Shopping for fast make-up relief and frazzled at what to buy? Cosmetic aisles in supermarkets and drugstores are adding electronic makeover mirrors with technology from EZFace Inc. to help both the consumer and company. Wal-Mart Stores have already installed these virutal mirrors in a two locations and is set to expand to 40 other stores. Stores in France and Britain have also done the same.

The idea behind this is to deter customers from returns of product and of course from opening packaging leaving the company with destroyed inventory. This is also to help from being hesitant to buying new make up or even hair color, because unlike Sephora or department retailers there are no make up samples to test out.

The virutal mirror kiosks are designed for easy use: stand in front of a mirror for the photo and scan the cosmetic bar code. The eyeshadow, blush, lip gloss, mascara, or foundation will then appear on the appropriate part of the face. A list appears on the screen to remind you of what you are testing and you can even print the image, email it, or post it to Facebook.

Do you think this would be more effective in stores? If you don’t shop at Wal-Mart would it entice you to go and try the virtual mirrors out in order to make purchases? The only make up I buy at a retail store is mascara but if the Target around the corner from my apartment had something like this I think it would be fun. What are your thoughts?

So about two weeks ago I went through that dilemma of “Should I Cut my Bangs or not. And after days of pondering, I finally did it. I cut them! It took about two days to get used to them. I overall like them, but they’ve created a couple problems. A) I have to style them every day B) In the Summer, yes I get sweaty- not a good look for the bangs. C) They make me break out (caused by reason b). Anyway, now I’m growing them out again, until another year goes by and I go through this again *sigh* - _ -

Anyway, I saw these Jessic Simpson clip on “HairDO” bangs, and wondered, geez, I really could have just clipped some fake bangs. But something about clipping on a front hair piece to me is weird. They come in 9 different shades, and are on sale for $24. Buy them here.

We’ve told you guys about the Half Moon Manicure before. It takes a spin on the sometimes boring French Manicure. If you’re wondering how to get this look without paying big bucks, I found a good tutorial video on how to do it yourself!

What you need:

Ingredients – Essie Lapis of Luxury from the Resort Collection (Summer 2010) – $3.50,

Essie Super Duper Top Coat – $6.99,

Essie Protein Base Coat – $4.50

,Reinforcement Labels – $1.01

And you thought your blow dryer hair power? Let alone your Honda Civic? How about this Blow Dryer made with real parts from a Ferrari car.

This Volare blow dryer  is the world’s first professional luxury hair dryer driven by a Ferrari engine. BaByliss®PRO expertise and FERRARI excellence have fused to bring forth an exclusive designed appliance with exceptional performances specially constructed to maximize its airflow and by minimizing its weight and vibration in order to optimise fast drying and long lasting styling effect.

Betsey Johnson has collaborated with Tweezerman on a Designer Series of tweezers. The line up includes pink with Betsey skulls, black with Betsey’s “babe” face, and white with pink Betsey rosebuds. These pluckers will be available September 1st at Sephora for $25 each.

I don’t even really know the technical color term for this style, but I know that I’ve been seeing it way more often on women. I was rocking this look back in 2000 when I procrastinated on my orange hair color, and let it grow out half way. Apparently, it’s the new hot thing. I’m not sure if you actually really let it grow out to achieve this look, or if you dye it to be this way- but I actually kind of like it. Sort of um…grungy?

(Via Fashion Toast)

I bought this serum out of straight impulse. Sure, I can spend over 1 hour in the hair hair isle at CVS, and this is what I walked out with. I have never tried Organix products, but I love smelling the different scents just for fun. Coconut, green tea pomegranate, they all just LOOK amazing. So I decided to finally give this product a try. I have been trying to grow out my hair for over 3 years now, and no matter how many times I trim and deep condition it, it just won’t go past my mid back. I think it has everything to do with my split ends. So I decided to go for this “anti-breakage” serum. It’s amazing, and for only $5, it’s totally worth it.

Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum is a unique formula which helps repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and frizziness. This totally indulgent blend of organic weightless coconut oil and silk and keratin proteins promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage while adding strength and elasticity to weak and brittle hair.

Directions: After you towel dry your hair, simply put one drop and rub it in the ends. I try to avoid my roots and the top of my hair because my hair is prone to oil. Grab it!

Summer is one of my favorite seasons, and living in LA, it seems that Summer is pretty much year round. Beautiful weather, pool parties and bbq’s, it’s important to have your “must haves” with you at all times. Here are a couple of my must haves for the Summer. If you have your own tips or products, leave a comment and share with our readers!

Playtex Petals

I got a sample in the mail of these from Playtex, and tried it out. Basically, these are great for anytime of the year when your lady friends needs a little “refreshing”. Spent the day at a BBQ all day and need a little extra somethin somethin? These pocket sized wipes are great, and smell fantastic. Have a date night and don’t have time to shower? These are great!

TRESemme FreshStart Waterless Foam Shampoo
Waterless shampoo? Brilliant! Takes 3 minutes, and makes your hair feel amazing and clean again without actually having to hop in the shower! TRESemme Fresh Start Waterless Foam Shampoo is the perfect solution to clean hair without water anytime.  The unique formula, with Witch Hazel, Citrus and Aloe Vera refreshes your hair by removing excess oil, impurities and odor while moisturizing hair.  Waterless Foam Shampoo instantly transforms lifeless limp and dull hair into fresh hair that is clean, shiny and smooth.

Marc Jacobs Daisy

Looking for a light, flirty Summer fragrance? I love Marc Jacobs’ Daisy perfume!

Sweet Heart Sunglasses

I can’t tell you how much I LOVE heart sunglasses! As a kid I rocked them, and they are totally the best Summer fun sunglasses. For $10, how could you not?

Dove Go Fresh Body Mist Water Lily & Freshmint:

I love Dove’s Body Mist spray because it’s great for those hot days, when you need an extra refreshment. Spray on your body, face, and pretty much anywhere else. It smells great and fresh! Each bottle goes for about $4 at your local drug store.

I met Kristina Duff at a fashion event last month. Occasionally I touch base with styling, and I so happen to be styling the event for the night. Kristina introduced me to AttaGirl back stage while her partner and herself were airbrushing their logo onto models. She spoke of AttaGirl with such passion and devotion, my ears tuned in immediately. Introducing a great cause to the amazing women who read up on the blog is definitely a treat for me. I urban dictionaryed AttaGirl and the definition for it was ” An expression of congratulations or praise directed at a female. Comes from the expression “that’s a good girl” which became “that a girl” and finally “attagirl.”

KL: What is the philosophy of AttaGirl?

KD: I want to make clear that AttaGirl, Inc. loves MEN too!!!  By supporting the women, we are also supporting the men (and children) in our lives. Our philosophy is to see women filled with self-love, self-respect and confidence so authentic that it glows from the inside out and shines onto others all around. By facilitating our “Skills Strength and Beauty” workshops, we are giving women a chance to see their light and what they have to offer this world.

KL: Where did AttaGirl originate?

KD: I have the biggest smile on my face while answering this question…because the 1st answer is…….IN MY HEART, the next thought, over the phone while reaching out to some friends looking for support in starting a Non-Prof. We are based in North Hollywood, CA. and I’m ready for an office big enough for staff and storage.

KL: What made you feel inspired to help women in need?

KD: Gosh, that’s a tough one. So many reasons. During the summer of 2008, I told a bunch of friends that I would change the world through makeup, they laughed and I had no  idea how, but I was ready for something. I have this thing inside that just pulls me to do it, I feel like I have been so blessed to have started off this life with 2 brothers that are both  mentally handicapped, this really brought me the ability to have patience and compassion and also the ability to fall in love with all souls especially those who have overcome hardship  or see life through a different lens. So, take that info, and take into consideration that my background includes makeup, hair, nails, and skin care…put it together and it’s pretty much  AttaGirl, Inc. Love, Compassion and the Desire to Inspire. Freelancing my whole life has taught me to trust myself and that I can really create something out of nothing, it takes  confidence. I believe in faking it til you make it…if I wake up feeling blah, then I smile and do what it takes til I believe it…eventually I’ll just laugh and next thing I know, the smile is  real. I think we are much simpler than we give ourselves credit for, if you want to be great, then just be great. If you want to utilize all your skills and create something positive, then do  it.

KL: How long have you focused on AttaGirl?

KD: Since November of ‘08, although this year seems to be the year of blast off!!! AttaGirl, Inc. is my priority! I’m really focused and driven to see it blossom and change lives. I’m  surrounded by some much love, support and opportunity. Oh! and the mentors I have, wow, I find myself adjusting daily to everything I’m learning on this path and every step supports  the next and so on. I truly believe this is how it happens when I am guided by my heart. My passion was always  makeup, I was the “creative” one. But once my AG business partner retired to be a full time mommy, I realized if this was going to be successful that I would do whatever it took to educate myself and that’s what I have been doing…business classes through the SBA, Marketing classes, books, meetings and viola! I’m suddenly a business woman. I guess this is part of AttaGirl, Inc. and the stand I take for these women; to get out of my comfort zone and do whatever it takes to be who I want to be and to create the life I’ve always imagined.

KL: What has surprised you most the about starting AttaGirl?

KD: When I really decided to run with it and give it all I’ve got, the support just started pouring in! It’s like the universe sees what it is I am creating for the women in my community and all it wants to do is support my mission! It feels like I went through a door and on the other side there was a cliff, I jumped off and was swooped up by my angels and placed on a magic carpet with a genie in front of me. I know this sounds silly, but I can’t even begin to describe the miracles that take place daily. I am Grateful.

KL: What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about AttaGirl?

KD: This is the beginning of something HUGE!!!! Every town needs this service! Women are so powerful, they set the tone for their life, their families, their community…Women are naturally grace, they are strength, and they are healers to this world. Women are all one, they are meant to unite regardless of their culture, color, religion, and economic status. With confidence, self esteem, education and the tools to learn to love themselves; I believe women can change this world into the place it was meant to be.

KL: Since being a Celebrity make-up artist, has there been any celeb sponsorship?

KD: Not Yet!!! I’ve gotta say…there is a fine line when mixing the 2! I definitely have support, but not a celebrity ambassador as of yet! I am just getting into that territory. Everyone has their passion and just because AttaGirl, Inc. is my passion, doesn’t mean I push it down everyone’s throat… so…gentle gentle although as you can see by reading this, it’s not so easy for me to contain my passion! Oh! and I guess this would be a great moment to say: Calling all celebs that LOVE and want to Support WOMEN and take a stand for confidence, self respect, healthy boundaries and loving families…AttaGirl, Inc. wants YOU to be a voice!!!! Please contact me…:) really…leaps and bounds…we are growing and ready for you! lol…I don’t turn away from opportunity when given like this

KL:If I were a volunteer, client, or a donor for AttaGirl what would I be getting myself into?

KD: Aha! I decided to reach out to one of my repeat volunteers and this is her answer: “I have been volunteering my time since I was a kid (food drives, homeless shelters, clothing drives and cleanups), so, it always just seemed like the natural thing to do. For me, AttaGirl is special. AG has been an incredible experience. There is something about AG that has touched my core being, especially as a woman, wife and mother.  Having had the opportunity to meet you Kristina, in such a random chance sort of way, and in turn, volunteering my time for such a deeply meaningful cause has been uplifting and enlightening to say the least. Working with the women through your organization and having the opportunity to share my time and talent to help them feel better about themselves when these women have come down such a long hard road, has been profound for me. I’m looking forward to sharing in every way possible with AttaGirl because I believe in it’s cause. I’ve seen the positive effect that it has had on these beautiful women. Their smiles speak volumes. It’s been one of the things I most look forward to participating in. Giving of myself has reflected back on me and it’s just rewarding beyond words.” -Chandra Savaso

www.attagirl.org

www.kristinaduff.com

Friend them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/attagirlinc

Sounds painful, but I’m sure it looks awesome in person! NYLON Mag has posted a DIY of the thorn manicure by makeup artist Topolino. Interested? Check out the step by step directions to acheive this look!

In the extraordinary book Phaidon: Fashion, a young makeup artist named Topolino gets his own page.  Born in Marseilles, the beauty wiz created runway looks for Alexander McQueen - and the insane thorn manicure you see above.

Not one to shrink from a challenge, we bought some roses and tried the look ourselves.  Here’s how:

1.  Take three roses and slice off their thorns with gardening shears.  Be very careful, or you will bleed.

2.  Paint each thorn a blood red, or whatever color you’ll use for your manicure (though aside from red, we think black is the only other hue that would work).

3.  Paint your nails the same shade.

4.  Take your nail polish and slick the bottom of the thorns with the brush, using it as “glue” for each thorn to stick on each nail.

5.  Wait for it to dry (about 20 minutes).

Wa-La! There you have it