Reader Question: Where can I find cheap statement necklaces?

May 16, 2013

Question: Hey Jamie,

I need help. I need retail therapy, but am not rich enough to buy as many new colorful things as will make me happy. I believe you will know the answers: where do I get inexpensive statement necklaces?! I need a style guide- please help!

“S”

Hi “S”!

I feel your pain. One of my fashion blogger friends, Sydne Summer, get me hooked on the costume jewelry from Forever21, especially for statement necklaces! It would be easy to buy one of the gorgeous (or designer) $300 versions, but even easier to get THIRTY statement pieces from Forever21, for the same price. Here are a few of my favorites (clockwise). Happy shopping!

Reader Question: How Do I Fix My Color-Damaged Hair?

February 25, 2013

Question:

Hey Jamie!

I recently got blonde highlights (on my dark brown hair) and the colorist used way too much bleach and now my hair is FRIED. What can I do to fix the damage while the color grows out?

Thanks,
“K”

Answer:

Hi “K!”

Sadly, this happens more often than you would think. The best thing you can do is give your hair a few weeks tro recover and, in the mean time, use a hair treatment to help restore the health of your hair. I really love Fekkai Protein Rx Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask since it’s formulated for brittle, broken hair that has been weakened from coloring, relaxing, or heat styling. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly option, try VO5 Hot Oil Shower Works, which is also fantastic…and under $10.

Good luck!

Xo,
Jamie

Reader Question: Should I Conceal My Mole?

August 24, 2012

Question: Hi Jamie,

I’ve got a mole on my cheek that is medium in tone…meaning that if left alone, it looks more like a blemish than a beauty mark. What do you think: cover it up or color it in?”

Thanks!

“M”

Hi “M”!

That’s a great question. I’m a big believer that moles are beautiful, as long as you get them checked yearly by a derm (in case they are cancerous). If your mole has been deemed “safe” then I say embrace it and don’t cover it up! However, if it really bothers you, there are some great concealers and brushes that can help camoflauge it. Right now I’m loving Jouer Cosmetics Age-Repairing Concealer because it’s got vitamin A and other ingredients that help promote skin repair. It’s also important to use a good brush. I love Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush, which is especially perfect for a mole since it will give you fuller, more concentrated coverage.

But before decide to cover up, try to think of Cindy Crawford…that mole made her famous. And, if that doesn’t work, here’s a slideshow I found that features 10 hot celeb women with moles.

Xo,

Jamie

Reader Question: Vacation Makeup

July 27, 2012

Question: Hi Jamie! I’m going to Hawaii…I like to wear makeup but don’t want to look done up. What are my options?

“D”

Hi “D”!

Great question because that’s something that every girl struggles with, especially if you have problem skin (like most of us do). Here are my top picks:

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel: Honestly, the easiest way to avoid wearing makeup is to “perfect” your skin…and going a shade or two darker is the best way to camoflauge imperfections. I’d self-tan the night before you leave (after showering, shaving and scrubbing) to prep your skin.

ARCONA REOZONE 40: You can’t forget the SPF (cause I won’t let you!)! ARCONA makes several good SPF products that are broad-spectrum (protects you from both UVA and UVB rays) and are also suitable for all skin types.

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: A tinted moisturizer is your best bet as far as foundation while on vacation at the beach. This Tarte version is super light, goes on smooth and provides just enough coverage…bonus for the additional SPF 20.

Maybelline Volum’Express The Falsies Waterproof mascara: A little waterproof (very important!) mascara is just enough to make your eyes pop…no eyeshadow or eyeliner necessary in the sand.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15: This lip treatment is standard issue in the beauty world. I love that it’s super moisturizing (again, with SPF) and also provides a light hint of color.

Have so much fun on your trip!

xo,

Jamie

Reader Question: How do I get rid of embarassing blackheads?

January 21, 2011

Question: I need your beauty help! So embarassing, I have so many blackheads- more than I’ve ever had! Nobody can see them, obvi, unless they are close up and personal but I feel gross. What do I do? Do I need a facial??? I’ve never had one!- “S”

Hi “S”!

I feel your pain. I get tiny little blackheads on my nose that only I can see but it drives me nuts! The best (and easiest) thing to do is to yes, get a facial. The facialist will use a special tool to clear out the blackhead bacteria and while it is a little uncomfortable (especially around the nose area), it’s totally worth it. Once you’re “cleaned out” you should use a blackhead specific product that also helps to minimize pore size. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Blackhead and Oil Remover is, in one word, a-mazing. It’s formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids that help loosen blackheads while absorbing excess oils from your pores, preventing new blackheads from forming.

As far as facials, you don’t need to go anywhere fancy just for a good extraction. I’d suggest checking out SpaFinder.com and finding a semi-decent spa that has good reviews.

Good luck, girl- let me know how it goes. =)

xo,

Jamie

Reader Question: Help! My hands are super chapped!

January 7, 2010

Q: Hi Jamie, I live in New York and for some reason, this winter has wreaked havoc on my hands. Can you recommend a good moisturizer that’s also easy to carry around? you rock! A

A: Hi A! Great question and I have only one answer for you. Aquaphor Healing Ointment from Eucerin. Seriously, this is the only product that actually really keeps my dry skin moisturized. I actually just used half a tube of this stuff while I was home in New York for the holidays! You can use it on your hands but I actually love it for my lips and the skin around my nostrils as well (which get super dry from the sniffles). It comes in a big tub or in a small travel tube so you can keep one at home and carry the tube around with you. Hope this helps you- let me know!

xo, Jamie

Reader Question: What’s a great (and cheap) face wash for acne-prone skin?

October 28, 2009

So I’ve been getting a lot of questions about skincare lately. My reader, “C”, says:

Hi Jamie,

I loooove your blog! You always feature amazing products! Lately I’ve been breaking out a lot but I’m completely broke. What’s a good face wash for my skin if I break out a lot?

Personally, I’m a believer that a classic is a classic for a reason. Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash is a long time favorite of beauty editors, bloggers and consumers alike. The packaging isn’t pretty or flashy but this stuff really does the trick with it’s pimple-fighting ingredients like 2% salicylic acid. Even though most acne fighting products are made to destroy oil and will usually dry out the skin, my normally dry skin stayed moisturized and zit-free while using this. However, the trick to fighting acne is finding a good skincare regimen and STICKING to it. So C, if you decide you like the Oil-Free Acne Wash, make sure you use it consistently to see results! Good luck and let me know how it goes. =)

Xo,

Jamie