How a fringe can freshen up your look

03 May 2013 15:53 PM | Posted by bh'sCarli

Hello dear friends,
Are you currently finding yourself in a bit of a hair rut? Where your hair looks nice, but it’s really doing very little for you? There’s nothing worse than feeling like your hair is just…there, not really making a difference to your appearance. Actually, scratch that. There is something worse, and that’s knowing that your hair can make a difference to your appearance, you just don't know what in the world to do with it.

I’ve got one word for you: fringe. Yes, a forehead skimming fringe (or bangs, if you prefer). It’s the kind of change that makes quite an impact. Remember at the beginning of the year when Michelle Obama cut herself a fabulous, fresh fringe and everyone stopped to take notice? Or when Nicole Richie debuted her new look? She looked amazing.

So if you’re thinking that a fringe could be just what you need to amp up your look and give yourself that hair makeover you’ve been dying for, you may want to hear what Brad Ngata, owner of Brad Ngata Hair Direction, has to say about getting the best results.

“Cutting in bangs really is the quickest way to update your look. If you’re contemplating it, I can’t stress enough to PLEASE go to a professional stylist and do NOT attempt it with nail scissors!* You also need to go in to see your stylist so they can assess the shape of your face – as this affects the fringe shape. Generally, a fringe like Nicole's is the best option and most flattering, but you can cut them shorter, squarer, wider or softer depending on the look you want to achieve.”

Oh, and don’t forget that once you cut a fringe, there’s some maintenance involved – “A fringe is a commitment, you can’t just leave it to grow out or you’ll lose the overall effect of having it. The sharper or more precise the fringe, the more regularly you’ll need to pop in to have it trimmed. If you’re doing the right thing and having your hair cut every 6-8 weeks, you should try and pop in once or twice in that time to have your fringe tidied up. Invest in a set of mini straightening irons too – these are perfect for bangs. If you’re pressed for time and need a super-quick style, pull your hair back into a pony tail and run the irons through your fringe, it will make your look perfect very quickly.”

So there it is – the quick hair fix that could change your life. What are you waiting for?
And if you need a bit more inspiration, check out the celeb fringes below..

*sidenote: I’m ashamed to admit that I have cut my own fringe (somewhat recently), from scratch too, and I deeply, deeply regret that decision. Don’t do as I did!

Psst! If you’re getting a fringe, you may want to have these products handy:
Lady Jayne Ceramic Radial – perfect for blow-drying and styling your fringe. Remember the smaller the brush, the tighter the curl.
VS Sassoon miniPRO™ Satin Touch – just what you need to fix up some kinks or curls in your fringe.
Garnier Fructis Pure Volume 48H Dry Shampoo – for those days when your fringe needs some freshening up.

Would you cut a fringe? Have you ever had a fringe before?
The pros and cons of getting a fringe…
Find a fringe to suit you…

Carli got PhotoReady using...

Face
Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Primer
Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in 100 Bare Light
Revlon PhotoReady Makeup in 005 Natural Beige
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in 004 Medium
Revlon PhotoReady Bronzer in 100 Bronzed & Chic
Revlon PhotoReady Sculpting Blush Palette in 003 Neutral

Eyes
Revlon PhotoReady Primer, Shadow + Sparkle in 515 Renaissance
Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara in 003 Blackened Brown

Lips
Revlon Colorstay Lip Butter in Sweet Tart on her lips.

Four ways to change your look using lipstick

03 May 2013 09:34 AM | Posted by bh'sCherie

Applying a coat of lipstick is one of the fastest and easiest ways to change up your look. Don't believe me? Just ask Jennifer Lopez. She knows all about the power of a colourful lippie. I mean, she's usually a one-trick pony when it comes to make-up. (Her signature look is a classic smoky eye and nude lip combo, after all.) However, here she's taken 10 seconds to apply a bold watermelon red lipstick and the result is phenomenal. Refreshing, even.

Jennifer Lopez's brave entry into the world of colourful make-up has inspired us. Big time. And in the spirit of beautyheaven's own makeover (doesn't she look fresh, pretty and clean?), we've decided to showcase four different lipstick hues that will completely change your look, instantly. And obviously, we're encouraging you to do the same...

THE LIP COLOUR: a pearly nude
WHAT WE USED: Savoir Faire Lipstick in Miss You
THE RESULT: a natural yet chic finish.
This pearlescent hue is ideal for those first-timers moving away from a clear gloss, and is also the perfect partner to a dark bronze or charcoal smoky eye.

THE LIP COLOUR: a rich wine-like berry
WHAT WE USED: ck one color Pure Color Lipstick in Glorious
THE RESULT: a glamorous, wintry look.
Perfect for the cooler months, this hue is a little more on-trend than the always-classical red, and looks absolutely outstanding when paired with a subtly bronzed face.

THE LIP COLOUR: a tangerine orange
WHAT WE USED: Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Sizzle
THE RESULT: a fun, frivolous finish.
If an intense matte orange lippie is too daunting for you, ease yourself into this playful look with a more sheer, glossier formula like we have. Add a touch of peach blush onto the apples of your cheeks to complete the look.

THE LIP COLOUR: a plummy purple
WHAT WE USED: L’Oreal Paris Shine Caresse Lip Colour in Milady
THE RESULT: a more daring winter look.
Similar to the berry family, plummy hues are best worn during the cooler months, as they are pigment-heavy, rich and intense. They do wonders for the eyes, and leave you looking expensive and glamorous, but with a slightly quirky finish.

So, there you have it – four different lipstick hues, four different make-up looks. If your beauty look needs a little update, why not make like J.Lo (and us!) and wear a bold lippie? It'll make you feel splendid, we promise.

Do you use lipstick to instantly update your beauty look? Which colour is your favourite to wear? And what do you think of Jennifer Lopez's bright pout?

Cherie got PhotoReady using...

Face
Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in 200 Pink Light
Revlon PhotoReady Makeup in Shell
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in 003 Light/Medium
Revlon PhotoReady Powder in 010 Fair/Light

Eyes
Revlon PhotoReady Primer, Shadow + Sparkle in 501 Metropolitan
Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara in Black Waterproof

Cheeks
Revlon PhotoReady Crème Blush in 200 Flushed Rougissant

Amanda Seyfried is the new face of Givenchy perfumes

03 May 2013 10:26 AM | Posted by bh'sCherie

Her face has been all over the big screen (read: Les Misérables Mamma Mia!, Chloe, Dear John, Letters to Juliet, and In Time), but you’ll now see Amanda Seyfried’s beautiful flowing locks and pretty pout in the campaigns for Parfums Givenchy’s star fragrance, Very Irresistible. With such a strikingly beautiful face, we think she’s the perfect choice for the feminine fragrance.

What do you think about Amanda Seyfried's new role as the face of Givenchy's Very Irresistible? And do you like the chic yet elegant campaign shot?

Food swaps: makeover your pantry

02 May 2013 16:58 PM | Posted by bh'sOlivia

I know what you’re thinking. Winter is on its way, which means you’ll be indulging in what I look to call a ‘comfort food coma’, consisting of warming, starchy foods that make you feel full, warm and oh-so-happy during the frosty months.

Good news is you don’t need to succumb to the ‘comfort food coma’ in order to feel warm and satisfied during winter – and you don’t need to survive on salads either. Check out our food swap recommendations for winter and ensure you give your pantry the healthy – yet delicious – makeover it (and you) deserve…

SWAP WHITE RICE FOR BROWN RICE OR QUINOA
Brown rice is wholegrain rice with all of the original goodness intact. White rice is also a wholegrain rice, but has been milled to remove the bran and much of the fibre and nutrient-rich content with it. Eating whole grains with a high fibre content helps with maintaining optimal weight while refined grains have actually been linked to weight gain and type two diabetes. Then there’s quinoa; this super grain is one of the most protein-rich foods we can get eat, plus it contains twice as much fibre as other grains. So you can make the switch in your hearty curries and risottos this winter.
Not a fan of the nutty taste of brown rice? Basmati rice is a great alternative that has a low GI.

SWAP BISCUITS AND CHOCOLATES FOR WARM NATURAL COCOA
If you start to feel your sweet tooth twitching after dinner or when the dreaded 3:30pm mark hits, you’ll be pleased to know there is a far more health conscious and delicious option than reaching for the biscuit tin. Warm cocoa has been found to contain almost twice the anti-cancer activity (by way of antioxidants) than red wine, and almost three times that of green tea. Plus, it tastes great and will warm you up in no time!

SWAP POTATO CHIPS FOR VEGGIE CHIPS
When it comes to veggie chips, homemade are definitely the best. Cut some of your favourite veggies (such as eggplant or beetroot) into super thin slices and roast them in the oven until super crisp. To season, add some dry chilli flakes or, if you’d really like some salt, sprinkle Himalayan rock salt over your crisps.

SWAP HEAVY CURRIES FOR SLOW-COOKED STEWS
Don’t have a slow cooker? Get one. These babies allow you to create hearty, warming stews without the cream and unwanted calories in some takeaway curries. Simply let your meat and fresh vegetables stew away all day while you’re at work and enjoy meat that falls off the bone and delicious broth that’ll make you (and your waistline) very satisfied indeed.

SWAP CREAMY INSTANT SOUPS FOR HOMEMADE VEGETABLE SOUP
Is there anything easier? Not only do instant and canned soups contain unwanted salts and MSG, they’re also just as easy to create as your own healthy, homemade vegetable soup. Simply let your vegetables boil away in a scrumptious stock of your choice and then put it all into a blender to enjoy fresh, fulfilling soup that you can freeze and devour anytime.

Want to see the healthy recipes our members have been sharing in the forums? Check them out here...

What are your healthy food swap ideas?

Liv got PhotoReady using: Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer, Revlon PhotoReady Makeup in 004 Nude, mixed with a little Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in 100 Bare Light on her face; Revlon PhotoReady Crème Blush in Pinched on her cheeks; Revlon PhotoReady Primer + Shadow in 505 Impressionist on her eyes; Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara in Blackest Black on her lashes and Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart on her lips.

Don’t miss…

beautyheaven gets a makeover!

01 May 2013 16:04 PM | Posted by bh'sLaura

Noticed anything different about us today? We hope so!

Here at beautyheaven we love a good image change pretty much more than anything else. Whether it’s Miley going from girl-next-door cute to edgy blonde rebel almost overnight, or Victoria Beckham embarking on yet another long-to-short-then-long-again hair odyssey, we can’t help but be fascinated by the fast-paced nature of beauty transformations.

And because we know time never stands still when it comes to the world of beauty, we thought it was high time we gave ourselves a little bit of an overhaul to ensure beautyheaven stays looking its beautiful best. So we’ve given the site a new splash of colour, trimmed back on some unnecessary clutter that was cramping our style and given bh a fresher look, which we hope you'll enjoy.

We’ve tried not to change much about how the site works, so you’ll still find all the usual blogs, reviews and forum topics that you enjoy reading – they’ve just been spruced up and given a little lick of polish to make them look even better! Here are a few other things we’ve done to improve the site:

- Faster access to products and reviews: this is one of the most popular areas of the site – and now you can search our extensive database of more than 13,500 products and 130,000 reviews from every page on the site. Simply type your search into the box in the top left corner and away you go!

- More prominent forum access: Looking for the forum? We know how important the forum is to beauty nuts wanting to share tips, advice and gossip, so we’ve moved it to a more prominent spot on the right-hand side.

- More articles and blogs: we’ve made sure there are even more articles than ever before on our homepage, so you don’t have to go far for your daily beauty fix.

- The Beauty Buzz to keep you better informed: want to know about the latest brand offers, new products hitting shelves, or just the latest snippets of juicy beauty gossip? Look no further than our Beauty Buzz, which will be updated by our team of beauty addicts throughout the day.

- Featured products of the week: be the first to discover new products and beauty finds that you may not have heard of before.

- A clearer reviews policy: we’ve acted on your feedback about giving more information on submitting reviews and what makes a good review, which is why we’ve created clearer guidelines to help all reviewers make their submissions as useful as possible. You can read them here.

And, what’s more, to celebrate the launch of our new look, we’re declaring May to be Makeover Month, and we’re giving you the chance to give yourself a makeover, too. We're giving away a HUGE make-up bag makeover worth more than $150! With brands like philosophy, Revlon, Rimmel London, Innoxa, Maybelline New York, Chi Chi Cosmetics and L'Oreal Paris included, you'll be emptying your current kit in a hurry to make way for these beauty bits!

For your chance to win, simply enter below...

It doesn’t stop there. We’ll be running other makeover competitions throughout the month, so make sure you come back to the site so you don’t miss out!

What do you think to beautyheaven’s makeover? What’s your top tip for transforming your look?