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Visible Roots: Dark Hair Roots Still a Trend, and Growing

mary-kate ashley olsen visible roots

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen represent their twin bond with matching roots. Photo: Dario Cantatore/FilmMagic.com

Feeling the pressure to constantly keep up with coloring your dark hair roots? Relax. Showing a little outgrowth is hanging in there as one of the coolest Hollywood hair trends.

Celebrities everywhere are successfully pulling off visible roots, and we know it's not because they can't afford a trip to the salon. Instead, stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker and the Olsen twins are proving that time in between color appointments is not always a bad thing.

According to Stacy Cox, TV personality and owner of Pampered People in Los Angeles, roots are in. So when did it become OK to stop feeling like we're running around in the buff whenever our natural hair color starts to show?

When you reflect on the visible root trend, think back to the punk rock movement in the late 70 and early to mid 80s, says Cox. "Young adults wanted to unleash their individuality on the world, albeit with limited funds. There was a keen proclivity to push the envelope." With shock value at a premium, contrasts in hair, makeup and clothing was the easiest way to create some autonomy. Leading the trend back then were Debbie Harry, Nancy Spongen, and, later, the iconic Madonna.

Fast forward to 2010, and the hottest celebs in Hollywood are nodding to '70s and '80s hair. "The visible roots made their way back into fashion by Victoria's Secret models [like] Gisele and also from Carrie [Sarah Jessica Parker] in Sex and the City," says Head & Shoulders' celebrity hair stylist Ryan Trygstad. Since then, we've seen some of Hollywood's finest pulling off the look: Gwen Stefani, Sienna Miller, Drew Barrymore and even Julia Roberts.

But can the rest of us pull of the look? Cox says yes. "It works best on teens, 20 and 30 year olds," she says. "It's perfect if you have an easy attitude and style and want a more natural, earthy, bohemian appearance; and it's an ideal look if you are on a budget and need to spread out the time between getting your hair colored."

Sarah Jessica Parker showed off visible roots at the Sex and the City 2 premiere in New York City. Photo: Getty Images



Plus, says Cox, it's the perfect look for those in a creatively-driven industry such as entertainment, design, beauty, art, fashion, or PR. "If you happen to work in a more conservative field such as medicine, law, finance or education the contrast in shades may not impress your boss or fellow executives. Its these types of arenas where less is more so you would have to dial it back a bit."

For those thinking about trying the look, keep in mind it works better on some hair colors than others. "Exposed roots tend to look sharpest on light brown to blonde hues because that's when you can really detect the contrast and the look pops," says Cox.

And who should avoid it? "If you are brunette, exposed roots are, simply put, gray!" she warns. Although visible roots are meant to look edgy and hip, on brunettes it actually works in reverse, making them look older.

When it comes to hair styles, Trygstad says girls that have thick, soft, wavy hair are the types that should wear exposed roots, and those with wavy, beachy hair have the best texture to pull off the look. "This is also not a good look for women with really coarse hair," he adds. For Cox, it's length that is key : "When you realize that stars like Ashley Olsen, Sienna Miller and Jessica Simpson sport this look, you begin to notice a pattern: they all possess longer tresses. With exposed roots, shoulder length or longer shows it off the best."

If you do decide to bear your roots, take some precautionary methods to make sure you end up looking trendy, not trashy. "The public knows celebs are doing it for fashion," Hewitt says. "But when it's the average person on the street, they may mistake it as just having roots because they couldn't afford it or are overdue to go in."

To prepare your hair for a look that is unmistakably fashionable, Cox recommends investing in a sturdy flat iron. "Clean, straight hair helps illuminate the contrasting shades. Also make sure to keep your hair properly conditioned so that you don't have dry, brittle visible roots; that's not so pretty," she says. Finally, if you are in the process of adding new length to your hair, space out your hair trims less frequently.

Now sit back, relax and let your roots grow in.

And for more modern hair ideas, check out these modern takes on ponytail styles.

Kim Peiffer contributed to StyleList using Seed.com. Go to www.seed.com to learn how you can contribute too.

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Top Ten Budget Beauty Tweaks

Photo: Getty Images

A little product can go a long way. We asked beauty experts for the ten best ways to tweak your appearance for under $20.

1. Add a Little Color: "Using a great bronzer is a quick way to update your beauty look," says makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, who often creates looks for celebrities like Rihanna, Hillary Duff, Ashley Simpson and Jennifer Hudson. "I recommend applying CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer to give your skin a warm glow that will revitalize your overall look during the winter months." It's also a great option for those trying to avoid the sun in summer.

2. Fake It: "Adding false, individual eyelashes to the outer corners of the eyes can make the lash line appear fuller and more dramatic without having to add a lot of eyeliner," recommends makeup artist Maggie Kerr. Try Ardell Dura Lash Short Individual Eyelashes in Black or Brown.

3. Give Hair a Boost:
"Another great way to update your look is to change your hair's natural texture and try something you never have before," says Aussie's stylist, Sarah Potempa who has created polished looks for Julianne Moore, Amy Smart, Rose McGowan and Ali Larter. "If you have straight limp hair and you're looking for a boost use Aussie Catch the Wave Mousse + Leave-In Conditioner and scrunch hair to create soft waves. To enhance the wave even more, create four mini buns after applying the mousse and secure with clips. When you let the buns out your hair will be full of body and loose waves." If your hair is curly, Potempa suggests you try a smooth sleek look with the same product, but blow dry hair with a round brush. Make sure to hold the nozzle of your blow dryer parallel to your hair which will lay the cuticle flat and eliminate any frizz.

4. Make Your Eyes Pop:
"A vibrant colored eye shadow across your lid will instantly enhance your entire look," says Sephora Pro Beauty Team Expert, Kelly Haley. Try Urban Decay eye shadow in Flash. "The vibrant purple will compliment any skin tone."

5. Brighten Up: Another fabulous way to accentuate eyes is to line the inner rim of your lids with waterproof blue eyeliner. "This will make the color of your eyes more vibrant and make the whites of your eyes appear whiter," Haley says. "It will also stay in place because it's waterproof." Try Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in bright blue or teal. To achieve even brighter eyes, apply colored mascara. Brown or blue eyes can go for Sephora Brand Lash Plumper in Blue. If your eyes are green or hazel, try Benefit BadGal Plum.

6. Look Pretty in Pink: A fun trick to try that will quickly update your look is to apply a matte pink pencil in the inner corner of the eyes and then blend it softly. "This will add life to your eyes while giving the illusion of an extra 8 hours of sleep!" says Haley. Try Benefit Eye Bright Benefit Eye Bright.

7. Rethink Matte Lips: A sheer shimmery gloss will make your lips look suppler and hydrated while adding fullness. Try Sephora Collection Nectar Shine Gloss in any of the brighter shades like Strawberry Shine or Raspberry Shine. These glosses are full of Vitamin E and SPF 8 so they will nourish and protect. Plus, they come in a great squeeze brush tube that makes them easy and quick to apply.

8. Get Glowing: Kerr recommends spraying Misting Evian Water onto your face after applying all of your makeup. "Patting it into your skin with a big, fluffy, clean powder brush will help makeup settle into the skin, making you appear luminous."

9. Go For Bold: Try Kat Von D Painted Love Cream Gloss in any shade from rich red to deep plum. "Don't be afraid to use vibrant colors on your eyes and lips and remember to bronze up your cheeks," Haley stresses. Try Sephora Collection Color Bronze Buster-To-Go.

10. Pay Tribute:
"It's also fun to cut out some of your favorite celebrity photos from magazines and replicate their red carpet hairstyle for a night out on the town," says Potempa. "If you are trying a half up style or an updo, spritz Aussie 12 hr. Anti-Humidity Hairspray onto a flat brush and run through your hair for a look that will last all night long."

Kim Peiffer contributed to StyleList using Seed.com. Go to www.seed.com to learn how you can contribute too.

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Pucker Up to Spring's Hottest Lip Shades

Spring 2010 runway lip color prada tuleh and donna karan

Spring 2010 runway looks: Patent leather red lips at Prada (left), sot pink at Tuleh (center) and nude lips at Donna Karan (right). Photos: AFP/Getty Images |Thomas Concordia/WireImage.com | Randy Brooke/WireImage.com

Spring clothing trends flourished during fashion week, but what we really couldn't take our eyes off were the lips -- from soft and barely there to blazing, patent leather red -- kissing the runways.

To get to the bottom of what we should be painting on our pouts for Spring and Summer 2010, we sought advice from The Daily 10's makeup department head Lisa Zimmitti (who is behind Catt Sadler's fabulously-done makeup), makeup artist and photo shoot maven Emily Kate Warren, and makeup artist Richard Class.

"The major trends are flesh tone lips, hints of pink and we are also seeing that the reds are staying around," says Zimmitti, who looked to fashion shows like Proenza Schouler, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Tuleh, Versace and Donna Karan for major direction.

From flesh tones and to soft berries to siren reds, read on for the shades on everyone's lips.

Lancome Lucent Nude lip gloss

Lancome La Laque Fever LipShine in Lucent Nude. Courtesy Photo

Flesh tone lips: Less is more when it comes to lips this season. But application is key. "A great tip for nude lips is to buff dead skin off using a dry tissue to rub vigorously over pre-lip balmed lips," says Warren. "Then, swipe on a fresh coat of balm, and touch the lipstick directly to your lips, and press your lips together to roll the color out toward the edges, this way they aren't perfectly lined." Try: M.A.C. Liberty of London Lip Glass in Frankly Fresh, $14.

Soft washes of color: A barely there blush -- on the lips -- is a fresh and current look for spring. Zimmitti suggests approaching the look simply by just blending your lip liner out into the center of your lips, making sure the color is soft and even. To score the look with lipstick, she recommends using a lip primer so the lipstick stays on and looks smooth. And for the rest of the face, make sure you don't overdo it just because lips are soft. "It's not time for tan skin, so keep your makeup fresh with light coverage foundation and a pop of pink blush," she says. "Also, go for lots of mascara; you can never skimp on full lashes!" Try: Lancome La Laque Fever LipShine in Lucent Nude, $26.50.

Purposeful nude colors: "I saw lots of 'purposeful' nude colors on the runways for Spring," says Warren. "It doesn't just look like you're not wearing lipstick, it looks like you are wearing a tone lighter than your lips and/or neutral shades on lips." Warren said this look pairs perfectly with a heavy eye (like big lashes, strong colors or intense liner) or just to complete an overall "natural" look.

MAC Russian Red Lipstick Nars Lip Stain Gloss in Sayonara

M.A.C. Matte Lipstick in Russian Red (left) and Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella (right). Courtesy Photos

Sheens Over Shimmers: Gloss is still in, but it's not the sparkly kind we've been accustomed to for the past few seasons. "You're going to do matte or gloss lipstick, we're not seeing a whole lot of shimmer, but more of a sheen this spring," Zimmitti says. Try: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pixel, $18

Berry Tones: If nude is not in your repertoire of trends you plan to try, no worries. Cranberry and Raspberry tones are just as hot, but instead of going bright look for more subdued tones. "It will be a very soft and light berry color, almost like you have been drinking wine," says Class. "Just a gorgeous wash of slight color, nothing heavy." Try: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, $24

Ruby Reds: Last but not least, if you're going to go for red, go all out. Zimmitti said red also had some face time on the runways, at trend setting shows like Prada. Try: M.A.C. Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, $14

Now that you know the trends, click through the gallery below to find the best lipstick for your skin tone.

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Top 10 Mascara Trends for Spring 2010

mascara

Photo: Getty Images

Spring is all about long, thick, sexy lashes. Here, expert tips on how to get them.

1. Two For One: "Lashes can be thought of like hair: you're always going to want them longer and thicker," says makeup artist Maggie Kerr. "What I've noticed with cosmetics companies is that instead of having one mascara for lengthening and a separate one for thickening, new formulations are combining the two." Laura Mercier's Thickening & Building Mascara ($20), YSL Mascara Singulier ($30), and Estee Lauder's Projectionist Mascara ($19.50) are great combination formulas.

2. Magic Wands: Many different wands have come out on the market recently, Kerr says. Some are shaped in a ball to get at the little hairs in the inner corners of the eyes (Givenchy Phenomen'eyes $28), some vibrate to also achieve the same effect of getting at the finer hairs and distributing the formula evenly (Estee Lauder Turbo Lash, $32), some have fat wands to create volume (Christian Dior Dior Show $24), Benefit BADgal, $19.00), some have mini wands to maximize short eyelashes (Maybelline Lash Discovery, $7.99), while others have entirely synthetic bristles (YSL Everlong, $28.50).

3. Find Your Formula: "I fully believe that you can get the same effect of lengthening and thickening with any wand, it's really the formula that counts," says Kerr. If the formula is too thick to try and create volume, no brush will be able to separate the lashes completely and still add heft; the lashes will end up clumping together a la Tammy Faye. Kerr says a better way to apply any mascara is to wiggle the wand horizontally from inside working out over your lashes. Brush it out with a clean mascara wand, which can be purchased in packs at a beauty retailer such as Sally's, then apply again. Keep repeating until you've acheived the desired thickness and length. "Sometimes I will spend 10 minutes on my lashes if I want them extremely dramatic," says Kerr.

4. Ebony Is The New Black: When it comes to pigment this season, the blacker the better. Thick and dark is the look you're going for. "L'Oreal's Carbon Black series ($7.25) has a great pigment, as does bareMinerals' Flawless Definition Mascara ($18)," Kerr says.

BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara, YSL Everlong Mascara, Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers, L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black. Photo: Bloomingdales.com | YSL.com | Sephora.com | Drugstore.com



5. Go Organic: For those who prefer "green" products, there are some great organic lines on the market and that includes mascaras. "I really like Jane Iredale's Longest Lash Thickening & Lengthening Mascara in Black Ice ($32)," Kerr says. "It doesn't irritate the eyes, is mineral based and all natural, and actually delivers what it promises - long, thick lashes." Kerr uses the product on herself and on clients who are more sensitive to eye makeup formulations. "The formula doesn't harden the lashes to mini spikes when it dries, and it comes in a squeezable tube to get every last drop out – added bonus."

6. Long and Strong: "Lash Extensions can help a girl roll out of bed looking instantly fabulous," Kerr says. "A couple of my makeup artist colleagues have full doe-eyed sets that make me envious each time I see them!" Kerr warns that the process can be costly initially ($200-$400), but maintenance is every 3 months and refills are cheaper (around $65 to touch up). In response to the demand, lash salons are popping up all over the country. Think of lash extensions like nail extensions. Each individual lash is glued onto the natural lash. When the natural lash grows out, the artificial one has to be reshaped and filled in at the root. "Because the artificial lash is permanent, this look is popular if you'll be spending a lot of time at the beach and don't want to have to deal with makeup," Kerr says. Check out Extreme Lashes or Lavish Lashes to find a salon near you.

7. Lash Love: If eye lash extensions are not for you, give your lashes a little extra love with Latisse, an eyelash growth serum based on a glaucoma treatment formula. Regular use of the product means longer, fuller lashes all around. But you'll have to convince your doctor that it's absolutely essential that you have the sexiest lashes in town: It's only available on prescription. For a non-prescription growth formula, try Tarte MultiplEYE ($22) which increases the appearance of lash length with regular use.

LEARN PRO TIPS ON APPLYING MASCARA FOR DIFFERENT EFFECTS



8. Double the Fun: "Long and thick lashes are a great look for everyone," says Sephora Pro Beauty Team Expert Annie Mercer. When a single mascara isn't cutting it (even if it's one of the new dual formulas) Mercer advises experimenting with doubling up on product. "A great trick to make lashes pop are mixing two different mascara formulations," she says. First, apply a lengthening formulation such as Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara ($14). After it dries, apply a thickening formulation like Dior DiorShow ($24). The result? Long, thick, flawless lashes.

9. Go Back to Basics: "To make the most of your lashes, start with a lash primer," says Mercer. Try Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers ($20). "Not only will this prep your lashes for an all-day application, it will also lengthen your lashes with its tiny fibers for a faux lash look," she says. Then, your mascara will enhance the already-plumped up lashes, leaving you with sexy lashes that are irresistible.

10. Go Bold: While black is always a great go-to look, don't be afraid to branch out and try a colored lash – spring is all about color, after all. "[Colored mascaras] are a great way to change your look in a subtle and playful way," says Mercer. Blue mascaras like Benefit Bad Gal Blue Mascara ($9) is a favorite. With its rich, royal blue color, it brightens all eye shades for an instantly awake look. Try other shades like Urban Decay Big Fatty Colored mascara in Purple Haze ($17). Mercer says this brighter plum shade will add a splash of playful color to brown peepers.

Comments 16

Spring Nail Polish Shades: Bright Lights, Big Pretty

OPI nail polish Jade is the new Black Suzi Says Feng Shui

OPI nail polish shades: Jade is the new Black (left) and Suzi Says Feng Shui (right). Photos courtesy of OPI

Ready to shed your winter coat for cute shorts and flowery dresses, but Mother Nature just isn't cooperating? Fast forward to warmer weather with a Spring polish shade.

From lights to brights, spring tips are bolder and airier than your winter stand-bys, according to Christine Sy, a nail expert at Exhale Spa. "We will see a lot of light pinks, shimmery whites, and pastels this Spring," Sy says, along with darker brights, including blues, greens and rich corals.

Bare it all in bright colors: Last summer and fall, we saw pops of bright colors everywhere, from neon yellow to hot pink and aqua. This spring, be prepared to keep those bright colors alive and kicking, but mix it up a little with blues and greens. Product Link: OPI Suzi Says Feng Shui, $9.

Look lovely in lavender: For those who want a softer look but can't seem to get enough of the purple, you're in luck. This spring we'll see a range of pretty lavender colors on fingers and toes, as another option for a lighter look. "Lavender is going to be a great compliment to purple toes for sweet looking fingertips, or for someone who wants an all over soft shade for their mani-pedi ," Sy says. Product Link: Essie's Lilalism, $8


Essie nail polish shades Lilalism Red Nouveau

Essie nail polish shades: Lilalism (left) and Red Nouveau (right). Photos courtesy of Essie

Try a coral red: Coral red will also look stunning with all those cute new spring pieces, when we finally out away the turtlenecks and start showing a little more skin. Let's face it who doesn't love a pop of bright color on our nails? Product Link: Essie's Red Nouveau, $8.

Go pale for a soft look: If Spring tends to bring out your softer side, choose a pale hue with a touch of shimmer that'll get just the right amount of attention. A little bit of color and a touch of sparkle can go a long way, and the right pale shade can pair perfectly as the top coat to your French manicure, Sy says. Product Link: OPI Bare to be Different, $9,

Try something daring: Sy says this spring is a prime opportunity to go bold with your nail color. If you have a little daredevil in you, try some of the colors that scream attention. Product Link: OPI's Jade is the new Black, $9

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