Reuse, Restyle, Revamp

Get a wardrobe makeover without spending a dime

For those of us without Carrie Bradshaw’s closets full of never-ending designer goodies, it’s up to us to wear, wash, and re-wear our clothes without getting sick of them. Short of finding a Mr. Big or a career in whatever Mr. Big does (what exactly does he do?), the best way to jazz up your wardrobe is to ditch the conventional attitude. As Confucius wisely said — a scarf isn’t always a scarf! Here are six ways to reinterpret your wardrobe with an innovative spin.

Hike up Your Skirt

OK, not like that. Hike up a long skirt to the chest, and voilà, you have a nifty tube dress. If you feel like you’re drowning in your new gown, try adding a belt at your natural waist.

Scarf it Down

Take advantage of a pashmina’s versatility. There are literally hundreds of ways to tie scarves. I like to wear my scarves as belts, but they can be a top, skirt, head wrap, headband, and more.

No More Plain White Tees

You can pair your classic, solid-colored tops with huge or long necklaces, and the more the merrier! That boring tee just became embellished. Booyah!

Mix and Match

Who says that dress has to be a dress? For example, by wearing a flowy skirt on top of short dress, suddenly, you’re wearing a two-piece outfit: dress as a top, flowy skirt as bottom, and sexy you underneath! It’s perfect for cooler temps!

Think Backwards

Redefine what the “front” of your outfit is. Take your cropped, slim-fitting cardigan, button it up completely, turn it around, and wear it as a top.

xx, Beautyqueen

FUN BEAUTY FACTS: TAKE IT HOME WITH YA!

1. Did you know that Lancome owns L'Oreal?  So it's no wonder L'Oreal has great pigment in their shadows and goes on like velvet just like Lancome shadows.  Except for a much cheaper price!

2. Did you know that if you have static in your hair just run a dryer sheet over your hair a few times.  Not only will it rid your hair of static but give you oh so fresh smelling hair!  I love Gain!!!

3.  Did you know that if you mess up with your self tanner and it ends up drying blotchy say, I don't know on the palms of your hands maybe (you know this has happened to you!) you can use nail polish remover on a cotton pad and rub the color right off?

4. Did you know to help make any lipstick last longer you can separate a tissue by making it one ply and placing it over your lips (once you've applied your application of lipstick) and dip your powder brush into loose powder, it can be face powder or even baby powder and dab it over the tissue making sure to cover entire lip area.  This will "set" your lipstick.

5. Did you know that if you wake up late and don't have time to wash your hair and it's a bit on the greasy side you can sprinkle a bit of baby powder onto your hair and brush it through thoroughly.  They also make dry shampoos that will have the same effect, however if you're in a pinch and don't have any on hand baby powder works fine.

6. A human can shed 10 billion dead skin cells. This is approx. 2 kilos per year. Dust is made up mostly of dead skin. This is more than enough reason to exfoliate everyday!

7. The modern era of perfume began in 1921 with Coco Chanel’s launch of Chanel No. 5.

8. Exercise can combat wrinkles. The boost in blood circulation to the skin strengthens blood vessels and increases the renewal of cells.

9. Antioxidants-  Vitamins A, C and E, combined with goji berries, and green and white tea extracts are some of the most powerful antioxidants that can be delivered to the skin.

I saved this tip for last...

10. Did you know that water is the best beauty treatment of all time for both men and woman??

So make sure you are drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday to ensure you are well hydrated, keeping the skin feeling fresh and looking young.  If you are not drinking enough water, you are totally depriving yourself of the best beauty treatment on earth. 

Fun Fact:

Japanese woman spend the most money on their skin then any other woman in the world.  They average spend twice as much as an average woman. 

But how can you resist when you live in Japan, and there are just so many gadgets that lure you in to try!!

For example, the "All in One Gadget to make you Beautiful" - Ya Man Ion Duo

Not only is this gadget sleek and stylish, it is slim and portable that you can bring and use it anywhere.  

Functions:

- Cleans your face and remove the excess dirt and sebum

- Massage function to massage your face

- Releases ions so your pores will be visibly smaller, and leaving the skin smoother and younger looking

If you go into a department store in Japan, you will be able to find this gadget (as it is not yet available outside of Japan) as well as many others!!  From face steamers to blackhead removers.  Its never ending.


If you have any fun facts or beauty secrets you want to share, please email me at hbmb86@me.com, and stay posted for more! 

Sweet on You

Cosmetics confections for kissably soft skin and lips

In the late ‘80s we learned that the way to show someone you love them is to pour sugar on them (well according to Def Leppard, anyway). And maybe through all of the hair whipping and guitar banging, our favorite guys in ripped jeans may have actually had some sage advice.

Think about it — strawberries vs. lemons, Drew Barrymore vs. Shannen Doherty, Betty White vs. Joan Rivers — everything is just better when it’s sweeter! 

So with Valentine’s Day around the corner, there’s no better time to pamper yourself with products that will make you smell delish! And if you’re a single chica, you can be sure that with one whiff, you’ll be scooping up guys like you’re taking candy from a baby.

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish

SHOP NOW!

$65
Brown sugar isn’t just for baking anymore! Buff your bod with this exfoliant for skin as smooth as molasses (you’ll be stripping down to your apron in no time).

SHOP NOW!!

LaLicious Sugar Kiss Body Butter

$25
Go ahead and butter us up! Your skin will be moisturized to the max, and will smell like vanilla, rose, and citrus. Yum!

SHOP NOW!

Philosophy Sweet Talk 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel, Bubble Bath

$16
This triple threat is shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath in one with the sweet and tart scent of your favorite candy hearts. Be mine?

SHOP NOW!

Freeman Chocolate and Strawberry Facial Clay Mask

$3.99
Indulge in chocolate and strawberries with none of the calories! This clay mask helps tone skin and diminishes lines and appearance of large pores.

SHOP NOW!

Dust-Up Kissable Body Shimmer

$24
It’s like powdered sugar for your body! Sprinkle the shimmery dust in marshmallow, candy, and cocoa all over your shoulders, décolleté, and any other kissable area.

NEW HAIR STYLE: THE REVERSE FRENCH TWIST

The high bun had its moment. And then it had another.

Hair by Megan B

Give your mane a breather — and a new do — with help from Salon Heaven stylist Megan Blackmon

In a mere ten minutes, she can take you from prima ballerina to Euro chic. Her messy, sultry reverse French twist is easy as one, two, three. Note: Start with day-old hair; it holds the updo better.

Supplies
Rattail comb
Hairspray (natural/medium hold, like Elnett Satin Hairspray)
Natural bristle brush (Denman works well)
Bobby pins
Curling iron (optional)

1. Part your hair in the front where you like to wear it. Take the crown and gently back-comb (a.k.a. tease) to create the illusion of volume. Hold with hairspray.

2. Using a brush, take all of your hair and pull it over to one side of your head, directly behind your ear. Keep it loose like you’re making a loose ponytail.

3. Twist the hair down (this creates the reverse French twist). Hold twist in place by inserting bobby pins toward your scalp, then back down through the twist itself.

4. Use the pointy end of your rattail comb to lift the crown back up. Pull it gently so it stays loose and casual looking.

5. If you want, curl the ends that are hanging down from the twist with a curling iron. Keep it natural by curling only a few pieces. Finish with hairspray.

For cuts and color by Megan Blackmon, go to Salon Heaven, 1505 s Michigan ave, between Roosevelt Rd and 16th street.

 (312-753-5444or salonheaven.com).

Valentine’s Day Love Song Playlist

Think of your sweetie while you work out

Cupid may have sent a few boxes of chocolates over your way this Valentine’s Day and now it’s time to burn those suckers off!

You don’t have to leave Cloud Nine to get a killer workout. In the spirit of love I’ve come up with a playlist that will remind you of your sweetie and inspire you to get your sweat on all at once.

Now drop the treats and hit the gym for a romantic session of calorie burning. Check out my picks on iTunes or exfm!

xx, Beautyqueen

Answer Me This: A Fun Night For Two

Break out of the box with these unusual date ideas


Dear Beautyqueen, Lately, my boyfriend and I are stuck in a dinner and movie rut. Do you have any suggestions for unique winter dates? Olivia

Dear Olivia,

You know what some people say about winter — it would be a lot better if it took place in the summer. Well, just because it’s cold outside, that doesn’t mean you two can’t heat things up! Why not embrace the cold and embrace your sweetie with some fab winter dates? Check out a few fun ways to spend time with your significant other in the cold.

Ice Skating: There’s just something über-romantic about lacing up your skates and taking a spin around the rink. Head out after dark when the stars are in full effect and warm up with a post-skate, much-deserved hot cocoa. Perfect!

Game Night: Who says you have to go out to have fun? Pull out the board games, good food, a bottle of wine, and make it a date night. It’s cheap, fun, and likely to create a whole lot of laughs.

Hockey Games: Even if you don’t love sports, there is something really fun about a hockey game. It’s fast paced, easy to follow, and the crowd gets super involved! (Plus it’s always fun to watch the players get in fights!)

Sledding: Channel your inner kid and head to the hills for some straight up goofy fun. While skiing and snowboarding take a certain amount of athleticism, sledding is all about having a good time.

Unusual Restaurant: Mix up your usual by going out of the box when it comes to dinner. Make your Friday plans a culinary adventure by hitting up something unique like DIY Korean barbecue, sharable tapas, a Brazilian churrascaria, or even those oh-so-trendy food trucks. You can even try going to those super-cheesy themed restaurants — think Medieval Times. You’d be surprised how much fun you can have wearing a paper crown.

Hot Springs: Who doesn’t like jumping into a hot tub after a day on the slopes? Take it even further and head out to some natural hot springs. They’re not only romantic, but the mineral-rich soaks are supposed to be super healthy as well.

Bubble Bath for Two: Can’t get out of town? Dim the lights, light some candles, break out the bubbles, and let the fun begin. This is a super sexy and simple way to spend time with your sweetie!

xx, Beautyqueen