Blog Posts by RealBeauty.com

Feeling incredibly smooth is a treat, but let's face it: the more hair you start taking off, the more you risk developing the dreaded ingrown. Before you start plucking and picking, read these tips from dermatologist Catherine Orentreich and Completely Bare Spas owner, Cindy Barshop, to prevent and treat this hairy situation.

Q: What Is an Ingrown Hair?
A: "Ingrown hairs occur when a hair that is shaved, waxed, or tweezed grows backwards or sideways into the skin and becomes trapped, causing inflammation, irritation, and possibly infection. They can also occur without an external cause, like when the pore is blocked," explains Dr. Orentreich.

Q: Why Do I Get Them?
A: Certain hair types and ethnicities are predisposed to ingrown hairs, says Orentreich. People with curly hair are particularly susceptible, since their hair naturally wants to curl back in on itself. This is also why many African Americans are exceptionally prone to ingrown hairs - tightly coiled hair tends to reenter the

Last night's Emmy Awards brought a barrel of fresh hair and makeup looks, and we found it fabulous that many an actress stepped away from their staple looks (like Kim Kardashian's mega waves) and went for something different to spice up the red carpet. We've gathered some of the best tidbits from backstage last night so you can get your favorite small screen star's look.

Jenna Fischer's Effortless Waves
TRESemme celeb stylist Mara Roszak styled Fischer's loose waves. She started by parting hair slightly off center when the hair was damp and applying TRESemme 24 Hour Body Root Boosting Spray to roots and brushing through. Next, she applied a dime-sized amount of TRESemme Fresh Start No-Frizz Creme to the ends, and blow-dried hair smooth with a medium-sized round brush. Once dry, she created natural-looking waves with a 1 1/4 inch barrel curling iron rotating the direction of the iron, leaving the ends of the hair out. Last, she broke up the waves with her fingers, and finished with

During the airing of Miss Universe last week, we were surprised to find ourselves actually liking some of the contestants' hair and makeup looks. Jimena Navarrete, who won Miss Universe representing Mexico, didn't make us cringe with a ridiculous, overly hairsprayed updo or makeup as thick as Crisco. Here are the tips we took away from the beauty queen winner, and how you can pull them off too. Related: The Best and Worst Looks from the 2010 Emmy Awards

Her Smoky Eye
The fact that Navarrete used her eyeliner properly (cough, we're looking at you, Taylor Momsen) made us jump for cosmetic joy. A little bit goes a long way when you're doing your own smoky eye. The trick is to use a gel or liquid liner, then smudge the edges with a swab or your finger.

Her Tan
Now that's a healthy glow! No fake-and-bake orange hue here. To get our picks of the best sunless tanners, check out our Self-Tanner Challenge.

Her Brows
We've never said this (out loud) before, but we have serious brow envy!

Underarm sweat isn't just a summertime problem-as the seasons change. Here are two common questions answered by NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger.

Q: I tend to sweat a lot. What can I do to keep my pits dry?
A: To make your antiperspirant more powerful, apply it before bedtime, since it's absorbed better at night. Then glide on two more layers in the morning. You should stay drier during the day. It will also help if you upgrade to one of the prescription strength formulas such as Secret Clinical Strength, $7.49.

Q: I get yellow pit stains from sweating. What causes this, and how can I avoid it?
A: There are two causes of these stains. First, aluminum-based antiperspirants are acidic and contain compounds that can contribute to staining. In addition, sweat has trace amounts of urea (also found in urine), and this can contribute to the dyeing of fabrics. In general, a white shirt may take on a yellowish color, and dark clothes may become lighter.
Try using antiperspirants

Like any award show, last night's Primetime Emmy Awards had us thinking one thing: how do these women manage to stay so gorgeous through the heat, countless photographs, and spontaneous interviews? (The men have it so easy, don't they? Slip into a Tom Ford suit, slick your hair back, and go.) Here are a few backstage beauty secrets to keep in mind for your next big event, from Hollywood makeup artist Bruce Grayson.

Do some prep work.
Get your skin looking flawless weeks before the big event by doing the following: Drink a lot of water, avoid salty foods, reduce caffeine, and get your skin ready with treatments that work more quickly, says Grayson. He loves Olay Professional Pro-X Intensive Firming Treatment, a two-step kit that combines a mega-hydrating mask and serum-packed anti-aging ingredients.

Go for a fresh, dewy look.
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,

You never forget your first. First kiss, first date, first boyfriend, and that includes first fragrance. The ridiculous neon colors, the plastic bottles, and the one-too-many spritz's you often gave yourself, everyone's first fragrance has a special place in their heart.

Here, take a look at some of our favorite flashback fragrances - they might just have you channeling the Brat Pack. Plus, see some more modern upgrades to keep your scent current.

Related: Find Your Perfect Scent



Flashback Fragrance: EX'CLA.MA'TION

If you didn't own this, you were trying to steal it from your sister's vanity when she wasn't looking. With the catchy punctuation bottle and a blended scent of peach, apricot, and sandalwood, there's a very good chance if you whipped out your denim jacket from the attic, you might still be able to catch a whiff of this scent.

Fragrances To Try Now: Avril Lavigne Black Star or Gucci Guilty


Related: The Most Amazing Summer-Scented Swag



Flashback Fragrance: ck One

The only

Let's be honest - when it comes to pedicures, nothing beats the decadent experience of a spa. Between the exotic ingredients, the heavenly foot rub, and the flawless polish job, it's the ultimate in pampering. But who can afford to splurge on a pricey professional pedi every few weeks? That's why we asked top spas across the country to come up with DIY versions of their best summer pedicures.

Related: 21 Pro Secrets to an Amazing At-Home Spa Experience

Strawberry Daiquiri Pedicure

Courtesy of Tara Oolie, owner of Just Calm Down Spa in New York City

In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon pureed strawberries. Use this mixture generously to exfoliate your heels, feet, and calves. Rinse the scrub off with warm water and use a warm washcloth to remove any excess sugar granules.

Next, massage your feet and calves with a mixture of 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 cup coconut cream, and 1 cup pureed strawberries. Rinse off with warm

Summer's almost over, and chances are your hair has gone through a rough couple months. Whether it be sun, wind, or the heat that has fried your strands, we've got the treatments for every hair type to get your locks back in good health by fall from Mari Lynne Mele, Blow salon educator and stylist.

If You Have...Colored Hair

Sulfate and parabens are the culprits that strip color from your hair, so it's important to pick a shampoo and conditioner duo that says "sulfate free" on the bottle or mentions it is for colored hair. Kevin Murphy Angel Rinse Shampoo and Conditioner is sulfate-free and stocked with antioxidants, protecting your hue and your hair's health.

If you've still got one more beach trip in your before summer's over, keep your color fresh with a UV protectant spray like L'Oréal EverPure UV Protect Spray.


If You Have...Curly Hair

The biggest problem with curly hair is that more often than not, we are guilty of a serious hair crime - product overuse. Steer clear of heavy