Blog Posts by RealBeauty.com

Mother's Day is this Sunday, and in the midst of brunching, picnic-ing and just enjoying the company of the main gal in your life, give her a token that will last. Check out these gifts that have a unique beauty twist and will have her looking and feeling great.

Give her a token of your appreciation.
To some, violets symbolize love, and purple is the color of royalty, so show Mom who's queen this Mother's Day with this lovely, violet-shaped compact, filled with Estée Lauders Sensuous solid perfume.
Estée Lauder Sensuous Vibrant Flower by Jay Strongwater, $275; neimanmarcus.com



Give her a gift that will give back.
A gift with a cause is rewarding in itself - a portion of the proceeds from this candle benefits Autism Speaks. It will also remind your mom that she raised a kindhearted daughter who is aware of important causes.
Nest Blue Garden Candle, $32; neimanmarcus.com




Give her the Fountain of Youth.
Not that we want you to highlight that she's aging (gracefully), but even Mom

A new study, Insight into the Youth Beauty Market, was released last week by the research company NPD. The shocking results showed that although teens and young women are becoming less engaged with beauty and cosmetics, tweens (ages 8-12) are becoming more into makeup and the like.

The report lists that among the increases in regular usage of mascara, eyeliner and lipstick from 2007, mascara and eyeliner usage by tweens have both doubled.'

Much to our surprise, pop culture, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga are not to blame. The culprits are the girls' very own mothers and siblings. They're turning to their at-home, real-life role models and copying what they're buying and using.

When we were young, LipSmackers lip balms and peel-off nail polish were the only types of cosmetics our moms let us dive into. Only on special occasions were we allowed to wear blush and lipstick, such as in our cousin's wedding.

This study reminds us an episode of The Cosby Show-Vanessa wanted to start wearing

Ever wonder how your stylist gets her hair looking perfect all the time? You don't need to go to beauty school to possess the power of great hair, you just need to know the secrets. The next time you want a flawless look, try one of these tips.



To Keep Your Waves Bouncy

Opt for sleeping on a satin pillowcase to help keep your hair from getting matted, tangled, and frizzy. Cotton cases tend to have coarser texture, which can rough up your hair, especially if you're tossing and turning all night.

Can't get a good night's sleep? These habits might be the cause.

To Revive Your Curls

All it takes is some leave-in conditioner! Spray hair with a thin mist and smooth it down with your hands, using the pulling-it-into-a-ponytail motion. Try one from the curl experts, like Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner.

To boost your curls sans product cup, don't scrunch. Cup the bottom of your curl in your palm, push it all the way up to your head, then squeeze when your fingers

No one wants to be stressed out-plus the havoc alone causes acne, weight gain, and other body issues. Whether it's work, a breakup, or the countless other factors, it is essential to find some balance and learn how to de-stress-and it's not that hard to do. It doesn't have to take expensive therapies or a ton of time. Try one of these easy tension tamers to get started on calming your nerves.

Office Mini-Massage
Take the sting out of a stressful afternoon with a 30-second massage. Rest your elbows on your desk and place your thumbs under your eyebrows on either side of the bridge of your nose. Let the weight of your head rest on your thumbs for 10 seconds. Next, pinch your eyebrows with your thumbs and index fingers. Hold for one second, then move your fingers a half-inch out. Repeat until you've covered the whole brow. Not only will the mini-break soothe your senses, the simple act of touch is calming and comforting.

Steam Things Up
Although it gets a bad rap, sweating is a vital

April may be the month dedicated to celebrating Earth Day, but we all know it's good practice to be eco-friendly 365 days a year, not just the 30 days of the month. It doesn't have to be difficult, in fact, being more green conscious is just the opposite. Check out these ways you can make a slight switch in your life to become a go green getter.

Decrease Your Carbon Footprint, Decrease Your Weight

It's no secret that when you get out of the car and on your feet your waistline will shrink, but sometimes it's just not feasible to hit the gym everyday after work when you have hungry mouths to feed. If you live within biking distance to work, try riding to decrease air pollution and burn calories at the same time. Start practicing now so you can take part in Bike to Work Week May 17-21. For more information visit bikeleague.org. If the average woman (approximately 160 pounds) biked 20 minutes to and from work, she would burn 292 calories on top of getting killer legs! Just remember,

Wedding-day makeup will most likely be the most important set of foundation, primers, eye colors and blush that you'll ever wear in your life. Although some brides may be too jittery to draw a straight liquid line, some are brave enough to do it themselves. After reading the tips and products you need below, check out 12 More Makeup Tips Every Bride Should Know.

Eyes
Tip: Do your eyes first-it's easier to fix a makeup goof or wipe away dark shadows without messing up your entirely made-up face.

An eye base: it acts as a primer and is especially great for oily lids. It also helps even out skin tone and increases the staying power of your shadow and liner.

Waterproof makeup : even if you swear you won't cry, the flood gates could very well let loose. You'll want to be concentrating on your vows, not worrying if your eye makeup is running all over your face.

An eyebrow pencil: filled in brows frame your eyes and finish the whole picture. When choosing a color, always go a shade or two

Remember how serious you took your makeup and deodorant picks when you were headed to your high-school prom? Beauty regimens for weddings should be as serious, especially now that Aunt Joann has Facebook and knows how to tag photos. So whether you're the bride or a guest, here are five tricks to making your face look flawless from celebrity makeup artist Bruce Grayson. Grayson was the head MUA for the 2010 Oscars, so he knows a thing or two about skin-perfecting touch-ups.

1. Complexion: Get your skin looking flawless weeks before the big event by doing the following: Drink a lot of water, avoid salty foods, reduce caffeine. You can also look into hard-working skin-care kits like Philosophy Miracle Worker.

2. Foundation: It's tempting to use a full-coverage foundation and lots of powder, but the combo will only make your skin look cakey and dull. A better option is to use a sheer, buildable base and a cream blush.

3. Teary Eyes: Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller is a must-have

Facebook is a beautiful thing. It reconnects you with old pals and let's you creep around in other people's lives from the comfort of your own home. But it can also be your worst enemy. If you've been guilty of wearing a dress that was just a tad too blousy, or didn't realize you just sat through with your friend's bachelorette party with lipstick on your teeth the entire night, logging on Sunday morning could result in lots of cringes and untagging.

The next time you're out and a photo op comes up, try one of these tips to get your best pose yet. No de-tagging necessary! Also, try on a new hairstyle for free before you hit the town.


If you're taking a picture with a friend...

• DON'T get too smiley! Especially after a drink or two, your smile might reach from ear to ear. It's great you're having a good time, but to keep the cheesy factor down, stay with a sexy half-smile.
• DO keep your hands soft. Avoid "the claw," where you grip your friend's waist so tightly you know