Blog Posts by RealBeauty.com

Another year's end means one thing in the beauty world-a wrap-up of the worst beauty trends we've seen this year. Tell us in the comments below - what beauty trends had you going, "ew?" Matte nail polish? Bright red lipstick? See more of the worst (and best) trends of 2009, and be sure to tell us if we missed any!




1. Kate Minus a Stylist
Kate-it's not necessarily a good thing that stores sell wigs of your hairstyle for Halloween. We know that you think everyone loves your reverse mullet, but the truth is that this spiky asymmetrical hairdo is not going to make it into the Beauty Hall of Fame anytime soon. See how you look with different celebrity hairstyles.


2. Black Lipstick
We know we already called out Lady Gaga for her geometric bob, but we also had to mention her Goth-style lips. Talk about Bad Romance: This look is the kiss of death. Try on different colors of lipstick here.



3. Hair Bows
This look is adorable...on kindergartners and Minnie Mouse. Sure, Marc Jacobs sent some

Read More »from 5 Beauty Trends that Had Us Cringing in 2009

Watching The Biggest Loser is the equivalent to going through a tumultuous relationship. You laugh, you cry, you cry some more, eat a little ice cream, feel bad for eating a little ice cream, and then walk away feeling absolutely exhausted even though you did absolutely no physical activity. Last night's finale was no different. We were elated for the winner but also elated for ourselves for the sheer fact that the season was over and we could take some time away from the fierce fitness drill sergeant Jillian Michaels.

• 5 Ways to Get Your Body Back on Track

It's not that we have anything against Jillian Michaels-in fact sometimes we imagine her face on the treadmill when we need to squeeze out an extra five minutes. It's just that she's a little too intense for our liking in the brow area. Now, this may be on purpose to whip her team into shape, but her angry brows seem to have a mind of their own with one single goal - total gym domination through deadly stares.

This look may Read More »from Brow Lesson - Don't End Up With Jillian Michaels' "Angry Brows"

Let's be honest here-some of the weird and wacky sex positions out there have us a little freaked out. Step-by-steps are good for applying makeup or creating an easy hairstyle, but not for canoodling in bed. Here are five easy ways to amp up your bedroom behavior and please, share your own secrets in the comments section below!

1. Power walk to improve circulation. Why does this matter? This means that during arousal, more blood will make it down south, and the more aroused you'll feel.

• Read more on getting your sexercise

2. Get a firm tummy and a better orgasm. When you do sit-ups, your pelvic muscles - which support your reproductive organs and contract quickly during orgasm - also get a workout. The stronger those muscles are, the more intense your climax will be.

3. Try Kegals. Kegels tone and strengthen the pubococcygeal (PC) muscles - three sets of muscles that run like a hammock from your back to your pubic bone, encircling the openings to the vagina and the rectum. Read More »from 6 Super Easy Ways to Boost Your Sex Life

Looking to make some new additions to your makeup bag? These drugstore finds will get you glam for the holidays without breaking the bank. See the rest of our drugstore beauty picks under $10 here.

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Shadow Palette
Take the guesswork out of which shades will make your eyes pop - this palette is customized to your eye color. An eye shadow brush is included, and is essential in creating seamless effects. $6.99, target.com

• How to Create the Perfect Smoky Eye

Kiss iEnvy Premium False Eyelashes
Try a pair of these reusable glue-on lashes made with real human hair for an ultra-dramatic look. They're super easy to apply and are an instant-eye opener. $2.99, kissusa.com

• Eyeshadow Shades to Enhance Your Eyes

Rimmel Kiss & Stay Lipgloss
Holding true to its name, this color does not budge, great for staking your claim underneath the mistletoe. The double-sided wand comes with a matte stain on one end and a nonsticky high-shine gloss on the other. $3.99,Read More »from Holiday Makeup for $8 and Under

The scent of a memory can take you back to that certain time or place, and these throwback fragrances might just have you channeling the Brat Pack. Tell us-did you wear any of these? What is your flashback perfume? Do you still wear it?

Ex'cla.ma'tion
Year Introduced: 1988
Family: Floral Oriental
While Rain Man was cleaning up at the Academy Awards, this fragrance was capturing the noses of women everywhere. If you wore this, try Trésor by Lancôme and these other recommendations.




Sunflowers
Year Introduced: 1993
Family: Water
This reminds us of standing in front of the mirror with a hairbrush, belting out "Dream Lover" by Mariah Carey.
If you loved Sunflowers, try Issey Miyake Une Goutte de Nuage 2009
and these other matches.


Tabu
Year Introduced: 1932
Family: Oriental
What a beautiful year-with the addition of this perfume to markets, the births of Patsy Cline and Elizabeth Taylor were also being celebrated.
If Tabu was your go-to fragrance, try Victoria's Secret Cashmere Vanilla

Read More »from 5 Fragrances that Take Us Back

We all want to look like we spent a lot of time on our hair without actually spending hours in front of a mirror or in a salon chair. Thanks to celebrity stylist Richard Marin, you can get this updo Diane Kruger wore at a Hollywood red carpet event this week without toiling in the bathroom for hours. Below are four easy steps to get this look:

Step 1
Dry hair with head tilted forward using an ionic dryer like the Remington Professional Dryer for maximum shine and volume.


Step 2
Part hair to the side. Using a one-inch barrel curling iron, section hair in pieces that are 1-½ inches by 3 inches wide. Curl in one direction for a uniform wave pattern and let curls cool to set.

Check out some of the best hair and makeup products ever.


Step 3
Brush hair out in a downward motion. Keep brush close to scalp and finger waves will form. Brush waves to one side and secure in a side ponytail.


Step 4
Roll hair into a smooth bun with the ends poking out and pin into place. Finish with a touch of

Read More »from 4 Easy Steps to Get a Complicated Looking Updo

Want to ring in the new year with a fresh new hue? Check out our expert advice below for color-treating your hair, whether you're African American, Caucasian, Asian or Latina.

Q: My hair needs to be colored, but it is so dry that I am afraid color might damage it too much. Should I dye it anyway?

A: There are a few things you can try to get your hair in shape for color treatment: precondition it with a deep-penetrating, moisturizing treatment or protein treatment. After this application, consult a reputable, professional colorist about your options. Pick the appropriate type of coloring, such as semi-permanent, to cover gray, or permanent hair color to lighten your own color and add shine. You can also use highlights or lowlights to add dimension and shine without compromising the strength of your hair. Make sure the hair is strand-tested before applying any coloring product.


Q: I'm Asian and I want to make my natural hair color one or two shades lighter. Do I have to strip all of the

Read More »from The Hair Color Questions You're "Dying" to Know

Here's how to work with the hair you've got-whether you're relaxed or all-natural. Be sure to check out our free easy-to-use hair makeover tool!

Alicia Keys: Long and curly
To get perfect, tight curls sans major frizz, you need a cut that supports your curl pattern. Make sure to tell your stylist that you wear your hair naturally so she can give you the cut you need. Make sure to deep-condition overnight so you get that extra dose of moisture coarse curls need, and run a thick leave-in conditioner and serum through your hair. Click here for the best African American hair products.



Brooke Valentine: Extensions
Two options to get long, sleek hair like Brooke's are clip in extensions and a weave. The beauty of clip-in extensions is that because there is no glue required, they're less likely to cause damage to the hair and are easy to remove. If you want to a longer-lasting style, opt for a weave. Start with 18-inch body wave hair, cornrow and sew on the wefts of hair. Curl the ends for

Read More »from Styling Tips for Every Type of African American Hair