In the dark category of annoying things (like chipped polish and snagged tights), running eye makeup tops the list. We asked makeup artist Tim Quinn how to avoid this cosmetic pitfall once and for all—here are his tips.

1.    Don’t Over-Moisturize

Excess moisturizer will cause your makeup to smudge, so don’t over-do the cream around your eye area right before applying makeup.

2.  Consider Waterproof

“I like using waterproof shadows and pencils. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows are terrific,” says Quinn. For waterproof liner, we’re currently loving Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

3.    Powder Up

“After applying liner on your upper lid, go over with a translucent powder using a fine liner brush. As for lower lashes, I use a sheer pressed powder along the lash line before and after applying liner,” Quinn suggests. Here at Team MDC, we like Make Up Forever HD Micro Finish Powder.

Have any tips of your own? Fill us in below.

Photos: Thinkstock

Humidity, that heart-wrenching YouTube video, an Adele song that hits too close to home—these are all culprits in one thing: ruining your eye makeup.

In the dark category of annoying things (like chipped polish and snagged tights), running eye makeup tops the list. We asked makeup artist Tim Quinn how to avoid this cosmetic pitfall once and for all—here are his tips.

1.    Don’t Over-Moisturize

Excess moisturizer will cause your makeup to smudge, so don’t over-do the cream around your eye area right before applying makeup.

2.  Consider Waterproof

“I like using waterproof shadows and pencils. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadows are terrific,” says Quinn. For waterproof liner, we’re currently loving Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.

3.    Powder Up

“After applying liner on your upper lid, go over with a translucent powder using a fine liner brush. As for lower lashes, I use a sheer pressed powder along the lash line before and after applying liner,” Quinn suggests. Here at Team MDC, we like Make Up Forever HD Micro Finish Powder.

Have any tips of your own? Fill us in below.

Photos: Thinkstock

Handle Humidity

Beachy waves are beautiful, but unfortunately they usually come with a side of frizz. To embrace the texture, but ditch the frizz, spritz a styling spray in your strands before you leave the shore. Two of our favorites are L’Oréal EverStyle Texture Series Beach Spray and Alterna Summer Hair Ocean Waves Texturizing Spray.

If you need a little more help combating humidity, try this idea from hairstylist Nathan Rosenkranz: Have a colorful silk scarf on hand. Pull your hair loosely back into a ponytail and wrap the scarf like a headband around your hair leaving the length of the scarf by the ponytail. Next, do a loose traditional three strand braid using the scarf as one of the strands.

Ditch Shine

Sunscreen and hot rays can leave your skin greasy. To combat the shine, dust on a light, translucent powder, like Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil or Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder.

Add Color

Finally, to take your look from beach to party, add a pinch of color to your cheeks and lips. Makeup artist Josephine K. recommends using 2-in-1 lip and cheek colors in cream sticks or stains because they usually come in shades that play well together on the face. To limit the amount of product you’re lugging around, opt for a universally flattering tint such as The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain in Rose Pink or NARS Multiple in Palm Beach.

What are your favorite seaside products? Fill us in with a comment below!

Photos: Thinkstock, The Body Shop, L’Oréal, Maybelline

From June weddings, to pool parties, to rooftop soirées, we know how quickly your summer agenda fills up. While we’ve got no complaints about being in demand, sometimes it’s tough to run from one setting to the next with your makeup intact. If you find yourself hopping from beach to BBQ this summer, here’s how to transition your look in just three quick steps. 

Handle Humidity

Beachy waves are beautiful, but unfortunately they usually come with a side of frizz. To embrace the texture, but ditch the frizz, spritz a styling spray in your strands before you leave the shore. Two of our favorites are L’Oréal EverStyle Texture Series Beach Spray and Alterna Summer Hair Ocean Waves Texturizing Spray.

If you need a little more help combating humidity, try this idea from hairstylist Nathan Rosenkranz: Have a colorful silk scarf on hand. Pull your hair loosely back into a ponytail and wrap the scarf like a headband around your hair leaving the length of the scarf by the ponytail. Next, do a loose traditional three strand braid using the scarf as one of the strands.

Ditch Shine

Sunscreen and hot rays can leave your skin greasy. To combat the shine, dust on a light, translucent powder, like Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil or Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder.

Add Color

Finally, to take your look from beach to party, add a pinch of color to your cheeks and lips. Makeup artist Josephine K. recommends using 2-in-1 lip and cheek colors in cream sticks or stains because they usually come in shades that play well together on the face. To limit the amount of product you’re lugging around, opt for a universally flattering tint such as The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain in Rose Pink or NARS Multiple in Palm Beach.

What are your favorite seaside products? Fill us in with a comment below!

Photos: Thinkstock, The Body Shop, L’Oréal, Maybelline

Try as you might, there are some things that just never seem to go away… that spot on your favorite blouse, those emails you swear you unsubscribed from months ago, and the worst of the worst—acne scars. It’s hard not to give up on those little marks that get in the way of your light-makeup days and send you searching for the right concealer over and over again. But at MDC we can just as stubborn as our spots, and we’re not giving up—we’re getting help! We asked celebrity makeup artist Melissa Walsh to show us exactly how she conceals troublesome acne scars.

Give it a smooth start…

As with any makeup application, you want to create a good base. No concealer is going to stick to flaky skin, so start by gently exfoliating your face. Next Walsh recommends using a brightening moisturizer, such as Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion, to help with redness. Now that you’ve got a bright and flake-free base, you’re ready to cover up with makeup.

Build it up and blend…

The key to concealing acne scars is in the combination of products and tools you use. “Use a foundation all over, but nothing heavy or thick as these can cake and make marks more obvious,” says Walsh. “Blend well using a brush or sponge.” We love Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation for a cake-free complexion-perfector that’s not too heavy. Then for a seamless foundation application, we use a BeautyBlender sponge. The egg-shape allows you to reach every angle. “Then using a fine-tipped concealer brush, dot a highly pigmented liquid concealer over the marks,” instructs Walsh. Liquid concealers, like Lancôme Maquicomplet, offer the most coverage. You only need a small amount, but when applied a precise fine-tipped concealer brush, you can make your spots disappear.

Set and go…

Once you’ve concealed to your heart’s content, the final step is to set it in place. Follow Walsh’s advice and “finish by lightly dusting a very fine face powder all over to set the coverage and give the face a flawless finish.” Try Two Faced Primed and Poreless Loose Powder or Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil Translucent Loose Powder applied with a full, natural-bristle brush.

What other techniques do you need expert advice on? Leave your requests in the comments!

Photos: Thinkstock, Giorgio Armani, Too Faced, Lancome, Laura Mercier, Beautyblender

Try as you might, there are some things that just never seem to go away… that spot on your favorite blouse, those emails you swear you unsubscribed from months ago, and the worst of the worst—acne scars. It’s hard not to give up on those little marks that get in the way of your light-makeup days and send you searching for the right concealer over and over again. But at MDC we can just as stubborn as our spots, and we’re not giving up—we’re getting help! We asked celebrity makeup artist Melissa Walsh to show us exactly how she conceals troublesome acne scars.

Give it a smooth start…

As with any makeup application, you want to create a good base. No concealer is going to stick to flaky skin, so start by gently exfoliating your face. Next Walsh recommends using a brightening moisturizer, such as Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion, to help with redness. Now that you’ve got a bright and flake-free base, you’re ready to cover up with makeup.

Build it up and blend…

The key to concealing acne scars is in the combination of products and tools you use. “Use a foundation all over, but nothing heavy or thick as these can cake and make marks more obvious,” says Walsh. “Blend well using a brush or sponge.” We love Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation for a cake-free complexion-perfector that’s not too heavy. Then for a seamless foundation application, we use a BeautyBlender sponge. The egg-shape allows you to reach every angle. “Then using a fine-tipped concealer brush, dot a highly pigmented liquid concealer over the marks,” instructs Walsh. Liquid concealers, like Lancôme Maquicomplet, offer the most coverage. You only need a small amount, but when applied a precise fine-tipped concealer brush, you can make your spots disappear.

Set and go…

Once you’ve concealed to your heart’s content, the final step is to set it in place. Follow Walsh’s advice and “finish by lightly dusting a very fine face powder all over to set the coverage and give the face a flawless finish.” Try Two Faced Primed and Poreless Loose Powder or Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil Translucent Loose Powder applied with a full, natural-bristle brush.

What other techniques do you need expert advice on? Leave your requests in the comments!

Photos: Thinkstock, Giorgio Armani, Too Faced, Lancome, Laura Mercier, Beautyblender

Sweet

A soft peach color, like RGB Nail Color in Punch, is a refreshing departure from your standard pinks and nudes. We also happen to adore the combination of peach and gold together. For a fancy French mani, grab your favorite gold nail polish (we opted for essie Good as Gold) and add metallic tips. We did ours freehand, but if you’re feeling unsteady, lay down a piece of tape before the gold polish.

Chic

Of course you wouldn’t want a full-on glitter manicure to compete with the stunner you’re sporting. Instead, try coupling nude nails with a shimmery accent finger for the perfect compromise of subtle and sparkle. We used essie Sand Tropez and topped it off with two coats of essie Luxeffects Pure Pearlfection on the ring finger.

Timeless

A pale pink wedding day manicure will never go out of style. The look is simple yet sophisticated—plus the color camouflages chips quite nicely in the event the day gets a little crazy. We found a soft color that’s not too sheer (OPI Nail Lacquer in Don’t Burst My Bubble) and layered three coats to achieve pink perfection.

Which one of our must-see wedding day manicures is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

You’ve picked out the hair, the makeup, the dress, and the shoes…but what about the manicure!? A touch a shimmer here, a fresh twist on the classic French there—our must-see bridal manicures are far from boring. Even if a wedding isn’t in your near future, you’re sure to fall head over heels for these simply chic looks.

Sweet

A soft peach color, like RGB Nail Color in Punch, is a refreshing departure from your standard pinks and nudes. We also happen to adore the combination of peach and gold together. For a fancy French mani, grab your favorite gold nail polish (we opted for essie Good as Gold) and add metallic tips. We did ours freehand, but if you’re feeling unsteady, lay down a piece of tape before the gold polish.

Chic

Of course you wouldn’t want a full-on glitter manicure to compete with the stunner you’re sporting. Instead, try coupling nude nails with a shimmery accent finger for the perfect compromise of subtle and sparkle. We used essie Sand Tropez and topped it off with two coats of essie Luxeffects Pure Pearlfection on the ring finger.

Timeless

A pale pink wedding day manicure will never go out of style. The look is simple yet sophisticated—plus the color camouflages chips quite nicely in the event the day gets a little crazy. We found a soft color that’s not too sheer (OPI Nail Lacquer in Don’t Burst My Bubble) and layered three coats to achieve pink perfection.

Which one of our must-see wedding day manicures is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

Sideswept Braid 

As seen on the Valentino runway, this feminine and polished side braid is perfect for the office or the weekend (you know were our minds are).

Get the Look

1. Apply a heat protecting styling lotion like Redken Satinwear 02 to damp hair and blow-dry straight with a boar bristle brush.

2. Create a clean center part and use a fine tooth comb to brush hair to one side.

3. Tuck the side of the hair you will braid behind the ear. To make your strands silky, rub a small amount of smoothing lotion, like Kérastase Cristalliste Lumiére Liquide into your hands as you start to braid. Begin a few inches down from the neck, keeping your wrists and elbows low as you go.

4. Create a braid that's smooth but not too tight, and secure with an elastic at the tip, leaving an inch or two unbraided at the end.

5. Put a few drops of shine hair oil, like Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil on your hands, rub together to emulsify, and lightly apply on both sides of the braid.

Optional: slide a leather headband over the head so that it rests 2-3 inches back from the forehead and covers the front of the ears.

6. Mist with a finishing hairspray, like our longtime favorite L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray.

Braided Bun 

A braided bun created is great for an evening event or special occasion. Though it looks complex, don’t fret—this style is actually simple to achieve. For a step-by-step tutorial, check out the video below from Redken.

Fishtail Braid 

Intricate and stunning, the fishtail braid works well for day or night. Seen above at Veronica Beard, this classic style looks far more difficult than it actually is (music to our ears)!

1. To create a good foundation, apply a volumizing spray like Original & Mineral Rootalicious to dry hair.
2. To add some edge to your look, apply a texturizing spray like Original & Mineral Surf Bomb or L’Oréal EverStyle Texture Series Tousle Créme.
3. Separate hair into two equal sections at the back of the head.
4. Use your index fingers to pull out a half-inch section of hair from the area near the base of your ear on the right section of your head. Cross it over the right section and under the left section.
5. Repeat with a half-inch piece from the left section, crossing it over to the right.
6. Keep alternating, weaving over and under until you reach the bottom of the braid.

Expert Tip: "Instead of using a rubber band or elastic hair tie, use electric cable ties. They lock strands in place by giving it a tighter grip and are actually a lot less damaging to hair.” – Original & Mineral Creative Director Janelle Chaplin.

Which braided style do you like best? Let us know in the comments!

Photos: Redken; Original & Mineral

It’s easy to get bogged down in your regular beauty routine, especially when it comes to workweek hair. If your standard, ponytail and topknot rotation is growing stale, we found some easy breezy braids to add some variety and style to your strands.

Sideswept Braid 

As seen on the Valentino runway, this feminine and polished side braid is perfect for the office or the weekend (you know were our minds are).

Get the Look

1. Apply a heat protecting styling lotion like Redken Satinwear 02 to damp hair and blow-dry straight with a boar bristle brush.

2. Create a clean center part and use a fine tooth comb to brush hair to one side.

3. Tuck the side of the hair you will braid behind the ear. To make your strands silky, rub a small amount of smoothing lotion, like Kérastase Cristalliste Lumiére Liquide into your hands as you start to braid. Begin a few inches down from the neck, keeping your wrists and elbows low as you go.

4. Create a braid that's smooth but not too tight, and secure with an elastic at the tip, leaving an inch or two unbraided at the end.

5. Put a few drops of shine hair oil, like Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil on your hands, rub together to emulsify, and lightly apply on both sides of the braid.

Optional: slide a leather headband over the head so that it rests 2-3 inches back from the forehead and covers the front of the ears.

6. Mist with a finishing hairspray, like our longtime favorite L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray.

Braided Bun 

A braided bun created is great for an evening event or special occasion. Though it looks complex, don’t fret—this style is actually simple to achieve. For a step-by-step tutorial, check out the video below from Redken.

Fishtail Braid 

Intricate and stunning, the fishtail braid works well for day or night. Seen above at Veronica Beard, this classic style looks far more difficult than it actually is (music to our ears)!

1. To create a good foundation, apply a volumizing spray like Original & Mineral Rootalicious to dry hair.
2. To add some edge to your look, apply a texturizing spray like Original & Mineral Surf Bomb or L’Oréal EverStyle Texture Series Tousle Créme.
3. Separate hair into two equal sections at the back of the head.
4. Use your index fingers to pull out a half-inch section of hair from the area near the base of your ear on the right section of your head. Cross it over the right section and under the left section.
5. Repeat with a half-inch piece from the left section, crossing it over to the right.
6. Keep alternating, weaving over and under until you reach the bottom of the braid.

Expert Tip: "Instead of using a rubber band or elastic hair tie, use electric cable ties. They lock strands in place by giving it a tighter grip and are actually a lot less damaging to hair.” – Original & Mineral Creative Director Janelle Chaplin.

Which braided style do you like best? Let us know in the comments!

Photos: Redken; Original & Mineral

With the Twitter moniker, RedCarpetMan, celebrity ‘MAN-icurist’ Tom Bachik is no stranger to tending to some of the most glamorous nails in the biz. Reporting from behind the scenes at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Bachik shares his red-carpet secrets with Makeup.com

Are there any particular manicure colors that celebrities are gravitating towards this season on the red carpet?

For red carpet, it’s usually pretty safe: chic and elegant, so we are doing a lot of nudes. One thing that I do is to create a little bit of translucency when working with nudes so your natural skin tone shows through the polish color to create a customized shade just for you. Like how a nude pump accentuates legs and make them look long and slender, a nude polish does the same for the hands.

MDC Recommends: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polish in Sweet Nothings, essie Nail Color in Ballet Slippers, and LONDONTOWN Lakur in Teatime.

Is there a particular nail art trend that you see celebrities embracing or are they mostly sticking with a classic manicure?

Most of the celebrities favor a more classic, glamorous manicure—however, there are a few that are opting for a really sparkly, glittery look as well to add some more dimension to their nails.

How do you take into consideration what celebrities are wearing when you decide on their nail polish color?

For me, I like either to complement the color of the outfit or contrast it, but nothing in between. I like it to be matchy-matchy or I want it to be striking and stand out. For example, if the celebrity is wearing a green dress, I would do a rich-deep red on her nails. If she’s wearing a red dress, I might go and do a great gold shimmer.

When you’re changing up manicures frequently, what’s the best way to keep nails healthy?

The best thing you can do is to keep your nails moisturized. A great cuticle oil is a must because not only does it hydrate the skin around the nail, it will penetrate into the nail to keep it soft and flexible and prevent it from chipping and breaking.

MDC Recommends: Julep Essential Cuticle Oil, essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

And our own pressing question: how do you save a fresh manicure that got smudged before it was dry?

One of the things I recommend is to make sure that before you apply your top coat, let your nail polish dry for a minute or two. The reason for that is because most top coats are designed to dry very quickly so if you apply it right after the polish, it’ll dry faster than the polish underneath and trap in the solvent, causing the polish underneath to dry slower.

Now let’s say you do smudge it—the easiest way to take care of that is to take your finger and dip it in a bit of polish remover, then smooth out where you smudged the polish using a small circular motion. You can actually almost blend the smudge in and it gives you a nice smooth finish. Now if you remove the color while you’re smoothing, just reapply the polish to that area, wait for it to dry and finish off with a top coat.

With the Twitter moniker, RedCarpetMan, celebrity ‘MAN-icurist’ Tom Bachik is no stranger to tending to some of the most glamorous nails in the biz. Reporting from behind the scenes at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Bachik shares his red-carpet secrets with Makeup.com

Are there any particular manicure colors that celebrities are gravitating towards this season on the red carpet?

For red carpet, it’s usually pretty safe: chic and elegant, so we are doing a lot of nudes. One thing that I do is to create a little bit of translucency when working with nudes so your natural skin tone shows through the polish color to create a customized shade just for you. Like how a nude pump accentuates legs and make them look long and slender, a nude polish does the same for the hands.

MDC Recommends: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail Polish in Sweet Nothings, essie Nail Color in Ballet Slippers, and LONDONTOWN Lakur in Teatime.

Is there a particular nail art trend that you see celebrities embracing or are they mostly sticking with a classic manicure?

Most of the celebrities favor a more classic, glamorous manicure—however, there are a few that are opting for a really sparkly, glittery look as well to add some more dimension to their nails.

How do you take into consideration what celebrities are wearing when you decide on their nail polish color?

For me, I like either to complement the color of the outfit or contrast it, but nothing in between. I like it to be matchy-matchy or I want it to be striking and stand out. For example, if the celebrity is wearing a green dress, I would do a rich-deep red on her nails. If she’s wearing a red dress, I might go and do a great gold shimmer.

When you’re changing up manicures frequently, what’s the best way to keep nails healthy?

The best thing you can do is to keep your nails moisturized. A great cuticle oil is a must because not only does it hydrate the skin around the nail, it will penetrate into the nail to keep it soft and flexible and prevent it from chipping and breaking.

MDC Recommends: Julep Essential Cuticle Oil, essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

And our own pressing question: how do you save a fresh manicure that got smudged before it was dry?

One of the things I recommend is to make sure that before you apply your top coat, let your nail polish dry for a minute or two. The reason for that is because most top coats are designed to dry very quickly so if you apply it right after the polish, it’ll dry faster than the polish underneath and trap in the solvent, causing the polish underneath to dry slower.

Now let’s say you do smudge it—the easiest way to take care of that is to take your finger and dip it in a bit of polish remover, then smooth out where you smudged the polish using a small circular motion. You can actually almost blend the smudge in and it gives you a nice smooth finish. Now if you remove the color while you’re smoothing, just reapply the polish to that area, wait for it to dry and finish off with a top coat.

Red Hot Holiday

Pay a subtle nod to the American Flag with a red and white mani. If stripes strike you as a tad time-intensive, try an easier alternative. Just place a piece of tape (keep the ridges) down the center of each white nail and paint the red on top. Product Picks: essie Really Red and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Feathered.

Blue, White & Blue 

Red, white and blue felt a little too “on-the-nose.” Instead, we’re opting for an oh-so chic ombre blue manicure to capture the patriotic spirit. Product Picks: Sephora by OPI in White Hot, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Simply Aqua, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Aqua Bleu, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Plunge Pool and Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Blast of Blue.

Spring Skies

If holiday-themed really isn’t your thing, try our spring skies manicure. Your fingertips will fit in perfectly at the family picnic. To create our whimsical weekend clouds we used a dotting tool. Product Picks: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Scorch and essie Bikini So Teeny.

Will you rock a Memorial Day manicure this weekend? If you do, post a photo of your nail art on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for chance to be featured on our Facebook page!

We’re counting down to Memorial Day. With summer on the horizon, your weekend calendar is probably filled with BBQs, picnics and festive gatherings of all sorts. We’re never the ones to show up to a social function without a holiday-themed (or at least seasonally appropriate) manicure to show off. Here are a few of the Memorial Day manicures Team MDC will be sporting this holiday weekend.

Red Hot Holiday

Pay a subtle nod to the American Flag with a red and white mani. If stripes strike you as a tad time-intensive, try an easier alternative. Just place a piece of tape (keep the ridges) down the center of each white nail and paint the red on top. Product Picks: essie Really Red and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Feathered.

Blue, White & Blue 

Red, white and blue felt a little too “on-the-nose.” Instead, we’re opting for an oh-so chic ombre blue manicure to capture the patriotic spirit. Product Picks: Sephora by OPI in White Hot, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Simply Aqua, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Aqua Bleu, Lancôme Vernis in Love in Plunge Pool and Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Blast of Blue.

Spring Skies

If holiday-themed really isn’t your thing, try our spring skies manicure. Your fingertips will fit in perfectly at the family picnic. To create our whimsical weekend clouds we used a dotting tool. Product Picks: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Scorch and essie Bikini So Teeny.

Will you rock a Memorial Day manicure this weekend? If you do, post a photo of your nail art on Instagram and add the hashtag #MDCmani for chance to be featured on our Facebook page!

It’s the end of the week, and you’re looking a little more nap-ready than date-ready. The bad news: while fluorescent lights are never flattering, the reflection in the mirror may not be as deceiving as you would hope. The good news: we can help. With a little lipstick and few other quick tips, you can take your look from desk to dinner and still make your reservation.

1. Refresh your face. Being stuck inside an office all day can leave your skin feeling dry and looking a little lackluster. Bring life back to your skin with a facial mist. Our favorite complexion reviver is Shu Uermura Depsea Water Facial Mist. Use just a spritz for an added dose of hydration. As a bonus, it will also refresh your morning’s makeup application.

2. Make the eyes pop. After a long day of staring at a computer screen, your peepers may need an extra boost to look their best. Brighten tired eyes with a touch of highlighter at the brow bones and the inner corners of your eyes. Add a fresh coat of mascara, and you’ll be ready to bat your lashes all night long.

3. Add a little glow. No need to go full on bronzed babe, but a light dusting of color will do wonders for your post-work complexion. Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess and Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in Golden Sand are two of our top picks. Beauty Bonus: sweep bronzer into the crease of your eye for a quick and easy eyeshadow alternative.

4. Play up your pout. Nothing takes a look from daytime to date night like a bold lip. Avoid the maintenance factor of lip gloss, and opt for the easy application and staying power of matte lipstick. One swipe of your never-fail lipstick is a surefire way to flip your switch instantly from work mode to date mode. When the clock strikes five, we reach for our favorite punchy pink, Lancôme Color Design in Socialite.

5. Pump up the volume. Don’t let flat hair keep you from feeling your flirtiest. When the day has clearly taken it’s toll on you ’do, all you can do is flip your head over, tousle it up and spray it in place. A blast of root-lifting spray, like Garnier Fructis Style Hi-Rise Lift Root Booster or SachaJuan Volume Powder, will help fight end-of-day flatness. But never underestimate the power of your trusty travel-size hairspray—we keep a mini L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold in our purse for emergencies.

What’s your go-to lipstick shade for date night? Share your favorites in the comments!

Photos: Thinkstock

It’s the end of the week, and you’re looking a little more nap-ready than date-ready. The bad news: while fluorescent lights are never flattering, the reflection in the mirror may not be as deceiving as you would hope. The good news: we can help. With a little lipstick and few other quick tips, you can take your look from desk to dinner and still make your reservation.

1. Refresh your face. Being stuck inside an office all day can leave your skin feeling dry and looking a little lackluster. Bring life back to your skin with a facial mist. Our favorite complexion reviver is Shu Uermura Depsea Water Facial Mist. Use just a spritz for an added dose of hydration. As a bonus, it will also refresh your morning’s makeup application.

2. Make the eyes pop. After a long day of staring at a computer screen, your peepers may need an extra boost to look their best. Brighten tired eyes with a touch of highlighter at the brow bones and the inner corners of your eyes. Add a fresh coat of mascara, and you’ll be ready to bat your lashes all night long.

3. Add a little glow. No need to go full on bronzed babe, but a light dusting of color will do wonders for your post-work complexion. Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess and Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer in Golden Sand are two of our top picks. Beauty Bonus: sweep bronzer into the crease of your eye for a quick and easy eyeshadow alternative.

4. Play up your pout. Nothing takes a look from daytime to date night like a bold lip. Avoid the maintenance factor of lip gloss, and opt for the easy application and staying power of matte lipstick. One swipe of your never-fail lipstick is a surefire way to flip your switch instantly from work mode to date mode. When the clock strikes five, we reach for our favorite punchy pink, Lancôme Color Design in Socialite.

5. Pump up the volume. Don’t let flat hair keep you from feeling your flirtiest. When the day has clearly taken it’s toll on you ’do, all you can do is flip your head over, tousle it up and spray it in place. A blast of root-lifting spray, like Garnier Fructis Style Hi-Rise Lift Root Booster or SachaJuan Volume Powder, will help fight end-of-day flatness. But never underestimate the power of your trusty travel-size hairspray—we keep a mini L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold in our purse for emergencies.

What’s your go-to lipstick shade for date night? Share your favorites in the comments!

Photos: Thinkstock

Ahhh... the sun on your face, the sand in your toes, and the waves... the waves in your hair, of course! The relaxed, summertime beach wave is the most coveted hair trend to date. With natural body and perfect shape, this style is effortless and beautiful. To help you perfect the look, Karmela Lozina of John Sahag Workshop NYC provides expert tips on how to create voluminous waves all summer long.

Step 1: Easy Breezy Blow-Dry

After washing your hair with a curl enhancing shampoo and conditioner, add a pea-sized amount of curl crème or gel and blow-dry the hair completely, leaving no wet strands behind.

Karmela's Picks: L'Oréal EverCurl Hydracharge Shampoo and Conditioner, and Sculpt and Hold Cream Gel

Step 2: Wrap It

Take sections of hair and wrap them around a no-clamp curling iron. This prevents unsightly crimp marks and gives the perfect smoothing effect. Hold each section around the wand for at least 8-10 seconds before releasing.

Karmela's Pick: CHI Home Curling Wand, Tourmaline Ceramic CA1095

Step 3: Volumize  

Finish this look with a liberal blast of volumizing hairspray and tousle with your fingers. The more you spray, the more volume you’ll create. Don’t be afraid to go big: your hair will fall throughout the day, resulting in a more natural finish.

Karmela's Picks:  L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold

Expert Tip: Want a more defined curl? Use the hairspray before curling for a stronger hold.

Beauty Talk 

With this soft look, glowing skin, ethereal eyes and defined brows are the perfect accompaniments.

Seen on Laura: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and NARS Multiple Stick in "Palm Beach" 

Are you ready to wave goodbye to boring curls? Tweet us your favorite curl products and tips @makeupdotcom!

Photos: Rebecca Dale Photography for MAKEUP.COM

Ahhh... the sun on your face, the sand in your toes, and the waves... the waves in your hair, of course! The relaxed, summertime beach wave is the most coveted hair trend to date. With natural body and perfect shape, this style is effortless and beautiful. To help you perfect the look, Karmela Lozina of John Sahag Workshop NYC provides expert tips on how to create voluminous waves all summer long.

Step 1: Easy Breezy Blow-Dry

After washing your hair with a curl enhancing shampoo and conditioner, add a pea-sized amount of curl crème or gel and blow-dry the hair completely, leaving no wet strands behind.

Karmela's Picks: L'Oréal EverCurl Hydracharge Shampoo and Conditioner, and Sculpt and Hold Cream Gel

Step 2: Wrap It

Take sections of hair and wrap them around a no-clamp curling iron. This prevents unsightly crimp marks and gives the perfect smoothing effect. Hold each section around the wand for at least 8-10 seconds before releasing.

Karmela's Pick: CHI Home Curling Wand, Tourmaline Ceramic CA1095

Step 3: Volumize  

Finish this look with a liberal blast of volumizing hairspray and tousle with your fingers. The more you spray, the more volume you’ll create. Don’t be afraid to go big: your hair will fall throughout the day, resulting in a more natural finish.

Karmela's Picks:  L'Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold

Expert Tip: Want a more defined curl? Use the hairspray before curling for a stronger hold.

Beauty Talk 

With this soft look, glowing skin, ethereal eyes and defined brows are the perfect accompaniments.

Seen on Laura: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and NARS Multiple Stick in "Palm Beach" 

Are you ready to wave goodbye to boring curls? Tweet us your favorite curl products and tips @makeupdotcom!

Photos: Rebecca Dale Photography for MAKEUP.COM

Soothe

The first step to a fresh face is ditching your under-eye bags. A great eye treatment—such as SkinCeuticals Eye Cream­­—will help the cause, but we also have our own little trick…

MDC Tip: Coldness counters puffiness, so stash your eye cream in the fridge for maximum impact.

Open

Curling your lashes will open up sleepy eyes instantly. For even better results, don’t forget to use our eyelash curler tip.

Conceal

Avoid heavy powder or foundation, which will make tired skin look even duller. Instead reach for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream (we’re currently obsessing over Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream) and don’t forget to touch up dark spots with a brightening highlighter. Our favorite? Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, of course!

Brighten

Brighten your overall look by applying white eyeliner and bold lipstick to awaken the face. Line the waterline and inner eye with a soft white pencil like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Metallic White and swipe your favorite bright lipstick to complete the look. We’re partial to Josie Maran Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick in Pink Fuchsia for a universally flattering option.

Will you be using these tips anytime soon? Fill us in below.   

Photos: Thinkstock; Yves Saint Laurent; Urban Decay; Josie Maran; Maybelline; SkinCeuticals

Whether you’re recovering from a late night on the town or just struck with a bout of restless sleep, lack of quality zzzz’s can take a big toll on your skin. It’s bad enough already that you don’t feel your best, but at least you don’t have to look it. Here are a few of our favorites tricks for faking that well-rested glow.

Soothe

The first step to a fresh face is ditching your under-eye bags. A great eye treatment—such as SkinCeuticals Eye Cream­­—will help the cause, but we also have our own little trick…

MDC Tip: Coldness counters puffiness, so stash your eye cream in the fridge for maximum impact.

Open

Curling your lashes will open up sleepy eyes instantly. For even better results, don’t forget to use our eyelash curler tip.

Conceal

Avoid heavy powder or foundation, which will make tired skin look even duller. Instead reach for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream (we’re currently obsessing over Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream) and don’t forget to touch up dark spots with a brightening highlighter. Our favorite? Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, of course!

Brighten

Brighten your overall look by applying white eyeliner and bold lipstick to awaken the face. Line the waterline and inner eye with a soft white pencil like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Metallic White and swipe your favorite bright lipstick to complete the look. We’re partial to Josie Maran Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick in Pink Fuchsia for a universally flattering option.

Will you be using these tips anytime soon? Fill us in below.   

Photos: Thinkstock; Yves Saint Laurent; Urban Decay; Josie Maran; Maybelline; SkinCeuticals

Lauren Conrad is one of our favorite beauty girls to watch and to learn from. Today, we are so thrilled to share some of her best beauty tips. Check out this foolproof makeup brush guide from her website, LaurenConrad.com:

Beauty School: Brush Guide

There is a bevy of brushes out there, but do you really need seven different eye shadow brushes? Unless you’re Pat McGrath backstage at Paris Fashion Week, probably not. Quality makeup brushes can be expensive so it’s important to know what you need. One distinction to note is the difference between synthetic and natural bristles. Natural bristles hold and distribute pigment evenly. Opt for natural bristle brushes when applying anything powdered. Liquids will soak into natural bristles and cause them to clog or degrade. So reach for synthetic bristles when applying foundation or any cream formulas.

Now that you’ve mastered the makeup brush basics, I recommend you stock your beauty arsenal with these essential brushes…

Foundation: A synthetic brush. Can also be used for applying cream blush.

Concealer: A narrow, synthetic brush with a slightly tapered edge.

Powder: A big, soft natural-fiber brush.

Contouring: A soft brush with a flat, angled edge. Also used for bronzing.

Blush: A soft medium-full round brush. Natural fiber is best.

Eye Shadow: A tapered, flat brush that is good for blending.

Fan Brush: A light brush that is great for highlighter. It’s also good for brushing away loose eye shadow.

Eyeliner: A narrow, angled brush for applying gel liner or shadow as liner.

Eyelash and Brow Comb: The side with the small, plastic comb is used for removing mascara clumps from lashes. The bristled side is for grooming eyebrows.

Eyebrow: A firm, angled brush used for filling in eyebrows with brow powder. Go for something with coarser bristles.

And never underestimate the power of the original makeup brush—your fingertip. Because of the heat of your skin, fingers make unbeatable blending tools. For covering under eye circles, I like to use a clean ring finger (the ring finger applies the least amount of pressure) to blend away the edges of the concealer.

What brushes are indispensible to your beauty routine?

XO Lauren

Lauren Conrad is one of our favorite beauty girls to watch and to learn from. Today, we are so thrilled to share some of her best beauty tips. Check out this foolproof makeup brush guide from her website, LaurenConrad.com:

Beauty School: Brush Guide

There is a bevy of brushes out there, but do you really need seven different eye shadow brushes? Unless you’re Pat McGrath backstage at Paris Fashion Week, probably not. Quality makeup brushes can be expensive so it’s important to know what you need. One distinction to note is the difference between synthetic and natural bristles. Natural bristles hold and distribute pigment evenly. Opt for natural bristle brushes when applying anything powdered. Liquids will soak into natural bristles and cause them to clog or degrade. So reach for synthetic bristles when applying foundation or any cream formulas.

Now that you’ve mastered the makeup brush basics, I recommend you stock your beauty arsenal with these essential brushes…

Foundation: A synthetic brush. Can also be used for applying cream blush.

Concealer: A narrow, synthetic brush with a slightly tapered edge.

Powder: A big, soft natural-fiber brush.

Contouring: A soft brush with a flat, angled edge. Also used for bronzing.

Blush: A soft medium-full round brush. Natural fiber is best.

Eye Shadow: A tapered, flat brush that is good for blending.

Fan Brush: A light brush that is great for highlighter. It’s also good for brushing away loose eye shadow.

Eyeliner: A narrow, angled brush for applying gel liner or shadow as liner.

Eyelash and Brow Comb: The side with the small, plastic comb is used for removing mascara clumps from lashes. The bristled side is for grooming eyebrows.

Eyebrow: A firm, angled brush used for filling in eyebrows with brow powder. Go for something with coarser bristles.

And never underestimate the power of the original makeup brush—your fingertip. Because of the heat of your skin, fingers make unbeatable blending tools. For covering under eye circles, I like to use a clean ring finger (the ring finger applies the least amount of pressure) to blend away the edges of the concealer.

What brushes are indispensible to your beauty routine?

XO Lauren

It’s time for a mid-week refresh.

To help you boost your mood, we rounded up five of our favorite beauty tricks to revive your beauty routine instantly.

Add a Side of Romance 

Take a cue from this year’s Met Gala hair, and style your hair with a romantic, deep side part. To find the perfect part, celebrity Stylist Marcus Francis suggests: “Using the end of a tail comb, section a deep side part using the arch of the eyebrow as a guide.”

Pump Up Your Pout 

Brighten your mood and your face with a swipe of bold lipstick. Some of our current favorites include: L’Oréal Colour Caresse Lipstick in Blushing Sequin, Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Bright Fuchsia, and Maybelline Colorsensational Vivid Lipstick in Electric Orange.

Layer Your Lashes 

Makeup Artist Tim Quinn gave us his mascara tip: “Curl your lashes and apply a few coats of mascara. I like to blend black with a pop of color to add more dimension. Think blue or green—not neon. Subtle.” We suggest starting with navy, like Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils in Deep Night.

Oil Up 

It’s no secret that we’re having a major love affair with hair oil right now (if you’re not sure how to use it, check out our do’s and don’ts) and some of our favorite products can also be used on the skin. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil is great for the face, and Caudalie’s Divine Oil smells (and feels) amazing on your skin. Use a few pumps of your favorite oil before bedtime to relieve stress and soothe your skin.

Throw a Bow On It 

Sometimes the simplest beauty tricks have the most impact. To add a feminine twist to your look, use a bow hair clip, (we like American Apparel’s selection) to top off your pony or even hold back your bangs.

Which beauty tip will you try first? Let us know us know below, or tweet us at @makeupdotcom!

Photos: L’Oréal, Thinkstock

You know those days: your heels are pinching, you hair is frizzing, and your skin has a lovely sheen of stress-induced grease.

It’s time for a mid-week refresh.

To help you boost your mood, we rounded up five of our favorite beauty tricks to revive your beauty routine instantly.

Add a Side of Romance 

Take a cue from this year’s Met Gala hair, and style your hair with a romantic, deep side part. To find the perfect part, celebrity Stylist Marcus Francis suggests: “Using the end of a tail comb, section a deep side part using the arch of the eyebrow as a guide.”

Pump Up Your Pout 

Brighten your mood and your face with a swipe of bold lipstick. Some of our current favorites include: L’Oréal Colour Caresse Lipstick in Blushing Sequin, Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Bright Fuchsia, and Maybelline Colorsensational Vivid Lipstick in Electric Orange.

Layer Your Lashes 

Makeup Artist Tim Quinn gave us his mascara tip: “Curl your lashes and apply a few coats of mascara. I like to blend black with a pop of color to add more dimension. Think blue or green—not neon. Subtle.” We suggest starting with navy, like Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils in Deep Night.

Oil Up 

It’s no secret that we’re having a major love affair with hair oil right now (if you’re not sure how to use it, check out our do’s and don’ts) and some of our favorite products can also be used on the skin. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil is great for the face, and Caudalie’s Divine Oil smells (and feels) amazing on your skin. Use a few pumps of your favorite oil before bedtime to relieve stress and soothe your skin.

Throw a Bow On It 

Sometimes the simplest beauty tricks have the most impact. To add a feminine twist to your look, use a bow hair clip, (we like American Apparel’s selection) to top off your pony or even hold back your bangs.

Which beauty tip will you try first? Let us know us know below, or tweet us at @makeupdotcom!

Photos: L’Oréal, Thinkstock

We're always on the lookout for our next manicure. And our friends at PopSugar.com never fail to deliver the best nail inspiration, like this turquoise-glitter combination.

With all the new makeup launches, it's pretty clear that turquoise nail polish is the must-have shade for Spring and Summer. Not only does this blue-green color pop against springtime pastels, but also, it looks even cooler set against a golden sparkle.

Related: One Trick to Finding the Perfect Nude Nail Polish For Your Wedding Day

For this mermaid-inspired look, I used the teal-hued Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in Caribbean($14), along with the gold-glittered Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow ($20). Start off with a base coat like Butter London Nail Foundation ($19), and then swipe on two coats of the turquoise polish. Next, dab the gold glitter polish on the base of the nail to create a gradient effect. Once you have your desired look, seal everything with a top coat like Essie Good to Go ($10) for fast-drying shine. Even if you're not soaking up some sun at the beach, one glance at your nails will take you there.

More From PopSugar:

DIY This Easy Gatsby-Inspired Nail Design

10 Spring Pastel Shades Under $10

The Ultimate Guide to Smoky Eyes

Photo: Courtesy of PopSugar

We're always on the lookout for our next manicure. And our friends at PopSugar.com never fail to deliver the best nail inspiration, like this turquoise-glitter combination.

With all the new makeup launches, it's pretty clear that turquoise nail polish is the must-have shade for Spring and Summer. Not only does this blue-green color pop against springtime pastels, but also, it looks even cooler set against a golden sparkle.

Related: One Trick to Finding the Perfect Nude Nail Polish For Your Wedding Day

For this mermaid-inspired look, I used the teal-hued Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in Caribbean($14), along with the gold-glittered Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow ($20). Start off with a base coat like Butter London Nail Foundation ($19), and then swipe on two coats of the turquoise polish. Next, dab the gold glitter polish on the base of the nail to create a gradient effect. Once you have your desired look, seal everything with a top coat like Essie Good to Go ($10) for fast-drying shine. Even if you're not soaking up some sun at the beach, one glance at your nails will take you there.

More From PopSugar:

DIY This Easy Gatsby-Inspired Nail Design

10 Spring Pastel Shades Under $10

The Ultimate Guide to Smoky Eyes

Photo: Courtesy of PopSugar

We don’t know about you, but whenever someone starts talking about undertones we get completely lost. That’s why we turned to makeup artist extraordinaire Elle Leary for this one, who offered some surprisingly quick and easy tips. Before we get ahead of ourselves, Leary reminds us: “your skin tone is different from your undertones.” Now that we’re all on the same page, ask yourself these two questions to determine if you have warm or cool undertones…

Do I look better in silver or in gold?

Expert Tip #1: Place a piece of gold jewelry, fabric or (our personal favorite) eyeliner on the inside of your wrist. Do the same with silver and see which one looks better. If both do (lucky you!), then you are neutral. If gold looks more complementary, then you have warm undertones. If silver does, then you have cool undertones.

Do I tan or do I burn?  

Expert Tip #2: If you were to go outside without sunscreen on would you burn or tan? If you burn for the most part you are cool, and if you tan you are warm.

Are you warm or cool? Let us know if you tried these tests below!

Photos: Thinkstock

We don’t know about you, but whenever someone starts talking about undertones we get completely lost. That’s why we turned to makeup artist extraordinaire Elle Leary for this one, who offered some surprisingly quick and easy tips. Before we get ahead of ourselves, Leary reminds us: “your skin tone is different from your undertones.” Now that we’re all on the same page, ask yourself these two questions to determine if you have warm or cool undertones…

Do I look better in silver or in gold?

Expert Tip #1: Place a piece of gold jewelry, fabric or (our personal favorite) eyeliner on the inside of your wrist. Do the same with silver and see which one looks better. If both do (lucky you!), then you are neutral. If gold looks more complementary, then you have warm undertones. If silver does, then you have cool undertones.

Do I tan or do I burn?  

Expert Tip #2: If you were to go outside without sunscreen on would you burn or tan? If you burn for the most part you are cool, and if you tan you are warm.

Are you warm or cool? Let us know if you tried these tests below!

Photos: Thinkstock

Humidity is the number one culprit of frizz and fly aways, and with summer fast approaching, it's essential to know the best products and techniques to keep your hair sleek and straight 24/7. Celebrity Hair Stylist, Karmela Lozina of John Sahag Workshop NYC has the top tips to flat iron the frizz away, for good!

Step 1: Suds It

Massage a smoothing shampoo completely through the scalp all the way to the ends of the hair. Finish with an anti-frizz conditioner and leave it on for at least 3 minutes. This will ensure the hair is conditioned properly.

Karmela's Picks: L'Oréal Smooth Intense Polishing Shampoo and Conditioner

Step 2: Dry It

Apply a small amount of straightening cream or serum on wet hair. Blow dry hair fully and brush any tangles out.

Karmela's Picks: Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum and L'Oréal Smooth Intense Xtreme Straightening Cream

Step 3: Iron It 

Spray on a small amount of a heat protection and flat iron spray.

Finish off by sectioning the hair and straightening from root to ends with the iron.  

Expert Tip: Looking for some extra shine? When finished, spray a high gloss spray all over to polish off this style. Hair is instantly transformed and looks super healthy! 

Karmela's Picks: Garnier Fructis Style Sleek and Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist (used here), and Kérastase Chroma Cristal

Beauty Talk

To complement these sleek strands, I chose to add a little bit of drama with a smoky eye, fresh skin and a soft lip.

Seen on model Alexandra: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Shadow in Pulp Fiction, Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipstick in Sweet Embrace

What are your favorite flat iron products? Fill us in below, or tweet us @makeupdotcom.

Photos: Rebecca Dale Photography for MAKEUP.COM

Humidity is the number one culprit of frizz and fly aways, and with summer fast approaching, it's essential to know the best products and techniques to keep your hair sleek and straight 24/7. Celebrity Hair Stylist, Karmela Lozina of John Sahag Workshop NYC has the top tips to flat iron the frizz away, for good!

Step 1: Suds It

Massage a smoothing shampoo completely through the scalp all the way to the ends of the hair. Finish with an anti-frizz conditioner and leave it on for at least 3 minutes. This will ensure the hair is conditioned properly.

Karmela's Picks: L'Oréal Smooth Intense Polishing Shampoo and Conditioner

Step 2: Dry It

Apply a small amount of straightening cream or serum on wet hair. Blow dry hair fully and brush any tangles out.

Karmela's Picks: Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum and L'Oréal Smooth Intense Xtreme Straightening Cream

Step 3: Iron It 

Spray on a small amount of a heat protection and flat iron spray.

Finish off by sectioning the hair and straightening from root to ends with the iron.  

Expert Tip: Looking for some extra shine? When finished, spray a high gloss spray all over to polish off this style. Hair is instantly transformed and looks super healthy! 

Karmela's Picks: Garnier Fructis Style Sleek and Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist (used here), and Kérastase Chroma Cristal

Beauty Talk

To complement these sleek strands, I chose to add a little bit of drama with a smoky eye, fresh skin and a soft lip.

Seen on model Alexandra: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Shadow in Pulp Fiction, Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipstick in Sweet Embrace

What are your favorite flat iron products? Fill us in below, or tweet us @makeupdotcom.

Photos: Rebecca Dale Photography for MAKEUP.COM

We chatted with one of our favorite hair experts in New York City, Zachary Morad, hair stylist at Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza Hotel.

Morad explains that oil is extremely nourishing and can be hair’s best friend, but with over usage it can leave residue (and no one wants that).

So how much is too much? Morad believes it depends on your hair type. For extremely dry hair there is no risk with build-up, so oil-based shampoos and conditioners are fine for everyday use. For oily hair, the products still provide great benefits, but using them once per week at home is plenty. For color-treated hair, oil-based products or in-salon oil rituals protect the hair from breakage and keep color defined for longer; at least once per month is ideal for an in-salon treatment. And for damaged hair—he says there is nothing better you can do then treat your hair to nourishing oil, use generously until hair is on the mend. 

HOW TO GET YOUR OIL ON:

EVERYDAY USE:

• Post-shower, pre-blow dry: Rub a few pumps of oil in your hands and then apply oil to the bottom half of the hair shaft, focusing on the ends. Blow dry normally.
• Transition from day to night: Rub one pump of oil in hands and apply to dry ends of hair to tame any fly aways or frizz.
• Finishing Touch: Rub a pump of oil in your hands and lightly skim your hands over any updo for the final touch, a bit of shine and a professional finish.

MDC Product Recommendations: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue, Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, Mizani Supreme Oil, Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil or Moroccan Oil.

THE SPLURGE: The ultimate luxurious experience is to visit the closest L'Oréal Professionnel Salon near you for an appointment at the Mythic Oil Treatment Bar. Lean back and let the scalp massage begin with nourishing oils.

DIY OPTION: Turn your shower into a spa by recreating the in-salon experience at home with professional products. To break it down: Shampoo. Condition. Masque. Enjoy silky hair. At MDC we love the entire L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Collection, Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner and the Pureology Precious Oil Collection.

SCALP-CENTRIC: Last but not least, here’s a specific oil tip that focuses on the scalp, an area we tend to forget. Morad recommends massaging the scalp with oil 30 minutes before getting into the shower–tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil is ideal.

MDC Product Recommendation: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil.

What’s next? Morad suggests embracing that buttery texture to your hair and let the shine speak for itself. For more updates and tips, you can follow Zachary Morad on Instagram and Twitter @ZacharyRej !

Photo: L'Oréal Professionnel, Garnier Frutis, The Body Shop, Bumble & Bumble, Mizani, Pureology, Shy Uermura, Morrocan Oil, Organix

Hair oil has been the talk of the town for a while now, but with all the buzz and options on the market, MDC decided to break it down once and for all.

We chatted with one of our favorite hair experts in New York City, Zachary Morad, hair stylist at Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza Hotel.

Morad explains that oil is extremely nourishing and can be hair’s best friend, but with over usage it can leave residue (and no one wants that).

So how much is too much? Morad believes it depends on your hair type. For extremely dry hair there is no risk with build-up, so oil-based shampoos and conditioners are fine for everyday use. For oily hair, the products still provide great benefits, but using them once per week at home is plenty. For color-treated hair, oil-based products or in-salon oil rituals protect the hair from breakage and keep color defined for longer; at least once per month is ideal for an in-salon treatment. And for damaged hair—he says there is nothing better you can do then treat your hair to nourishing oil, use generously until hair is on the mend. 

HOW TO GET YOUR OIL ON:

EVERYDAY USE:

• Post-shower, pre-blow dry: Rub a few pumps of oil in your hands and then apply oil to the bottom half of the hair shaft, focusing on the ends. Blow dry normally.
• Transition from day to night: Rub one pump of oil in hands and apply to dry ends of hair to tame any fly aways or frizz.
• Finishing Touch: Rub a pump of oil in your hands and lightly skim your hands over any updo for the final touch, a bit of shine and a professional finish.

MDC Product Recommendations: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue, Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, Mizani Supreme Oil, Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil or Moroccan Oil.

THE SPLURGE: The ultimate luxurious experience is to visit the closest L'Oréal Professionnel Salon near you for an appointment at the Mythic Oil Treatment Bar. Lean back and let the scalp massage begin with nourishing oils.

DIY OPTION: Turn your shower into a spa by recreating the in-salon experience at home with professional products. To break it down: Shampoo. Condition. Masque. Enjoy silky hair. At MDC we love the entire L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Collection, Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner and the Pureology Precious Oil Collection.

SCALP-CENTRIC: Last but not least, here’s a specific oil tip that focuses on the scalp, an area we tend to forget. Morad recommends massaging the scalp with oil 30 minutes before getting into the shower–tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil is ideal.

MDC Product Recommendation: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil.

What’s next? Morad suggests embracing that buttery texture to your hair and let the shine speak for itself. For more updates and tips, you can follow Zachary Morad on Instagram and Twitter @ZacharyRej !

Photo: L'Oréal Professionnel, Garnier Frutis, The Body Shop, Bumble & Bumble, Mizani, Pureology, Shy Uermura, Morrocan Oil, Organix

Supplies

• Eyelash curler (we’re big fans of Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler)
• Mascara (we used L’Oréal Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara)

Instructions

1. Always curl your lashes. This is the most important step because it really changes the way your lashes look—with mascara and without. (Quick Tip: Run your eyelash curler under hot water or blast with the blow dryer for a few seconds to heat it up. This will help hold the curl. Just be sure to test the temperature on your hand before you hold the curler up to your eye.)
2. Apply mascara to your bottom lashes first. If you’ve ever ended up with mascara dotted on your eyelid, you know the importance of the bottom first technique. Brush the wand down your eyelashes, being careful not to touch the brush to your eye.
3. Now for the top eyelashes. Start as close to lash line as possible, and looking down, place the brush against your lashes. Give it a quarter turn so the brush can really grab the lashes and coat them completely. Then wiggle the wand back and forth up the length of your eyelashes.
4. Repeat. Allow the mascara to dry between each coat.

Expert Tip:

For lush lashes, LA-based Makeup Artist Elle Leary likes to use a lengthening formula first and then a volumizing mascara for the second coat.

What mascara is your number one love? We know it’s difficult to choose, but share your top pick below!

There are some makeup techniques that seem near impossible to perfect. Mascara application probably isn’t one of them. But believe it or not, there are a few fine points that you may be missing with each swipe of your mascara. Allow us to explain with a quick tutorial. Without further ado, here’s how to apply mascara the right way.

Supplies

• Eyelash curler (we’re big fans of Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler)
• Mascara (we used L’Oréal Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara)

Instructions

1. Always curl your lashes. This is the most important step because it really changes the way your lashes look—with mascara and without. (Quick Tip: Run your eyelash curler under hot water or blast with the blow dryer for a few seconds to heat it up. This will help hold the curl. Just be sure to test the temperature on your hand before you hold the curler up to your eye.)
2. Apply mascara to your bottom lashes first. If you’ve ever ended up with mascara dotted on your eyelid, you know the importance of the bottom first technique. Brush the wand down your eyelashes, being careful not to touch the brush to your eye.
3. Now for the top eyelashes. Start as close to lash line as possible, and looking down, place the brush against your lashes. Give it a quarter turn so the brush can really grab the lashes and coat them completely. Then wiggle the wand back and forth up the length of your eyelashes.
4. Repeat. Allow the mascara to dry between each coat.

Expert Tip:

For lush lashes, LA-based Makeup Artist Elle Leary likes to use a lengthening formula first and then a volumizing mascara for the second coat.

What mascara is your number one love? We know it’s difficult to choose, but share your top pick below!

While there’s nothing we love more than a sunless golden glow, there are few things worse than streaky, orange skin. Sunless tanning blunders can be the ultimate beauty buzz kill, so we put together some tricks and tips to help you bronze those hard-to-reach places and avoid any tanning mishaps.

Tricky Places

Your back, elbows, knees and ankles can be dangerous tanning territory. But you’ll be safe when you keep these helpful hints in mind.

1. When you are ready to apply, begin at your feet and work your way up to avoid creasing the color by bending over.

2. Once your entire body (with the exception of your palms and the bottom of your feet) has an even coat of self-tanner on it, apply a layer of lotion around your wrists, ankles, elbows, the backs of your knees and underarms. This dilutes the color slightly in these areas that naturally appear lighter on your body, making your tan look more natural.

3. To prevent tanner from collecting in your belly button, dip a cotton ball in lotion and rub the inside of your belly button to lighten the hue.

4. Tanning your back is extra-tricky, but there are a few options. Airbrush spray applicators and towelettes are easy to work with, as both allow maximum reach. We currently love L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes and Bliss ‘A Tan for All Seasons’ self-tanning mist.

If you prefer tanning lotions and gels, consider a sunless tan applicator like Xen-Tan Hard to Reach Back Applicator. Though it may sound crazy, you can also apply your tanner with a simple sponge paintbrush purchased from your local hardware, craft or retail store.

Tan Removal

We know that sometimes, despite valiant efforts, tans can end up less-than-perfect. Whether you skipped a step (we’re looking at you orange hands), or just got a little overzealous, these tricks should fix the situation.

1. Take a long bath and scrub the tan you’d like to remove with an exfoliating body scrub like The Body Shop’s Olive Body Scrub.

2. If exfoliation doesn’t do the trick, rub half a lemon (or fresh lemon juice) on your tan for two minutes before lightly buffing with a damp towel. The acid in the lemon should remove some of the color. Vinegar has been said to work similarly.

3. If you still find yourself streaky, apply baby oil to your skin and leave it on for a few minutes before scrubbing your skin with an exfoliating glove.

4. And finally, if all else fails, there are few tans that foundation and long sleeves can’t fix.

For sunless tanning 101, be sure to check out our guide to mastering the perfect summer glow.

What are your sunless tanning tricks? Fill us in with a comment below.

Photo: Thinkstock

While there’s nothing we love more than a sunless golden glow, there are few things worse than streaky, orange skin. Sunless tanning blunders can be the ultimate beauty buzz kill, so we put together some tricks and tips to help you bronze those hard-to-reach places and avoid any tanning mishaps.

Tricky Places

Your back, elbows, knees and ankles can be dangerous tanning territory. But you’ll be safe when you keep these helpful hints in mind.

1. When you are ready to apply, begin at your feet and work your way up to avoid creasing the color by bending over.

2. Once your entire body (with the exception of your palms and the bottom of your feet) has an even coat of self-tanner on it, apply a layer of lotion around your wrists, ankles, elbows, the backs of your knees and underarms. This dilutes the color slightly in these areas that naturally appear lighter on your body, making your tan look more natural.

3. To prevent tanner from collecting in your belly button, dip a cotton ball in lotion and rub the inside of your belly button to lighten the hue.

4. Tanning your back is extra-tricky, but there are a few options. Airbrush spray applicators and towelettes are easy to work with, as both allow maximum reach. We currently love L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes and Bliss ‘A Tan for All Seasons’ self-tanning mist.

If you prefer tanning lotions and gels, consider a sunless tan applicator like Xen-Tan Hard to Reach Back Applicator. Though it may sound crazy, you can also apply your tanner with a simple sponge paintbrush purchased from your local hardware, craft or retail store.

Tan Removal

We know that sometimes, despite valiant efforts, tans can end up less-than-perfect. Whether you skipped a step (we’re looking at you orange hands), or just got a little overzealous, these tricks should fix the situation.

1. Take a long bath and scrub the tan you’d like to remove with an exfoliating body scrub like The Body Shop’s Olive Body Scrub.

2. If exfoliation doesn’t do the trick, rub half a lemon (or fresh lemon juice) on your tan for two minutes before lightly buffing with a damp towel. The acid in the lemon should remove some of the color. Vinegar has been said to work similarly.

3. If you still find yourself streaky, apply baby oil to your skin and leave it on for a few minutes before scrubbing your skin with an exfoliating glove.

4. And finally, if all else fails, there are few tans that foundation and long sleeves can’t fix.

For sunless tanning 101, be sure to check out our guide to mastering the perfect summer glow.

What are your sunless tanning tricks? Fill us in with a comment below.

Photo: Thinkstock

#5: Mixed Media Manicure

The mixed media manicure may have received a lot of hype earlier this year, but we’re hoping it’s here to stay. For all the details on this metallic matte mani, click here.

#4: Polka Dot Manicure 

The supplies are minimal and the spots are supremely springy. You can’t go wrong with the polka dot manicure. Find the full tutorial here.

#3: Ombre Manicure 

Oh my, it’s the ombre mani for our number three pick! This color fading effect is easier to create than you might think, check it out here.

#2: Color Block Manicure

Isn’t the hardest part of the manicure process picking a color? The decision just got simpler with the color block manicure. Grab your three polishes and click here for the tutorial.

#1: 3 Simple Nail Art Ideas to Try Now!

Our number one pick is actually a 3-in-1, but you could try all three at once (like we did!). For the full tutorial, click here.

Which one of our five faves gets your vote for number one? Tell us below!

Photo: Thinkstock

Put a bunch of beauty fanatics and couple of drawers full of nail polish in the same room and you can imagine what happens next. With all the manicure madness going on in the MDC offices, our nail files and polish brushes are pretty busy. So today we thought we would countdown our top five must-try manicures…

#5: Mixed Media Manicure

The mixed media manicure may have received a lot of hype earlier this year, but we’re hoping it’s here to stay. For all the details on this metallic matte mani, click here.

#4: Polka Dot Manicure 

The supplies are minimal and the spots are supremely springy. You can’t go wrong with the polka dot manicure. Find the full tutorial here.

#3: Ombre Manicure 

Oh my, it’s the ombre mani for our number three pick! This color fading effect is easier to create than you might think, check it out here.

#2: Color Block Manicure

Isn’t the hardest part of the manicure process picking a color? The decision just got simpler with the color block manicure. Grab your three polishes and click here for the tutorial.

#1: 3 Simple Nail Art Ideas to Try Now!

Our number one pick is actually a 3-in-1, but you could try all three at once (like we did!). For the full tutorial, click here.

Which one of our five faves gets your vote for number one? Tell us below!

Photo: Thinkstock

Pumping your mascara wand forces air, and consequently bacteria, into your mascara, causing it to dry out more quickly. It also overloads the bristles with product, causing your lashes to end up clumpy.

Instead of pumping, pull your wand out, twisting it slightly on the way out. You may also want to lightly wipe down the wand with a paper towel (which leaves less lint than a tissue) before application.

Have you been committing this beauty sin? Fill us in below!

Photo: Thinkstock

Bad habits can be tough to break, and beauty is no exception. While some beauty blunders are more obvious than others (hello, nail biters), other beauty no-no’s may surprise you. If you’ve ever pumped your mascara wand in and out of the tube, we’ve got news for you: you’re making a major mascara mistake.

Pumping your mascara wand forces air, and consequently bacteria, into your mascara, causing it to dry out more quickly. It also overloads the bristles with product, causing your lashes to end up clumpy.

Instead of pumping, pull your wand out, twisting it slightly on the way out. You may also want to lightly wipe down the wand with a paper towel (which leaves less lint than a tissue) before application.

Have you been committing this beauty sin? Fill us in below!

Photo: Thinkstock