Beauty
August 26, 2009
1:36 PM

Nailed It: Fake Nails that Look Real (Seriously!)

filed under: Beauty
Nails

Let me just start by saying, this is not my hand.

Ok, now that we've got that out of the way, I can let you know about this incredible new manicure from Dashing Diva. The UV Gelife manicure is supposed to last for two weeks without chipping and it comes in these four totally wedding-worthy colors. You guessed it, this means no more stressing about your mani/pedi on the honeymoon.

I'm testing it out next week and will let you knot how it goes. So, be on the lookout for my weekly chip report!

August 25, 2009
12:57 AM

Flower Power: Pick Petals for your Wedding Hairstyle

filed under: Beauty, Wedding Hair
Flower

While I love the look of long flowing veils (and cage veils too), sparkly hair pins and crystal-studded headbands, sometimes a simple fresh flower is the perfect accent. Orchids are hearty and are always a good choice, but if don't feel like straying from your wedding flowers, just make sure you have some back up blooms on hand in case your prime pin gets damaged.

Photographs clockwise from top left: Paloma Images, Pasadena; Karen Wise Photography and Four Seasons Flowers, Mount Kisco; Pen Carlson Photography, Chicago, IL; Autumn Lin Photography; Ron Capobianco/Studio Capobianco Photography, Locust Valley; Largo Photofraphy, Pheonix
August 24, 2009
10:03 AM

Lip Service: The Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks

filed under: Beauty
Lips
Looking for a lipstick that will last through your reception (yep, even through the cake tasting!) Give one of these long-wearing brands a shot...
I've tried them all!

from top to bottom
Maybelline Superstay
Test Run Tip: Let the lipstick dry before you put on the balm!

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate
Test Run Tip: Make sure you're lips are dry before you apply, and don't smudge the lipstick before it's completely dry.

Max Factor Lipfinity Lipstick
Test Run Tip: Use the moisturizing top coat! You'll need it.

Almay Truly Lasting Color
Test Run Tip: Try a few colors until you find the one that works best... All the shades are wedding worthy.
August 19, 2009
9:00 PM

Lather Up: The Best Shampoos to Use From Engagment to Honeymoon

filed under: Beauty
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Get ready to rinse and repeat! You'll need more than just one shampoo to get your hair the way you want it for your wedding day:

Grow Girl
Engagement ring, check! Let the beautification begin. The first step in creating a successful bridal hairstyle is making sure your locks are long and strong before you get to your hair trial. Even if you're rocking a short style you want to have the option to cut a few inches before the big day (which will make your hair look healthier)
Try: Pantene Beautiful Lengths Shampoo

Get Wedding Day Ready
I just stumbled upon John Frieda's Weather Proofing Shampoo, and so far I'm convinced that humidity is no match for this shampoo. For thick-haired brides, it's a bonus frizz-fighter, for thin-haired gals it means no heavy serums or creams!

Start Packing
Perfect for your honeymoon, Warren Tricomi's Protect Shampoo has sunscreen in it so you can finally stop worrying about burning your scalp. It gets better — they have a resort sized travel kit!

-- Heather Levine
August 17, 2009
12:43 PM

Tote Worthy: Bridesmaids Gifts They'll Love

filed under: Beauty, Bridal Party
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Remember the whole "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" craze? Who could forget it? If you're loving the eco-bag phenomenon as much as we are — you've got to check out the latest canvas carry-alls:

Bag Ladies
Looking for a tote that's worthy of storing all of your wedding-planning essentials (inspiration boards, binders, etc.) fleabags, originally designed for the avid (you guessed it) flea-market shopper, are the perfect size! And for your bridesmaids, these Beyond Yoga Totes literally show them just how "lucky" you feel to have them be a part of your wedding day.

-- Heather Levine

Images courtesy of manufacturers
August 13, 2009
4:28 PM

Big on Braids: Getting Intricate With Wedding Updos

filed under: Beauty
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Long-haired brides, you're in luck... Short-haired brides, time to start growing out your hair (or splurge on extensions) because these pretty plaits are here to stay:

Parisian Flair
We're digging this super sexy french braid. Here's a hot tip: Leave the ends loose and slightly curled for a more laid-back vibe.

Banded Beauty
A simple, braided ponytail will look even fresher wrapped up with a thin headband.

Hippie Chic
Are two braided strands better than one? You decide. We love the way these twists highlight a classic chignon.

--Heather Levine

Photographs clockwise from top left: Tat Leong; Elizabeth Messina; Alisha Clark; Tat Leong; Elizabeth Lloyd; Tat Leong
August 11, 2009
1:35 PM

Bridal Brights: Where to Find Wedding Color Inspiration

filed under: Beauty
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So, I recently fell in love with Essie’s Neon Collection. I know I’m a little late to the polish party, but I had to wait until my mid-summer tan kicked in to give these bright shades a fair shot. Neon colors paired with my pale skin don't make a very pretty combination. Anyway, it got me thinking about all of the gorgeous weddings I’ve seen using these neon shades.

And... It made me think about all the other beauty products that could inspire some serious color combos (check out Makeup Forever's Aqua Eye Collector Kit).

Would you host a neon-inspired fete?

--Heather Levine

Photographs clockwise from left: Courtesy of Essie; A Little Bit of Whimsy Photography(1); Danielle Gillett Photography(2)
August 06, 2009
3:50 PM

Getting Gorgeous: The Key to Perfect Wedding Hair, Skin and Nails

filed under: Beauty
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I’m completely obsessed with my new mascara (it’s the Josie Maran one pictured above) because it makes my lashes feel healthy. I'm obviously still a fan of bigger and bolder, but this lengthener leaves my lashes feeling smooth, not crunchy or brittle. So I did a little research and found out the secret ingredient: It's Argon Oil.

I know, it sounds like something straight out of Harry Potter (as it should) I'm convinced this oil is more like a magic potion than a beauty product. The items that use it as a main ingredient promise longer, healthier hair, glowing skin and healthy nails. I'm quickly becoming a believer.

Have you tried any products with Argon Oil? What do you think?

-- Heather Levine
July 28, 2009
2:38 PM

Haute Knots: Our Favorite Wedding Updos

filed under: Beauty
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A chignon is the quintessential wedding updo, but it doesn't have to mean classic, or worse, boring. We're seeing all sorts of fun variations. Get inspired by some of our favorites:

clockwise from left
Tousled
Ask your stylist to curl your strands before putting them into a bun. This will give your chignon a laid-back look. Besides looking totally gorgeous, these undone updos are the perfect place to pop in a veil (like this feathery, floral cage style).

Voluminous
Why not add a little va-va voom to your updo. Ask your stylist to create an over sized bun using a hair sponge (they'll know where to get one). It's especially flattering for brides with very fine hair.

Braided
Consider wrapping your bun with a few braided strands. Trust us, plaits have become more glamourous than boho. Plus, they're a guaranteed way to make your updo look more unique.

Assymetrical
For something fresh and unexpected, try skewing your tousled knot to one side.

Polished
There's nothing wrong with going basic, but to keep your look current and still ultra- stylish, remember sleek is chic.

-- Heather Levine

photographs clockwise from left: eight20 Photography; Jessica R. Strickland; Picture The Day; Erik Ekroth; Ryan Green
July 21, 2009
2:05 PM

Tickled Pink: Three Amazing Wedding Day Blushes

filed under: Beauty
0772109blush2 A healthy sun-kissed complexion is always in style, and I'm constantly searching for the next great product to give me that real-looking, fake glow (yes, even in the winter I still like my cheeks to look rosy). Here are my favorites:

clockwise from top
Chanel Exclusive Creation Blush
I love this compact for its chic, ladylike design. Plus, the way the perfect mixture of frosty pink shades somehow makes my face look slimmer doesn't hurt.

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Antigua
I adore this shimmery pink powder. I apply it with a brush for light, barely-there bronzing.

Nars Orgasm
I've been addicted to this blush for years. It's very light and works with every skin tone. I know, because I use it all year round.

I'm going to keep testing to see if there's a creamier, softer, brighter, shade out there, do you have any favorites?

-- Heather Levine

photographs courtesy of manufacturers

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As Fashion and Beauty Editor of TheKnot.com I get to check out the newest wedding gowns and test out tons of great makeup. Here, I've rounded up some of my favorite new finds! Check back daily to see what's new in the world of wedding fashion and beauty.


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