As we usher in the new year, we take a look back at the Best and Worst of 2008, along with a look ahead to 2009. From all the Splendicity bloggers, here are some of our favorite (and not so favorite) things from the world of beauty and fashion.

Tracy at Hot Mama Daily tells you about the top 5 Hot Mama moments of 2008 and her top 5 favorites beauty products too. She also clues you in on the worst hot messes of the year.

Dexie rounds out the year with her round-up lists at Style It Less, including under $100 looks, celebrity looks for less and her own personal bargain looks.

Aly gives you the beauty ingredient forecast and what’s in and what’s out in hair for 2009 at eBeautyDaily. She also chimes in with Lemon Drop’s worst fashion trends of 2008 at Shopaholics Daily along with hair trends for 2009 and worst celebrity hairstyles of 2008 at Style Her Hair.

Liberty provides her top 5 beauty finds and top 10 beauty tips of 2008 at Teen Style Lounge.

Chloe talks about her favorite jewelry of 2008 at Gleaming Things and favorite fashion picks at Her Accessories.

Julie points out the worst dresses celebrities of 2008 at Snarkstress.

Ashley discusses her top 10 most luxurious items of 2008 at The Latest Luxe.

Mary Jo makes her top 10 beauty & style resolutions for 2009 at The List Maven.

Beth tells you the top 10 must-have beauty products of the year at Aging Fabulous.

Shannon provides her list of top 10 best makeup products of 2008 at Makeup Minute.

Rachel talks about her 2009 New Year’s skin resolutions at Skin Principles.

Kori shows you the worst shoe trends of 2008 at Shoe Blitz and the best and worst fashion Trends of 2008 at Shopaholics Daily.

Photo credit: sxc.hu

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

So here you go, my lovelies. If you missed anything here at Teen Style Lounge this year, here is a recap of the Top 10 Beauty Tips of 2008. Enjoy!

1. Feeling sleepy and worn out after all the holiday hoopla? Try this simple trick to wake up a tired face right away. You’ll look like a whole new person – promise!
2. A little worried about showing your age before it’s time? No prob. Here’s a simple step you can take right now to keep your skin looking young for a long time to come.
3. Searching for a new hairdo in 2009? If not, maybe you should be. Here are 5 signs you need a hairstyle intervention. Take a look.
4. Got skin? Sure you do. All skin types need special care during the cool winter months. Here are some tips if you suffer from dry skin and some if you have acne-prone skin. Give ‘em a try…your face will thank you.
5. Get a new fragrance for the holidays? Here are 4 quick steps to make sure your scent doesn’t pull a disappearing act – these will assure you can make it last all day!
6. Ever wonder if there was a way you could maximize how your conditioner works on your hair? Me too. And I have the answer. Take a look.
7. So, you got a little crazy with the blush, eh? Hey, it happens. Try this quick trick to fix embarrassing blush over-application in a hurry.
8. Did you know that wet hair deserves a little extra TLC? I’ve learned how to care for your post-wash strands and give you the whole scoop, too.
9. Haven’t perfected the whole mani-in-a-rush thing? Here’s a tip to get those nails to dry on the quick…just in time to head out to another party!

There you have it, beauties! 10 Tips (that look like 9 since I combined two!) to get you sailing into 2009 right.

Do you have any great tips? If so, don’t be so stingy. Share ‘em!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

So what did I come up with? Thanks for asking. Without further adieu, here are my picks for the Top 5 Beauty Finds of 2008! Included in this list is everything from hair products to makeup and more. By clicking on the link, you’ll get my in-depth review of the product. Take a look and weigh in with your favorites – we’re always looking to try something recommended by you.

Hair

Far and away, my favorite hair product find of this year is Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum from their smoothing line. What a difference it’s made in the way I style my hair. A primo hair product, indeed.

And my favorite hairspray find of this year? Easy, peasy. That would be John Frieda’s All Out Hold Hairspray from the Luxurious Volume line. Smells great, works great – it’s fab!

Nails

I’m a huge fan of OPI products, but when a stop to Target is all I can manage, my go-to line is Sally Hansen. All the formulas are great and the colors are amazing. For fall and winter, my favorite shade is Haute Chocolate. Striking color with a salon finish, this was my best nail color find for 2008.

Skin

I have become a die-hard fan of Clean & Clear products over the past year, but I love none of their products more than I love the Deep Action line. Every single offering in that line rocks my world. The scent is light and fresh and the results have been nothing short of outstanding. I am so pleased with how my skin looks these days, I can’t even tell you. All that in a drugstore brand – now that’s pretty amazing! Give it a try, this line gets a major thumbs-up from me!

And finally, when you’re looking to add some color, hop on the mineral makeup bandwagon without spending a fortune. My favorite mineral blush is by Neutrogena and it’s from the Mineral Sheers line. I’ve tried several colors and love them all. The applicator looks a little intimidating at first, but it really is fantastic for delivering just the right amount of color. The price is great and the results are even better, I promise.

So there you have it – my Top 5 Beauty Finds of 2008. I hope you find this review to be especially helpful when navigating the wide world of beauty, but remember, I’m only one person. If you’ve tried something you think is worth giving a shout out to, please leave a comment here to let us all know. Can’t wait to hear from you.

Here’s to a beautiful 2009!

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

As we see cosmetics companies trending toward using more natural elements in our beauty products, one can’t help but ponder what next year’s wonder ingredients will be.

Thanks to Pierce Mattie Public Relations, we can now take a sneak peek into what we might be slathering on our faces, limbs and strands this year. Take a look at your Top 10 Beauty Ingredients for 2009:

1. Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.
2. Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.
3. Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.
4. Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.
5. Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.
6. Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.
7. Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.
8. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.
9. Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the Unites States, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.
10. Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.

Some interesting surprises in there, but all these ingredients show such wonderful promise. I can hardly wait to investigate new products just to see how these natural ingredients work!

A special thanks to my friend Shannon of Pierce Mattie PR (and of Makeup Minute) for sharing this excellent list with us!

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Ladies, be prepared to be wowed! I am about to share with you one of the coolest makeup kits that ever existed.

Offered by e.l.f. cosmetics, I bring you the Beauty Encyclopedia. This fabulous three-volume ditty includes many of e.l.f.’s best products and professional step by step instructions on how to create your perfect look. It’s like having your own makeup artist right in the bathroom with you. Brilliant!

You’ll find eye, lip and face palettes in top colors – everything from trendy hues to the tried and true stand-bys. This is the perfect gift for girls of all ages – from tweens on up.

As killer of a find as this is, what’s even more remarkable is the price – this thing is only $25, people! Unreal!

Get one for yourself or any girly girl on your gift list. You have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 21 to be sure this beauty blockbuster finds its way into its rightful stocking in time for Christmas.

While you’re online ordering, be sure to visit e.l.f.’s Holiday Gift Guide video and scope out other glamorous gift sets as well. I just might have to do some last minute shopping for myself there, wink-wink!

Image: e.l.f.

Beauty Encyclopedia

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

Okay all you Hilary Duff fans and Facebook junkies – now you can combine two of your favorite things by becoming a fan of Hil on her new With Love…Hilary Duff Facebook page.

In celebration of Hilary’s new music video, the With Love…Hilary Duff Facebook brand page will give you a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the vid as well as candid footage following Hilary into the fragrance house where she created her signature scent. You can even take an interactive fragrance personality quiz (fun!) and can even “spritz” your Facebook friends with a gift application.

The site’s a ton of fun. Check it out!

Image: With Love…Hilary Duff Facebook page

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

‘Tis the season…to feel tired! Between work, shopping, class, parties and a whole other host of obligations, the days seem longer and longer and sleep can be at a premium. When that’s the case, there is no need to trudge through the holidays season looking anything less than bright and shiny. All you have to do is add one simple step to your makeup routine: Grab a shimmering eye shadow in a light color and get dusting!

Yes, it’s true. The difference a facial highlighter can make (even a makeshift one) is astronomical. Here’s the scoop:

• Use a light-colored and/or shimmery eye shadow in the area between your eyes and the bridge of your nose to lift the darkness many of us carry there. Try applying a small amount first, then go from there. You can always add more.
• After using the same shadow on your eyelids (don’t be afraid to reach up to the brow bone, as that area can cast shadows too), smudge a little extra out to the outer corner of your eye. This helps balance out what you’ve just done in the inner corner and brightens that area as well.
• Finally, depending on just how tired your face looks (get some sleep, girl!), you can also use the same shadow on the tops of your cheekbones, under the eye area. Again, apply sparingly here, and if you end up applying so much you look like you’re glowing (and not in a good way), just grab some pressed or loose powder and sweep over any extra shimmer.

What to use? You can try an actual product marketed as a facial highlighter or you can use any light-colored, shimmery eye shadow. Keep in mind, “shimmery” does not equate to “glittery”. There is a big difference. Shimmery formulas will reflect light naturally and won’t look too conspicuous. Glittery should be left for all the parties you’ll be attending!

Now, go forth and shop. Study. Party and more. After a big day of fun, you’ll still look like you’ve slept like a normal person with this new little makeup trick. Enjoy!

A great shimmery shadow to try: mark. Wind of Glam Eye Shadow Palette, $10

Try the pink or neutral color in the Plum Perfect compact – they’re great shades and the price is right!

Image: Avon.com

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

Check out these super cute finds from Pottery Barn Teen. The bright colors and funky patterns are sure to get anyone’s day started on the right foot – plus they look extra adorable hanging out in the bathroom!

First up, these sassy little hair dryers, featuring two heat settings plus a cold shot option to set your style.

Hair Dryers, $69

Next, brighten up anyone’s morning routine with these stylish accessories. Both are available in the Pink Floral pattern.

Flat Iron ($129) and Curling Iron ($49)

And if the beauty queen on your list is all about the mani/pedi, check out this fabulous kit, which actually comes with all the tools inside!

Mani-Pedi Case, $59

Finally, this fun makeup kit comes with the brushes, plus plenty of room for any of life’s beauty essentials.

Makeup Case, $59

As an added bonus, many of the PBTeen products are available with free shipping, making your gift-buying experience easier than ever. Happy Shopping!

Images: PBTeen.com

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

Regardless of your age, at one time or another, you will be subjected to the beauty woe that is fine lines. Wrinkles. Crow’s feet. You know what I’m talking about.

But what if I gave you a very simple way to keep fine lines at bay? Because I’m about to do just that…

Use an eye makeup remover! Every day.

There – simple plan, isn’t it? But oh so effective. Because each night as I shower, I find myself literally scrubbing my eyelids to remove all traces of mascara and eyeliner. Then I hop out, look in the mirror, discover I haven’t gotten it all, and begin tugging and rubbing all over again.

Of course, this is awful news because the skin around our eyes is some of the thinnest and most easily damaged skin on our bodies. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you’re abusing a delicate area, you’re bound to have lasting effects – in the form of wrinkles. I (and you) could avoid this unnecessary damage simply by using an eye makeup remover daily. Easy peasy.

So while there are zillions of lotions and potions out there (not to mention Botox and other fillers) to fix wrinkles when they take hold, what better way to extend the longevity of your healthy skin than by with an inexpensive drugstore beauty fix?

Image: Maybelline.com

Post from: Shopaholics Daily

Do you walk around thinking your hairdo is the sassiest thing since Rosanne Barr? Or do you trudge through life just knowing you need a style overhaul? Here, 5 ways to know for sure whether you need to embark on a quest for a new ‘do:

1. If it has been six months or more since someone has complimented you on your hairstyle, it’s time for a new look.
2. If the ends of your hair have more splits than the womens’ gymnastics team, it’s time for a trim or a major cut.
3. If your hair color consists of several different shades (and not on purpose), it’s time for a color refreshment or rework.
4. If you were to pull out a magazine from 1990 and find your hairstyle in there, guess what? Time for a MAJOR change!
5. If your hair tickles your waistline, consider donating some of it to a charity program that makes wigs and give your self-esteem a boost with a fresh look. Double win!

So, how did you do? Maybe you are one hot little number in the hair department, but if you’re not, the holidays are the perfect time to treat yourself to a new look. Give it a try and watch your spirits soar!

Post from: Shopaholics Daily