For years, I wanted bangs. I longed for them. I coveted them. I desired them. But the answer from my hairstylist was always the same: NO. So in 2008, I cut them myself. Years later, I have a love-hate relationship with them. I keep cutting ‘em, growing ‘em in, and cutting them again. But I want to tell you this: curly-head bangs can be HOT.

This week, I’ve gathered photos from across the web to show you how it can be done. Whether you want curly bangs, bangs you have to straighten (which we’re so not used to, since our curls are so naturally gorge!!), or you’re ready to grow them out, here’s the how-to!

initiating the gallery...

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Shobha Sugaring Kit

Why this should be in your bag:
Smooth skin is an essential part of looking your best. Most women that I know shave unwanted hair, but that can be really annoying. Not only do you have to do it every single day, but shaved hair usually grows back thicker and coarser than before. Sugaring is a great option for easy hair removal and is definitely my method of choice. I find it much less painful than waxing (pro!) and this formula by Shobha is all-natural and “free of parabens, dyes, fragrances, petrols, resins & waxes” (major pro!).

How to use it:
The kit comes with great, detailed instructions, but here is a rough rundown. First, your hair in the area must be at least 1/4 inch long. That means, your legs or armpits are going to be nasty for a week, but it’s worth it in the end! Once you’re ready to wax, heat it up in the microwave. I find 30 seconds is usually perfect. Make sure the area is nice and dry and apply the Talc-Free Powder. Then, spread the wax on, in the direction of hair growth, and rub a Denim Strip on top. After rubbing the strip down for a minute or so, pull the skin taut and pull of the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth. At first, you may have to go over an area a couple times to fully remove the hair. One of the best parts about this kit is simple clean-up; the all-natural wax dissolves in warm water.

CC Rating: A+
I loved using the Shobha Sugaring Kit. Not only did it successfully remove unwanted hair, but it was virtually painless. It’s compact and easy-to-store, and only requires a microwave and sink, making it totally dorm-friendly. I’ve been using this kit now for about a month and have noticed significantly finer hair in the areas that I’m sugaring. I can’t wait to keep using and seeing results. Another great thing about this kit is that it’s all-natural so you won’t get any funky reactions or side-effects like you can with drugstore waxing kits.

I highly recommend the Shobha Sugaring Kit for keeping your skin silky smooth!

Where’s the in-between?

Well, there is one and I found it. This week I’m showing you a natural eye that adds a bit of pop to your everyday makeup routine. It’s super quick and easy and a great way to look good for a day on campus (and not a night out at the bars).

Although I have fallen in love with Lush’s unique products and packaging, it is the company’s goals and mission that keeps me coming back (and spending the extra cash).

They make it their business to use fresh ingredients, make the products by hand (how many places actually do this anymore?), not partake in animal testing, and protect the planet by making the products ‘green’ or vegetarian/vegan friendly. With minimal preservatives in their products, I have truly been refreshed by the products I have tried and I believe that using fresh products like seaweed and avocados has made a difference in the way these bath bombs and gels work.

Buying cosmetics is important to every girl, but in the current state of the economy, spending money on lavish products may seem silly. However, with a company promising to help the environment and its customers with the freshest and hand-made products, dishing out the extra few bucks is worth it… especially when it comes to these guys:

Shampoo Bars: This is probably my all-time favorite beauty invention. Instead of traditional liquid shampoos, these bars come in a circular form and all you have to do is lather the bar in between your hands and then apply it to your hair. Want direct contact? Just rub it on your scalp, and prepare for the suds to take over. Although each bar is 1.9 oz for $9.45 (a little steep, especially in this economy), I promise that they last over and over again (if you follow directions and don’t keep them submerged in water). According to Lush, these bars last “for around 80 washes, saving three plastic bottles along the way.”

My personal favorite is Karma Komba, which is supposed to help prevent tangles, but other bars work for other reasons like the Soak and Float which protects against dandruff and the Hard Solid Shampoo which is made for those that live in “hard water areas.” If you have to try one Lush product, I would recommend this more than anything else. Not into the bars? Lush also has liquid shampoos and conditioners available.

Bath Bombs: Lush is probably best known for its bath bombs, which come in two sizes (big and bigger). For example, there is the Big Blue bath bomb (6.3 oz) and the Big Big Blue bath bomb (28.2 oz). Either size is perfect to cut and divide up into a few baths, no need to use the whole bomb all at once. Once these amazing balls hit the water, your bath will explode into a sizzle of fizz and scent. Colorful and creative, each bomb has its own personality. With the Big Blue bath bomb, seaweed makes its way out of the ball and turns your bath into an instant ocean, while the Supernova bath bomb turns your bath into a party, complete with confetti.

Lush has a variety of bath bombs, so finding one that fits your mood or personality will be no problem. Unlike other bath bombs, Lush has a scent that will linger and stay long after the water is down the drain, and it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth beyond comparison to other similar products. Although these innovative bath time products make a dip in the tub extra fun, the only downside is that the seaweed, confetti, or other special ingredient may clog the drain.

Buttercreams: According to the Lush website, “Buttercreams are a luxurious blend of 15% soap – enough to get you clean but not make masses of lather – and 85% natural, skin-softening butters, glycerine, plant infusions and essential oils.” Although buttercreams can be used in the shower or the bath, it is best to use them cold. Put them in the fridge or the freezer and before getting in the shower or bath, cut a small chunk off and prepare yourself to be pampered. My only qualm with the buttercreams is that the scents like Heavenly Bodies, which is aimed at chocolate lovers, or Ring of Roses, which is covered in rose petals, doesn’t stay and the creamy, softness promised rubs off fast.

And these products are just a few of the extensive Lush product line. Want the most unforgettable bath that will actually keep its bubbles and scent an hour into it? Go for a Bubble Bar. Sick of the same old perfume? Try one of the company’s solid perfumes, which come in lip balm type pots. Guys, want to plan a special evening for your girlfriend? Get a massage bar and give her the spa treatment yourself. From body lotions to shaving creams to solid soaps, there is something for everybody. And with vibrant colors and clever names, shopping at Lush (whether in one of its stores or online)  will be a unique cosmetics shopping experience.

Move over Bath and Body Works, Lush is definitely here to stay!

Everyone (namely Britney Spears) loves a good Starbucks Frapp now and then, but what we don’t love is the added poundage that tasty treat leaves on our thighs. Those guys over at the Bux have been catching a lot of flack for their many drinks that have more sugar and calories than a liter of Coke, not to mention those fatty pastries, so they’ve decided to make some “healthy” changes.

This month Starbucks launched a new line of treats that they claim is healthier. They’ve eliminated all artificial flavors, dyes, high-fructose corn syrup and artificial preservatives from the ingredients list wherever possible. Now the bakers use more wholesome ingredients like whole grains, Oregon blueberries and Michigan cherries to revamp the nutritional value for their muffins and baked goods. Some new food items include a blueberry oat bar filled with two types of organic blueberries, a new banana walnut bread made with real bananas (as opposed to that nasty artificial flavor), and a lower-calorie Marshmallow Dream bar. Mmmm.

They’ve even added a few new salads, one of which, the Farmer’s Market Salad, is made with blue cheese, almonds, cranberries, and apples. There are also two additions to the breakfast menu, including an egg-white sandwich as well as a healthy and well-balanced strawberry-banana Vivanno smoothie.

Sounds delightfully healthy, right?

Well, don’t be totally deceived. While the new ingredients are more natural than their predecessors, upon some investigation into the real nutrition facts, I found that the banana walnut bread only contains 30% of those “real” bananas. The “lower calorie” Marshmallow Dream Bar still has 210 calories, and isn’t all that big in size. And the new Gluten-free Valencia Orange Cake has 290 calories, not to mention the Chocolate Chunk Cookie clocking in at a hefty 380!

Does that sound much healthier to you?

I see that Starbucks is attempting to make a change here, but I still agree with the statement made by the Center for Consumer Freedom declaring that “An apple fritter is an apple fritter, not health food, and no matter what Starbucks’ marketing whiz kids say, it will still have 420 calories and 20 grams of fat.”

Do not be swayed by smart marketing, ladies. This new Starbucks menu may look better on the surface, but underneath all those punchy advertisements is a whole lot of hidden fat and calories.

I think I’ll just stick with my Skinny Latte and call it a day. A truly low-calorie day.

Have you tried any of these new foods? Taste any different, for better or for worse? Tell us all about it!

I love vitaminwater.  It’s yummy, and the fact that it’s loaded with vitamins makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my body whenever I drink it.  However, what I don’t love so much is that the sugar in it that makes it taste so good also makes it a little high in calories.  This is why I usually try to drink it only when I’m working out, but, to be perfectly honest, that isn’t too often.

That’s why I was super excited when I heard about vitaminwater’s newest creation, vitaminwater10, which has only 10 calories per serving -  that’s only 25 calories per 20-ounce bottle! Being able to enjoy my beloved vitaminwater without having to worry too much about the calories? Sounds perfect.

But could it be too good to be true? Would 10 calories also mean that nasty “diet” after-taste that comes from scary artificial sweeteners? I checked out the VitaminWater10 event in NYC to find out:

The new “water” comes in 4 of the original vitaminwater flavors: energy (tropical citrus), multi-v (lemonade), essential (orange), and xxx (triple antioxidants: acai-blueberry-pomegranate).  I tried all of them, and I’m happy to announce that my worries were unnecessary: the stuff tastes GREAT, just like regular vitaminwater!  This comes from the fact that vitaminwater10 is sweetened by a variety of fruit and vegetable derived sweeteners, which are balanced perfectly in order to make it both low-calorie AND taste delicious.

Seriously, this stuff is good. Most people just sampled each flavor, but I literally drank 4 full bottles. Good thing there were bathrooms nearby…

I can’t wait for them to come out with more flavors, but for now I’m officially a loyal convert to vitaminwater10. Maybe even loyal enough to get to the gym a little more to have an excuse to drink it. Maybe…

Bonus: if you live in NYC, you can head down to the “vitaminwater10 dest10ation store” located at 626 Broadway (between Houston & Bleeker) from April 3rd to the 12th to try the stuff for yourself (for free)!  If you don’t live in New York, a lot of stores are already carrying vitaminwater10, so be sure you grab some to try.  I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too, like I did!

[Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!]

As global warming continues to become a bigger and bigger issue for our planet, it becomes increasingly important to do our part to cut down on wasteful resources. And what better place to start than in our very own closets?

These five items are all created with a bevy of natural materials from recycled leather to organic cotton, all which help to reduce our carbon footprint and still give us a fashionable footprint in which to step forward.

Beau Soleil Beau Rome Dress
A dress made entirely out of bamboo … and it’s chic to boot? We would have thought it impossible until we saw this adorable day dress from Beau Soleil. We’re totally loving the invisible side pockets and the unbelievably gorgeous drape of the fabric.
$275 at shopbeausoleil.com

Wing Necklace
You’ll fly to new heights when you wear this gorgeous pendant, crafted from your choice of recycled gold fill or recycled sterling silver. See? Recycling can be fun.
$56 at btcelements.com

Eberjey Natural Woman Robe
There’s nothing crunchy about this flowy robe, created out of totally organic cotton. The intricate detailing just makes us want to slip it on and be the lady of the house.
$102 at cocosshoppe.com

See the rest at StyleBakery!

Well that’s bulls**t.

Bathing suits are supposed to be fun, flirty and cute. We wear them when we’re supposed to be having fun, not stressing because we’re not as surgically enhanced as the girl next to us or investing in last minute sarongs. With Spring Break steadfastly approaching, it’s time to check out the best bathing suits out there and re-vamp our ideas about swimsuit shopping.

So grab a trusted and honest friend, remove the necessary body hair and spray tan yourself silly (it seriously helps in dressing room fluorescents) and let’s shop.

Best Budget (And no one will know it!)

Old Navy’s Smocked Paisley Bikini

Remember those days when you wouldn’t be caught dead without your neon Old Navy Fleece jacket and every time you walked into Old Navy you had to buy 5 pairs of flip flops? Remember those really cheery Old navy commercials with everyone dancing? Well Old navy is awesome again (even though I was still shopping there when it wasn’t…those flip flops kick ass!) and all the proof you need is in their swimwear collection. This cobalt blue string bikini looks like you plucked it straight out of a Mediterranean boutique instead of your local Old Navy, and no one will be the wiser that you spent less than 50 bucks on the whole thing. You can shop by pattern, cut or mix and match, and every.single.piece. is under $20.

Best Bust Creators

Victoria’s Secret MiracleBra Swimsuits

Any of the tops offered by the MiracleBra line are bound to enhance whatever you’ve got up top. The suits all come in a ton of different cuts, colors and patterns, so the possibilities are endless when you’re creating your ideal bikini. (Bonus: seriously smaller chance that anyone on the beach will be wearing the same suit as you). Even if you want to be seriously sexy up top, you can keep it conservative on the bottom thanks to VS’s separates. This top is my favorite, mostly because it’s wireless, and if my PC doesn’t have wires, I personally believe my boobs shouldn’t either. Because it’s all cloth, the top is way more comfortable and definitely won’t get bent out of shape after some intense volleyball.

Bikini (F)or (large)Bust!

BECCA’s Expedition Halter

If you are well endowed when it comes to mammary issues, then you know how hard it is to find a decent fitting AND cute swimsuit. Enter BECCA by Rebecca Virtue. In almost every single pattern or style, the brand offers a D and/or DD cup size. Join in now: hallelujah! I love this geometric pattern because it is a) very cool and b) draws the eye in a diagonal direction, therefore (visually) cutting your boob in half (I said visually, ladies.) The cool coral, black and teal enameled brooch in the middle ties the funky pattern perfectly together, and the thick halter straps provide maximum support without underwire. Perfection.

Best One Piece

Venus’s South Beach Monokini

For the ultimate combo of chic and sexy, cut-out one pieces are the way to go. The cut-outs shave inches off of your waist by drawing your eye inward, and I love that the halter top isn’t so skimpy that the fabric will fall out of place if you move. In black, this suit begs you to wear it with heels, a floppy hat and huge sunglasses while you call everyone “dahling,” but all the other colors and patterns are so much fun that you might just want to buy two (and at $34 a pop, why the hell shouldn’t you?).

Best Itty-Bitty Bikini

Victoria’s Secret VerySexy Jeweled Orchid

All yellow polka dots aside, if you’ve been busting your butt at the gym since before SB09 was just a twinkle in your eye, show off your hard work in one of these. The maroon color is gorgeous on just about any skintone and the orchid accents are beautiful. They also allow you to look hot and fashionable on the beach without adding accessories that will probably end up broken, lost, or in the pocket of someone with a metal detector. The tiny triangle top gives you free reign over just how much cleavage you want to show and the low rise/high cut bottoms will leave very little to the imagination. If you’ve got the body to rock this bikini then work it!

Best splurge

Betsey Johnson’s Unforgettable Bikini with Swim Skirt

Not going anywhere for Spring Break? Then reward yourself for not blowing 6 months salary in one week (those margaritas add up!) and splurge on this. When I first saw this suit, my mind went into cuteness overload. Baby yellow? Yes, please. Floral detail on a classically feminine cut? OMG bikini heaven. This design also comes in a triangle or halter top , and tie or Brazilian bottoms (and yes, they all have the adorable rose detailing). Leave it to Betsey Johnson to create a perfect blend of retro glam, soft colors and hardcore sexiness…and turn it into a swimsuit.

Best Body Makeover

Miraclesuit’s Barcelona Bandeau

Ok, so I know the idea of a Miraclesuit sounds like something your Mom bought recently, but trust me when I say it truly is a MIRACLE. The extreme amount of spandex in this suit allows it to suck in, flatten, push up and shape pretty much any area on your body that makes you uncomfortable. The retro-bandeau style reminds me so much of pin-up girl suits, and they make the most of curves instead of trying to squeeze them into an ill-fitting suit.

Best All Around

BECCA by Rebecca Virtue.

Whenever I go to buy a new swimsuit, Becca’s collection is always the first one I check out. Her styles are always fabulous and fun, and there’s a cut for however–ahem—confident I’m feeling about strutting around in glorified underwear. And she never disappoints. A native Californian, Rebecca Virtue knows her beachwear. She believes in working with the natural shape of our bodies to create beautiful swimwear for everyone. All of her suits are designed with pretty detailing, gorgeous colors, cool combinations of fabrics (including soy!) and are meant to fit you flawlessly. And the best part? These suits last. I bought my first Becca suit when I was 15 and still wear it to this day without any saggy fabric or stretched out elastic—definitely worth it. You can check out her whole 2009 collection at her official website.

If you want to wake up your skin without the use of streaky self tanners or harmful UV rays, bronzer is the best way to get a healthy sunshiny glow. But tread lightly (literally); overdoing it or choosing the wrong color can you take you from Twilight auditions to Willy Wonka really quick.

Here are some tips to make sure you look like the a glamorous, sun kissed movie star, and not a scary oompa-loompa.

Stay away from Coppers and Oranges

Why so many bronzers have copper and orange undertones is a mystery. It almost never looks natural. You’ve surely seen the girl with a mask of orange dust on her face. Don’t be that girl. Choose a bronzer with chocolate brown or beige undertones. Test the shade on the inside of your forearm. If it looks flat and orangey, stay away. Nars Bronzer in Laguna (or Casino for darker skin tones) has the perfect shade to give you some radiant color without looking orange or fake. Or like this.

Apply Like Sunshine

When applied poorly, bronzer can make your face look just plain dirty, and “sifting through the trash” is probably not the look you were going for. The important thing to remember is that bronzer should go where the sun would normally hit your face. Start with your cheek bones, then sweep above the brow bone and down the bridge of your nose. Dust a small amount along your jaw line to add dimension. Use what’s left on the brush to lightly sweep over the rest of your face, neck and chest to even out the color. Many bronzer brushes have tight dense bristles that can dispense too much product on your skin. Try a loose powder brush like Sephora Brand Professionnel Rounded Powder Brush #49 for a more natural look.

Your Body Needs Bronzing Too

Now that your face has a golden glow, treat your body to the same glamorous look. You don’t want to look like you are two different colors, but no one wants to painstakingly apply a powder to every inch of their arms and legs. The best products are bronzing body lotions. You can get golden while you moisturize! Try Duwop Revolotion. It’s bronzing and has a light shimmer with SPF 15. Perfect for looking bronze while getting a real tan!

[Exercise, health and fitness are an important part of every woman’s life. But how do you know if you’re doing it right? And what new findings, tips and advice will help you reach your health fitness goals? Kelly, our fitness guru, will keep you updated every Monday with the latest and most beneficial news and advice for your health and body. Like the story with carbs..]

Carbs. Whether you realize it or not, everyone eats some type of carb. You hear about all these crazy diets that call for no carbs, when in reality, it’s the most unrealistic way to diet. Your body needs carbs; they are another fuel that keeps a body up and running at a healthy balance. Carbohydrates, by definition, are sugars that provide the body with energy. However, people often mistake the amounts and, more importantly, types of carbohydrates that are good for them.

I’m here to clear up the confusion.

The Good Carbs:

Carbohydrates, which are generally high in fiber (a great nutrient for your body, gives you energy and keeps your regular), are best eaten when they’re not processed (i.e., in the rawest, naturalist state). Good carbs are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that provide your body with energy over extensive periods of time.

Below is a list (thanks to Mama’s Health) of good carbs to eat when you’re craving a fix:

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Beans

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas (see – you can eat bread, just the whole grain ones!)

The good carbs will provide you with energy and nutrients without damaging your figure!

The Bad Carbs:

Bad carbs are generally processed foods, which means all of the nutrients (i.e., the good carb stuff) are removed. While they taste delicious (think McDonalds French Fries), they are incredibly useless to your daily life, as they provide no nutritional value and are jacked up in fats and calories. Below is a list of BAD carbs. Stay away from these badboys.

• White Flour

• White Pasta

• White Bread

• Soda

• Beer

• French Fries

• Potato Chips

• Pizza

These bad carbs generally turn into one thing in your body, something we all worry about: fat. Now, I know it’s unrealistic to say NEVER eat or drink these things, but do so in teeny, tiny doses. You want some fries? Order a small and make it your only bad carb for the week. You want some beer? Drink Michelob Ultra, a beer dedicated to its low carb and low calorie count.

Just keep these things in mind the next time you need to make a meal decision. You don’t have to cut out all of the carbs, just choose the right ones.

(Photo courtesy of nycc.org)