Real Beauty: Updos that Last All Night

Taking inspiration from the Chanel Spring 2010 RTW runway, we explored some tried and true tips for how to create fabulous updos the pros say will last all night.

Swept Back
Create a mini-bouffant updo with side-swept bangs for a sophisticated look. Blow-dry hair and apply a volumizing spray like Frédéric Fekkai Instant Volume Spray. Pile hair high and pin under at the nape with a few bobby pins. Instead of pulling pieces down like a regular bouffant, dry your bangs to the side with a round brush. Mist a light coating of hairspray for extra hold.

Accessorize
Your updo woes can be fixed with the simple addition of a headband or beret to set your style. We love Salma Hayek's elegant band, which adds some definition to her swept back bun as well as holds hair in place.

Face-Framing
If you have difficulty getting your hair up, create a faux updo like Jessica Biel. Using bobby pins, pin hair back at the nape of your neck (a low ponytail minus the elastic). Take away the front section of your hair and, using a flatiron, angle it to dramatically frame your face. The key to making this style stick is to cross the bobby pins in an "X" fashion to keep them secure. This may be not a great style for a Friday out dancing with the girls, but it will look great for a cocktail or housewarming party.

Ballerina Bun
We bet that your feet will throw in the towel from too much dancing in your stilettos before this hairstyle will. Pile hair into a high ponytail and wrap it around a thick elastic for a bun that will go way past last call. Top off with a long-lasting hairspray like Kérastase Double Force Controle Ultime.

Braided
This boho-chic style made a comeback last season and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Update your braid with an oversized bow like Thandie Newton, and braid slightly to the side, as opposed to straight back, for a twist on this sexy look.

To the Side
Keep your hair in check by following your natural hair part. This will help keep your updo together longer because your hair naturally falls that way. To get a style similar to Scarlett's, curl the ends of your hair with a curling iron and gather it into a low side ponytail with the front piece left out. Pin the curls around the ponytail and use a texturizing cream, like Sally Hershberger Wreck and Roll Texturizing Cream or Redken Rugged Texturizer, for added wave at the front of your face. Then, pin the piece back into the ponytail using bobby pins to create wave and volume.

Lopsided Bun
Add a twist to your bun by doing exactly that — twisting. Pile your hair high, and instead of wrapping it around an elastic, split the ponytail into two parts, twisting each into the base of the ponytail.

source: RealBeauty.com; images: Style, Elle, WireImage, RealBeauty.com

Fact or Fiction? Beauty Myths Decoded

Can items from your kitchen make a beauty mask? Can you increase gray hair growth by plucking gray hairs? Read on and see what Real Beauty has to say about these common beauty myths.

Myth: Avocados can make a great skin mask.
Fact. Sounds weird, but it works! Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with a little bit of lemon juice. Apply this mask to your face and neck for an over-the-counter toner/firmer.
 
 

Myth: The best place to apply perfume is on pulse points.
Fact. Applying perfume to pulse points is the best way to make your scent last all day. Fragrances react with heat, so spritz your perfume on your wrists or the back of your neck and you won't need to worry about re-applying.
 

Myth: Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.
Fiction. There are plenty of ways to potentially develop varicose veins, but none of them are related to crossing your legs (sigh of relief). Some examples of what could causes varicose veins include genetics, obesity, trauma to the skin, etc.
 
 

Myth: Matching eye shadow will make your eye color pop.
Fiction. Actually, contrasting your eye makeup with your eye color is what will really stand out. Here are a couple recommendations based on your eye color:

Green/Hazel: Plum, deep browns, and light golden hues
Blue: Smoky charcoals, chocolate, and bright berry tones
Brown: Soft pinks, natural beige, and shades of bronze

Myth: Teeth whiteners can damage tooth enamel.
Fact. Make sure you follow the directions line by line when using teeth whitening products. If these products are used improperly or too frequently, it can result in permanent damage to your teeth.
 
 

Myth: I pluck one gray hair, multiple gray hairs will grow back in it's place.
Fiction. This isn't true — which is good because some of us were starting to worry! While plucking gray hairs won't make more grow back in its place, it's not a good habit to get into since it can damage the root.
 
 

Myth: Consistently wearing dark nail polish can turn your nails a yellowish hue.
Fact. This was tough news to take since dark nail polish is definitely in this season, but not to worry — this yellowing is temporary, not harmful, and can also be avoided! Before painting your nails a deep dark hue, paint on a layer of clear base coat to protect your nails from any discoloration.
 
 

Myth: Sleeping on your back may prevent wrinkles.
Fact. After hearing this, we're never sleeping on our sides again! The American Academy of Dermatology says that sleeping in certain positions may result in "sleep lines." After time, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles, so flip over and get your shut-eye on your back.
 

Myth: Beauty products have an expiration date.
Fact. That's right — just like groceries, your beauty and hair products have a shelf life, too. The expiration date depends on the beauty product. Here are a couple common ones:

Mascara and Liquid Eye Liners: 3 months
Liquid Face Makeup, Cream Eye Shadow: 6 months
Powder Face Makeup, Powder Eye Shadows, Pencil Eye Liners, Lipstick, Lip gloss: 2 years

Myth: Cutting your hair will make hair grow faster.
Fiction. While we wish this one were true, it seems your hair will grow at its own pace (usually about half an inch per month) no matter how many trim-ups you take. Don't do away with trimming your hair altogether though, since it will look much healthier without the split ends!
 
 
Well, those are ten I found interesting and helpful.  And in case you're wondering about the cucumber image at top and whether or not the myth that they can reduce darkness and those puffy bags we loathe is true? Yes, they can ... Cold cucumber slices can restrict blood vessels which reduces swelling and puffiness. You can learn about 23 other beauty myths and many other articles to assist in your own beauty and fitness experiences by visitng Real Beauty.
 
source: RealBeauty