Tropical Prints

From exotic toucans to birds of paradise, avian-inspired accessories and prints conjure tropical heat

Graphic Black and White Fashion Trend

MIx and match zebra zigs, chevron zags, and textured polka dots in graphic black and white

Naughty Nauticals Fashion Trend

Retro-Fabulous Makeup Looks for 2010

Sephora in-store makeup artists vie for a spot on the elite Pro Beauty Team, and the classic red lip/smoky eye combo just won’t cut it! The 2010 team won with retro-fabulous faces and a devious arsenal of products. Here, their judge-wooing secrets.

Red Lips Alerts

Day 1: M.A.C Ruby Woo
Ok, let me just tell you where I coming from: I love matte lipsticks, and I love a great blue-red. Dita Von Teese is my lipstick inspiration. But also, in terms of matte, I like the texture that was prevalent in the mid '90s (I know, I'm dating myself). I saw a Rolling Stone magazine cover of Wilson Phillips from the '90s the other day, and all three chicks were wearing the mattest of matte red lipsticks. Perfect texture! Why don't they make 'em like that anymore? Well, it turns out they do: M.A.C Ruby Woo. It’s even a fave of Dita Von Teese (per her Twitter). The color is thick and rich, blue-red, and it does not budge all day. All day. So, hey, hold on, Carnie, Wendy, and Chynna: I’ve got the perfect lipstick for you.

Day 2: Dolce & Gabbana Iconic
Would you believe I met a really cute boy because of Dolce & Gabbana’s Classic Cream Lipstick in Iconic? I wore the lipstick, a satisfyingly bright orange red opaque formula with a glossy finish, to a friend’s house to watch Twilight. I was sitting on her sofa, waiting for the video to start (and, okay, thinking of Edward Cullen), when her four-year-old son walked up to me thisclose and said: “Why are you wearing lipstick?!” Stumped, I replied, “Because I like to look pretty?” He threw up his hands, ran around the room, and yelled, “OH WOW, BEAUTIFUL!” I’ll take this kid over Edward Cullen anytime.

Day 3: Revlon Fire and Ice
Today, I feel very nostalgic; I’m wearing Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick Fire and Ice. This lipstick has been around since at least the 1950s, when Revlon threw a huge advertising campaign for it with such lines as “Would you streak your hair with platinum without consulting your husband?” The lipstick feels wonderful on—not too greasy or dry, just perfect. And the color? Elle associate beauty editor Maura Lynch took one look and said, “Now that’s a perfect coral red!” I was thrilled, then realized I was struck by the urge to put streaks in my hair.

Day 4: Estée Lauder Rich Red
Busy day at work—and everything needs to be done YESTERDAY. I need a boost. My boss says, “I’m not used to not seeing you in red lipstick.” Bingo! I decide to put on Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Red in honor of the original beauty biz workaholic, Estée Lauder (who showed up at the office until well into her eighties). I swipe on the lustrous, creamy blue red color, inhale its feminine floral scent, and take in my reflection. My boss says it perfectly, “Ah, much more you.” Thanks, Estée!

Day 5: Nars Jungle Red
Normally, I tiptoe around the orange-y shades, but I shocked myself by loving the bright red tone of Jungle Red by Nars, as well as its amazing long-lasting texture, which is a just-right combo of matte and slick. When I asked burlesque star World Famous *BOB* what her favorite red lipstick is (burlesque stars know a thing or two about makeup), she said she also loved Jungle Red, because “it’s bright and has staying power—two things I strive for myself.” Amen! That deserves a shimmy or two.

Day 6 and Day 7: Shiseido 415 and Chanel Lover
I’ve been rocking two amazing lipsticks the past couple of days, courtesy of the recommendations of two awesome Elle beauty staffers: Assistant Janna Johnson’s fave red lipstick is Shiseido 415, while senior editor April Long says je t’adore to Chanel Lover. I wear Lover when I’m in a more sedate mood and crave something rose red, silky, and a little sheer, with a lovely, delicate powdery scent. And when I’m up for standing out in the crowd, the Shiseido is a great bet; it’s a bolder, more opaque formula, a true red. Two different lipsticks courtesy of two different ladies. Merci!

Day 8: M.A.C Russian Red
I had a job interview the other day, and I couldn’t help but to think WWMD? What Would Madonna Do? Put on a cone bra, bulldoze into the head honcho’s office, and start vogue-ing? Well, I couldn’t do that, but I could shore up my confidence by wearing Russian Red by M.A.C, a phenomenal dark red matte shade that Madonna wore during her Blonde Ambition tour in the 90s. It’s truly one of my favorite lipstick shades ever, long-lasting and rich as all get out. And something must have worked, because I did put on the Russian Red that day and P.S.: I got the job.

Day 9: Armani Hollywood Red
Crystals, black velvet, Armani label? Sounds like something Beyoncé would wear to a red carpet event; in fact, it’s the luxe packaging for ArmaniSilk, the brand’s latest lipstick. I tried on the Hollywood Red shade during an annoying morning commute (my train’s engine broke down, then I was stranded on a cold platform for 20 minutes), and I have to tell you, the vivid red color really did give my crabby self a lift. The formula feels amazingly light and sheer on the lips, aided by “an exceptional blend of Micro silk powders,” the company’s site says. I just know I’ll keep this lipstick around for my next bungled commute.

Day 10: Lipstick Queen Rouge Sinner
Poppy King is one of my personal heroes: She started her own lipstick line at 18 by looking up a cosmetic manufacturer in the phone book. When I was 18, I was cutting classes to go to the movies (but that’s a whole other story). Today, hoping for a piece of her energy and gumption, I’m wearing her Lipstick Queen Rouge Sinner. For aficionados, the thicker texture (shea butter and 90 percent pigment) and dark shade is similar to M.A.C Russian Red, if a little more on the rose side. Poppy says it “looks good on everyone night or day.” Ah, I can feel the entrepreneurial urge kicking in right now…

Day 11: E.l.f Royal Red
Want a bold color but not quite ready for stoplight red? I would try E.l.f. Royal Red. It’s surprising when you first open the cap—the lipstick is a gold color with just a little bit of burgundy. But once on, it’s a wine red with a gold sheen. And it’s pretty long-lasting; it hung in there through my lunch with co-workers. I had a margarita and cheese enchilada with mole sauce, and the shade stayed prettily without leaving that annoying ring around your mouth, which often happens when your lip color is wearing off.

Day 13: Lipstick Queen Medieval
Ultimate test of a lip stain? See if you can apply it on a jerking train without looking, and then have it look right when you check in a mirror. Lipstick Queen Medieval successfully passed this test—and New Jersey Transit trains are probably the jerkiest of the jerky. Medieval is the loveliest, lightest, most natural red stain; the color is as if you’ve been chewing on your lip—or sucking on a popsicle. And it feels moisturizing (courtesy of vitamin E), not sticky. Also, I put the stain on with just concealer and mascara and boom—instantly looked awake and ready for work. (FYI: I do recommend looking when putting on concealer and mascara.)

Day 13: Revlon ColorStay in Top Tomato
Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick says in its ads that it is “food-proof.” Today, I put that to the test, wearing Top Tomato, a nice brick red. It was a tough challenge, to say the least, right up there with a bowl of soup, and, say, kissing. It was my lunch: a bag of Cheetos. (That noise you hear? It’s the collective shudder of nutritionists around the world.) Yes, that powdery, nuclear orange snack has ruined many a made-up mouth, and ColorStay passed with flying, ahem, colors. The Cheetos simply flaked off, and my beautiful red shade stayed intact. Perhaps one day I’ll venture forth and test it on a better lunch: a salad?

Day 14: Kat Von D Hellbent
I admit it: I wore Kat Von D Hellbent Lipstick for the attention…while I was walking my dogs. The color is a more soft pink red than I expected from this edgy, rock ‘n’ roll tattooer. (It has a soft sheen, and fades to a nice fuchsia throughout the day.) But I still figured, it’s red enough for someone to notice it while I did this most mundane of chores. The lawn maintenance guys next door didn’t notice me while I strolled by with my pooches. People walking next to us? Nary a glance from them. My dogs? Nah, they were just doing their business. Dejected, I returned home, and stepped inside. Right away, my roommate looks at me coming in and says, “Ooooo, you look so pretty in that red!” Score! Mission accomplished!

Day 15: Guerlain Rouge G Geisha
When I ordered Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact in Geisha, I thought of subtle images: graceful creatures with elegant kimonos, porcelain skin, and perfect little bow mouths. Little did I know what I was in for when I opened the package: the Cadillac Escalade of lipstick cases! In other words, big, flashy, over-the-top…and fun! The large, hinged silver lid opens up to reveal the lipstick itself and not just one mirror, but two—the more to peer at your pucker with. And the shade? It delivers. The beautiful cherry red would fit in just fine in the geisha houses in Kyoto.

Day 16: Guerlain KissKiss Exces de Rouge
With its vintage-inspired packaging, Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick in Exces de Rouge (a berry red shade) wouldn’t look out of place on an antique dressing table with a gold-trimmed hand mirror and hairbrush set. And so, when I put the lipstick on, I wouldn’t have been surprised to look down and see I was wearing a negligee and marabou-trimmed high-heel slippers, rather than my T-shirt, jeans, and Converse. I wore the shade to Whole Foods, where I pulled aside an employee to ask where the spelt bread was. As she answered, she looked from my eyes to my mouth, and back again. Was she dazzled by the red color? Who knows? I just know I how I felt—like I was swanning down the aisles like Rita Hayworth.

Day 18: Chanel Passion
While testing these lipsticks, I’ve been putting test swatches on my hand for the past couple of weeks. On my commute home from Midtown Manhattan to New Jersey, I went into a bakery at Penn Station. I heard a voice say, "That one is definitely the best." Confused, I looked up, and the bakery counter girl was pointing at my mouth! She said she noticed the swatches and wanted to tell me the color I was wearing was the best one. Cool! (I was wearing Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick 14 Passion, a bright red with a touch of blue.)

Day 19: YSL Red Muse
On my way home from work, I was walking down Seventh Ave. toward Penn Station. A bicycle messenger suddenly skidded to a stop next to me and said, "Don't be scared, baby, but I just wanted to tell you you look fine in that red lipstick." Aaagh! Creepy…but I admit, I felt a small thrill about the lipstick compliment. What was I wearing? YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15, in shade 17 Red Muse. A wonderful deep fuchsia red with an extremely satiny and creamy texture. That messenger has taste!

Day 20: Clinique Ambrosia
Don’t be scared of Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Ambrosia when you first open the cap. You’ll see a sparkly orange that’s fit to wear to an ‘80s karaoke night and not much else. But I wanted to challenge myself with this color; I usually shy away from orange reds, and when an online description called this an orange with a touch of red, I jumped. I’m glad I did. Like the name, it does go on deliciously smooth. And the color? I picture a warm peachy sunset. Like buttah!

Day 21: Wet n Wild Red Hot
Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick Red Hot 519 A is the first red lipstick that made me feel like a ’50s sweater calendar girl. The color—a combo of a candy apple red and pink bubblegum—the girly fruity-licious smell, and the slick texture (it’s loaded with aloe) made me want to throw on a leopard-themed outfit, curl up on some pillows and pose—in a most ladylike way, of course. And at an amazing $1.29, you really can’t pass this up this opportunity to be a pinup.

BONUS! Day 22: CoverGirl in Really Red
CoverGirl Continuous Color Lipstick in Really Red 575 has been described on blogs as a “bright and hot” red. It is indeed really red—if you layer it up. It starts out as a more prim, sheer shade, with my lips showing through. The other day, wearing this color, I went out to dinner and drinks with friends. I was tempted to take a cue from my demure lipstick, and just order the lightest of white wines, or even a seltzer, and a salad. (I ended up with a beer and a cheeseburger. Oh well.) My friends said the shade lasted throughout the whole meal, but I didn’t believe them. I looked in the mirror, and there it was: It had faded, just a little, into a lovely—and prim—red pink.

Holiday Beauty: Starworthy Makeup Looks

Rimmed Eye Liner

“My favorite holiday beauty trend is lining the rims of the eyes with a waterproof liner like Dior Crayon Eyeliner Waterproof in Noir Trinidad—it takes very little effort, and the look is instantly sexy,” says Surratt, who adds that, “Using a waterproof pencil works well because you are applying it to the ‘wet line’ of the eye and tears can wash away an ordinary eye pencil.”

Holiday Beauty: Starworthy Makeup Looks

Glittery Eyes and Lips

“There’s a lot of glitter going on this season,” says McGrath, who created dazzling eyes for the Christian Dior fall 2009 show. “We used Make Up For Ever Glitters and Face Stockholm Galaxy Glitter.” For a fun holiday look, the makeup maestro says to mix glitter with a deep blue or burgundy eye liner (note: some liquid eye liners, like JK Jemma Kidd Silver Screen Mascara Liner Duo and M.A.C Softsparkle Eye Pencil, already contain a hint of sparkle in their formulas). If you choose to forgo liner, McGrath suggests dabbing glitter over a cream shadow like CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast: “A smoky eye is always nice, and glitter sticks to cream so you won’t have to worry about it coming off.”

For a pop-out pucker, a touch of glitter can also work wonders. “Place it in the middle of your lower lip for extra dimension and shine,” says Reiss-Andersen, who uses Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder.

Holiday Beauty: Starworthy Makeup Looks

Highlighted Eyes and Cheeks

While Mara Levarre accentuates Mariah Carey’s cheeks with a dab of face cream mixed with gold or silver eye shadow, Surratt prefers a light-reflective powder like Shiseido Translucent Loose Powder in Septarian, which he calls “perfect for candlelit dinners and canoodling under twinkling Christmas-tree lights.”

To brighten the eyes, Harris recommends dabbing the inner corners with a cream highlighter or brushing a light, shimmering shade underneath the lower lash line. And for an allover shine, Brigitte Reiss-Andersen says to add “some iridescent magic” to the décolleté area as she does with clients Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Her pick: Benefit Moonbeam Cream.

Holiday Beauty: Starworthy Makeup Looks

Blushed Cheeks

“The holidays are great for wearing rouge on the cheek,” says Levin, who favors colors that have a touch of gold (“When you smile, it picks up the light beautifully”). In particular, Levin is a fan of Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect: “The cheek colors have tiny bits of gold and bronze in them. I use them on a lot of my clients, and it gives their cheeks a dewy look.” Levin says that the Coral and Pink shades go well with any skin tone but that she uses the whole of the spectrum (for a recent event, she brushed Blake Lively’s cheeks with Rose).

Holiday Beauty: Starworthy Makeup Looks

Bold Lips

“I love red lips—they’re eternally chic and look especially festive during the holidays,” says Troy Surratt, the makeup guru behind Maggie Gyllenhaal’s oft-deep-colored pucker. “If you have reservations about an opaque formula, try a sheer one like Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick, which is universally flattering and great for kisses under the mistletoe.” Another deep-yet-more-subtle option according to Julie Harris, Anne Hathaway’s makeup artist, is a soft berry stain.

Whether you go red or not, stains are a must if you want a bold lip color to last. “A stain won’t rub off during holiday parties,” says Mai Quynh, who works with Megan Fox, Miley Cyrus, and Kristen Stewart. “I really like Mark Kissink Lip Tintmarker in Red Siren—it’s a highly pigmented, smudge-proof marker that’s great for layering underneath lipstick for staying power.”

Holiday Beauty: Starworthy Makeup Looks

Lots of Lashes

“There’s no better way to amp up your look than with long, lush lashes. I’m a huge fan of mascara—I love that women can wear oodles of it and it never reads as makeup,” says Brett Freedman, who uses CoverGirl LashBlast in Very Black on clients like Emily Blunt and Vanessa Hudgens.

To achieve a superburst of fringe, Pat McGrath, global creative design director for P&G Beauty and Fashion Week regular, says to coat lashes with two different formulas: “Use LashBlast Length first and LashBlast on top so that you get length and volume.”

Holiday Beauty: Starworthy Makeup Looks

“Holiday makeup should be glamorous with color and sparkle,” says Angela Levin, whose clients include Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Nicole Kidman. Here, Levin and other A-list makeup artists reveal nine ways you can achieve that festive glow.

Silver-Gold Eyes

“Try a touch of silver or gold on eyelids,” says Mary-Louise Parker’s makeup artist, Tina Turnbrow, who recommends Tarte Lock & Roll in Gunmetal and Jemma Kidd Dual Illuminator in Champagne.

For Leighton Meester’s sexy smoked-out version, Gina Brooke (Madonna’s go-to gal and Shu Uemura artistic director) suggests Shu’s Tsumori Chisato Planet Cat Couture Palette: “Use the shiny silver at the base of the lid, then apply the black to the perimeter of the eye and smudge. Go back with the silver or the copper to create a gradation, and for a more dramatic look, amplify eyes with the black-purple cream liner.”

Eye-Popping Fall Trend: Indigo Shadow

Wearing indigo is hot for fall, but relegating this it-color to clothes or heels alone would be nearsighted—because the hue is particularly hot when worn on eyelids! Just see Tanya Dziahileva and Rihanna’s peepers for proof: “It’s all about having fun and playing with your makeup,” says makeup maestro Pat McGrath of the look. “You can do a classic smoky eye and add a little indigo at the center of the lid. Or you can opt for just a flash of color by doing a wet blue dot on the inner corner of the eye. You can also blend indigo eye shadow with a brown one and do a small tick at the outer edges with blue eye liner.”

Popular Makeup Products for Every Face

Like a snowflake (but even more sparkly), none of the ELLE Video Star tutorials repeat themselves—except in one way: the products. Based on the number of times they’ve appeared in brilliant DIY makeup how-tos on ELLEvideostar.com, these four are can’t-live-without tools for every face:

• The most intricate lid art stays put with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

• A spritz of M.A.C Fix+ turns any shadow into eyeliner and doubles as a skin-refresher spray.

• Make normal lashes look like extensions with Covergirl LashBlast Mascara.

• The two shades of concealer in Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage magically mask dark circles and blemishes.

The 40 per cent rule

The classic style rule - choosing to show off one asset (boobs or legs) - may be a little outdated, according to a new study conducted at the University of Leeds.

The scientists who performed the study claimed women should bare 40 per cent of their skin in order to attract the most men. Count 10 per cent for each arm, 15 per cent for each leg and 50 per cent for the whole torso. And take this advice with a massive grain of salt.

Luxury-Goods Sales Still Soft, Recovery Unlikely Before 2011

The luxury-goods industry is stuck in a slump.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury-goods company, on Monday said its third-quarter sales slipped 0.6%, hindered by the consumer-spending implosion and retailers working down inventories without ordering new merchandise.

The luxury-goods industry likely won't fully recover from the downturn until 2011 or 2012, consulting firm Bain & Co. said in a forecast released Monday. This year's decline in sales of luxury goods, including apparel, jewelry and fashion accessories, will be steep, off 8% to about $227 billion, Bain predicts.

LVMH, a bellwether for the luxury-goods industry, declined to give a full-year profit forecast even though all of its divisions performed better than in the first half. Steep declines in LVMH's champagne and watches businesses brought sales down to €4.14 billion ($6.17 billion), off from €4.16 billion last year.

"I don't think we can say the crisis is over, but we can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, even though the light is far away," said LVMH Chief Financial Officer Jean-Jacques Guiony.

Claudia D'Arpizio, a Bain retail consultant based in Milan, said she expects the industry's heavyweights—a group that's generally defined to include companies like LVMH, Cartier owner Compagnie Financiere Richemont, and Gucci Group, part of France's PPR SA—to hold up better than smaller players. Mr. Guiony said LVMH aims to increase its market share this year, spread out over categories from cognac to perfume, bags and jewelry.

New Season of Top Model Short on Stature, Tall on Fierceness

Just so there's no confusion, 5 feet 7 inches isn't short for a woman. Nor is it short for a season of America's Next Top Model.

If the big turnout—and by "big," we mean frighteningly big drama—for if the auditions were any indication, Tyra Banks' troop of lovelies-in-training should be no less tall on talent than previous seasons.

For lucky cycle 13, premiering Wednesday, Sept. 9 on the CW, contestants could not exceed the 5-foot-7-inch height maximum. The shrimpiest is four inches shorter than that (gasp!).

Banks leads the panel of experts, including [noted] photographer Nigel Barker, runway expert J. Alexander and a revolving seat of guest judges, including Lauren Conrad and Kim Kardashian.

Without further ado, here's your list of beauties vying for a $100,000 modeling contract with CoverGirl, management by Wilhelmina Models and six pages in Seventeen magazine.

Megan Fox in a Bathing Suit

National Megan Fox Awareness Day happened last week—but really, there's no reason every day can't be National Megan Fox Awareness Day.

Especially with these hot outtakes from her June Elle cover.

But why does a women's magazine feature these photos? Scantily clad Megan Fox doesn't seem like it would be a big selling point for ladies when buying fashion glossies.

Sorry. What a stupid train of thought. It doesn't matter how or why these photos exist, just that they do.

One more after the jump...

Who's Haute Stuff? Luxe Leather Edition

Leather in the summertime? Only the most daring fashionistas are rocking this look. Which star pulls it off best?

- Rihanna
- Emma Watson
- Angelina Jolie
- Chloë Sevigny

Swanky Saturdays: Get Kourtney's Look for Less

She may have forgotten to take her pill, but Kourtney Kardashian hasn't forgotten how to steal the spotlight.

The mom-to-be used the streets of New York as her runway during her Big Apple promo trip for E!'s upcoming reality show Kourtney & Khloé Take Miami, which debuts tonight on E!.

The berry Alice + Olivia draped panel dress was sweet and simple. But the bold lia sophia necklace and sky-high YSL Trib Two platform pumps added that sex factor the Kardashian sisters expertly know how to deliver. Here's how to get Kourtney's look for less:

The beauty of a roomy trapeze dress, like this embellished one from Arden B ($48), is that you can get knocked up by your ex, and nobody will know.

Keep reading to shop the accessories to complete Kourt's hot mama look?

Beauty Trends: Sepia-Toned Makeup

“We were inspired by a sepia photograph of a woman from the 1930s and the shading on her face,” says makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, who created the look for Donna Karan’s fall 2009 show, adding that the gray-brown image had the same tonality as Karan’s collection (“We didn’t want to do anything too graphic or too colorful”).

To mimic the three-dimensional appearance of the sepia-toned headshot, Tilbury accentuated models’ cheekbones with a creamy, pale pink lipstick and framed eyes with M.A.C Cream Colour Base in Dusk and Root. A “plasticlike, wet, modern finish” came courtesy of gold-flecked black lip gloss for eyelids and pearlescent highlighter on cheeks and down the center of the nose.

Highlighter was also dusted on lips, over M.A.C Lipstick in Half ‘n Half and a layer of foundation: “The foundation dulls the lipstick down and makes it a little more neutral—I didn’t want any sheen,” says Tilbury. “Highlighter allows a little bit of light to come through and gives a soft, dreamy shimmer.”

Makeup Trends: Black Eye Shadow

Yigal Azrouël’s fall 2009 show was full of black pieces—with eyes to match.

“The clothes have a lot of leather and heaviness, so Yigal wanted something that was a little rock ’n’ roll,” says Polly Osmond, who invented the striking black-rimmed eyes for Azrouël’s fall 2009 show. “I’m trying to move forward from the regular greasy look, so I’ve created a supermatte black eye using four different products, layering them on top of each other.”

For an intense makeup look, Osmond utilized two black eye liners—an ultradark kohl pencil and M.A.C Fluidline gel eye liner in Blacktrack—as shadows, blending them over the entire lid. Next, she dabbed a tiny bit of gray eye shadow in the inner corners and mattified the lid with M.A.C’s Greasepaint Stick, which hits stores in October (“It’s not what it sounds like; it’s actually very, very matte,” Osmond says about the new product).

So why all the layers? “Matte makeup is difficult to work with—it sticks and it stays there. A base underneath is necessary in order to create movement.” To finish the three-dimensional black eyes, Osmond lavished lashes with a generous helping of black mascara.

The Coolest Cuts: Layers and Bangs

All-one-length tresses are totally over. To look up-to-the-minute sexy, you've gotta snip some bouncy layers or hip bangs into your locks. We help you choose the look that's right for you.

Everyone's doing it.

From screen stars to pop singers, all the trendsetting celebs are updating their tresses by getting piecey layers or eye-skimming bangs sliced into their locks. And there's a good reason: "Adding any kind of face-framing pieces to the style you have makes it much more flattering to your features and a whole lot sexier," says Oscar Blandi, the NYC stylist and salon owner who created the looks on these pages. And what's great about both these mane effects is that they don't require losing lots of length or making a dramatic change.

To Layer Your Locks

All-one-length strands may have looked good on Marcia Brady, but today's hottest stars are all about alluring, swinging hair that has tons of body. And the good news is, you don't have to be as tress-blessed as Courteney Cox Arquette to work this style. "Anyone can wear layers and incorporating some into your existing cut is the easiest way to give it a sexy, more modern look," says Blandi. But not all layers are created equal. "You have to match them to your natural hair texture," he says. Here, how to know which kind is right for your mane type.
If you have a curly coif, go for long, graduated layers all over your head to give your spirals definition so they are less frizz-prone.

If your strands are superfine, make some of your layers around ear-length to get volume at the roots.

If your mane is straight or kind of wavy and you want to make it look more shapely, add layers in the underneath section of your hair for a shaggy, bedhead look.

If your locks are ultrathick and you need to thin them out, ask your stylist to hold the scissors vertically while cutting the layers to take away the bulk.

To Bring on the Bangs

If you haven't worn fringe since you had training wheels on your bike, you'll be happy to hear that they've come a long way. The newest bangs range from long and blunt to side-swept and wispy, which means every girl can find a style that's perfect for her. "Bangs will look good on just about anyone. The key is determining the type that best complements your face shape," says Blandi. Here, his guide for figuring out which fringe is ideal for you:

If your face is round, the most flattering effect is long, feathery bangs that curve into your face to minimize your full cheeks and add contour to your features.

If your face is long, go for blunt brow-level bangs that cover your forehead and create the illusion of a more oval-shaped face. Also, ask your stylist to add longer layers at the sides.

If your face is square, check out long, side-swept bangs that taper into layers near your jaw. This style will help soften the angles of your face.

Snip tip: Make sure your stylist sees your locks when they're dry first, since hair is longer when it's wet. You don't want the stylist to screw up and snip off too much.

Flirty Summer Fashion

The best part of hanging solo is the freedom to do whatever, whenever the hell you want. That includes dressing irresistibly sexy just because of the way it makes you feel.

Should Speedos be banned?

This week, U.K. water park Alton Towers issued a mandate to male guests: No more Speedos. Reps for the park called the ban on tiny trunks an "extreme measure," but explained it was meant "to prevent embarrassment among fellow members of the public and to maintain the family-friendly atmosphere at the resort.

"And:"We feel this small brief style is not appropriate for a family venue so we are advising male bathers to wear more protective swimwear such as shorts."Such a tough issue! Sure, there's a bit of discrimnation going on. Alton park allows female guests to wear thong bathing suits, which seem, by this measure, as offensive as a man's banana hammock.

If it's a conservative family park, one would think it'd find bare butts as unseemly as the outline of a bulge.However, Speedos are kind of gross. They're cheesy-hilarious, sure, but they're also pretty much twig-and-berry X-ray machines, revealing a super-graphic silhouette of the wearer's junk. It's like having shiny seal skin stretched over the area--there's not a lot left to the imagination.

And watching that come down a steep, slippery slide? Awkward!Would we really be so sad to see this swimwear go forever? Not here, of course. But the Euros, they love to splash around in man panties. As Shine managing editor Annette mentioned yesterday, "Dude, do any of them even own a pair of trunks?"

Sexy Swimsuit CoverUps

Letting go is a breeze when you're wearing feather-light fabrics in shades so soft, they look faded by the sun. The only thing sexier? Your skin, just barely visible underneath.

Go natural without skimping on style

Go natural without skimping on style—mix exotic accessories with sexy staples for a chic answer to sustainable fashion

LADY LUXE

FLOWERPOWER

ROCKER


MODERN HIPPIE

Beauty Tip: Sweating It

Whether you’re experiencing makeup meltdown, underarm wetness, foot odor—or all three, overactive sweat glands can definitely cramp your summer style. The good news is there are ways to combat hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive perspiration) and cope better with it.

Stay Cool on the Go
While it’s commonly believed that sweating helps detoxify your body, the truth is that sweat contains few toxins. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, the liver and kidneys—not the sweat glands—are what filter toxins from the blood; sweat simply serves to cool you down when you overheat. With this in mind, be prepared the next time you’re invited to an outdoor fete: Pack your purse with gentle facial cleansing wipes (the compact ones by Simple are easy to tuck away), cool-to-the-touch cream (Lumene’s miniature Time Freeze Instant Cooling Eye Stick is ultrarefreshing), and travel sized Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray (bonus: It makes your makeup stay on longer). Another tip: Before popping open your ice-cold can of soda, hold it to the back of your neck for a quick cool-down.

Sweatproof Your Makeup
While supermatte ’90s-inspired skin is in for fall, during summer a little shine is actually chic. (So don’t blot away with oil-absorbing sheets the second you feel moisture poking through!) That said, Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens are a godsend. You should also never underestimate the power of a good makeup base. To keep brow sweat at bay, use makeup that allows your skin to breathe while keeping it shine-free: Start by using a water-based oil-absorbing primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Light and follow with a similarly absorbent powder foundation such as Make Up For Ever Duo Mat. And when it comes to your eyes, opt for powder shadow and waterproof mascara and liner. Plan on being outside during prime sweat time (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)? Nothing beats liquid liner.

Watch Your Diet
Caffeine and nicotine have both been linked to excessive sweating so instead of reaching for coffee or cigarettes, your best bet is to grab a glass of water and carrot sticks. While water helps hydrate and regulate body temperature, fruits and veggies are healthier alternatives to processed foods (particularly those with lots of sugar) which, incidentally, have also been shown to stimulate sweat glands.

Amp Up Your Antiperspirant
Many drugstore brands—Dove, Secret, Degree—have released “clinical strength” antiperspirant formulas, but if these don’t work for you, consider talking to your doctor about a prescription version. Over-the-counter options like Drysol, Saldrize, and Certain Dry may help and can be used on the soles of feet as well if products such as Avon Footworks Deodorizing Foot Powder don’t do the trick. Prescription oral medications such as oxybutynin and glycopyrrolate are another option but are typically considered a last resort, as they can be accompanied by serious side effects that include drowsiness, visual impairment, and dryness of the mouth.

Try Red Carpet Treatment
If you’ve exhausted over-the-counter antiperspirants to no avail, you may consider doing what many Hollywood starlets are rumored to do: Get Botox injections in your underarms and/or feet. In July 2004, the FDA approved Botox for hyperhidrosis that can’t be resolved with topical treatments; by blocking the release of a chemical in the nervous system responsible for triggering the sweat glands, Botox can temporarily reduce perspiration in the area that's been injected. Results usually last for up to six months.

Skin Care Dos and Don’ts : Hands On, Hands Off

Don’t overmassage the skin or touch your face too much. A facial massage can help relieve stress, improve elasticity, and provide a healthy glow, but stimulating the skin too much can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen acne, psoriasis, or eczema. Also, try not to touch your skin during the day when your fingers might not be clean (enough said).

Do use the “zipper” technique when applying antiaging creams and serums to fine lines and wrinkles—this will create a crevice-free surface so that the cream/serum can effectively penetrate. Here’s how to do it: Using your index finger and middle finger, gently push the skin on either side of the line outward. Keeping fingers spread, use a finger from your other hand to “zip up” the smoothed-out area in between with product.

Who's Haute Stuff? Slinky Bikini !!!

The stars are staying cool this summer in teeny-weeny bathing suits. Which celeb rocks the cutest bikini?
Kendra Wilkinson
Kim Kardashian
Lindsay Lohan
Cameron Diaz

Easy Steps to Shed 5 Pounds

Can you hear it? The sound of people giving diet advice is everywhere: Your mom, your coworkers, the TV news, even the cashiers at the cafeteria in my office building. To be fair, I'm game to dispense my own healthy eating wisdom when asked, even if it means subtly (or not so subtly) telling someone that the bag of chips they have in hand isn't necessarily helping his bottom line. But I've also noticed that the "shoulds" and "should-nots" so many people dole out can be factually incorrect.

See if you've heard any of the following common eating tips that can actually backfire and cause weight gain. Ignore them and watch stubborn pounds fall off:

BAD ADVICE: Eat a variety of foods!

WHY YOU SHOULD SKIP IT: Ask any buffet buff: We're hardwired to eat more when faced with countless different choices. This trait gives us an advantage when a spread consists of low-cal, filling fare such as veggies and lean protein. But unless you whiz by the baked goods section and restrict yourself to the produce displays, your kitchen is most likely stocked with a variety of healthy and not-so-healthy edibles.

HOW TO SMARTEN UP: Keeping special treats in the house is fine, but try to limit your stash to one or two of your favorites. The lion's share should be for a range of nutritious foods. Get inspired to prepare all those veggies, fruit and whole grains with one of thousands of recipes at Self.com.

BAD ADVICE: Always skip seconds!

WHY YOU SHOULD SKIP IT: When you know you can have only one plateful, chances are you will pile it sky-high. Hey, it's human nature -- get your fill while you can. The problem, of course, is that you will probably down every last morsel. On the other hand, knowing you can go back for another helping (if need be) encourages you to put less on your plate the first time around and allows your body to register fullness before the second helping.

HOW TO SMARTEN UP: Begin retraining yourself to start off with at least 20 percent less than you're used to eating. Then after 20 minutes -- the time it takes for us to start to feel full -- gauge your hunger. Still have an appetite? Dig in again, but keep it reasonably portioned.

BAD ADVICE: Exercising means you can eat more!

WHY YOU SHOULD SKIP IT: Your sweat session might not sizzle as many calories as you think. Thirty minutes on the elliptical, for example, cancels out only about half a blueberry muffin. If you're training for a 5K or other athletic event, you may need to eat more to fuel your workouts -- otherwise, consider regular exercise a stay-slim strategy, not immunity to the effects of polishing off an entire pizza.

HOW TO SMARTEN UP: Even the most intense cardio cannot erase the effects of a weekend chowfest, but it does benefit your health by increasing energy and lowering risk for heart disease. Another upside: Working out may make you feel good, so you eat better.

BAD ADVICE: Keep those too-tiny skinny jeans hanging in your closet as inspiration!

WHY YOU SHOULD SKIP IT: It seems to make sense: The sight of those pants or the ads with fashion models wearing them might motivate you to slim down. But experts say that many women feel worse about themselves after seeing skinny models in campaigns. And when you're down on yourself, it's harder to stick to an eating and exercise plan, even one that will help you slim down enough to wear those teeny tiny jeans.

HOW TO SMARTEN UP: Pay attention to everything healthy you have accomplished rather than what you haven't, or any shortcomings you think you have. And don't compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on your achievements, say, "I cut 1 minute off my 10K time." And don't obsess over the end goal, such as your proposed 15-pound weight loss. Keep goals small so they are more easily attainable, like "I'm going to make it to Spinning class twice this week," or "I'm going to drink water rather than juice or soda."

BAD ADVICE: Fruit and veggies are free foods!

WHY YOU SHOULD SKIP IT: Sure, produce is a must, but if you prefer high-sugar, high-calorie dried fruit, fruit juice and starchy veggies, proceed with caution. Corn and potatoes are higher in calories than other high-water-content vegetables such as cucumbers and green beans. Plus, you need three to five servings of veggies each day and only two to four servings of fruit, which tends to have more sugar and calories.

HOW TO SMARTEN UP: Go for water-rich veggies, such as zucchini and spinach, and high-fiber fruit, such as apples and berries. And swap out fatty sauces and dressings for low-cal ones such as salsa, fat-free ranch dressing and spritzes of lemon and lime.

Moisturizing Musts

Don’t go overboard with rich moisturizers. While you want to keep your skin supple during summer, you can afford to lighten up—especially since thick doesn’t necessarily equal better. Heavy creams can create a barrier on the surface of your face and keep your skin from absorbing moisture. And formulas that contain synthetic ingredients can trap dead cells and leave your complexion looking dull.

Do use a nighttime face lotion. There’s evidence that skin-cell regeneration is slightly faster at night than during the day, so take advantage of your skin’s receptiveness and don’t skimp on overnight hydration.