaring fire while snowflakes gently fall across a landscape of pristine, white snow or a winter storm whips up crashing waves onto a wild, scenic coastline, these destinations are sure to make for an unforgettable getaway that is practically guaranteed to reignite the spark of love.

Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park sits at the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, a charming town filled with elegant mountain-style cabins often featuring upscale amenities like claw-footed tubs or in-room Jacuzzis, a cozy fireplace and even private hot tubs on a deck overlooking a tranquil river or the park. Here you’ll find practically endless stretches of pristine nature and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing – elk even roam the streets of the town while bighorn sheep can be spotted on hillsides. Outdoor enthusiasts can go snowshoeing, sleigh riding or ice skating.

Yellowstone National Park

As many as 97 percent of Yellowstone’s more than three million annual visitors arrive during the summer months, which means during the winter, couples have the opportunity for peace and seclusion in this 2.2-million+ acre park. Here, discover some of the most unique and spectacular scenery on the planet with more wildlife than people. Cuddle up at the historic Old Faithful Snow Lodge in a bed blanketed with thick quilts in the evening, and during the day spend time together enjoying active pursuits like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the miles and miles of trails found throughout the park –  passing brilliantly colored mineral pools, frozen waterfalls and erupting geysers. Or, you can always strap on a pair of ice skates and glide across Yellowstone Lake holding hands.

Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska

Watching the Northern Lights together can make for an especially romantic, unforgettable experience. At Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks, Alaska, guests can watch the dazzling light show from the soothing hot springs. As the region’s cold weather produces unusually clear skies, the Aurora Borealis is frequently seen from August through May. Other activities here include dog sled rides, massage and flight-seeing, with guests flying north over the Arctic wilderness across the Arctic Circle.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs is transformed into a picture-postcard winter wonderland with some of the most stunning mountain scenery on earth. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, getting cozy together under the blankets while gliding through the fresh powder on an especially memorable journey. Many sleigh ride tours include hot cocoa and some even feature a candlelit teepee dinner. Afterward, head to Strawberry Park Hot Springs where you can soak in the soothing hot springs surrounded by the frozen landscape. You can even choose to stay in the establishment’s most unique accommodations, a renovated train caboose that features a gas fireplace.

Simple flower arrangements to brighten a room

Making your own flower arrangement is easier than you think.

DIY Tulip Cabbage Arrangement 

Why let another vase take up space in your home? With this arrangement, once you’re finished with the cabbage vase, you can simply toss it in your compost pile.

See tutorial

Fruit and Floral Arrangement

Add slices of lime to your vase for extra dimension.

See tutorial

Variety of Blooms

Switch off between placing bold peonies and smaller flower varieties in a clear vase for an arrangement that is loaded with texture.

Tips For Your Powder Room Makeover

Check out these decorating ideas for your powder room!

Playful Stripes

Complete with trompe l’oeil tassels, summery blue and white stripes transform a powder room by a pool into a tented beach cabana. The stripes on the ceiling mimic a peaked roof and help fool the eye into seeing a taller, loftier space.

Lucite Accents

Since there’s no need to stash everyday necessities under a powder room sink, the vanity is liberated from its storage task and becomes strictly a statement piece. A Lucite-framed mirror in a zingy yellow continues the theme of transparency.

Animal Prints

In an opposites-attract powder room, a shared palette prevents the glam leopard-print wallpaper and pharmacy-style metal vanity from clashing. The distressed mirror with coral-pink streaks doesn’t see daily use, so it serves mostly to inject color into the bold but limited color scheme.

Grey and Gold

When used in such a small space, this silk ikat wallcovering’s large-scale print seems energizing rather than overwhelming. The 1820s French mirror’s reverse-painted frame keeps the graphic patterns coming.

Strategic Splurges

The combination of a few luxe touches — delicate Baguès-style sconces, an intricately carved Italian Baroque mirror, an antique French-limestone floating vanity — creates old-world elegance and a sense of fantasy without leaving the house.

Enticing Candles

Nothing says romance quite like candles. Whether they are being used for an intimate dinner, a relaxing bath or to enhance the atmosphere in a cozy bedroom setting, the soft flickering light of candles creates an ambience that is undeniably romantic.

Romantic Shapes

Romantic candles come in all shapes and sizes. The setting and the way in which the candles are used contributes more to the romantic atmosphere than the shape or size of the candle. However, there are some shapes that stand out such as:

  • Heart shaped candles
  • Rose or flower shaped candles
  • Lip shaped candles
  • Tapir candles
  • Round candles

Romantic Colors

Color can affect a person’s mood and has been scientifically studied in the aptly named psychology of color. Colors that stand out for romantic candles include:

  • Red- Most shades of red are associated with romance, vitality and love. Red is also the most common color associated with hearts and roses, which are two iconic symbols of romance.
  • Burgundy/Maroon- Although very similar and reminiscent of fine wine, these two distinct colors share a common base of red mixed with blue to deepen the tone. The subtle variation comes from a third undertone of black for burgundy and brown for maroon.
  • Pink- A lighter shade of red made by adding a touch of white, pink is associated with young, innocent or new love.
  • Purple- This color of royalty also represents passion and creativity.
  • White- A color that represents innocence and purity, white is associated with weddings and natural beauty.
  • Black- While seeming morbid or gloomy for some, black can also invoke a sense of mystery and romance. Black can be both submissive and empowering. Black candles alone may appear too dark and foreboding but mixed in with bright shades of red or purple, they can create a striking contrast.

Scented Candles

Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of emotion and memories. Certain smells can evoke strong emotional responses when linked to pleasant memories of comfort foods, locations and life experiences. Scented candles can be used as aromatherapy♂ to relax inhibitions or stimulate passions. Scented candles should never be used during a meal, as they would certainly interfere or compete with the scents and flavors of food. However, scented candles are perfect for a relaxing massage or soak in the tub and enhancement for a romantic bedroom setting.

Food Scents

Sweet smelling candles can wet an appetite for passion just like any other aphrodisiac. Some of the most romantic food scents include:

  • Chocolate
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Warm sugar
  • Strawberry
  • Cherry

Floral scents

What isn’t romantic about the smell of fresh cut flowers or a garden in full bloom? Top romantic floral scents include:

  • Rose
  • Lavender
  • Lilac
  • Jasmine
  • Honeysuckle
  • Cherry Blossom

Exotic Scents

Some people are more stimulated by exotic scents that might evoke memories of a great vacation abroad or inspire fantasies of getaways yet to come. Scents like this can include:

  • Pineapple
  • Coconut
  • Sandalwood
  • Amber
  • Patchouli

Perfume Scents

Sometimes you can find your favorite cologne or perfume infused into a scented candle. This is a great way to fill your bedroom with a scent that turns you or your partner on. Examples include:

  • Cool Water
  • Beautiful by Estee Lauder
  • Light Blue by Dolce and Gabanna
  • Chanel No. 5

How to achieve a celebrity look on a budget

Have you ever noticed that the best dressed celebs are often minimalist in their fashion choices? And the reason for this is simple; clean, classic styles are always in vogue and difficult to go wrong with. Minimalism in terms of accessorizing, layering and even makeup tends to create a more elegant, sophisticated look. Keep your inner boho-diva in check on days you want to sport a red-carpet appeal.

Concentrate on the Fit

Rarely would you find any celebrity wearing ill-fitted clothes. Even when the silver-screen prima donnas sport “boyfriend-jeans” or a loose kaftan, the clothes always complement their frame and body structure. When they go to A-list events, their outfits are often tailor-made to fit them perfectly. Now, we can’t customize each dress for a stellar fit, but we can always avoid clothes that don’t fit well. Next time you shop, concentrate more on the fitting rather than the colour, print, etc.

Don’t Forget Hair and Makeup

Celebrities are always called out when their hair or makeup is sloppy. Because unkempt hair and badly done makeup is highly noticeable and generally steals all the attention, no matter how lovely the clothes may be. So whenever you dress up, make sure your hair and makeup is on point too. Regardless of what your personal preference is – the “barely-there” look or something more dramatic – make sure it is done tastefully.

Have An “Air”

Another reason why celebs look the way they do is because they carry themselves with immense grace. If you want to look like a star, you’ll have to master that art too. Walk with poise, talk with composure and learn to pose. Developing these “airs” doesn’t mean you can’t have fun though! Just that you need to be a little more conscious of your carriage. After all, everyone’s going to be observing you!

Be A Sale-Monger

It cannot be denied that one of the reasons celebrities are our fashion gurus is because they wear the best of the best. We may not be able to afford their kind of couture pieces, but we can surely try. Make sure to pick up a few items during the sale season to wear on special occasions. Sign up for newsletters by individual brands to know of off-season sales too. Basically, you have to be thrifty and smart as a shopper. Check out how to get these celeb looks at an affordable price:

Irina Shayk

Why We Love It: Reigning as one of the season’s hottest outerwear trends, the shearling jacket makes for an effortlessly cool way to top off any look. And as Irina Shayk proves, it transforms even the simplest of outfits into a chic model off-duty look. Affordable Fashion Finds: BLANKNYC shearling jacket, $148, nordstrom.com.

The Duchess of Cambridge

Why We Love It: While her future in-law, Meghan Markle, dressed up for her first royal engagement ever, Kate Middleton showed off another, more laid-back, side of royal style on a casual outing. The duchess still looked chic in a must-have winter coat that won’t break the bank. Affordable Fashion Find: Zara coat, $170, zara.com.

Gigi Hadid

Why We Love It: Hadid dressed down her menswear-inspired checked trousers with a hoodie and loafers while out in Paris. And as one of the hottest trends of the season, the model’s gray checked H&M pants make for an affordable way to try the print this fall. Affordable Fashion Find: H&M pants, $30, hm.com.

Ashley Graham

Why We Love It: Making for the perfect sleek and sexy night-out look, the model stunned in the Australian brand’s two-piece set.