5 Hair Care Myths – Debunked! post image

When it comes to hair care, there is a lot of information out there, some reasonable and some that seems downright crazy.
Save for trying out every tidbit of hair wisdom that’s out there on your locks, how’s a girl to differentiate fact from fiction in her quest to get the gorgeous strands she craves?

Misinformation can be just as stubborn as frizz or those pesky flyaways – it’s difficult to manage, impossible to reason with and it just keeps coming back, says longtime hair-care advocate and health scientist Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, author of “Hair Care Rehab.”

“Old wives’ tales and ineffective products that claim to treat or rehabilitate hair often have a placebo effect because people want them to work,” says Audrey, “But many of these ideas and products actually do the opposite of what’s intended, and they delay the user from seeking out real solutions.”

To help uncover the truth,  Audrey debunks the following common hair-care myths: [continue reading…]

Hair Inspiration: Why You Should Make the Chop post image

After a long stint of Kim Kardashian influenced long barrel waves, cropped cuts have made resurgence and short hair is officially on the comeback trail. So, for you ladies with less than enviable locks (like me), toss those hair extensions aside (like, for forever) and get your cut on.

Need some convincing? Just take a look at these celebrity hair transformations. I think you’ll be running to the salon before you even finish reading! [continue reading…]

New Year’s Eve Glamour: Makeup Ideas to Ring in the New Year post image

If there is one night in the year, when you can really go for anything that goes through your head, be as bold and glamorous as your heart will let you desire, it is the last night of the year….you are burying the old but celebrating the new and it calls for extremes! We know beauty is all about confidence but knowing what is in and not helps you get there.

What are the trends this end of year for the longest of all nights? I asked beauty experts and this is what they said. [continue reading…]

Celeb Beauty Inspiration: Holiday Hair and Makeup Looks post image

By now you’ve probably learned that the best part of a big night out is the anticipation: “What will I wear?!” “How should I do my hair?” The process of getting ready is usually more fun than the actual celebration itself (especially if you have roommates!), and the holidays are no exception. Tis the season to go bold, try new trends, and get yourself red carpet worthy.

Here are 7 party looks to help you get the all-eyes-on-me moment you’ve been waiting for:

[continue reading…]

Beauty Review: Diamond Facials, a Girl’s New Best Friend post image

For those of you that love their skin to look awesome, I mean- all-out -stunning like a fresh opened  petal in exquisite morning dew… but instantly.. without delay ( because do we really want to wait for anything in this digital age of tweet and instant posting) I recommend experiencing a Diamond Dust facial at the Vince Smith Hair Experience Salon.

Vince Smith, a hair stylist who has graced many runway shows in his 20+ year career, is a beauty maven unlike any other. You would love hanging out at his salon among his team of experienced stylists in a real family atmosphere of beauty conspirators.

Have you ever seen what a 24 karat gold or diamond dust facial can do to your face? Well at the Vince Smith Hair Experience, it is a possibility .. “I wanted to offer the best facials on the market and after months of testing, I discovered the Mica Beauty Jewels Line that blew me away. It was the only one that delivered great results quickly .”

The Jewels by Mica Beauty line allows your skin to be mended looking fresh, young-looking, restored in just one visit . Something about the power of the rare and expensive minerals of Pearl, Gold, and Diamond has been proven to be really good for the skin. It is based on the advanced method of microdermabrasion of Diamond Dust that exfoliates the skin with extremely effective results.

Without radical removal of dead skin cells such as these rare minerals allow, you hold up the production of new skin cells. Complexion problems can also be triggered by bad or insufficient exfoliation. New skin cells bring out fresher and healthier skin and allow you to look your best.

So I went in to find out for my self. [continue reading…]

Celeb Beauty: Get Ashley Greene’s Flawless Premiere Look post image

Mark Brand Ambassador Ashley Greene made her mark at the “Twilight Sage Breaking Dawn- Part 2” Premiere in LA with a gorgeous, ethereal makeup look. The look was natural and light with just the right touch of sultriness. The best part is, this look isn’t that difficult to re-create on your own.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Vanessa Scali shared her techniques for creating Ashley’s stunning look. Read on for a step-by-step guide to get the look. [continue reading…]

Beauty Review: Tracy Anderson and Gwyneth Paltrow Approved Beauty Products post image

I recently attended a launch party for the Tracy Anderson Method Pregnancy Project DVD series at The Standard Hotel in NYC. Needless to say, it was an exciting event filled with glamorous women (Christy Turlington and Molly Sims, to name a few!), but unfortunately, I had to cut out early and miss the main reason I attended—to see Gwyneth! (Yes, Paltrow). However, my mood was lifted on the way out when I received a large bag bursting with goodies. Many of the items were for mommies, but thankfully there were a variety of products—many of which I have been enjoying on a daily basis.

Here is a rundown of my favorites: [continue reading…]

Hair How-To: Beachy Waves in Under 10 Minutes post image

When it comes to hair, the “grass is always greener” attitude seems to be a common thread among women. I, for one, have had poker straight hair all my life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of having wavy, luxurious locks. I have dabbled in hot rollers, but after a certain age there’s something about hot roller curls that just aren’t… well, cool (at least on me). I have plenty of friends with long “horse mane” hair who can look totally cool (and hot) post hot rollers.

The beach wave look is the most popular, and enduring, hair trend out there…and for good reason! It’s understatedly glamorous and radiates an effortless vibe without looking too sloppy or undone. The best part? It’s super easy to create.

Here are my step-by-step tips to achieving sexy waves in less than ten minutes. [continue reading…]

Four Ways to Rock the Purple Lip Trend post image

Unlike orange or tangerine, purple lipstick is a trendy color that works on everyone; you just have to find the right shade. I suggest printing some pictures out (like the ones below) of lip colors you like and take them with you to the makeup counter. This will help narrow down your options and give the person helping you a better idea of what you’re looking for. [continue reading…]

Beauty How-To: DIY Highlights post image

Beauty How-To: DIY Highlights


I’m definitely not a risk-taker with my hair, but funds were running low last month and I needed a little pick-me-up, so I decided to try my hand at highlights.

Although I know a lot about beauty and dabble in makeup artistry, I’m a novice in hair color. I’ve only had highlights done professionally once, and they were very subtle (per my request). So when I got the itch for something new, I went to my beauty editor friend to get tips on the best DIY hair highlighting kits on the market. She insisted on Revlon Frost & Glow Highlighting Kit in honey (for my dark brown hair). For less than $12, you could buy 20 kits for the price of one salon visit!

Once the kit is purchased, take a deep breath and let the fun begin! Here’s how it’s done: [continue reading…]

Expert Summer Beauty Tips post image

Expert Summer Beauty Tips


Having fun in the sun is what summer’s all about but, as with all good things in life, it comes at a cost. The sun’s powerful rays can ravage your hair and skin is you don’t protect yourself properly, leaving you with straw-like strands and leathery-looking skin come Labor Day. Fortunately, it is possible to avoid the damage without sacrificing time spent outdoors.

To help you stay healthy, protected, and beautiful this summer and beyond, we consulted with Beth Marcis, owner of Her Body & Soul spa and developer of three other in-hotel spas in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Marcis is also launching her own His & Her Better Skin product line, offering all-natural and made in the USA products at affordable prices, ranging from $18 to $30 for a six- to eight-month supply of items like cleansers, serums and sunscreen.)

Read on for her tips to stay beautiful despite the sun and sand:

[continue reading…]

Beauty Products to Help You Sleep post image

Sleep is a beautiful thing and can do wonders for the way you look and feel. Sadly, most of us don’t get enough of it. In fact, approximately 70 million people in the United States are affected by sleep problems (including yours truly). With the recession, stress levels have hit an all time high and with that, more and more people are having trouble getting a good night’s rest. To help combat the issue, beauty companies have been developing new products formulated with essential oils and aromatic ingredients that will help you unwind and relax after a long, hard day. I was skeptical about these products at first but they really do provide miraculous results!

Check out my favorite sleepy-time products after the jump! [continue reading…]

Head-to-Toe Beauty Essentials post image

Head-to-Toe Beauty Essentials


It’s not hard to get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. With endless options to choose from, shopping for something as simple as mascara can prove itself to be quite a challenge. It can also be challenging to figure out what you need to get the look you want.

Well fear not. To make your life easier, we’ve rounded up the top products to make your beauty shopping experience a little more pleasant and help you create the exact look you’re going for.

From tousled waves to clear skin to gorgeous nails, these essentials will keep you gorgeous from head to toe. [continue reading…]

Easy Tips to Get the No Makeup Look post image

With so many strong makeup looks dominating magazines and red carpets, it can be easy to forget that the point of makeup is to enhance your natural beauty, not to paint on a new face entirely. This is why I was so excited by the return of the no-makeup look on the Spring 2012 runways. Almost every collection–Narciso Rodriguez, BCBG, Proenza Schouler, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, and on and on–was complemented by a beautiful bare face.

This look is designed to play up your finest features in the subtlest way, leaving it completely unclear as to whether or not you’re actually wearing makeup. Going bare an obvious choice for everyday and learning how to master the technique can also help you create a better foundation for more precise and sensuous evening looks.

Read on for easy steps to get the look and let your true beauty shine!

[continue reading…]

Get The Hottest Oscar Hairstyles At Home! post image

We finally made it the most glamourous awards show of the year: the Oscars! Just as we expected, we saw some gorgeous gowns and amazing hairstyles. While we can’t help you score a vintage Dior dress, we have great tips to get your hair looking red-carpet ready. Wella Professionals was responsible for some of the best looks of the night, and now their celebrity stylists are sharing their tips on how they created these hot Hollywood hairstyles. [continue reading…]

2012 Oscar Hair Predictions From The Pros post image

Hollywood’s “Night of Nights” is right around the corner, and while we don’t know who will take home the oh-so-coveted Oscar Awards, we do know that all you beauty junkies out there will be mentally casting your vote for Oscar superlatives – who has the best dress, the best accessories and of course… who has the best hair?

We spoke with the pros at Wella Professionals, the hair brand who has a very impressive roster of red carpet hair under their belt already from this season, including Madonna, Michelle Williams, Claire Danes, Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana, Emily Blunt and Shailene Woodley, to get the inside scoop on what hair looks will heat up the red carpet this Sunday. [continue reading…]

Easy Tricks To Create Golden Globes Hairstyles post image

The stars may have spent hours in hair and makeup before hitting the red carpet, but we have the scoop from the Wella Professionals hairstylists, who created some of the evening’s most glamorous hairstyles, on how to get these looks at home without breaking a sweat.
[continue reading…]

2012 Golden Globes Hottest Hair Trends post image

The Golden Globes are nearing, and while some are excited to see which movies and miniseries win, we’re excited to see the celebs, dresses and ‘dos! We talked to Wella Professionals Celebrity Hairstylist Andy LeCompte and Wella Professionals Color Ambassador Aura Friedman about their predictions on what hairstyles will make their way down the red carpet on Sunday night. They’ve had the pleasure of working with Golden Globe stars, including Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, and Megan Fox. [continue reading…]

ANM Beauty Review: Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal post image

Every so often a beauty product will come along that blows you away and has you wondering how you ever could have lived without it. Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal was that product for me and if gorgeous, flawless skin is what you’re after, it will be for you too.

I was ecstatic when I received a sample of this wonder product since I’d been hearing nothing but rave reviews from the beauty sphere for some time but was too lazy to go out and give it a try on my own! I tore the package open and applied just a tab to some blemishes on my chin and on the persistent half moons under my eyes. I was blown away. All traces of imperfection were GONE. My face literally looked like it had been airbrushed.

Pre-Miracle Skin Transformer, I would have to commit about 15 minutes of applying primer then foundation then concealer, then powder to set, then more concealer for greater coverage. And even still, my skin never looked as naturally flawless as it did with just a teeny smidge of this product, and it got the job done in under 30 seconds to boot! [continue reading…]

Makeup Bag Essentials You Should Never Leave Home Without post image

The other day, something awful happened. I was on the L-train on my way into Manhattan from Brooklyn when I realized I was missing something very, very important. It wasn’t my phone (which I have left at home before, an occurrence that I considered a blessing because I hate that thing and any time I get away from it is happy time!), or my wallet (which I shamefully forgot once, arriving on a date money-less and homeless since my keys are attached to my wallet and my roommate was gone for the night leaving me locked). No, I forgot something even more essential than those essentials, my makeup bag.

This experience taught me a very valuable lesson on the importance of a cute and compact makeup case and how valuable it can be throughout the day.  While it took some time, I think I’ve finally perfected the art of the perfect makeup case. In the past, I would either pack too much or too little, making swaps, additions and substitutions in between until I could be like Goldielocks and get it to be just right.

These days, the contents of my makeup case rarely change, whether I’m heading out for a long day of running around, going on a date, to a fashion event or out for a night of fun with my girl friends.

Read on to see the essentials that made the cut. [continue reading…]

Easy Makeup Tricks to Enhance Your Natural Beauty post image

A little while back, I went to an event sponsored by My Fashion Plate and Lancome where I received a complimentary makeover.  They allowed me to chose exactly what I wanted and I decided to keep it clean and simple, not wanting to leave looking like I had a full face of makeup on since I had a bunch of appointments that day.

The finished product was amazing. My skin was clear, even, and luminous. My face looked defined and a little more sensuous. And my lashes were simply to die for, like supersized doesn’t even scratch the surface (no falsies involved!). For the rest of the day, people couldn’t stop gushing about how great I looked (especially my to-die-for lashes!).

I have gotten my makeup done before and every time was left with the same question: “why can’t I ever do my makeup like this?!” Well this time I was prepared and asked tons of questions and diligently watched every single thing that was done. I also followed up with Dotty, the fabulous makeup artist who worked on me and got a list of every product she used.

Rather than hoarding all of these trips and tricks, I’ve decided to share. [continue reading…]

Top 10 Spa Treatment Trends post image

Top 10 Spa Treatment Trends


At A New Mode, we firmly believe in the power of pampering. Facials, manicures, massages, a long steam session- all these things can make you feel great and when you feel great, everything else in your life suddenly becomes all the more manageable.

Most fancy spa treatments can cost a pretty penny which is why Spa Week is such a precious gift. During Spa Week, which takes place nationwide from October 10th – 16th, hundreds of spas, wellness facilities and fitness centers will offer 2-3 exclusive services for a drastically discounted price of only $50.

You will be able to start booking your appointments on September 12th, when the official list of spa participants and treatments will be revealed on SpaWeek.com, so it’s time to start thinking of what you want to try (and book it immediately!).  Spa Week is not just about getting a deal on your average massages and facials. Rather, it’s a time to have a spa adventure, to try a cool, new treatment or experience the invigorating benefits of the wonderful wellness lifestyle.

To help you navigate through all the options, the fabulous team behind Spa Week put together a list of this year’s must-try spa trends. From Watsu and Vichy Showers to Cupping and Gua Sha, check out their roundup of what’s hot for Fall 2011. [continue reading…]

ANM Fragrance Review: Boyfriend by Kate Walsh post image

A little while back, I was invited to meet with actress Kate Walsh to learn about her new fragrance, Boyfriend. While I usually pass on anything fragrance-related (especially if it’s a celebrity fragrance, eye roll), my curiosity was sparked by the interesting name of this perfume and the idea behind it. After meeting with Kate,  my skepticism was fully squashed, first by her infectious enthusiasm and high level of hands-on involvement in the brand, and more importantly by how amazing (and creative) the scent is!

Following a breakup, Kate found herself missing her former flame’s scent as well as that warm and fuzzy boyfriend feeling. With the sudden flip of a metaphorical light bulb, the idea for a perfume that encapsulated that feeling was born.  “So many women I know wear men’s fragrances, and what really appealed to me was the idea of the boyfriend story. Everyone has one,” Kate explains.

Fast forward a few years and from that epiphany, a delicious fragrance that strikes the perfect balance of masculine and feminine came to be. [continue reading…]

Quick Fixes for a Bad Hair Day post image

Quick Fixes for a Bad Hair Day


Waking up with beyond-repair bad hair is the absolute worst! Especially when you’re pressed for time and don’t have time to wash it or futz around with a flatiron.

The best solution for this dreaded situation is a quick and easy ‘do that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum chic-ness. Read on for three super simple styles to try and product solutions to solve any hair issue in a flash. [continue reading…]

ANM Beauty Review: Uplight from MAKE UP FOR EVER post image

Is there anything us galls crave more in this world than gorgeous skin? I think not!

We all know the tried and true secrets for a naturally radiant complexion: drink lots of water, get eight hours of sleep, stay out of the sun, blah blah blah. And while all that definitely helps, sometimes you just want a quick and easy fix to help you fake it ‘ til you make it. Is glowing skin on-the-go too much for ask for?

Turns out it isn’t! I was tickled when I received a sample of Uplight from MAKE UP FOR EVER ($29)—firstly because it’s always fun to try out new beauty products but more importantly because it gave my lackluster complexion the pick-me-up of a lifetime!

[continue reading…]

ANM Beauty Review: L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Collection post image

I was extremely delighted one evening when I came home to a package containing the new L’Oreal Paris Youth Code collection. Getting free beauty products to try is always exciting but this arrival was even more fortuitous because I was at a point where I was increasingly frustrated by the expensive high-end skincare products I was relying on.

I was being as diligent as ever with my routine but they just weren’t working in the same way. My skin felt dry no matter how much moisturizer I slathered on and I was noticing several other unsettling changes. I had always heard that it all goes downhill after 25 (thanks mom!) and as I move further and further past the quarter century mark, I’ve discovered that this crude cautionary scare tactic has a lot of truth to it. I was seeing fine lines under my eyes, and the faint forming of parentheses around my mouth and visible pores! Some said I was being crazy, but that is just what you’re supposed to say to make someone feel better about the inevitable.

But I digress. So immediately after opening the box I reached for the day/night cream, applied just a touch to my face and watched as my skin instantly turned to velvet. Right then and there I knew I was onto something. I never cut myself off from all products to the exclusion of one, it’s just too hard as a beauty writer with so many amazing new products coming your way all the time. However, I was really curious to see how much of  an improvement these products alone would produce. It’s all in the name of research!

Read on for the results

[continue reading…]

4 Weeks to a Sexier You post image

4 Weeks to a Sexier You


It’s not the shoes, or the lipstick, or even the curve-hugging sky high miniskirt–confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have on. Confidence is what makes people turn their heads and take notice when you walk by, what gets you that promotion and what gives you the strength to manage each busy and stressful day without breaking a sweat. The most powerful sort of confidence is sexual confidence, which can empower you like no other.

Here to help women in the quest for sexual confidence is lifestyle expert and Booty Parlor creator Dana B. Meyers with her new book, The Official Booty Parlor Mojo Makeover. In the book, she provides 30 day program designed to make women, whether they’re single or coupled up, feel happier, sexier and more fulfilled.

Read on for a quick taste of how you can become more sexually confident in 4 weeks. [continue reading…]

Re-create the Hottest Golden Globes Hairstyles post image

While I love the parade of gorgeous gowns that comes with every awards show season, I have to say that I am a lot more into the beauty looks these days. While most, okay probably all, of us will never be able to afford a hand-crafted couture gown, we can all replicate the stunning hairstyles that helped make the entire look all the more spectacular.

This year, romantic waves, elegant updos and curly styles dominated on the red carpet at the Golden Globes and to help you add some more glam into your life this season, Pureology PureArtist April Webster provided easy steps to recreate these stunning looks on your own.

[continue reading…]

Winter Beauty Essentials post image

Winter Beauty Essentials


As the winter months are in full swing and the air is getting colder by the hour, our skin begs to be rescued from the brisk, dry air. To help you put your best face forward during these highly unpleasant months, we’ve tested countless products and rounded up our favorites.

Read on to see what made the cut. [continue reading…]

Heat Wave: Top Tools for Your Tresses post image

With endless options for hair care and hair styling on the market, some products really shine (and make your hair do too) while others don’t come close to delivering the amazing results they promise. Whether you’re a beginner or a near-professional, these tools and products are great additions to any girl’s vanity.

Below are some key categories to ensure your locks are sleek, shiny and that they stay put! [continue reading…]

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