The Shining Stars (aka, What Worked For Us)

Avon’s Lotus Shield: Avon’s first anti-frizz product quickly became a favorite of magazine editors everywhere for its uncanny ability to deliver what it promised. The key to the Lotus Shield? Building a waterproof layer on your hair that helps repel moisture and protect against humidity. We love how it made our hair look fabulous!

Carousel Strands Straight Away Pro Cordless Flat Iron: When BeautyStat.com tested this revolutionary portable, cordless flat iron, we were amazed by its easy use and ability to remember your preferred heat settings. Easy and convenient hair styling for the on-the-go girl? We could get used to that!

TRESemmé Fresh Start Line: Dry shampoo has long been a busy gal’s best friend. Let’s be honest, ladies, anything that gets your second-day hair an extra boost is a miracle in our books! TRESemmé’s new Fresh Start line introduced a fabulous new dry shampoo, a no-frizz crème, a refreshing mist, and a waterless foam shampoo. Even better? All the products are formulated with Mineral Clay to eliminate odor and remove buildup.

A Trend Towards Healthier Hair: Sulfate-Free and Organic Hair Care Reign Supreme: As makeup companies have started to make healthier products a priority—think paraben-free products and organic materials—hair care companies have started to jump on the bandwagon too. Sulfate-free and organic hair products that are better for you and your hair have been popping up right and left on the shelves of your favorite store. Notable products? L’Oreal Paris’ Hair Expertise Everstrong Shampoo.

TouchBack Gray Markers: There were so many hair coloring innovations in 2010, but none we loved quite as much as the genius “felt-tip” marker temporary hair color fix, TouchBack. Not surprisingly, the winner of several prestigious beauty awards, this elegant portable marker comes in various shades and gives your hair color a temporary “touch up” (the color washes away with shampooing). In this era of pricey salon coloring options, this is a Mensa Award winner.

The Products and Trends We Didn’t Quite Love So Much…

The Brazilian Blowout: Ever heard the phrase “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”? Well, my hair-obsessed friends, the Brazilian Blowout—once the darling of the hair care world—has fallen victim to this age-old adage.

In case you’ve been too busy perfecting your hairdo (hey, we won’t judge!) to read up on this controversy, the Brazilian Blowout once promised smooth, frizz-free, straight hair. Sound good? Yep, we thought so, too. But what sounded even better was the promise of a formaldehyde-free treatment to keep our hair and our bodies healthy.

Well, sooner than not it was revealed that the Brazilian Blowout did indeed contain traces of the dangerous formaldehyde. And so, the honeymoon was over. Lesson to be learned, ladies? Think before you try the “newest, hottest” thing to hit hair care.

The Plain O’le Tacky

Bumpits: Ever since pint-sized Snooki and her out-of-this-world pouf hit the Jersey Shore, we’ve been questioning our feelings about the return of big hair. While bigger can be better, it can also be tacky when done the wrong way. With the Jersey Shore hotter than ever, poufs popped up everywhere this year, including all over store shelves and online shopping carts for the Halloween season. After so much hair, we’re sort of over it, though.

Do you have a hair product you think we missed? Share it with us and we will do our best to expand the selections. Hope you have a great hair day in 2011!

- Chrissy Callahan

If you like this post, give it a LIKE on Facebook and share it with your friends

Jessica Biel has been in a relationship with Justin Timberlake for almost four years, but she seems to lack a commitment with a hair color. Mid-summer she began sporting the ombre trend, along with other celebs like Ashlee Simpson and Rachel Bilson. Ombre is when the locks transition from dark at the roots to lighter on the ends. Anything looks stunning on Jessica, but she sparkled with this look and her locks looked super shiny and healthy. In October she broke up with the ombre hair trend and debuted a rich chocolate look. The brunette color makes her eyes pop: if I had to pick, I love the ombre look on her better.

Oh Lady Gaga, where do I begin? On September 12th, 2010 Lady Gaga walked to accept her MTV award in a Franc Fernandez meat dress. It looked like Lady Gaga stopped at a restaurant prior to the awards and borrowed some meat from the freezer. Ellen DeGeneres interviewed Lady Gaga after the meat spectacular and she had this to say, “Well, it is certainly no disrespect to anyone that is vegan or vegetarian. As you know, I am the most judgment-free human being on the earth,” said Gaga. “However, it has many interpretations but for me this evening. If we don’t stand up for what we believe in and if we don’t fight for our rights, pretty soon we’re going to have as much rights as the meat on our own bones. And, I am not a piece of meat.” I cannot wear real fur so I cannot imagine wearing raw animal flesh on my bare skin. It is one thing to want to make a point but I found this repulsive. Hopefully meat dresses are not going to be a trend.

Is that Sandra Bullock or is that the Oscar trophy? Words cannot describe how stunning Sandra Bullock looks in this Marchesa gown. The silhouette accentuates Sandra’s curves and the light gold color sparkles against her milky white skin. Sandra looks like a dream in this dress, shining like a true star. I did not even start on the exquisite detailed embroidery on the bodice. The beading on the dress is vintage and keeps me wondering how long it took to make. Sandra’s look is clean and simple – her hair is old Hollywood, slicked behind her ears and draped over her shoulders. Keeping with the old Hollywood trend Sandra’s eyes are lined with liquid black liner and she adds a pop of color with fuschia lips.

As the days go by Taylor Momsen’s eyeliner gets thicker and her clothes get skimpier. By the time we are ringing in the New Year, she may have a full face covered in black and be walking around naked. I have said this before — when it comes to make-up less is more and when is comes to clothing leave something to the imagination. She is 17 years old and walking around baring everything. Taylor blames her “lack of childhood” and parents for her bad behavior and harsh look. She is such a beautiful girl, but she is hiding behind all that make-up.

From fire red to towhead blonde, Emma Stone has returned to her roots – literally. When she first moved out to L.A., to be taken seriously, she dyed her blonde tresses to a dark brown. When she landed her role in “Superbad” producer, Judd Apatow said to dye her hair red. She has been a red head ever since – well until now. Emma dyed her hair back to blonde for her role as Gwen Stacy in the Spider-Man prequel. She reminds me of a young, gorgeous Jane Fonda. Blunt bangs, blond hair and eyeliner exaggerating her top lash line. Her line is dramatic and extends making the perfect cat eye. I love Emma Stone blonde, she looks beyond sexy. She was beautiful as a redhead but the blonde gives her an extra Va Va Voom. What do you think?

One of the biggest transformations of 2010 is Kelly Osbourne. This month, she graced the cover of Shape Magazine baring her new body. She has done a complete 180 inside and out. She went from an insecure girl addicted to Vicodin and food to a vibrant young woman. Kelly has learned to embrace fashion and is not scared to try something new. Her style borders classic and chic — pairing a little black with an eccentric piece. Kelly keeps heads turning and it is always a pleasure to see what she is going to show up wearing. Kelly is not your “average girl,” she does not follow trends she sets trends. Kelly can be seen adding her fashion/style opinion on E! Fashion Police.

Another 2010 MTV Video Music Award eye sore was Ke$ha. Ke$ha’s chose of fabric was neither silk nor satin — it was plastic compound. Last time I checked, a trash bag was for garbage. The disaster did not end there – fur around her shoulders attached to beads, Rapunzel-esque hair and make-up smeared across her face and body. There is so much going on with this one outfit that I seem to go cross-eyed looking at her. Celebrities like Ke$ha want attention and she is doing a great job of getting it. I guess any press is good press for her.

Emma Stone may have gone blonde, but Rihanna is stealing the show as a redhead. Rihanna is not afraid to experiment with hair color and cut. She uses her hair as an expression of herself and an accessory. She has had every hair color under the sun and for the past few months has been sporting a vibrant, fire engine red. Not going to lie, I am kind of on the fence about this. The length of her hair is what makes me love it or hate it. Rihanna is no doubt a beautiful girl and has the perfect face for short hair. When her hair is blood red and cropped short, I am in love. I am not a fan of her hair long and red though.

Joining Ashlee Simpson in the pixie cut trend is the adorable Emma Watson. Us girls love our liberation and usually commemorate it with doing something crazy. She was committed to keeping her dirty blonde locks long for the Harry Potter movies. When the final movie wrapped and after thinking about cutting her hair for a fairly long time she went to the salon with a picture of Mia Farrow. Emma Watson’s pixie cut has drummed up quite some press, something she did not expect. With seeing pictures of her everywhere I look, I am contemplating the pixie as well.

The future princess of England, Kate Middleton, wowed the world in a stunning sapphire dress made by Issa London when announcing her engagement to Prince William. The dress was understated and elegant. Kate is no stranger to fashion opting for a practical, girly look. Kate is always dressed to perfection but I guess that is expected from a future princess. A week before her engagement announcement she wore another blue stunner. She seems to love the color blue and the color blue loves her. I like to think of Kate’s style as office appropriate with an added edge.

White is the lack of color and Kate Hudson was all about “lack” in 2010. Kate fumbled when it came to her dress for the Golden globes, but redeemed herself tremendously at the SAG awards. Donning a stunning white Emilio Pucci dress Kate made jaws drop. The form fitting dress draped effortlessly on Kate’s body. The highlight of the dress was an open back with a silver tassel hanging and silver embroidery detail on the small of her back. Besides her back, the rest of Kate’s body is covered. I think the sexiest part of a woman is her back, so if it is appropriate and you are comfortable wearing a back bearing shirt or dress – do it! Her hair and make-up was kept simple because her dress did all of the talking.

Straight hair and a nude lip, that couldn’t be Taylor Swift! I had to do a double take when I saw Taylor Swift at the 2010 American Music Awards. It was hard enough to recognize her without her red stained pout, but her curly tresses were replaced by sleek and straight hair. It is rare that we see Taylor with straight hair. Taylor Swift ditched the girl next door look and possessed a sexual look. Maybe it has to do with her 21st birthday or the fact that she is dating an older man. Although she made some changes to her look, her eye make-up rarely changes – black on the lower and upper lash line. I absolutely love the new chic Taylor but maybe next time she can try some color on her lids.

Unfortunately Zoe Saldana missed the memo that she was going to Oscars and not trying out for a Flamingo Dance Group. Zoe usually steals my heart at red carpet events she broke it this time. As always her hair is well groomed and swept off her face and her make-up is a neutral smokey eye. As I move from head to toe I anticipate to be blown away by a beautiful dress. Givenchy – wow me! Love the sequins on the bodice and even the waistline, but as my eyes slowly move down I have to cock my head to the side to make sure what I am seeing is for real. It looks like she stapled piñatas to the bottom of the dress. My excitement turned to disappointment in the blink of an eye.

After playing the Manolo Blahnik loving Carrie Bradshaw for over a decade it is no surprise that Sarah Jessica Parker is a fashionista in her own right. When she showed up to the Sex and the City 2 premiere wearing a lemon colored Valentino dress, she left spectators breathless. She looked like she had just stepped off a beach in Malibu, looking refreshed and absolutely radiant. When wearing such a bright color you have to be careful that the color does not wash you out. SJP did a fantastic job, and the dress only helps her glow. The asymmetrical top slips some skin and bares her beautifully toned arms. One thing I am not a fan of is the asymmetrical bottom.

Natalie Portman is a stunner and exudes effortless beauty; it was no different when she showed up wearing a Dior gown to the NYC “Black Swan” premiere. Natalie’s Dior dress was simple black and off the shoulders, revealing Natalie’s décolleté. She was soft and sexy with tousled hair. My favorite part of Natalie’s ensemble was her make-up. She pushed the envelope wearing both a bold eye and bold lip. Natalie’s eyes were sultry, peering through luscious lashes. Makeup artist Jeanine Lobell created the vibrant lip color by layering two shades of Rouge Dior Lipcolor in Zinnia Red #743 and Fantastic Plum #874. It is a great idea to mix two colors to achieve the look you want. I think this was a beautiful change from Natalie’s traditional natural look.

Not only does Miley Cyrus not act her own age, but she also does not dress her own age. Miley wore a cleavage bearing Jenny Peckham strapless dress to the 2010 Oscars. As Miley floated across the red carpet it looked the dress was slowly falling down. The skirt of the dress was dazzling but the bodice looked like she was wearing a corset from Victoria’s Secret. Miley needs to learn to be a teen and that dressing up does not have to involve showing skin. Not only was the dress lacking but her hair looked like it was thrown up and her bracelet blended into her dress. I guess there is still time for Miley to get it together.

I had to do a double take when I saw Anne Hathaway in this Valentino Couture dress, I could not decide if I loved it or hated it. I put the picture down and after returning to it I decided I absolutely love it. Anne is a beauty and never misses the mark when it comes to fashion; I think special thanks can go to Rachel Zoe. Anne looks like a Parisian goddess in this dress. I think what is throwing me off is her choice of bag; I would have opted for a little color, rather than the muted tan clutch. Make-up artist Kate Lee worked Anne’s lashes out and stuck to a neutral palette. I am sure she felt if she did anything too dramatic it would have made the dress look off-balanced. All around Anne’s look is airy and beautiful.

“Put a fork in it, it is done.” What I am referring to is the marriage between Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johannson. Hollywood couples seem to be diminishing by the day and we can now file Ryan and Scarlett into the newly single category.

Ryan and Scarlett released a statement, December 14, through their rep, “After long and careful consideration on both our parts, we’ve decided to end our marriage. We entered our relationship with love and it’s with love and kindness we leave it. While privacy isn’t expected, it’s certainly appreciated.” It had been speculated that the couple have actually been separated for quite some time. The hardships of being apart from each other seem to take a toll on the relationship. Ryan and Scarlett began dating in 2007 after his split from singer, Alanis Morrisette. Shortly after their courtship they announced their engagement in May of 2008, and wed September 27, 2008.

I am truly saddened by this news for they seemed like a low-key, private couple. Looking at pictures of the two of them together you can see they truly loved each other. Unfortunately, this is Hollywood and everyone is always onto the next one.

Tell us what you think of this Year in Review…were there any celebrities we missed? Which were your hits or misses?

- Nicole Iannitti, EyeLoveCosmetics.com

If you like this post, give it a LIKE on Facebook and share it with your friends

Today has been America’s biggest shopping day since 1966, and chances are you’re likely clicking the shopping carts on cyber deals instead of reading this post (if so, good for you!). We need people like you to contribute to the nation’s GDP and retail sales, for sure. This year, in addition to Black Friday, beauty junkies can participate in sweeter than brown sugar Cyber Monday deals (yes, BeautyStat.com will be reporting on those too…stay tuned!).

So, curious to know what beauty items are actually flying off the shelves? According to Gina, the sales manager from the Sephora store in Cambridge, MA, the Endless Color Blockbuster palette ($49 for a $435 value) is as popular this year as ever before. With over 98 eye shadows, 70 lip glosses, 6 creamy eye liners, 2 lip liners, mascara and several applicators, this palette is the color equivalent to getting the entire rainbow in one stash.

But a few people we interviewed are admittedly skeptical about the Black Friday tradition. “I do Cyber Mondays instead,” says one shopper, who also admits to leafing through the coupon booklet for Black Friday deals. “But I can’t brave the crowds.”

For people who like the euphoria of a stampede and the excitement of crowds (in the style of a Superbowl game or Major League Baseball), then Black Friday really might be the day of credit card emancipation they’ve been waiting for. Let’s face it, retail therapy is so part of our country that it’s practically Constitutional. Abe Lincoln would have been proud to see how Americans are propping  up the economy, right?

Tell us, what beauty goodies are you hauling home today and on Cyber Monday?

- Charu Suri

If you like this post, give it a LIKE on Facebook and share it with your friends

Rihanna: Ruling the Roost with Curly Red Hair

As soon as we saw her in the Elie Saab dress (hello Halle Berry gown from the Oscars 2002?), we knew the redhead had won our vote for being best dressed and most stylish. And of course she sported those emerald green eye shadow to play up her mischievous eyes, because…that’s her thing, gals.

Sheryl Crow: Fierce eye, and Flawless skin

Clarins’ celebrity makeup artist, Patti Dubroff, created the makeup for Crow using Clarins’ Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch and Instant Smooth Foundation, Black Eyeliner Pencil, and the Clarins Eyeshadow Quartet in Forest. She used the Rouge Prodige lipstick in Rosewood to finish the look, with a touch of Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Coral Shimmer to finish the look.

Katy Perry: OWNS the bold black eyeliner and Bronze Shadow

What else would Katy Perry (aka “Kitty Purry”) wear other than a hot red “cat suit”? Katy paired the look with bold black eyeliner and bronze shadow, along with pale pink lips, for a purr-rific touch.

Taylor Swift: Straight Hair Stunner

Taylor Swift stunned the crowd with straight hair and smoking black rimmed winged eyeliner and peachy lips. This girl is going to be a heartbreaker someday. Doesn’t this look remind so much of Angelina Jolie?

Avril Lavigne: Rocking the Raspberry Lip

Singer Avril Lavigne followed Taylor’s queue with her own black rimmed smoky eye and a raspberry lip, adding a personal touch with pink streaks in her hair. Playful, fun, and ultra heavy rock glam!

Play “Rock Star” on your own and copy some of these looks by rimming eyes with a black or steel gray liner. One to try? Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Eyes Eyeliner in #10 a deep rich black, or try #21L a soft, smooth steal gray. Both are waterproof and will last all day or well into the night.

-Elaine Hamilton & Charu Suri

If you like this post, give it a LIKE on Facebook and share it with your friends

Katy Perry

Looks like she WORE her ticket to the show (Russell Brand likely has the other ripped half). The girl who won the best music video for California Girls rocks a chic ponytail and glossy lips. We love her award-worthy brows!

Taylor Momsen

Momsen tends to channel a dark, smokey eyes a la Cher. Sure, the Vampyra look is normally appropriate for Halloween? But we cannot argue with her defined sense of style.

Eva Longoria

Always elegant and effortless, this actress downplayed her lips with a nude shade, and highlighted her rock-star eyes. Her bronze skin serves as a healthy foil to the dress (who knew she was so leggy?)

Rihanna’s Love Affair with a Pink Lip

Have you noticed how our “Umbrella” girl has been sporting more pink lippies lately? And perhaps she’s succumbed to the Mad Men trend of RED HAIR?

Shakira

Shaken, not stirred, Shakira looks lovely with flowing tresses. We love her seemingly effortless do.

Tell us, which celeb’s look would you like to rock on a night about town?

- Charu Suri

If you like this post, then give it a LIKE and share with your friends on Facebook

WOTY 2010 Nail Lacquer

OPI Edinburgundy

The polish retails for $6.50 and $3 from every bottle sold will go towards the philanthropic work of the winner (this year, the honoree is Dr. Abdi, a 63-year-old OB-GYN, and her two doctor daughters who provide food and care on her family’s land outside Mogadishu to approximately 90,000 Somalis displaced by that country’s violence).

The nail lacquer is available exclusively on shopglamour.com.

We love the dark, burgundy tones of this lacquer, which reminds us of OPI’s Edin-burgundy shade.

Show your support and love for the cause by purchasing a bottle, and tell us if you love this deep, dark almost true blood red.

- Charu Suri

If you like this post, give it a LIKE on Facebook and share it with your friends

As we expected, Makeup Forever’s new waterproof Aqua Creams stole the show. These are versatile WATERPROOF colors that are so multipurpose that they’ll transform your entire face single handedly. We’re talking color for the eyes, lips and cheeks!

The pigments are so rich that pros and consumers alike will love these smudge proof and tear-proof colors that won’t crease or run. The formula contains evaporating oils that make the pigments really adhere to the skin. We love that it comes in 21 shades. Shown above is the shade #21 for eyes and cheeks.

Three Custom Color debuted their Getaway Collection of lipsticks in a brand new formula that lasts and yet is highly emollient. Formulated and fortified with vitamins and oils, these lipsticks moisturize yet provide rich color. The shades evoke the tropics: Bora Bora is a vivid fuchsia, Santorini is a rich raspberry with a silver shimmer, Copacabana is a bold coral with gold shimmer, Majorca is a warm paprika with a soft bronze shimmer while St. Tropez is a sandy peach-beige with champagne shimmer. The Getaway Collection will debut in June at www.threecustom.com

Our favorite airbrush foundation has long since been Temptu Pro. The brand is launching new blush colors for summer that is inspired by nature in bloom and by fruits and flowers. The shades include Nectar, Peony, Guava and Raspberry.

Other brands that debuted at the show include our favorite lip tars by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics , versatile eyeshadow pigments by Dinair Cosmetics and body art by Mehron.

- Charu Suri

The mochas and browns in the Clarins Instant Sunlight Makeup Eyeshadow Palette have summer spice written all over them:

The collection also has a Smoothing Luminating Compact in Natural and Bronze:

There are three Click & Gloss Lip Glazes in Vanilla, Coral & Cinnamon:

There are three limited edition Crystal Balm Smoothing Lipsticks in Crystal Coral, Crystal & Crystal Red:

The collection also houses a superb, Limited Editon Wonder Waterproof Mascara in Violet:

- Charu Suri

The Guerlain Meterorites Perles Makeup collection houses the colorful makeup pearls in a rose-motif silver box. They come in three shades:

1. Rose Tint

2. Beige Tint

3. Gold Tint

The Eyeshadow Palette is all beiges, roses and brown tints. Called Ombres Perles, it features a white rose embossed pattern on two of the four eyeshadow pans.

The collection will also showcase two new wicked Kiss Kiss Baby lipsticks, in Cherry and Summer shades:

There will be four single color eye shadows on offer:

As well as a limited edition Powder Brush:

Would I buy this collection on first glance? I’d skip the meteorites, frankly, because I do think the originals were great to begin with. I love the Meteorites Miniatures and the original Meteorites box that was inspired by Marie Antoinette’s jewelry box. Remember, there already exists the Meteorites in the Mythic (for a translucent glow); Pink Fresh (for a rosy glow); Beige Chic (golden glow); and Perles Imperiales (pearly pink glow). The brush also is not new, so I’d skip that as well.

The only thing I would buy from this collection are the Ombres Perles eyeshadow, because I do love this mocha-rose thing that’s going on, and maybe the Kiss Kiss Baby lipsticks.

- Charu Suri

Source

The shades sound great and look glinty:

Zoya Flash Collection (Six Cream Shades)

I’m digging the shades Dana and Jancyn.

Robyn (ZP513) – perfect turquoise cream
Perrie (ZP514) – soft lavender cream
Dana (ZP515) – american rose cream
Jolene (ZP516) – summer pink cream
Maura (ZP517) – electric crimson cream
Jancyn (ZP518) – soft tangerine cream

Zoya Sparkle Collection (Six Sparkling Metallic Shades).

I’m digging the shades Mimi and Ivanka.

Ivanka (ZP507) – mermaid green sparkling metallic
Charla (ZP508) – tropical blue sparkling metallic
Mimi (ZP509) – royal purple sparkling metallic
Alegra (ZP510) – fuchsia pink sparkling metallic
Nidhi (ZP511) – rich red sparkling metallic
Gilda (ZP512) – fashion pink sparkling metallic

What shades are you dying to try?