How to Create A Blake Lively-esque Bubble Ponytail

Never mind diamonds. Ponytails are really a girl’s best friend. Long, short, messy, clean, high, low – the list goes on – but how about creating a bubble effect in your pony? The "it" bubble ponytail was be seen on Blake Lively at the Met Gala as well as on the runway during this year’s Valentino show.  With a little help from Redken Celebrity Hairstylist, Jenny Balding, we got the scoop on how to get the look.  From runway to red carpet and now, to real way... because who doesn't want to look like Blake Lively?

1. Smooth hair into a ponytail and secure tightly with a hairband
2. Brush the ponytail to make sure there is a sleek smooth surface
3. Start at the base, brush backwards underneath the pony, and tease it out to create a puffy texture
4. Use a small hairband and starting at the bottom of the tail, tie all the way up to create desired amount of “bubbles”

Depending on what you're wearing or how you do your makeup, this bubble ponytails can be edgy or sophisticated.  If you're blonde like me, try using black hair ties for an edgy look and clear for a more polished style.  A brunette like Jeannine, or any other hair color, using clear elastics or ones that match your hair color are best.

Style Solutions for Rebellious Hair

Doesn't it always seem like no matter what you want your hair to do it does the opposite?  Happy Monday.  The latest crop of stylers that landed on my desk are far from ordinary. These style solutions are for rebellious hair.  I mean it.  Check out the latest... you can thank me later.

Problem: Fly-Aways

Solution: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Detail Master

This directional fixing spray is used to target hairs that may be out of place.  It's a fierce hold hair spray that leaves nothing but shine.  Yes, just shine.  Despite it's strength, it doesn't leave a sticky or crunchy residue.  Tip: Spritz some on a toothbrush and comb over fly-aways for a softer look and sleek finish.

Problem: Dry, Brittle Strands

Solution: Leonor Greyl  L'Huile De Leonor Greyl

This pre-shampoo treatment consists of a blend of copra oil and mongongo oil, which protect and regenerate your hair from the summer's elements.  Think chlorine and sun. It's also great for color treated hair.  Instead of working with dry, unruly tresses, say hello to hydration!

Problem: Frizz

Solution: Kerastase Maskeratine

If frizz is your problem, this mask is your solution.  After shampooing, let it sit on your strands for about five minutes.

Score Megan Fox's Makeup

#TBT to last Thursday where Megan Fox's makeup took center stage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards.  Her makeup artist, Monika Blunder, gave me the 411 on the exact products she used to enhance those perfect arches, sex up her eyes and give her the peachy bronzed glow we all crave.

"This is a great summer look and I was really adamant about using just the right shade of coral on the lips," commented Blunder.  The coral on the lips complimented the hint of peach on the cheeks, which is what made this look scream summertime.

While most makeup artists paint lip products on carefully with a brush or layer textures, Blunder applied Fox's lipstick – Chanel Rouge Allure in Rimpante #90 – straight from the bullet, proving it's not that hard to recreate.

Her summer glow was created by strategically dusting on three products by makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury:

1. Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer in Film Star Bronze and Glow to define her cheekbones
2. Charlotte Tilbury Blusher in Ecstasy on the apples of her cheeks
3. Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter in Film Star Bronze and Glow on the upper cheekbone, bridge of the nose and under the eyebrow

Then, to create a "soft, natural eye look," Blunder used Anastasia Brow Wiz to add more color to the outside of her arches.  Then, Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in Impulsion all over the eyelid and Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Amethyst on the upper and lower lash line, followed by Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Kalahari in the crease to add some definition.  A few coats of Lancome Definicils in black completed Fox's sultry, yet soft stare.

Another Reason to Love Philosophy

Over coffee and a fruit parfait I inspected the little polished stones that bared the words “hope” and “grace," which decorated the table at the Philosophy event last week. Actress Glenn Close stood in front of me chatting with media inspiration, Arianna Huffington, both dressed crisply in white awaiting their presentation – a presentation that made an impact on all of the media in attendance.

Typically at these events, we learn about new product launches from a brand and rush back home to put them to the test, but at this one, I learned something different and disturbing.  One in four adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in any given year.

Philosophy teamed up with mental health organization Bring Change 2 Mind to put an end to the stigma that surrounds mental illness through their hope & grace initiative. Philosophy will donate 1% of all products sales from their website to community-based mental health organizations through their hope & grace fund. And starting in 2015, this will be integrated into all retail, online and television product sales. The hope & grace fund will award grants to multiple independent nonprofit community-based mental health organizations.  Like we even needed more of a reason to buy Philosophy products.

During breakfast, Close, Co-Founder of Bring Change 2 Mind, delivered an inspirational speech on how mental illness has affected her life as her sister, Jessie, suffers from bipolar disorder. It’s time to put an end to the stigma that surrounds disorders such as bipolar, depression, post-traumatic stress, and so many more.

It’s no secret that we here at BeautySweetSpot love Philosophy. And during this breakfast, we fell even more in love.  Check out more information on the Philosophy Hope & Grace initiative here.

Maybelline The Nudes: Your New Shadow Staple

Recently, a shadow palette landed on my desk and quickly ended up as a staple in my makeup bag.  And you know 'staple' is a strong word.  Have you seen Maybelline The Nudes Eye Shadow Palette yet?  It might just be one of the most impressive drugstore makeup launches of the year.

Boasting 12 shades of nude eye shadow in a variety of textures – satin, matte and frost – Maybelline The Nudes is comparable to Urban Decay's Naked Palette ($54) and even the Smashbox Full Exposure Palette, ($49) both of which I use frequently. (Why choose one when you can have them all?  Perks of being a beauty blogger.) This is the largest shadow palette available at a drugstore and the best part? It's under $10.  The texture of the shadows are smooth, with the satin and frosted shades being the most pigmented.  It's an absolute must-have.  I've been bringing it with me on my travels this summer, because it's super light and has everything I need to go from daytime to nighttime.

In case you're wondering, other neutral shadows I'm loving right now include the Lancome Color Design 5 Pan Eye Shadow in Showered in Lace and L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Eye Shadow in Perpetual Nude, Rose Nude and Treasured Bronze.

Kate Bosworth's Braided Updo How To

How stunning is Kate Bosworth's braided updo? I love the way she looks with her hair pulled off of her face. Good news is, her chic, braided style is super simple to achieve as it only takes three braids and a few bobby pins. Her stylist, Bridget Brager, gave me the step-by-step to creating her "intricate and romantic" updo.

Spray a volumizing spray like Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray from roots to ends, then blow dry your hair using your hands concentrating on lifting it away from the scalp to create texture.

Create a "disheveled deep part" and starting at the crown, along the part, braid forward so the braid falls toward your forehead concealing your hair line.

Start your second and third braids at your temples, braiding back on each side.

Use Kevin Murphy Easy Ride or a light weight pomade to tame fly aways and add a bit of shine, then loosen the braids with your fingers to make them appear more romantic.

Weave the braids together in the back and pin them low to give a halo effect and there you have yourself Kate Bosworth's braided updo.

Neon Eye Shadow: Tips from A Makeup Artist

I'm not sure if you noticed, but neon eye shadow is having a moment.  I first noticed backstage during Spring 2014 fashion shows.  Don't shy away, because everyone can pull it off, it's all about how you wear it.  To avoid looking like a clown, I spoke with Celebrity Makeup Artist, Jamie Greenberg, to find out the do's and don'ts of wearing neon on your lids.

According to Greenberg, the most cautious way to embrace the trend is to use the neon shadows as an accent.  "Try applying them as a liner, creating a pop of color around the eye."  This is one look even I can get behind.  Of course while there are no rules, there are guidelines.  Choose your look and stick with it.  Whether it be a tight line or slightly blurred out, keep it clean.

When it comes to choosing a neon shadow shade that suits you, Greenberg says that neon blue is the most universally flattering.  It goes with all skin tones, hair and eye colors. My favorite is the mark Neon Gaze Eye Shadow in Neon Gaze.  I don't believe on spending a lot on trendy items, but this solo shadow is only $10.

However, if you just can't wait to embrace your inner 80's self and feel bold enough to experiment with multiple shades, try Urban Decay's Electric Pressed Pigment Palette, $49 for the whole thing and embrace the intensity of the pink, orange and yellow.

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System: Video

When I first received the Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System, I was curious to see what about this cleansing system was different than others I’ve tried. After putting it to the test and doing some investigation, I'm impressed!  Check out my video review on the new system and see for yourself. It's like nothing else on the market.

So like I mentioned, the Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System uses Sonic Technology with Advanced Dual Motion to cleanse while wiping away dirt, makeup and oil at the same time.  The rotation of the brush cleans out your pores, while improving micro-circulation giving you radiant, glowing skin. The exfoliating benefits also allow your skincare products to better absorb and in the end, work more effectively.

The brushes are so gentle you can use them twice a day and it claims to cleanse your face 10x better than using just your hands alone.  From the demo I did in the video, I think we can all vouch for something like that.

Another feature I didn’t mention in the video is that I keep my brush in the charger it came with on my bathroom sink. The charger allows the brush to dry standing upright in between uses while charging it, so I never have to worry about it dying.

You can find it for $149 at Bed Bath & Beyond and Philips.com.

*This is a sponsored post by Philips, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

How to Fill in Your Brows Like A Pro

You might have noticed on my Instagram that last week I was in LA working on a top secret project (I can't wait to tell you about it), and as you can imagine, I spent quite a bit of time in the makeup chair.  One of my makeup artists, Gabbi Pascua, did something groundbreaking when she was filling in my brows.  Do you normally fill in your brows? Well, here's a little trick.  Trust me, after you try it, you'll be in awe.

Typically I fill my brows in with either shadow or liner.  Pascua used two different formulas on my sparse brows to, "make them look natural, refined and shaped," a liquid and a pencil.  Here's the how to:

Use a liquid formula (which is a consistency I've never used on my brows before), like Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color to fill in the front only where it needs to be filled by "feathering" with short brush strokes.

Then, take a pencil like NARS Brow Perfector in a darker shade and fill in from your mid brow to the ends for a "fuller, defined brow that's not too harsh."

Next time you fill in your brows, remember, don't force a shape, just fill in what's missing and  blend the two formulas with your brow brush for the most natural looking brows.

Kendall Jenner: Get Her Ponytail

Unless my hair is professionally blown out, chances are that by the end of the day, it's in a ponytail.  Ladies, if you're anything like me, we need to step our pony game up.  Check out Kendall Jenner's sleek ponytail (pictured above).  She was heading to the Vogue Foundation Gala in Paris last week and made a statement with her sharp center part and the sophisticated slickness to the style.  Here are tips from her stylist, Christian Wood, (check out his Tweet) on how to rock the look – no more gym styles necessary.  It's that simple.

"As soon as I saw the dress I thought a super slick and shiny ponytail would give a tough modern edge to the gorgeous Balmain dress,"  Wood commented.  He was right.

Here are the exact steps Wood took to complete Kendall's style.  Yes, they're easy enough to do at home.  Promise.

• When hair is damp, use a pin tail comb to part it down the center.  The end of the comb will help make sure you have a dramatic, precise part.  Then, blow dry straight.

• Rub a small dollop of Moroccan Oil onto the top and sides of your hair and use a brush like a Mason Pearson to slick the hair into a low, tight ponytail.  Secure with a bungee elastic.

• Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic and secure with a pin to cover.

• Spray Frederic Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray all over and quickly comb the hair into the ponytail to create a super slick, tight and fly-away free look.

• Spritz a glossing mist or shine spray on the part, almost the same way one would use makeup highlighter to really pick up the shine under lights.

• Finish by using a straightening iron (Wood used the T3 Straightening Iron) over the ends of the pony for a poker straight glossy finish.

With a little bit of effort, a ponytail like Kendall's can look super chic.  And I told you it's really simple.  Using a flat iron at the end is surely the icing on the cake.  I'll definitely be trying it for a night out.

Get the Armani Prive Makeup Look with One Product

Paris is the place to be right now, but I'm happily writing from LA. Fall 2014 couture shows are taking place in the romantic city and the makeup color palette alone from Armani Prive show is enough to impress. Makeup Artist Linda Cantello created "a monochromatic effect using only black and white" and predominately with one product.  Yes, even in that lip.  Here's the breakdown and info on the product to look out for.

Lids

Launching in September, Cantello, applied Eye & Brow Maestro in shade #1 (Jet Black) close to the lashes to draw a thick line and extended it on the outer corner of the eye.  Then, blended slightly for a smudged effect.

Brows

Using the same product, Eye & Brow Maestro, in a matching tone of the models natural hair color, Cantello applied it softly create the look of straight, thick, elongated brows.

Lips

This was the most surprising part.  Cantello mixed thin layer of Rouge Ecstasy shade #201 mixed with a hint of Eye & Brow Maestro in shade #1 (Jet Black), and dabbed it onto the models lips.

With many uses for one product backstage, you know it's going to be a good one! Look out for it in stores and on giorgioarmanibeauty.com in September and here are images from the Armani Prive Fall 2014 Couture.  Of course you're interested!

Liquid Bronzer: The Only Makeup You Need

Have you ever thought about putting your bronzer on without using your oversized kabuki brush?  Believe it or not, it's no so out-of-the box to use your fingers (think cream based bronzers – blend!).  This summer however, a new crop of the must-have makeup has shown up to impress – liquid bronzer.  It's lighter than cream and seamlessly seeps into your skin like serum leaving you with the most healthy looking, natural glow – ever.  The trick is all in how you apply it.  Here are my tips, plus a recommendation.

Just like with regular bronzer, you want to apply it only where the sun would naturally hit your face.  My favorite, Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer, $35, comes in a small glass bottle with a dropper.  I place two small drops in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and then rub them  over my cheekbones from the inner corners of my eyes up to my temples.  To customize the color, you can add more drops or blend to your liking.  I then dip my pointer finger in the excess and go around my hairline on my forehead and dab a bit on my chin.

Liquid bronzer not only gives the most natural sun kissed look, but it's also foolproof to work with.  Many other brands like Revlon, Stila and Armani have versions at different price points, but remember, application is key!

Cooling Beauty Products for Summer

In between my trips to Italy and Aruba I came home to countless packages containing new beauty launches and was excited to find anything labeled "cooling" as Aruba gets brutally hot.  Let's just say that half of the product I packed were my daily essentials and the other half was considered "work" – you know, cooling beauty products, the ones I planned on putting to the test in dead heat.  (I had to pay because my suitcase was overweight!  Tax write off?)  Out of all of the ones I brought, two are standouts. 

Jergens Soothing Aloe Refreshing Moisturizer

Slathered in SPF 45 daily, of course I've been taking in the sunshine and when it comes time to shower and get ready for the nighttime, this lotion has been a treat.  I obsessively moisturize as soon as I get out of the shower and my parched skin soaks in the extra relief from the aloe.  Even though I'm not sunburned, I have color and my body is hot. The cooling, soothing essence of the aloe acts like a treatment to my skin.

L'Occitane Ice Gel for Legs & Feet

When I opened this cooling beauty product from L'Occitane I was surprised, because every time I tried something similar it was normally from a sporty company.  This one seemed luxe.  Each morning here I did sprints before hitting the beach and since I'm not used to running, (a total barre babe), boy was I sore!  Especially my calves, so putting this one to the test was also a natural fit.  It has a rollerball application, which was great for a minor massage and invigorates my muscles, while cooling and relieving them.  I'm kind of obsessed.  And I don't see why you can't use it elsewhere.

3 Elements to A Good Facial

When Jeannine sent me for my first facial with celebrity facialist Cecilia Wong, my skin was so soft I had to restrain myself from continuously petting it. Yes, petting it.  I controlled myself of course, but my fresh skin was proof she would be the perfect expert to guide us through the key elements that every facial should contain. 

3 Key Elements of a Facial

When going for a facial, the first thing your facialist should do is look closely at your skin and create a facial customized to your skin type. Wong explains that your facialist should ask you certain questions to customize products accordingly. “Having a facial tailored to you and your skin needs will help you achieve the very best results,” explains Wong.

Another key step to every facial – extractions— the removing and softening of clogged pores and blackheads. “This benefits all skin types, especially those with oily or acne prone skin,” Wong explains. “Extractions will help to refine pores and prevent enlarging, while also allowing the products you use to be absorbed quicker and more effectively into the skin.”

Exfoliation is another crucial step. Why is this key for all skin type? “Those with dry skin will see a decrease in dead skin cells and flakiness,” explains Wong, “And those with oily or acne prone skin will benefit from the balance in oil production and prevention of future breakouts.”

Cecilia Wong can be found at Cecilia Wong Skincare in NYC and offers many different types of facials.

Carthusia Perfumery in Capri, Italy

When exploring the Amalfi Coast last week, I kept seeing bath and body products made by Carthusia, a perfumery in Capri.  Then, when Joe and I got to Capri, our hotel, Capri Tiberio Palace, supplied their products in the bathroom and had fragrance diffusers throughout the lobby, which were incredibly luxurious.  So of course, I had to pop into the original store and learn more one sniff at a time.

In 1948, a chemist from Torino, created the smallest fragrance laboratory in the world in Capri, Carthusia.  Each scent created is inspired by the island, which is why it's so special and why I found it so intriguing.  Capri is currently my favorite place in the world! The essence from rosemary picked on Monte Solaro is used in men's products, while the that of Capri wild carnation is used in women's fragrances. However, the line expands way beyond eau de toilettes.

I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but obviously snapped a few anyway.  The Capri Tiberio Palace even had pool side refreshing water spritzers that were lightly fragranced by Carthusia (first photo).  That, my friends, was the icing on the cake. The essence of Capri and all of it's energy was in full force.

Don't worry, I'm not raving to you about something you don't have access to unless you visit Capri!  You can check out the Carthusia line online and make purchases.  My favorite things are actually the home diffusers and candles.  Who wouldn't want their home to smell like Capri?

Just Married!

Ciao!  Or maybe I should say Bon Bini!  After two weeks, I'm back from my honeymoon in Italy and in Aruba with my new husband and family.  We're officially Mr. & Mrs. and still on a complete high from our wedding.  I can't wait to give you guys the 411 on everything beauty from the big day, but am waiting for the pics!

Hidden Beauty Benefits in Your Food

Did you know that some of the food you eat can help fight free radicals, moisturize your skin and even keep you trim?  Ah! Now you're paying attention.  Yes, there are hidden beauty benefits in your food.  Through a survey conducted by Simple Skincare, 50%of women claim they strive for a healthy diet. However, they are missing key foods that can do wonders for their beauty health. We talked with Nicole Avena, PhD, author of Why Diets Fail to get the scoop on how these foods can benefit us and some tips on how to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Brussels sprouts are one of the most beneficial foods when it comes to your long-term health. “They can lower cholesterol and help with DNA protection,” Dr. Avena explains. “And they are among the highest content when it comes to glucosinolate, which is a cancer-protective element.”  Avena suggests steaming brussels sprouts for your lunch or dinner veggie.

If you’re looking for a food to increase your mood (and who isn't), walnuts are the food for you. And believe it or not, improving your mood goes hand in hand with improving your skin. Avena explains that they are packed with B-vitamins, which is good for stress and mood management. “B-vitamins, together with Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, help fight the free radicals induced due to stress. This further delays the ageing process.” And who doesn’t want that, right?

Another food that benefits your skin is wild salmon. It’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon is also great during summer because it contains selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from UV-exposure.

Looking to maintain a healthy figure?  Avocados will help keep you lean and trim. "They're a great source of both insoluble and soluble fiber," Avena explains. Insoluable fiber keeps you regular, while soluable fiber helps control appetite by making you feel fuller.  This is a favorite of Avena’s. “I’m really liking avocados right now. They are easy to turn into a dip by mashing 1-2 up and adding some spices. Also, they are delicious on their own for a quick healthy snack. I cut them in half and eat then out of the skin with a spoon.”

What's your favorite beauty food?  According the the survey, 68% of women are missing out on Brussels sprouts, 62% on walnuts, 57% on salmon and 56% miss avocados.  Ladies, let's get munching on the right stuff!

Burt's Bees Brightening Collection with Daisy Extract

What's your biggest skincare concern? Me? Dark spots and an uneven skintone. I'm so anal about keeping my skin from getting any new dark spots that I even wear a sun hat when I work on my balcony to help shade my skin from the sun. When it comes to getting rid of the unwanted pigment, I've tried it all from potent hydroquinone to laser treatments and you know what? After all of that, I found a natural brightening ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation – daisy extract – in the Burt's Bees Brightening Collection.

Deemed by the company as "Nature's Retoucher," the Burt's Bees Brightening Collection* is clinically proven to visibly brighten skin in just four weeks. Burt's Bees collects wild, white daisies from the mountains of Macedonia, because their extract is proven to be a natural skin brightening agent. Combined with a Multi-Fruit Complex, the formula offers a more even looking skin tone.

*The Burt's Bees Brightening Collection includes a Daily Cleanser, Brightening Eye Treatment, Dark Spot Corrector, Refining Tonic and Even-Tone Moisturizing Cream.

The Dark Spot Corrector is super impressive, because after eight weeks of use, 100% of test subjects in clinical studies showed brighter skin and 80% of women showed diminished dark spots. I use the collection as a whole regimen, but this is the product that I apply on specific spots to help fade them over time.

Check out Burt's Bees on Facebook and Twitter to learn more and for coupons.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Burt's Bees via Burst Media. The opinions and text are all mine.