Top 10 Makeup Hacks.

While I may have shared a lot of makeup and beauty tips over the years, I don't think I have ever shared my top beauty tips or hacks that I most often use. As it's a top ten day, I'm going to share the top makeup tips and tricks that I have learned and used over the years (some a very long time) that are real time, and in some cases, money savers.

My top ten makeup hacks:

1. Mix concealer with eye cream to help concealer from settling into fine lines. It helps to further brighten up the eye area too.

2. Warm up your pencil eyeliner with a lighter. I’ve been doing this since high school! It turns the eyeliner into a gel-like formula and helps it apply and smudge easier too.

3. Make your own BB Cream! Mix an equal amount of your favorite moisturizer (with SPF of course) with your favorite liquid illuminator — about the size of a nickel of each will work. Then add about a pea-size amount of your favorite concealer to that. I swear by this in the summer months.

4. Use concealer in the center of your lips to make them appear fuller. Simply dot a bit of concealer in the center of your lips then blend it in with the warmth of your fingertip. Top with a pearl or nude lip gloss for a perfect plump pout.

5. Make your own custom tinted lip balm by mixing Vaseline (yes, good ole’ Petroleum Jelly) with your favorite loose pigments.

6. Add a few drops of saline solution to mascara that is dry or clumpy to thin it out. Don’t mistake this for extending the life of your mascara — you still need to throw it away after three months — but this helps with drier or more clumpy formulas.

7. Forgot all those fancy contour tutorials! Simply apply bronzer in the shape of a number three (or a backwards three) on your forehead, cheekbones and jawline for an easy contoured look.

8. For a quick, smoky eye look, after you apply your shadow, use your ring finger to apply a dark shadow right at the upper and lower lash line. Smudge the lower lash line again with your finger. I almost always apply my shadow to my lower lash line with my finger and smudge; it’s so routine that it took me a few minutes to realize it was probably unconventional and a makeup hack.

9. Use a nude colored eyeliner on the inner rims of the eyes (otherwise known as your waterline) to open up the eyes and make eyes look larger.

10. Get an instant eye lift! Add a dab of liquid highlighter above the arch of your eyebrows and blend over the outer part of your brow - simple!

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Hair Obsessed? 10 NEW Products You Need to Know About Now.

I'm pretty much hair obsessed and always in search of the *new* best thing to give me a great hair day. I have been trying SO many new hair products over the past month or so becasue there have been so many new hair launches as of late, and I have made quite a few great discoveries. If you are as obsessed with your hair as I am, then you are going to want to try some of these new products. Here are 10 of my latest hair product obsessions.

1. L'Oréal Paris Root Cover Up
I'm always looking for the easiest way to hide my grays in between salon appointments and this is my latest find. In just three seconds my grays are not only hidden, they are covered until I wash out the innovative formula that doesn't rub off or smudge either. It matches my hair perfectly and comes in six shades to match most hair colors: Light to Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Light to Medium Blonde, Dark Blonde and Red Black. Buy it for $10.99 at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer like Target or Walgreens.

2. Dove Advanced Hair Series Serum-In-Oil
This unique serum-in-oil instantly rescues dry, damaged. Just three or four pumps into freshly washed hair provides a ton of smoothness with it's potent formula. My hair is left super soft and shiny while still staying manageable. I also like using one pump into my dry hair to manage flyaway's and static which seem to be out of control this time of year. Buy it for $5.99 at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer like Target, Walgreens or drugstore.com.

3. Alterna Caviar Moisture Intense Collection
My hair has been super dry this winter so it has been enjoying this new collection that features an innovative Moisture Intense Caviar Oil Crème Pre-Shampoo Treatment that helps the moisturizing agents in the shampoo and conditioner work better. My hair is proof that it works. The shampoo and conditioner are oil based so they work for those with severely dry hair so that it is left silky soft after just one use. I only have to use it a few times a week. Buy Alterna Haircare Moisture Intense Caviar Oil Crème Shampoo and Alterna Haircare Moisture Intense Caviar Oil Crème Conditioner at alternahaircare, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta and fine salons.

4. L'Oréal Paris EverPure Cleansing Balm
I don't think I have expressed my love for cleansing conditioners enough and this new large size EverPure Cleansing Balm is my latest obsession two-in-one for gentle daily hair maintenance. This hair cleanser replaces your regular shampoo and conditioner as it gently cleanses the scalp and deep conditions the hair without weighing it down. It's a low-lather formula that takes getting use to, but once you do, you will be just as obsessed as I am. This cleanser with pure botanical ingredients banishes dirt and oil from the hair without stripping strands. It's free of sulfates, silicones and dyes so it's ultra gentle for color-treated and processed hair. There is also a version for curls called EverCurl Cleansing Balm and one for damaged or dry hair called EverCrème Cleansing Balm. Each bottle has enough for 32 washes. Buy it for $11.99 at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer such as Target.

5. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Volume Beautifying Oil Mist
I have a lot of hair but it is fine. I'm always looking for products to add volume and shine to it without weighing it down. It's been a struggle until now that I've discovered this oil mist that is the brands first bi-phase oil. I knew it would be winner — it is Kérastase. The brand uses a very specific technology that actually expands hair’s thickness by amplifying the diameter of each individual hair strand. It does that and combines with the carrier oils in the Oleo-Complexe to bring on superior shine and softness. All it takes is three or four mists over wet hair and voilà! Buy it for $58 at Kerastase-USA.com.

6. Dove Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo & Conditioner
For when hair is really dry or if your hair is damaged, this newer shampoo and conditioner offers a ton of nourishment deep down. Made with Red Algae + Keratin NutriComplex, this duo goes beyond repairing damage, it works to nourish the hair where it is needed most. Damaged hair is made stronger as it is further protected. When using, hair is simply looking healthier too. Buy it for $4.99 each at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer like Target.

7. Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Born Red Collection
If you've ever thought about going red, now is a great time because red hair is on trend and it can work with any skin tone if you choose the correct shade. With Clairol's new Born Red Collection from Nice 'n Easy, there is literally the perfect red for everyone. With nine naturally vibrant shades that look very natural, there is one in the line up for you. What I love about Nice 'n Easy is the technology —  Clairol has developed a unique Color Blend Technology that ensures natural-looking color with rich tones and highlights in one simple step. I'm thinking about going richer and trying Natural Reddish Blonde. See all of the shades here. Buy it for $7.99 at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer like drugstore.com.

8. L'Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Curls Collection
Curly girls take note, this new collection of products was made for you and me, part of the year. You wouldn't know it, but my hair has a lot of natural curl to it. When it gets at all humid out, my hair curls up and I need to manage it, because it becomes unruly and dry the second I try to put a hoot tool on it. Designed specifically with the needs of curly haired women in mind, this collection includes oils to nourish, replenish and define curls: Amla, Coconut, Soja, Sunflower, Rose and Flax Oil. The line-up includes an Extraordinary Oil Curls Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner along with Extraordinary Oil Curls Re-Nutrition Mask. I'm addicted to the mask (even though I'm not in curly season). It just leaves my hair so soft and shiny — somewhat bouncy too. The shampoo and conditioner sell for $4.99 each while the mask sells for $6.99. Buy them at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer.

9. StriVectin Hair
The brand so popular for their anti-aging products has now branched off to include haircare and I'm excited about it. I picked up the Ultimate Restore Starter Trio to try out and I was super impressed. Made for thinning hair, this trio included a Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask that all work together to help reduce the breakage of thinning hair. My hair felt very nourished and looked salon fresh when using. I didn't use it long enough to tell if it repaired breakage but it is something I would buy again. I do want to try the other products which include products for volume and products for color-treated hair. Buy it from Sephora and Ulta.

10. Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Anti-Static Translucent Dry Conditioning Finishing Spray
I don't know about you, but my hair is full of static and flyaways all winter long and I cannot stand it! This hair spray has been my savior! Not only does it offer a nice medium hold that can be brushed out and re-styled, but it actually gets rid of static and flyaways. It does so by locking moisture into the cuticle — so smart! Buy it for $18 at Sephora.

10 Beauty Items to Get You Through the Winter!

It is cold out there and the cold temperatures along with the wind coupled with the dry heat indoors takes a toll on the skin and hair. During the winter months, we need don't need to spend a lot of extra time pampering ourselves if we use the right products to get us through the season. Think of this as your beauty guide to get you through the rest of winter.

I have been using a lot of products this winter that have been a great help. These are 10 beauty items that are helping me get through the winter.

1. bliss Fabulous Drench 'n' Quench - This is a really unique cream-to-water moisturizer that uses what is called transformative hydrozome technology that instantly drenches the skin in hydration. It does so with over 10,000 marine micro-droplets to give skin the immediate hydration which leaves skin plumped up and looking and feeling super healthy. Buy it for $38 at blissworld.com.

2. Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil - This extra gentle oil cleanses the skin without stripping away natural moisture. The hydrating formula combines natural ingredients to soothe and hydrate the skin while it removes makeup, dirt and oil. I love how soft and hydrated my skin feels right after washing.  Buy it for $28 at caudalie.com and Sephora.

3. Dove Advanced Hair Series Serum-In-Oil - This unique serum-in-oil instantly rescues dry, damaged winter hair. Just three or four pumps into freshly washed hair provides a ton of smoothness with it's potent formula. My hair is left super soft and shiny while still staying manageable. I also like using one pump into my dry hair to manage flyaway's and static which seem to be out of control this time of year too. Buy it for $5.99 at your favorite drugstore or mass retailer like Target, Walgreens or drugstore.com.

4. CHANEL La Solution 10 de Chanel - Skin is super sensitive during the winter, so a cream like this one with only 10 ingredients is perfect. Created in collaboration with Dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler, this cream was created with just the ingredients that would comfort the skin but are known to have a specific purpose and skin benefit too. At the heart of the formula is Silver Needle Tea which is super soothing on the skin. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant so it helps to regulate skin's response to irritants and protect it against free radicals. I loving smoothing this on anytime my skin feels raw (which is often in the winter) and it is instantly calmed. Buy it for $80 at Nordstrom.

5. Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture - This rich, yet non-greasy, moisturizer is the ultimate for dry, dehydrated skin. It is clinically proven to lock in optimal moisture levels as it instantly soothes the skin. With a blend of collagen, shea butter, fruit and olive oils, skin is soft, smooth and instantly hydrated and plump. Buy it for $72 at murad.com, Nordstrom and Sephora.

6. MAKE UP FOR EVER Nourishing Primer - This primer adds a boost of hydration for extra dry skin. It does so while making skin more smooth and even while helping foundation hold better and longer. Buy it for $37 at Sephora.

7. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 - This new intensive moisturizer is specifically formulated for really dry skin. It is made with the only proven ratio of natural lipids to help restore the external skin barrier and support skin’s natural repair functions. Made with the 2:4:2 that means it has 2% Ceramides, 4% Cholesterol, and 2% Fatty Acids, which are precisely formulated to refill the skin’s natural surface lipids to instantly and long-term improve the skins condition. Buy it for $125 at SkinCeuticals.com.

8. SK-II Mid-Day Essence - If you find your skin needing a a boost of hydration throughout the day, this spray is for you. This hydrating spray is designed to be used throughout the day or on-the-go to give skin a boost, anytime — even over makeup. I love the way it perks up the skin and really makes skin feels more comfortable when feeling tight and dry. Buy it for $80 at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdales.

9. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Facial Oil - This oil has been saving my skin these last few weeks. It is super hydrating as the brands first facial oil with an SPF to boot. It's super lightweight as it absorbs into my skin almost immediately without leaving any greasy after-feel. Buy it for $19.99 at your favorite drugstore like CVS or Walgreens or mass retailer like Target.

10. Dr. Brandt Oxygen Facial Flash Recovery Mask - In just three minutes, this in-home luminizing mask helps lessen the look of dull, dry, fatigued skin that tend to plague us in the winter months. With a blend of ingredients that revitalize and freshen up, it also lessens the look of fine lines which is a great bonus. Buy it for $70 at Sephora.