With the days and weeks moving faster than ever, now’s the time to get a jump on a seasonal closet clear out. It’s really the best way to make the most of what you’ve got from spring and summer seasons past. No need to dread: here’s four easy steps you can do anytime in the next month.

Step One: Leaving all your winter things as is, divide all of your seasonal (spring + summer) and season-less (everyday tanks, tees, jeans) clothes, shoes, bags and accessories into three piles: 1. wearable pieces, which go back in the closet; 2. good items in need of some TLC (dry-cleaning, a new button, a bag with broken zipper, etc.); and 3. the ugly things that are no longer flattering which can be swapped with girlfriends, given to charity or sold on Craigs List or to a consignment shop.

Side note: this month is the best time to sell your gently worn spring and summer pieces and make some cash to replenish your closet.

Step Two: Only put the wearable items back, this time storing your spring and summer wardrobe separately from your current winter pieces. It makes it much easier to see what you have as of now – and where you can possibly fill in. You should have two piles left.

READ MORE HERE

Top 5 Spring Must-Haves

Get underwear ready for spring with Honeydew intimates

(From sheknows.com)

Keeping ourselves fresh and beautiful can get mucho expensive when you’re a girl on a budget. Luckily, there are easy adjustments you can make to your regimen that will save you precious pennies without sacrificing your style. Here are 5easy ways to save on beauty:

Dye your own roots!

Dyeing your own roots is much cheaper then going to a salon for a touch-up. A box of hair dye costs less than $15, whereas a hair salon usually charges more than $50 for a touch-up — coloring your own roots also helps stretch your color between visits. For those of you who have not colored your own hair before, ask a friend to help you to avoid missing sections.

Choose a hairstyle that is easy to maintain

The shorter your hair the more often you will have to get your hair cut, which means you can spend up to twice as much a year on haircuts. However, if you have a hairstyle that is medium to long in length, you can usually stretch your haircuts for two to three months with occasional trims in between visits.

Can your makeup make you sick?

Get trims between visits

Some salons will offer to trim your hair for less than a regular cut between visits. If your salon does not offer that service, go to Great Clips or Cost Cutters for a cheap trim. This will keep your hair looking healthy and keep you from heading back to the salon and paying full price for another styled cut.

Beauty schools are another great alternative for cheaper haircuts and manicures

Although we are often skeptical about being guinea pigs, especially when it comes to our hair, beauty schools charge far less than salons and they are required to have you leave satisfied with your hair cut/color. With the money you saved on your hair, you can get an inexpensive manicure as well.

Buy in bulk

Beauty stores like Ulta or Sally Beauty Supply usually have sales on their large bottles of hair products (usually buy one get one sales); this is the time to stock up on your favorite products.

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Rihanna spends almost a mil on her looks

The 2010 spring fashion must have items reflect the modern as well as classic style tendencies.These clothing and accessory pieces will give you the chance to master the transition from the cold season to the sunny months ahead:Floral printed skirts: In true 90’s fashion, small scale ditsy florals are all the rage. But any type of floral skirt will do.

A utilitarian piece: Military and safari inspired items are everywhere. From cargo pocket pants to military jackets, tops and shirt dresses . Think beyond beige and olive if they don’t work with your skin tone and purchase black, navy and light brown in these styles instead.

Dramatic Sunglasses: Choose a pair of sunglasses that will suit your personality and will look the best on you within a range that will be perfect for your pocket.

Statement Necklaces: This is the best (and definitely the easiest!) way to add glam to your everyday outfits..

Vivid Handbags: Handbags for spring should be vivid but simple enough that you will be able to coordinate with other bright colors and/or prints

We’ve rounded up some items that won’t break the bank:

Want to find out where to purchase these items? We’ve done it all for you:

1) Ripstop cargo pants on sale right now for $ 39.99 at jcrew.com

2) Pearl collar necklace $15.80 at forever21.com

3) Dramatic signature sunglasses available at spiegel.com

4) Floral tie-skirt $22.99 at charlotterusse.com

5) Big Buddha Mia bag $90.00 at baghaus.com

Get underwear ready for spring with Honeydew Intimates

Here are the top 5 trends spotted in the video by Stylelite:

NEW VIDEO: Lady Gaga Ft. Beyonce – “Telephone”

1. Geometric Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Already seen on the runways of Alexander Wang, Lady Gaga’s razorblade version of the geometric cat-eye is, for lack of a better and/or more appropriate word, fierce.

2. Ombre (a.k.a two-tone) Hair

Inspired, no doubt, by Dazed and Confused editrice Kate Shillingford’s icy hues, Gaga brought back her Grammy-worn, ombre yellow hair — and to wonderful effect.

3. Statement Hats

Gaga has been at this for a while and she’s showing no signs of giving up: the woman is determined to bring back the statement hat. While her’s typically involve astronomical constellations and/or entire telephones, we’re sure this is easily translatable into something slightly more interesting than the fedora.

4. Less Skin
While this concept may at first seem contradictory to, well, the entire video, we don’t doubt that these burka-inspired costumes were a very deliberate decision. Yes, Gaga is somewhere between three-quarters and half-naked for the majority of the video, but she and Beyonce choose to cover-up at a key point in the narrative arc. Anyway, at the close of the FW 2010 shows, the undeniable takeaway was that hemlines are coming down and fashion is moving in a more demure direction. Gaga agrees.

5. Food

From the moment Beyonce ferociously shoves a honeybun in Gaga’s open mouth, to the poisoned albeit heavily mayonnaised sandwiches, these ladies know how to eat. And considering Marc Jacobs’ effort to cast a wide range of ages and sizes in his FW2010 show for Louis Vuitton, “plus-size” model Crystal Renn’s meteoric and no doubt satisfying rise to the top, and, of course, V magazine’s size issue, it’s easy to admit that Gaga and Beyonce are right on trend.

Italian Vogue Launches Web Pages For Black & Curvy Women

Head Shot Photo Credit: Seth Kushner / Makeup: Lasonya Gunther

A self-described fan of bohemian-couture, the soulful songstress, Maya Azucena is the real deal in my book. As a performer who tours the world over, Maya knows the importance of looking her best on stage and in pictures as evidenced in this Billie Holiday-esque shot.

In a recent interview with Maya, she clued me in on what some of her fave beauty products are. In fact, some of those very products helped to create what you see here. If you’d like to mimic this look, then have a look-see at these steps:

Step 1: Use a foundation that gives you good coverage. Maya won’t be caught dead without her M·A·C ‘Studio Fix’ Powder Plus Foundation ($26, nordstrom.com). In her words, “I use MAC makeup almost exclusively. Their eye makeup has held up the best out of the many I’ve tried, especially when it comes to lasting throughout a concert or a long event.”  With MAC’s Studio Fix, you get a flawless complexion with a one-step application of foundation and powder.

Maya says that the most important part of her makeup is the eyes.  ”MAC’s color choices are wonderful and stay vibrant even if I perspire during a show.”

Step 2: To get these mesmerizing eyes, use MAC’s Spring Color Forecast Eyeshadow ($36, nordstrom.com). This quad compact has all of the colors you need to get eyes that make a statement. Apply the second lightest shade all over your entire eyelid as a base. Next, use the lightest shade on the brow bone to accentuate the shape of your brow. Next, apply the the third darkest shade into the crease of your eye and blend back and forth with your brush. And lastly, with a flat eyeshadow brush, line your eyes with the darkest and blend.

Without the perfect mascara, you’re mesmerizing eye makeup is hardly complete. One of Maya’s makeup bag essentials is L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($7.25, drugstore.com).

Step 3: Get a great application of mascara every time. Pull the wand out of the tube. Place the brush at the base of your lashes and vibrate the brush from left to right. You lengthen your lashes while removing clumps at the same time. Repeat steps on the top side of your lashes.

To see the products mentioned in Steps 1-3, click here.

Step 4: I threw one of my picks into the mix. To give the apple of your cheeks that perfect glow, I’d use Estée Lauder’s ‘Bronze Goddess’ Bronzing Blush ($35, nordstrom.com). This gel bronzer blush has serious staying power.

Step 5: Since Maya says she’s pretty “flexible when it comes lip gloss and lipsticks,” I chose Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Legend - ($26, barneys.com) to wrap up this look - no lipliner necessary. I love the unconventional packaging that makes carrying this gloss in your clutch or jean pockets a breeze. No bulge here.

This seasoned performer has learned a thing or two over the years about what makeup looks do and don’t work for her. Her advice to you is “not be afraid of your complexion - you’re beautiful with the attributes you were born with, just learn how to  work with it!” I couldn’t have said it any better.

Hue Knew It? I did.

SPOTLIGHT: Singer/Songwriter Makeba Riddick

Buy The Right Products For Your Skin Type

If you’re like a lot of women, you’ve tested a million cleansers, moisturizers, toners, etc to get that perfect face product that doesn’t make your skin go nuts. But what if the problem isn’t the product, but not knowing what skin type you actually have? BlackDoctor.org has come up with a helpful breakdown of skin types so your search for the right product will hopefully be a lot easier in the future. Here are a couple below, and to see the rest, click here.

Sensitive skin

Thin or a fine-textured skin. It reacts quickly to both heat and cold; therefore, it sunburns and windburns easily. It is commonly dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions. Temperature changes, cosmetics, some detergents and beauty products can all cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy, with visible surface veins.

Normal skin

Fine even texture with a supple and smooth surface. Healthy looking texture with smooth finish.When properly cared for lines and wrinkles seldom form on this type of skin until late in life. It has a proper balance between oil and moisture contents and is neither oily nor dry. It looks clear and does not develop spots and blemishes. The pores of the skin are fine and barely visible.

Dry skin

Has a dry parched appearance and has a tendency to flake easily. Small pores and dull looking, is prone to wrinkles and lines. It is due to the inability to retain moisture as well as the insufficient production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Dry skin often has problems in cold weather and ages faster than normal or oily skin. Constant protection is very important. It needs a moisturizer during the day and a good hydrating cream at night.

What’s your skin type?

Skin care for your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s

GALLERY: Spring 2010 Runway Hair Trends

There’s not a dry, flakey patch on Teyana Taylor’s lips from what I can tell. If you have lips that never seem to be hydrated or aren’t smooth to the touch, no problem because I found two products to restore suppleness to your overly-parched pout.

The beauty junkie in me was jazzed when I received Tarte’s fRxtion natural sugar exfoliator & lip balm duo ($15, tartecosmetics.com) in the mail. What struck me initially was the design of the bullet which is double-sided. One side is a lip balm and the other is a sugar-based lip scuff (according to Tarte’s description). If one of your biggest complaints about your own lips is that when they are flakey, you aren’t always in position to exfoliate them when you’re out and about. Luckily, with this little gem, exfoliating your lips on the run just became that much easier. Just gently rotate the lip scuff side on your lips and then use the Vitamin E-infused lip balm to finish smoothing your pout.

If all you need is a little hydration then Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50,fresh.com) is it. I like that this product goes beyond just fixing chapped lips. It smooths, protects and really nourishes your lips while providing your lips with just enough shine and color to keep your pout looking healthy.

Tip: Wake up with smooth lips. Before you go to bed, apply a lip balm or treatment. If you do, then you lessen your chances of waking up with dry lips.

For more about me and to explore the blog where products meet insider know-how, check out my site HueKnewIt.com .

Beyonce Opens Cosmetology Center In Brooklyn

Zoe Kravitz Gives Pretty & Pastel Make-Up Tips

Honeydew Intimates has debuted its Spring/Summer 2010 underwear collection, bringing you warm, bright, beautiful pieces that will heat up even the most dreary winter day! While we are inundated with snowy, frigid weather here in the northeast, Honeydew is a breath of fresh air in our office, giving us something fabulous to look forward to.

Whether you want to look good for your partner, jazz up an outfit by letting these delicately elegant undergarments peek out or just wear artfully created underwear that will make you feel good, Honeydew has got you covered! Once again, we played guinea pig for our fashionistas, and tried out the lingerie sent to us by Honeydew. The final verdict? Underwear only seems small and insignificant when you are not wearing good ones! The versatile pieces easily go from fun and flirty, to sexy and sensuous. Whatever your personality, this lingerie is bound to help you channel your sensual side. In addition, the fit is perfect and organic, so the underwear conforms to the contours  of a woman’s body in a natural way.

We totally encourage you to get underwear-ready for the coming season by indulging in Honeydew Intimates’ Spring/Summer 2010 collection!

Check out HoneydewIntimates.com to see more.

Also, check out some looks from the new collection below:

REVIEW: WEN Volumizing Spray

REVIEW: Why You Should Try “Urban Decay” Makeup

Drama in my life is forbidden, but drama on my lips is a must! The quickest way to inject a little color into your life without having to do a complete wardrobe overhaul is with a tube of red lipstick. You need to remember that one red does not fit all so finding the proper shade of red for your hue is imperative. And when you do, you won’t know how to handle all of the compliments that’ll be thrown your way. It’s happened to me and I have no doubt it’ll happen to you.

During a MAC store visit last year, I stumbled upon MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo Lipstick (maccosmetics.com, $14) and MAC’s Lip Pencil in Cherry (maccosmetics.com, $13). I loved this product from the outset. It’s perfect for those days when a clear gloss just isn’t enough to wow the masses. Incidentally, these are also the same products that were used on the models in Donna Karan’s fashion show held in New York City recently.

Based on your skin tone, the perfect red lip color is within reach. If you don’t know what your skin tone is, then see my entry, Fall In Love With A Sultry, Smokey Gaze for a quick lesson.

Fair & Beige: Stick with reds that have a blue or brown undertone. Talk about high-impact beauty!

Bronze & Golden: If you’re complexion is similar to this model’s, then you should look for deep reds that have a brown base. The more intense the color the better.

Deep: If you’re in this category, stick with pinky reds. They have a greater impact against your skin tone.

Click to read more

NAACP Image Award Trends: Blacks, Nudes + Plum Shadow

2-Minute Skin Remedies

Stars like Eva and Anika Noni Rose wore beautiful pale and nude colored dressed, paying homage to the coming spring season.

Black remined the champion, as stars looked sleek and sophisticated in their dark frocks.

In the makeup department one trend that stood out was plum eyeshadow.

According to BellSugar,

A plum-toned smoky eye proved to be the look of the evening at the 2010 NAACP Image Awards over the weekend. This hazy hue has just the right amount of punch to create the perfect amount of drama, but thanks to its richly pigmented finish, it also has a sophisticated feel. Pair this shade of purple shadow with a neutral or subtle berry–toned cheek and lip for a flattering style. (Just avoid choosing a plum shadow with pinkish undertones — a surefire way to make it look like you’ve missed out on a night or two of sleep.) And for something fun, use two purples in the mix, just like Gabrielle Union and CCH Pounder did.

If you would like to try the Plum Shadow smokey eye, we recommend these fab products:

Bare Minerals Plum Eye Kit

Dior 2 Color Shadow

You should definitely give this look a try. Happy experimenting fashionistas!

Check out the hottest celebs pics on the net!!