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Photo Courtesy of StarTracks

LiLo, this is a tragic Beauty Don't!

Au Revoir InStyle Weddings

Time Inc. announced before the Thanksgiving holiday that InStyle Weddings would be the first of many lay offs coming up for the company. About 15 staffers (including freelance editors) were axed and the winter 2010 issue on stands Christmas day will be the last. It's sad how unexpected these things can be and just to see how the publishing industry is suffering in general. Start buying print again, people! The computer screen will never offer the same satisfaction as a glossy :)

I'm staying on the InStyle team to work on a special beauty project for our April 2010 issue, called "Best Beauty Buys." It's a massive undertaking that I've been working on since August and I'm almost seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Can't wait to see the finished product!

Bridal Hair Tips

Celebrity hair stylist and owner of OC61 Salon & Spa, Louise O'Connor, told me some of her favorite bridal hair tricks and tips!

Should brides treat their hair to weekly conditioning treatments a few months before the wedding?
Yes, brides should begin getting conditioning treatments weekly beginning quite a few months before the big day. They should also get regular trims to take the ends off and keep hair healthy. If they do color their hair they should stick with the desired color up until the wedding day.

What’s the difference between a glossing and conditioning treatment and is one better for a certain hair type than the other?
The difference between a conditioning and glossing treatment is that a conditioning treatment replenishes hair but not necessarily gives a shine to the hair. A glossing treatment is a clear semi-permanent color that just puts a gloss cover on the hair. It is basically a clear color with no pigment that gives hair a shine and some depth but does not condition hair. Brides should get working on conditioning hair months before the big day and get a glossing treatment a couple of weeks before so hair looks healthy and shiny for pictures.

What precautions should brides take if they have color-treated hair?
Brides should only use hair products that are specified for color treated hair like Barex ColourLife Shampoo and Conditioner and the right styling products so that the color is not dried out.

Does you swear by a certain brand of hairspray?
Barex Gloss Hair Spray Strong Hold offers shine and a great hold which can sometimes be hard to find.

Other Tips:
- The day of, hair should be a little bit dirty because if the hair is too clean it won’t hold the hair style.
- If you are wearing your hair in a chignon, make sure it is off to the side and not centered so you can see it in the pictures.
- Make sure to schedule a few hair trials so that you know exactly what style you are going to do. A lot of brides go for a hair style on their wedding day they are not used to and do not feel like themselves on their wedding day.


Photo courtesy of OC61.com

Christina Hendricks

InStyle Weddings fall 2009 cover girl, Christina Hendricks of Mad Men had a lovely ‘30s and ‘40s-inspired wedding at N.Y.C.’s Il Buco restaurant on October 11, 2009.

Celebrity makeup artist and green beauty expert, Tina Turnbow did Christina's makeup look. I received the inside scoop and found out that Tina used Tarte Cosmetics' new Spring 2010 cheek stain in "Flower" and Tarte's 24/7 lip sheer with SPF 15 in "Friday" for Christina's wedding.

To see more from Christina and Geoffrey Arend's wedding, click here!








Photo courtesy of InStyle.com

Ring Around the Rosy

Whether you’re looking for a midday touch-up or a travel friendly fragrance, this chic new solid perfume ring by Marc Jacobs packs a major punch. I’m a sucker for dual-function beauty loot and this oversized floral ring is the must-have accessory. The playful top slides open to reveal a sweet fuchsia peony scent—super feminine and trendy for the glam girl on-the-go. You can also stow away the ring in its complementary sweet violet pouch. Can't imagine a better stocking stuffer. ;)

The Lola Marc Jacobs Solid Perfume Ring ($42) just hit Sephora stores this month and will be available at select department stores beginning January 2010.


Photo Courtesy of Sephora.com

Eco-Beauty Happy Hour

If you want to make your wedding a little more eco-friendly, consider starting with your big day beauty! For beauty buffs in the NYC area, Spirit Beauty Lounge is here to help.

Every Thursday and Friday until December 23, 2009 Spirit Beauty Lounge is hosting beauty happy hours from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Greenfinds Eco Marketplace (greenfinds.com) located at 2 Great Jones Street. Head over to this event to get great discounts, freesamples and free gifts from some of the best eco-friendly brands including, Nvey Eco, RMS Beauty and Intelligent Nutrients.

The treats don’t stop there: you'll receive a free Priti manicure with your purchase all while enjoying complimentary organic cupcakes and cocktails! On Black Friday, November 27, 2009 you could also meet makeup artist and natural beauty expert Jessa Blades who will be giving mini makeovers and makeup demos for stunning eco-beauty looks you could try for your beauty regimens.

Visit SpiritBeautyLounge.com to find all your eco-friendly beauty and bath
needs.

Bridal Beauty Must-Haves

Finally, my first beauty gallery is now up on InStyleWeddings.com for a bride's beauty bag must-have products. I interviewed celebrity make-up artists Vanessa Scali and Troy Jensen to tell me what products brides should carry with them on the big day.

One of the tips including keeping a small tin of cream cheek color like this Laura Mercier product in your bag to maintain a rosy glow on the apples of your cheeks throughout the night.



Photo Courtesy of Laura Mercier

Nail polish for $100?!

Chanel's limited edition nail lacquer, "Jade" debuted in October and is already sold out everywhere! This season's must-have color is so coveted, that it's currently being sold on Ebay for $100.

And I thought this holiday's Make Up For Ever eyeliner set for $250 on Sephorawas a jaw dropper...

Would you shell out Mr. Franklin for the one perfect nail color? If not, try out Essie's "Mint Candy Apple Green" ($8; essie.com) for something a little more forgiving for your bank account.



Photo Courtesy of Chanel and Essie