Please, Wish Me Luck!

I am sitting for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) on the 4th of October and will be studying (or panicking) until then. I'll be back with nothing but beauty on my mind thereafter! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed and a paper bag handy for now.

Image Credit: Techzoogle.com

Coiffed Like a Superhero

Have you noticed the plethora of Sex and the City inspired television shows lately, most featuring teenagers wearing ridiculously pricey designer ensembles? Much as I may love fashion and the fantasy of designer labels, I can’t help but feel that the debutantes, snooty girls and serial bed hoppers are out of touch with America’s current socio-economic reality.

Meanwhile, I’ve been admiring the tough, ballsy women on Fox’s Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and their Kickin’ Butt and Takin’ Names hair. I imagine it’s a tad ridiculous to concern yourself with the latest side pony trend when the fate of the world rests in your hands. And while I do appreciate the intricacy and historic accuracy of the makeup, hairstyles and costuming in AMC’s Mad Men, it’s a little difficult for me to get excited about trends that revolved around women being present primarily for the satisfaction and edification of the men in their lives—whether they are bosses, husbands or what have you.

The majority of the female characters on Terminator are beautiful in a strong and powerful way. Their makeup and hairstyling seems effortless, as if to cement the fact that they do not rely on their looks. Without further ado, here they are:

Lena Heady as Sarah Connor

Lena’s haircut is the sort that looks its best slightly tousled. As you can guess, that makes it a wash-and-go cut for anyone with a curly or wavy hair texture and medium to thick hair. Ask your stylist for a shoulder length shag with disconnected layers. The cut is an updated version of Joan Jett’s with just as much bad ass appeal. The layering will take the weight out of thicker hair and may encourage a more uniform curl or wave pattern. Do tread carefully if you wish to replicate this cut on straight hair or you may resemble Mrs. Partridge—if it didn’t look good on Scarlet Johansen, it probably won’t look good on you.

Summer Glau as Cameron Phillips

When you have a massive amount of long, gorgeous locks like Ms. Glau, there really isn’t much need for excessive styling. The subtle layering is appropriate for medium to thick hair of any texture. You can opt to curl the ends for a more bohemian feel or do nothing at all; long, healthy hair tends to speak for itself. Brush the lengths daily to avoid tangles and be sure to use a good conditioner since long hair is prone to damage. This simple cut lends itself to an infinite amount of styling options ranging from intricate chignons to basic ponytails but the best part is how infrequently it needs to be trimmed; if your hair is free of split ends, you can get a as rarely as a few times a year to adjust the shape and maintain the layers.

Shirley Manson as Catherine Weaver

Even though Catherine Weaver is actually a shape-shifting Terminator in disguise (sorry if I ruined it for anyone), she is still a relentless, determined woman; it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it well, right? Shirley Manson is known for her vibrant red hair and flawless alabaster complexion and her polished ponytail showcases both attributes perfectly. This style is great for fine, wavy hair because the pompadour shape at the crown creates a bit of volume.

You could tease and use hairspray but here’s my short cut: Use a comb to separate the front of your hair, approximately an inch in thickness, and part it parallel to arch of your eyebrow on both sides as you would for a half up/half down style. Gather the hair (where you would place the ponytail holder) and twist, then push forward. You should notice a bit of a poof at the front. Secure the hair with bobby pins (in the area where you twisted) and be careful not to flatten the front. Next, take the loose ends and incorporate them with the rest of your hair in a ponytail.

Now get out there and take on the world!

Image Credit: Fox.com, Bestlifeonline.com

Better Tools, Better Results

Typical discussions about the “perfect” eye shadow brush normally involve the same slew of criteria: How soft is it? How densely packed are the bristles? Very rarely does anyone ask how small the brush is. If you are new to eye shadow application or have small eyes, little eyelid space or hooded eyes—anything that makes eye shadow application challenging—a smaller brush will serve you well. Why? A small brush makes for precise application, so you can reach every area of your eye with ease. And if you’re having a problem defining your crease, it will allow you to deposit the darker shade only where you want it.

The densely-packed brush by Studio Tools (a Target brand) also makes it easy to “pack on” the color to create vibrancy. Of course, the Studio Tools Smudge brush can also be used for smudging eyeshadow or eyeliner to a smoky effect. And the price is just under $2, nowhere near the typical range for brushes. This brush is not soft, nor is it meant to be; denser, precision brushes are supposed to be stiff so that you can move your eyeshadow around and control the application whereas fluffy brushes deposit a sheer amount of pigment to larger areas. The Studio Tools Smudge brush has been an integral part in my learning to create complicated, multi-toned looks and I hope it helps you as much as it has me!

Hazel, the Best Witch of Them All

Do forgive me for cheesing out on you with the title, I couldn't help myself. I'm sure a lot of you have heard of and/or tried using Witch Hazel as an astringent for your face but I am just so impressed with the improvement in my skin! The alcohol content is 14% which significantly less than that of most branded toners, making it extremely gentle. I am prone to hormonal breakouts but this has somehow kept them at bay.

The main ingredient in Witch Hazel is tanic acid--a known vasoconstrictor--enabling Witch Hazel to reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. This is the reason it is often used to treat hemorrhoids. Tannins help to heal burns and stop bleeding; they stop infection while healing the wound internally while forming a protective layer over the exposed tissue to prevent further infection. Based on my informal research, I suspect that the cause for the progress I've experienced is the fact that Witch Hazel is able to cleanse my skin without drying it. The toners I've tried in the past contained so much alcohol that my skin felt tight after use and produced more oil to compensate, this doesn't seem to be the case with Witch Hazel.

I use this in the morning and before bed to either remove any soap buildup after cleansing or just on its own (in the morning) to refresh my face. I purchased the generic Rite Aid brand so you needn't seek out Dickinson's or any other specific brand of Witch Hazel as this seems to work just fine. Please note that I have oily, acne-prone skin so your experience may vary.

Image Credit: Drugstore.com

Save on Fall Accessories

Fashion is fickle and so am I, which is why I am not the type to invest in a designer handbag. While I can see the advantage of something that is made of high quality material, I always find them to be too trendy to reuse and too expensive to toss.

Target handbags have been the perfect solution for me because they are made of durable material--I have not torn or broken a single purse despite the fact that I tend to put them on the floor, burden them with weighty objects and just use and abuse 'em to my heart's content. Unfortunately, a great selection is not always a guarantee. Luckily for you, Target has a rather fetching shape for around $23 this season and in all those impractical (but adorable) trendy colors that you'll likely regret investing big bucks on. I prefer the cobalt blue but other available colors include purple, gray, green and black. This Mossimo Hobo Bag is great for those who, like myself, like to carry all of their belongings with them wherever they go.

Want to save even more money? It will likely go on sale in a few months, although there is always a possibility that the color you want will be gone if you wait too long.


The Facts on Mossimo Large Hobo Bag--

Fabrication: Faux Leather, fully lined
Styling: Snap closure and short strap handle
Dimensions: 24x14x1
Availability: Target stores and Target.com

Image Credit: Target.com

Hair and History

I knew their was something familiar about Karalyn, one of the models on Bravo's series Project Runway. And now I can finally place where I've seen her ultra chic haircut before: Twiggy! Both cuts are tapered close to the head and wedged in the back. Looking for a pixie cut that's classic? This one is a sure bet! As you can tell, the styling effort required is minimal (on straight hair) since the cut falls into place on its own.








Image Credit: Bravo, Dailymail.co.uk

New Wet n' Wild At Your Local Drugstore!

Wet n' Wild fans, specifically those who missed out on their favorite quad from the previous I-Sparkle collection, are in for a treat! A new I-Sparkle collection called Starstruck is currently available at your local drugstores. Said collection features rich, autumnal colors and consists of three eyeshadow quads, two eyeliners (black and grey) and an I-Sparkle mascara. I purchased the Celestial Realm quad (pictured below); due to sub par camera quality, the swatches reflect only a rudimentary idea of the eyeshadow colors but none of the shiny finish nor pigmentation. Celestial Realm is an earthy palette of dark golden brown, warm olive green, copper and light mustard yellow, all infused with a gold micro glitter. I find these to be more shimmery than the last collection of quads after comparing my newest purchase with the Starlight I-Sparkle palette I bought this summer. The other two color schemes are both somewhat cool-toned: one is shades of berry and pink and the other plums and gunmetal with a pearly white "background." I'm easily swayed by cute packaging so I appreciate the fact that the flower design is three dimensional and an integral part of the eyeshadow rather than an overlay.

Wanna Be On Top?

The Fiancé and I have had a very Outlet Bound couple of days. This picture was taken Saturday, September 13th at the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles where I managed to capture America's Next Top Model hopefuls waiting in line to audition. The ladies photographed were part of a smaller group (of either latecomers or rejects, decide for yourself); there must have been 300 or so attendees in total. I did my level best to avoid capturing anyone's face to avoid legal ramifications.

Nothing makes for awkwardness quite like being surrounded by a myriad of women that are 6 feet tall, weighing just under 120 lbs and wearing dangerously unstable stilettos, timberrr. The air was filled with the stench of arrogance and a more than usual amount of I'm Hotter Than That Girl oneupmanship. I live in Los Angeles and have experienced my share of random celebrity sightings but this was too surreal even for me. It was like being on a safari whilst surrounded by baby giraffes. Some of said giraffes were being trailed by their significant others who were already fading in the limelight, just imagine what will come of them if she makes it on to the show!

There were also a lot of very average, girl-next-door types that were either not tall enough or just plain boring and a few women that were so stunning that their time would have been better spent in the waiting room at a modeling agency, portfolio in hand. It begs the question: what exactly is the ideal Top Model Candidate, someone who could easily get representation on their own or someone who doesn't stand a chance in hell with most agencies?

I caught a glimpse of many interesting fashion choices: one gal was wearing a tube top as a skirt; tug on it as she may, I know we'd see bootay if she sneezed! There were also a lot of those faux leather leggings the celebrities have been wearing lately. Tyra's Glam Team may have their hands full next season.

All joking aside, I do admire the amount of confidence it would take to be judged based on, and potentially rejected for, one's appearance. I know I could never do something like that. Bravery points all around!

Any Los Angeles Locals Looking for MAC Emote?

I have been studying like a good girl *cough* so my wonderful fiancé rewarded me with a trip to the Camarillo Outlets. He even stayed with me the entire time I tested one product after another at the Cosmetic Company Outlet store, how lucky am I? Thanks sweetie, you are far too good to me.

I will not list the items that I purchased for fear of boring you but if you have been looking for the discontinued MAC Emote blush, jump in your car as quickly as you can and head to the Camarillo Outlet's Cosmetic Company Outlet store! I also spotted, and purchased, a Sculpt and Shape duo. Good luck and happy hunting!

Perfect, Glowing Skin

Guerlain Meteorites in "Mythic" were my very first high-end cosmetic purchase. I read about them in multiple magazines and was certain that they held the key to perfecting my complexion despite the fact that I'd neither seen nor tested them in person. When the box arrived, the gorgeousness of it all left me awestruck. The box was hidden away for the perfect occasion only to emerge several months later.

I swooshed a big, fluffy brush into the shimmery, powdery pearls only to be overwhelmed with a very strong scent of rose. I applied the powder to my skin, cloistering scent be damned, and noticed nothing at all. And then my Guerlain Meteorites were relegated to the junk drawer of my collection.

I decided to give Meteorites one last chance, this time applying on top of foundation, before getting rid of them entirely and the results were infinitely better; the red remnant of my teenage acne was nearly all gone and my face looked healthy but not fake or "made up." My beautiful Meteorites, please forgive me. How could I ever have dismissed your glowing balls of perfection?

I've concluded that while some may come very close, beauty products cannot work complete miracles. It is important to know the optimal use for a product in order to experience the maximum benefit. Perhaps those with a complexion superior to my own will be able to get great results using a Highlighter/Complexion Corrector on its own.

Now that I've provided you with a brief overview of my life story, I will hurry up and get to the point: Physician's Formula Highlighter achieves a remarkably similar result for approximately 1/5 of Guerlain's price. I purchased the powder for daily use, my Meteorites feel too special for the drudgery of daily wear, and have been using it somewhat regularly ever since. It would surprise you to know that the main ingredient in both products is Talc but the Physician's Formula version contains no fragrance so it may be best for those who are allergic (or just hate a strong rose perfume). Both items use a palette of multiple shades to even out discoloration while the white, pearlescent pieces add a subtle glow to the skin. The Physician's Formula powder is preferable for travel; Meteorites are extremely fragile and turn into powder at the slightest provocation.

I apologize that I was unable to get effective swatches or pictures of the product on my face because it is too faint for my cheapo camera. If you are considering purchasing Guerlain Meteorites and don't know whether it will be a worthwhile investment for you, experiment with the Physician's Formula Highlighter to determine if this is something that will improve the appearance of your complexion.

I still adore my Meteorites and will continue to use them when I want to feel special but I may reconsider spending another $51 when it is time to repurchase. May that day never come!

Save Some Calories!

While mine is primarily meant to be a Beauty Blog, I realize how large a role dieting often plays in one's general Beauty Ritual. I'm a huge proponent in enjoying your food, enjoying your life and your body rather than constantly dieting and using precious brain power to obsess over the number on your scale so this is in no way meant to encourage ANYONE to diet.

This post is geared toward letting others (who may not be aware of it) know that there are yummy, junk food items available to them whether they are watching their calories or not. I am not a nutritionist so I cannot vouch for how healthy or well-balanced any of these offerings are; some of them may be full of other undesirable ingredients such as Sodium. Please, do take advantage of the Nutritional Value information available on most fast food websites. Here are my favorites:

Taco Bell

1. Zesty Chicken Bowl (featured image): Beans, Chicken, Fiesta Salsa, Lettuce, Red Strips, Rice, Three Cheese Blend, Zesty Dressing. Pretty appetizing, right? The caloric damage is 640 with the dressing or 440 calories without. I tend to find that the dressing overwhelms all the different flavors and replace it with a tablespoon of sour cream. I presume it's at least 100 calories less than the dressing.

2. Chicken Quesadilla: Chicken, Creamy Jalapeno Sauce, Three Cheese Blend, Tortilla; 520 calories

3. Pintos n' Cheese: Beans, Cheddar Cheese, Red Sauce; 128 calories and less than $1, so you'll also save a bit of money.

McDonalds

1. Cheeseburger: 300 calories

2. Hamburger: 250 calories

3. Small French Fries: 230 calories

4. Vanilla Ice Cream Cone: 150 calories; you didn't think I'd forget the sweets, did you?

5. Hot Caramel Sundae: 340 calories

There are many low-calorie options available at every eating establishment so counting calories is no reason to give up the occasional dinner out or fast food treat.

Image Credit: Tacobell.com

Trends I Just Can't Understand

I guess the PeopleStyleWatch Beauty section boggles my brain no less than the Fashion section for here I am, writing another post about a Celebrity Trend I cannot understand. Doesn't this look like some misguided trend Rachel Zoe would talk her poor clients into? Then again, the three pictured here are not skinny enough to be affiliated with Zoe. Unless you're Pocahontas or protesting the Vietnam War, please, do save your money and skip this one.

Image Credit: PeopleStyleWatch.com

Yes, You Can Get A Great Mascara For Under $10

Jane MaxLash 2 offers twice the mascara, a Colored Mascara as well as a regular, Black Mascara for approximately $5. The somewhat chubby wand ensures that each lash is coated without the dreaded tarantula lashes; I always wipe off excess on a sponge or paper towel prior to application just in case.

Unlike some mascaras, the Colored side of Jane MaxLash 2 actually delivers a visible amount of color (with or without applying the Black side first to prime). My favorite colors are Deep Ocean (pictured here) and Aubergine as both make my green eyes stand out. If you guessed that Deep Ocean is a deep, royal blue, you are correct. Aubergine is a red-based burgundy hue; it may not be the best color for those with allergic tendencies or visible red veins in their eyes. Available shades also include: Black and Brown to Black, for the color shy.

Jane was my favorite brand for affordable Colored Mascara long before I had discovered that the Black side was equally great. I happened to try the Black side on a lark when I'd had just about all I could stand of my Almay One Coat Triple Effect. I figured that anything had to be better than having to comb out the mess it left on my lashes every morning and the raccoon effect I came home to every evening. Sure enough, Jane MaxLash was not only better, it was great! While this mascara is available in most drugstores where the Jane line is sold, I have noted that not all of the shades are equally available at all locations.

This is only one of my favorites, be on the lookout for more mascara reviews to come!

Image Credit: Drugstore.com

Short, Punky Hair Styles

I saw these cool, punky cuts on BellaSugar and couldn't resist singing their (and Bella's) praises. I think I love Natasha Bedinfield's most of all! I could never muster enough courage to pull it off, although I've had cuts similar to Pink's and Rihanna's; the asymmetry would be too difficult to grow out but I love it nonetheless.

I'm so thrilled to see celebrities doing something other than the same old long layers or Bobs! And while I love Rihanna's makeup in this picture, I think I prefer her usual hairstyle to the faux hawk--just being honest. Can you tell that I'm a short hair aficionado?

Short hair is a breeze to style with the proper products and saves a lot of time (wink, wink, this is me tying it into the blog theme) in the morning. It's important to consider your hair's texture in deciding what type of cut and how short you'd like to go. If your hair is very thick or very curly, it needs the weight of its own length to prevent it from sticking up. You can still have a (punky) pixie cut but you may want to keep it at a minimum of 3 inches or so if you wish to avoid spikes or a 'fro.

So, what's the verdict? Is Fall going to be a back to punk/return to the 80's season? I know some of you are hoping that leggings don't return. How about the leather variety?

Image Source: Teamsugar/BellaSugar

Freckles, Freckles Everywhere!

When I was a little girl, my mom told me that my freckles were a sign that the sun loved me and I've had a fondness for the little golden specks on my face ever since. Some attribute freckling to sun damage and signs of aging while others argue that they are genetic; whatever the case, I urge you all to embrace the freckles on your face! As India Aire said "Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be."


Reasons to Love and Ways to Enhance Your Freckles:

1. They really do add character to your face (and not in a negative sense the way a big nose does---trust me, I have one of those as well). A lot of famous people (like Lindsay Lohan) are distinguished from other equally famous starlets by the uniqueness of features such as red hair and freckles. Admit it, you too preferred L.L. as a freckle-faced redhead.

2. No matter how sick or pale you may be, the freckles will keep you from looking ghost-like and washed out.

3. Freckles give your face a healthy, golden glow without the need for bronzer or self-tanner but a little bit of bronzer (for contouring) can turn a freckled face into a natural looking tan without the use of tanning beds or even leaving the house.

4. Bronzers and self-tanners tend to look less fake on a face with some natural pigmentation (i.e. freckles).

5. If you love your freckles the way I do, try using a makeup palette of bronze, golden or tan tones. This will enhance all the subtle tonality in your skin and create the illusion that your cosmetics were designed especially for you.

6. Golden, copper and true red tones in your hair color will increase the visibility of your freckles.

If You Stand Unconvinced and Still Loathe Your Freckles:

1. Any blue or violet tones in your hair color (by virtue of being complimentary) will decrease the appearance of freckles on your face. Note how the dark (ash) brown hair color makes Lindsay Lohan's freckles less visible despite the fact that she's wearing bronzer.

2. Avoid wearing warm, terracotta and peachy tones on your face as they may increase the overall warmth of your skin tone and freckles.

3. Use a primer or finishing powder designed to correct yellow tones but don't buy a shade of foundation with cool undertones (for the purpose of concealing freckles) as this may look fake on your skin.

4. Wear sunscreen to avoid getting more freckles!

5. Draw attention to the non-freckled features of your face like your eyes or lips.

Image Credit: Instyle.com

The Elusive "Casablanca"

NARS Casablanca, that is. And I am riddled with guilt over having purchased my most expensive lipstick to date. I swear, I only approached the NARS counter with the intent to get a glimpse of the lipstick I have been unable to find at any Sephora (or anywhere else for that matter). It all started with the Coral Lips excerpt in the March 2008 issue of People Stylewatch magazine and I've been trying to find the exact shade that Leighton Meester is wearing ever since. I've tried all of the lipsticks recommended in the article and believe me, it is none of those. Boots No. 7 in "Sienna" comes fairly close, at least on my pigmented lips.

Unfortunately, NARS Casablanca isn't it either but it sure is gorgeous. On me, it is a very subdued coral-red. It would be appropriate for any occasion and gives my lips a my-lips-but-better dose of pigment. Although it can look orange (or even mauve) in the tube, depending on the lighting, it truly is just as Sephora describes it: Classic Coral. There is no overbearing orange undertones as tends to be the case with most corals.


Is it worth $25? I'm not sure. While it is long lasting, I find NARS Casablanca somewhat drying and while the packaging claims the net weight is 3.4 g, it doesn't look like much product (to me) when compared to my MAC lipsticks. Perhaps I just expect more for the extra $10? If you're wondering whether I plan to return it, the answer is no. I hate returning cosmetics and I do love the color but this may be my only treat for a while.

Image Credit: People Stylewatch (March 2008 issue), Hqhair.com

Save On China Glaze With Coupon!

I'm feeling a little down in the dumps today so I will keep this entry short and sweet. I received this coupon in an e-mail and decided to share it with all of my (2) readers. It's a pretty great deal considering the fact that China Glaze already retails for only $3.25 (with a Sally's Card). If you have yet to try the China Glaze line this is the perfect excuse. I will be buying one of the vampy shades from the Rodeo Diva collection to match my dark mood.


Coupon Source: Sally Beauty Supply

A Great Foundation Brush for Under $2

I intimated (in an earlier post) that I use a foundation brush to apply my Shiseido Sunscreen and this E.L.F. Foundation Brush is my favorite for that purpose. The fiber is synthetic which prevents it from absorbing a lot of (expensive) product. It features a rounded head with flat, elongated bristles that pick up a good amount of product and enable one to apply quickly and evenly. I have used the same E.L.F. Foundation Brush for several years now, washing it daily, without so much as a hair shed or out of place. And the brush has more than paid for itself as it has prevented me from using too much of the more expensive skincare products I own.

While I would wholeheartedly suggest the E.L.F. Foundation Brush for use with moisturizers, primers, sunscreens and masks, I don't find that its as good for achieving its intended purpose (applying foundation) because of the very fact that it does not absorb much product. In the case of foundation, all of it ends up on your face and makes for a caked on effect. Since I'm an advocate of the "airbrushed foundation" look, I prefer to use stippling brushes such as the MAC 187.

Image Source: Drugstore.com

Trends I Just Can't Understand

I will be the first to admit that I am not on the cutting edge of fashion. I have neither the figure nor the funds to wear the latest designer item but I do stay current and adopt pieces that fit in with my wardrobe and "who I am." Nevertheless, knowing that I am not a sartorial maven has kept my mind open to trends worn by others. And by others I mean others; anyone ranging from celebrities, to the looks I see on the pages of my favorite magazines (and I read entirely too many) and last but certainly not least, the amazingly stylish women I see shopping at the Melrose Trading Post. I am the sort to appreciate something that looks good whether or not I believe it would look good on me.

Is it just me or have celebrities been pushing the envelope a little too far lately? Case in point: Sandal Booties. Why would anyone intentionally wear a shoe that made their foot look like it belongs on Scrooge McDuck? Is this meant to be a tongue-in-cheek, anti-fashion fashion statement that just went over my head?

Image Credit: Peoplestylewatch.com

Rimmel Eye Twist for Shadestick Users

MAC Shadesticks are generally used as an eyeshadow base or to create an all-over wash of shadow in a hurry. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative or have eyelids that are too oily for Shadestick, give Rimmel's Eye Twist a shot! There is a creamy eyeshadow on one side and a matching eyeliner on the other for only a fraction of the Shadestick price; Eye Twist retails for approximately $4 in drugstores. The cream shadow applies easily without pressure, dries to a shimmery, powder finish and managed to stay crease-free on my oily eyelids all day long (without a primer underneath). Unfortunately, the eyeliner side has not seen much action because it is too thick to draw a precise line. I have tried the NYX Jumbo Pencils and found that they crease without a base whereas the Rimmel Eye Twist does not. The color I own is Double Trouble: A peachy, champagne shadow on one side and a dark, coffee brown eyeliner on the other.

Image Credit: Rimmel (the color featured is Two's Company).

The Best of Bobs

For better or worse, Victoria Beckham brought the Bob (or "Pob" if referring to the A-line, tapered nape version) back into the fashion spotlight and now it appears as though it's here to stay--at least for another season. The Bob can be a great, low-maintenance hairstyle and save you time and styling products if you pick the right shape for your hair type.

I particularly love the cut (in the images above) on Leigh Lezark because it is the epitome of low-maintenance if you have medium to thick, straight hair. Just ask your stylist for a blunt, shoulder length, angled bob without any layering ; part it on the side and let your hair's natural texture do the rest! If you have a round or heart shaped face, the length and angular construction of the cut will reduce the fullness of your cheeks and create a more balanced look to the face.

The best part is having a unique but trendy style that doesn't look like every other gal's floppy-eared "Pob." And please, don't bother with a round brush since this cut's appeal is in its swingy, I'm-not-trying-too- hard mod shape. Glossy? Professional? Yes, please!

If your hair isn't as glossy as Leigh's, you can use a silicone serum (i.e. Paul Mitchell's Skinny line) to create the illusion of silky shine. As with all silicone products, be sure to clarify once a week to avoid buildup in your hair.

Image Credits: Elle Uk, JAMD