Mac’s Back To Mac Program
Return six Mac primary packaging containers to the Mac counter at your local department store or via mail, and you’ll get a free lipstick of your choice! For more information, click here.

Origins’ Return to Origins Program
Origins accepts empty cosmetics tubes, bottles, jars, etc. from any brand (regardless of manufacturer) at all of their retail stores and department store counters. In return, they’ll give you a free sample of your choice of an Origins

Kiehl’s Recycle and Be Rewarded Program
Bring your empty Kiehl’s jars and tubes to the store nearest you and you’ll get a card to collect stamps for each container you recycle. For three containers, get a free tube of lip balm. When you return five, you’ll get a free item from the Travel Collection. And when you reach 10, choose one regular sized product valued at $25 or less! To find a Kiehl’s store near you, visit kiehls.com.<

Tarte Customer Recycling Incentive Program
Tarte offers discounts when you send in your empty cosmetic containers. Send in your Clean Slate Primer or Smooth Operator SPF 20 foundation and you’ll get 15 percent off your next complexion purchase. Send in an empty Slide Tin Lip Balm and Tarte will give you 15 percent off any lip product. And send in an empty cheek stain and you’ll get 15 percent off the next cheek stain! For more information, click here.

Want to make recycling make up easier? Buy brands that use recyclable materials for packaging. Josie Maran sells biodegradable plastic compacts that can be composted (after you remove the mirror), and SpaRitual nail polishes come in recyclable glass bottles. If you shop at Lush, you can buy slices of soap and bars of shampoo sans-packaging (bring your own bag or buy a recyclable aluminum tin to store yours in), and their plastic bottles can be recycled along with drinking bottles and caps returned to the store to be re-used.

[For more fashion and beauty fabulosity, visit StyleBakery.com.]

Lauren Conrad taking her line to Kohl’s.

Beyonce rules the box office.

Are Miley and Nick Jonas knockin’ boots?

Kiehl’s goes natural with mascara.

OMG Oprah is scaring me!

(Former) Detroit Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, is out of the clink.

Get some dating tips from Drew Barrymore.

Little boy goes to dentist, gets stoned. Just like Michael Phelps!

5 pieces that flatter every body.

Miley Cyrus hates Asian people.

Dissecting winter’s most controversial fashions.

Brody Jenner’s got a new BFF (and he’s so much cooler than Spencer)!

Kiehl’s goes V-Day crazy.

He’s Just Not That Into You premieres and everyone looks hot.

Rebecca Romijn just had twins?!

[Photo courtesy of www.jaunted.com]

Vampires on the prowl in LA.

How many countries can you name in 5 minutes?

ABC cancels a whole bunch of TV shows.

Angelina controls the media.

How to get discounts on beauty products!

George Clooney looks like a hot mess.

Single ladies aren’t the only ones putting a ring on it

How to avoid having sex.

Chocolates for Thanksgiving.

Tips for studying for finals without losing your head.

1. Wall Decals- The best way to make your dorm room or apartment look more legit. It looks like it’s hand painted or wallpaper, but- surprise! – it’s a removable decal. So leave those drinking posters with the ripped corners to the boys. You can find them in fun shapes, pictures, sayings – you name it – there is a decal for it. Click here for another great option!

2. T-shirt quilt. So you have 5 bajillion t-shirts from the 5 bajillion bar crawls, Powder Puff football games, Halloweens, college sports teams, etc. Some have holes, some don’t fit (thank you, Freshman Fifteen), but mostly you just don’t have enough room in your tiny closet, or enough days in the year, to wear all of them. But you can’t seem to part with them given that each has a fabulous drunken story behind it. Solution? The T-shirt quilt. It’s a bit pricey but it’s a way to keep them forever without sacrificing room in your closet.

3. Almond Breeze ‘Milk’. It’s yummy, all natural and super low calorie. Not to mention it’s a great alternative to dairy and soy and since the studies on soy being good/bad for you is more fickle than Britney Spears’s sanity, this milk is definitely worth loving.

4. Stuff White People Like. A blog-turned-book that is incredibly entertaining. But don’t leave it on a plane for the flight attendant to find; he will think you are a racist. I know this because it happened to me. Not at all awkward OR uncomfortable.

5. Kiehls Lip Balm #1. Nothing sucks more than dry lips – well, except maybe Gonorrhea or Diarrhea. But this lip blam helps tackle dry lips all winter long. Love, love, love it.

Finally, halfway through high school, I made peace with being pale and embraced the art of self tanning. Since then I have (tried to) become religious about slathering on sun protection every. single. day. It is a chore sometimes, but when I want to slack on the SPF, I just think of this gadget. Here’s how to work SPF into your lifestyle easily.

SPF Moisturizer: For every day exposure, protection while going to and from work or school, or spending minimal time outdoors. Daily use of a low SPF sunscreen (like 15) can reduce sun damage even more than occasional use of a super high SPF. Sub this for your regular morning face lotion. Aim for at least 30. Most people don’t use the right amount of sun protection (about a teaspoon for your face)–they usually use only half, so double the level of SPF you desire. If you think you’ll miss that sun kissed glow you achieve on your cheeks and nose, try Neutrogena Summer Glow Daily moisturizer. You’ll still get a healthy glow…emphasis on healthy.

Sun Screen and Sun Block: There is a difference! A quick tutorial:

Sun screen: By far the most popular sun protection products, they absorb UV rays before your skin can. They come in the most variety of forms, and still allow for some gain of color (but tan at your own risk! Even the slightest change in your skin shade indicates sun damage).

Sun block: Offers a stronger level of protection by reflecting UV rays. Usually somewhat thicker in consistency, but technology has improved that factor. (Remember that sticky, thick coating that Mom used to rub on and acted as a sand magnet? Yea, it’s improved since then.)

Overall, the two act in much the same way and are ideal for any serious outdoor activity.

Remember, application is even more important than the level of SPF you need. You should use a shot glass sized amount (great excuse to have one handy at your next pool party!), at least on your body. Basically, put it anywhere your skin might be exposed and apply enough so that a film is visible before it dries. Apply it before you hit the great outdoors, because SPF takes 20-30 minutes to start working. I like to do mine before I get dressed or put on my bikini, therefore allowing ample time and preventing it from ruining my bathing suit.

Another important thing to remember about sun protection is that it is temperature, time and chemically sensitive. A good rule of thumb is to treat your sunscreen like you would your condoms! Seriously though, avoid high temp storage (in the car, a no no), always check the expiration date, and remember that certain medications (like antibiotics) interact negatively with SPF.

Be aware that while all blocks and screens block UVB rays (the ones that fry you), they don’t all block UVA rays (aging rays). Check the label to see if it specifically protects against both types of damage. Two brands that protect against both are Neutrogena–which uses Helioplex technology to battle aging and cancer, and L’Oreal (or any of their products, including Kiehl’s and Lancome):they use the chemical screen Mexoryl.

So ladies, whenever you head outdoors this summer, remember to wear protection! Ok, enough with the condom jokes. But seriously, it will establish a good habit. Come your 50th birthday you will be very grateful for that your skin is in better condition than your brand new leather handbag.

[Photo courtesy of ebaumsworld.com]

So how can you give your momma want she really wants this season? Stay away from vacuum cleaners and anti-aging creams, and start your search with these ideas!

• Cashmere Robe ($295) – everyone knows cashmere is the best thing ever, and being able to snuggle into a robe made completely of the stuff after a nice shower? Totally worth it for a woman who went into labor for you.

• Kiehl’s Treatment Cream ($22.50) – around New York City, Kiehl’s is the sh*t. Top of the line and mixed with their own personal brand of ingredients, Kiehl’s products are a must for the classy woman. And really, who’s classier than your mom?

• Indoor Greenhouse ($179.95) – a high-tech indoor greenhouse is the perfect gift for a momma who’s green thumb isn’t as green as she’d like it to be. Most of these babies do all the work themselves, as she has to do is take credit for it!

• Origins Bubble Bath ($25) – who can say no to high-quality bubble bath?

• Martini Glasses ($19.99) – I’m not saying you drove your mom to drinking, but just in case you did…here’s a way to thank her for not giving you away during those teenage years.

• Totally Awesome Slippers ($39.99) – These ain’t no namby-pamby slippers, these are real sheepskin and leather. Her feet deserve a rest after all those years spent running after you.

• Ghirardelli Chocolate Box ($24.99) – Ghirardelli is the best tasting chocolate your mom has ever tried. For an extra special gift, include a signed agreement that you won’t eat any of it.