Blog Posts by JustLuxe

The cosmetics industry has historically been a major offender of animal rights, but recent innovations and industry awareness have marked a shift toward cruelty-free ingredients and, increasingly, vegan cosmetics. To describe a product as "vegan" requires that absolutely no animal based ingredients have been used, which, in regard to cosmetics and skincare, even includes natural and cruelty-free ingredients such as honey, beeswax and carmine.

Although vegan brands were once only available in select health food stores, the rapidly growing demand for premium quality, highly effective vegan products has yielded greater availability and alternatives (even among existing brands). Choosing to consume any meat or animal product ultimately and justly remains an individual choice, but it is extremely important to be conscious of the means by which that product has arrived at your table and, more specifically, into your cosmetics. In this issue of Beauty Guru we highlight some of the best vegan

Despite the alarming information and statistics regarding the risks and potential damage caused by excessive sun exposure, a rich golden tan is still a highly coveted summer trophy. And ironically, most people actually feel healthier with a bit of a sun tan.

Thankfully, there are numerous products available on the market to address every tanning need-sun-free and without any awkwardly unnatural side effects. In this issue of Beauty Guru, we explore the best self-tanning and bronzing products. From self-tanning gels to creams and powders, the following recommendations are sure to deliver the most skin-friendly summer glow.


Jane Iredale's Tantasia $36

Jane Iredale's Tantasia is by far one of the best self-tanning products to enter the market. The streak-free formula is light and absorbent, creating a natural looking tan on the face and body that increases within three days and provides natural hydration along the way. And to make it even better, Tantasia also has a refreshing citrus

In music, as in fashion, there are trends, fads, movements and styles. Although chameleons like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyonce have made careers out of switching up their looks, the effect can at times feel more like a competitive gimmick than a sincere aesthetic expression.

In contrast to the revolving door approach of her pop music brethren, Amy Winehouse remained dedicated to a look that defined her sound, style and raucous personality. Despite her premature death, Winehouse has left her signature on both the music and fashion industries alike.

Although she first became known for her powerful voice and neo-soul sound, the British singer's musical appeal was just as quickly rivaled by her distinctive look. Her bouffant and dramatically winged eyeliner were aesthetic hallmarks from the stage to the sidewalk, and she soon became synonymous with her own brand of effortless retro-modern rock. When asked about her fashion inspiration in Harper's Bazaar, Winehouse simply demurred: "I

Ralph Lauren's flagship Polo brand has launched the latest collection as part of its global partnership with the United States Tennis Association, returning as the Official Apparel Sponsor of this year's US Open Tennis Championship.

This marks the seventh consecutive year the designer has outfitted all on-court officials including chair umpires, line umpires and ball persons in what's assuredly a branding coup for the American fashion icon.

The Polo Ralph Lauren 2011 US Open collection offers an array of stylish sportswear designs. The collection features classic tennis whites as well as a vibrant tri-color palette of navy, bright green and neon orange, with some pieces sporting the conspicuous Big Pony polo player. With traditional styling elements such as tipped collars and contrasting side panels, the collection is designed to "embody both the modernity and heritage" of the Ralph Lauren brand.

Items for men, women and children in the collection include tennis dresses, skirts,

Hair takes a beating in the summer thanks to endless hours of fun in the sun. Chlorine, salt water, and UV rays can dry out hair, leaving it dull, brassy and lifeless well before Labor Day weekend. Looking to repair your tresses and add brilliant shine in no time? Well, you're in luck- as JustLuxe's Sr. Fashion & Beauty Correspondent, I'm dishing on my top summer hair repair discoveries.


Gloss Moderne (Hair Care Set: $114)

If you're frazzled by frizzy, dry, over processed hair, or just need to indulge in some serious hair luxury, Gloss Moderne is your new miracle worker. The glamorous line (we love both the high-gloss shampoo and conditioner, as well as the serum and intensive mask) is keratin-infused and paraben and sulfate-free. It zaps away frizz and damaged tangles (really!) in an instant and smells like summer vacation, too (think: coconut and warm vanilla). One wash and you'll be hooked!




Zakia's Argan Oil ($39.99)

Want to restore your hair from the inside out? Try argan oil for

Love the look of fabulous, thick lashes, but intimidated by the hassle of applying convincing faux variations every time you want to amp up the glam factor? Look no further than Xtreme Lashes, a revolutionary new lash extension product that creates longer, thicker, more natural-looking lashes like you've never imagined!

As JustLuxe's Sr. Fashion & Beauty Correspondent, I never leave home without lashes, so I happily obliged to road test the product and report back on my experience.

Consultation
I arrived at Beauty Boutique in Studio City, California for my consultation with lash stylist extraordinaire Arlena Parker. The studio was stylish, modern and inviting. Arlena wowed me with her expertise in the lash business and I immediately felt comfortable knowing she would be in charge of my entire experience.

The founder and owner of Xtreme Lashes, Jo Mousselli, is a registered nurse so I knew safety and quality were priorities here, which isn't always the case with lash extensions

The final finesse on a bottle of wine is the art of the wine label. The identifying marker...peaking personal amusement for the eccentric winemaker, inviting proliferation for a designer or artist, providing the conversation piece in a basement cellar...the label tells the story of the wine.

This page is dedicated to the winemakers that not only lend their heart and soul to the juice in the bottle, but also to those responsible for the design on the bottle. After all, for the consumer and collector...presentation is (almost) everything. Label requirements have become very strict and vary greatly by region, but it is universally believed that the beauty of the label reflects the divinity of the wine inside.

A Brief History of Wine Labels
Although wine is believed to have originated in ancient Greece, it was the ancient Egyptians who first recorded label details that are still required by law today; including vintage, growing region or vineyard, and winemaker. This can be dated back to