Fall 2010 Nails - Going Gray is the Way!

It's time to put away the pretty pink and coral polishes of summer and see what the Fall lacquers have in store for us.

The buzz in the industry is gray is the neutral of the season. Yes, I said gray. The shades of putty gray and greige ( a mixture of gray and beige) compliment all skin tones and are just edgy enough to look current.

With the upcoming fashions all over the place, anywhere from simple military looks to wild and fun brocades, you are probably asking "which gray works with what?" Good question! A subtle metallic gray will be a nice accessory for simple and structured clothing silhouettes, while a nice creamy gray tone will work well with more ornate and embellished clothing.

If you are not sure which gray polish will work on you, here are a few tips. The darker gray shades will work well on a warm skin tone, and the lighter gray options will compliment darker skin pigments.

If you have no idea where to start looking for gray nail polishes, here are a few to take a look at: Butter London 3 Free Lacquer in "All Hail McQueen" (gorgeous shimmery beige-gray); Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pro Enamel in "Steel Grey" (the name says it all); Deborah Lippmann Collection Nail Lacquer in" Waking Up in Vegas" (you can see this on Lady Gaga's nails in her recent Vanity Fair feature (and here with this article)...so you know this HOT).

So go take a look in your local drugstores and department stores and see what looks good on you. Be adventurous and open to trying a gray polish on. Most of all, have fun with these new shades. Fun is what fashion is all about!

Argan Oil - Restorative Oil for Hair and Skin

Undoubtedly, you have heard Argan oil is a miracle product of sorts for both hair and skin, but what exactly is this oil that comes from the far away land of Morocco?

The oil itself comes from the kernels of the nuts from the Argan tree. The extracted oil has been used in cosmetics and foods since as early as the 1500s! Some people call this potion "liquid gold" or "the Gold of Morocco." It is rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, and this is why it is said to be so nourishing for skin, hair and nails. The oil has twice as much Vitamin E as olive oil and also contains vital antioxidants.

Some things Argan oil can be used for:

Soften dry skin, minimize fine lines, reduce blemishes and scarring, soften cuticles, repair split ends and give skin a fresh look.

If this little oil can help with all of these beauty needs, I don't know about you, but I'm in! You can find this oil in beauty supply stores, on various websites, HSN and QVC home shopping channels, Sephora and just about anywhere cosmetics are sold. The price can range anywhere from $19 to $50 and higher. Make sure you purchase a cosmetic grade and not the Argan oil meant for culinary use. Do your research, read the reviews and get ready to get gorgeous!

Tips on Caring for Your Hair Extensions

You've invested the time and money and finally got your hair extensions. Taking care of them properly is the best way to keep them around and in good condition. With great care, your extensions can last up to six months. Here are some helpful hints to prolong the life of your hair extensions.

You should ask your stylist which products to use and then use the recommended products. When you first have the extensions put in, you should be given a set of care instructions. Follow them! There are specific products that are made for extensions, and using the proper products is one of the best ways to take care of your extensions.

Be particularly careful when your hair is wet. It is very important NOT to sleep on wet hair. Do not keep your hair wrapped in a moist or wet towel because this prevents hair from drying and can soften the bonds. Use mild formula shampoos and conditioners. It is important not to apply conditioner to the attachment points, as this too can soften the bonds and can cause them to fall out.

Don't let your extensions getting tangled in your hair. Try to brush your hair once or twice a day to remove tangles, and brush gently! Brush and braid your hair before going to bed.

Use heated styling appliances with caution. Check with your stylist to make sure you can use heated tools on your brand of extensions. The quality of synthetic extensions determines whether or not they can take heat. Always keep heat away from the bonds!

Go to your extension stylist if you want to color or re-style your hair. Do not dye your extensions at home. Do not use chemical processes, like perms, on your extensions at home. Chemical processes done at home can damage or ruin your extensions. The stylist should also take care of coloring your extensions.

By using these suggestions and talking to your stylist, your extensions should look great, and keep you looking great, too!

Animal Prints

Animal prints exude sexiness and style, but you can go overboard if you are not careful. Too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing. You can choose and animal print outfit or just add a bag or shoe in animal print, but never do both! A fashion "yes" can easily become a fashion "oh no!"