I’m a Huge Fan Taylor Lautner: Jet Rhys Makeover


Sara is finally ready to meet Taylor Lautner! It’s time for the finale of I’m a Huge Fan: Taylor Lautner — the big interview. Before sitting down to chat with the Abduction star, Sara is off to pick out the perfect dress at The Back Room San Diego and get her hair and makeup done at
Jet Rhys Salon. Now that she looks amazing, Sara has to pull from everything she has learned about Taylor for a one-on-one, sit-down chat on behalf of PopSugar. In case you missed it, watch I’m a Huge Fan, Part One and Part Two at Comic-Con. Now, enjoy the I’m a Huge Fan finale, and check out Taylor in Abduction in theaters now!

 


11 Ways to Reinvent Your Look

Revamp your wardrobe, makeup, hair and more with our quick tips 

 

1  There’s something about the turn of a calendar year that makes everyone crave dramatic change, especially when it comes to physical appearance (you know, the whole “New Year, New Look” thing). But you don’t have to lose 20 pounds, dye your hair red or max out your credit card at the mall to reinvent your image—smaller changes can add up to a big impact. Here are 10 almost-effortless ways to update your appearance for 2009. They’re quick, inexpensive, and unlike the many trendy diets the season brings, require nearly zero willpower. Read on for the tips.

 

 

2  Part your hair on the other side

Been parting your hair the same way for as long as you can remember? Experimenting with a new look can be as simple as flipping it to the opposite side of your head. The simple switch can add new volume at the roots and alter the way the front sections frame your face. “Changing your part is an especially great way to get long hair out of a rut without sacrificing any length,” says San Diego–based hairstylist Jet Rhys. If your hair is strongly “trained” in its usual direction, she suggests this trick: Move your part before bed using a comb and a bit of styling cream, then put on a wide, no-slip elastic headband. Slip folded tissue beneath the band to keep it from leaving crease marks in your hair. When you wake up, your new part will stay in place without flyaways. Or, buy some hair-setting tape and use it to secure the hair beside your part while you sleep.

3 Accessorize to your advantage

Don’t buy a whole new wardrobe—just make people think you did, by updating the items that get noticed the most, like your handbag. Accessories are also a cost-effective way to update your closet’s contents because you can wear them day after day. This year, look for pieces made from faux crocodile leather and other exotic “skins,” says New York–based handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff. To make your outfits appear more high-end, choose a handbag that has brass hardware instead of silver; it looks expensive and is a bit more unexpected. Or, to make clothes feel more fun and modern, try one of the glossy black patent-leather clutches or shoes currently in stores. “Patent always adds a little pop to an outfit,” Minkoff says. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive.

Pictured: Rebecca Minkoff “Simone” clutch; $185

4  Don’t red lipstick

Don’t be scared off by its boldness—the truth is, red is one of the most universally wearable lipstick shades, and it’s a classic way to add both impact and femininity to your look. “In general, reds that are more blue-based are flattering on all skin tones, and they make your teeth look whiter to boot,” says James Boehmer, international lead makeup stylist for NARS Cosmetics. When shopping for one, trust your instincts. “Choosing a red lipstick is like choosing a great piece of jewelry—you should go for the one you’re immediately attracted to,” Boehmer says. If you’re really unsure, buy a shade that’s widely known to be universal; Boehmer recommends NARS Jungle Red, which “is neither too warm nor too cool.” Not ready to commit? Try on the look with a great drugstore pick like L’Oréal Colour Riche in True Red.

5  Modernize your manicure

Your nails may seem like minor details, but they say a lot about you. For example, oval-shaped tips painted with pale-pink polish are pretty, but a little predictable. Try this of-the-moment twist instead, and watch your nails suddenly spark attention: Instead of rounding off the tips, file them straight across and then round off just the corners, creating what manicurists call a “squoval” shape. When it comes to color, the chicest choices right now are warm brownish-beige shades, like Essie “Buy Me a Cameo.” Or, try one of the new palest-gray hues, such as OPI “Moon Over Mumbai,” which is soft and subtle, but still thoroughly modern.

 

6  Fake a salon blowout at home

You (or your mom) might have used Velcro rollers decades ago, and now they’re back in a big way. These classic styling tools are the easiest way to get the look of a professional blowout—without the $50 price tag. They’re also the perfect way to give hair oomph on days when you don’t wash it. Try misting dry hair with a little hairspray, dividing it into six to eight sections and rolling it onto self-grip rollers (medium ones if your hair is shoulder-length; large ones if your hair is longer). “Roll hair under, not over—you’ll create more volume this way,” Rhys advises. Hit your hair with a gentle stream of hot air from your blow dryer and let it cool while you do your makeup; then, unpin and gently finger-comb the sections together. “This is a fabulous way to get sexy hair with minimal effort,” Rhys says. If you don’t own a set of rollers, try the new versions that have an aluminum/ceramic core, which helps them hold heat for longer (We like Spornette’s Battalia Ceramic Thermal Rollers.)

 

7 Rediscover the pointy-toed shoe

The tapered toe fell out of fashion’s favor for a couple of seasons, but this season, it’s the shoe shape of choice. The reason pointy toes always seem to re-emerge on the scene? “There’s simply nothing as flattering to a woman’s leg than a pointed-toe pump,” explains New York–based shoe designer Donald J. Pliner. “A woman’s whole attitude seems to change when she’s wearing them.” That could be because of their unique ability to visually elongate the leg, especially when paired with wide-leg trousers or a sleek pencil skirt. To ensure that pointy shoes fit comfortably without pinching the toes, consider buying them a half size larger than your usual shoes, and look for a heel that’s under two inches. If you want to maximize the leg-lengthening effect, buy a pair in a color that’s close to your skin tone, like an ivory, beige, tan or brown hue.

 

8 Get your skin glowing

Foundation isn’t the most thrilling makeup topic, but it makes a huge difference to your overall look. To get the most flawless finish, take your application technique up a notch with Alcone Non-Latex Sponges ($2.50 for six). A favorite of makeup artists, the sponges smoothly blend color and create the illusion of a perfect complexion. “I can’t work without them,” says New York–based celebrity makeup artist Susan Giordano. “They never crumble, they’re washable, and the wedge shape makes it easy to get into corners,” like the inner zones of the eyes and crevices around the nostrils. Another trick makeup pros use to get clients’ skin red-carpet radiant? Add a couple of drops of skin luminizer to foundation (try Revlon Skinlights Instant Skin Brightener or Benefit High Beam); the subtle shimmer gives skin a youthful, dewy look, and by reflecting light, helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and other flaws.

 

9 Make peace with your closet

It’s not easy to part with items that have sentimental—or monetary—value. But if you only wear a fraction of the clothing in your closet, getting rid of the excess will help you rediscover classic items and determine what additions could take your wardrobe to the next level. Start by only pulling out items you’re sure you won’t wear again. Then, turn all the hangers in your closet so they’re facing in the same direction. Every time you wear an item, flip its hanger the other way. Got items you always say you’ll wear again someday? Make an effort to actually do so, and see if they still suit you. Resolve to remove any items that haven’t been worn by next New Year’s (those whose hangers remain un-flipped), and either donate them to charity, or in the case of expensive items, bring them to a consignment shop or post them for sale on eBay or Craigslist. You’ll find that having extra space in your closet encourages you to mix-and-match more, creating outfits that look brand new.

 

10 Play up your eyes in a whole new way

Deep-blue eye pencil is a great new alternative to basic brown and black—it’s just as subtle and versatile, but the blue undertones brighten the whites of your eyes, making you seem instantly less tired and more alert. Says Giordano, “This shade still has the depth of color you need to play up the shape of the eye but gives you a modern, sophisticated look.” Stick to navy or deep indigo hues, and smudge it subtly right into your lashline. “Steer clear of bright or baby blues, unless you want to look like you just stepped off The Love Boat,” Giordano advises. Try the Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Navy, or Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Navy.

 

11 Get shiny, happy hair—instantly

Shiny, healthy hair makes your entire look seem more polished—and if yours doesn’t happen to be looking that way at the moment, don’t worry: There’s an easy way to fake it. Just call your salon and book an appointment for a glaze, a semi-permanent treatment that uses ingredients like silicone to smooth and shine each strand, without weighing hair down like shine-enhancing serums and sprays can. Or, to achieve a similar effect for less money, try one of the new at-home glossing treatments, like Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze and John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze. These products are also designed to help enhance your hair color (especially helpful between dye sessions) and seal up hair’s dry tips to minimize the appearance of split ends between haircuts.

Avocados, tea and almonds lead the beauty-supplies shopping list

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it’s also lurking in the grocery aisle. Put these supermarket superstars at the top of your shopping list and use our innovative tricks to sneak more of them into your diet — and your natural beauty routine.

Beauty-food safety: Before using foods or beverages on skin or hair, do a patch test: Prepare the item as suggested, swab a bit on the inside of your wrist, then wait 48 hours to see if you develop a reaction. If not, proceed.


1. Avocado

Eat it! Consider avocado the overachiever of beauty superfoods: It’s rich in protective antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help keep skin plump and smooth, says New York City dietitian Shari Bilt Boockvar, a registered dietitian. Eating the fruit can also help replenish the protective layer of fatty acids that surrounds skin cells, keeping moisture in and preventing dehydration, according to Dr. Jessica Wu, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School and author of Feed Your Face. Get your avocado fix by using it in place of mayo on a sandwich, or whip half an avocado and add it to your smoothie or salad dressing recipes.

Apply it! “An avocado face mask may help slow skin’s aging process,” says nutritionist Lisa Drayer, who points to a 2006 study published in Phytotherapy Research that found that applying avocado oil to skin can stimulate collagen and elastin production. Make an anti-aging moisturizing mask by pureeing a ripe avocado and mixing it with 1/4 cup sour cream, which has lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells. Spread over your face and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.

2. Tea

Drink it! All teas boast skin-boosting antioxidants, but green and white varieties are especially good because they have double the antioxidants of black tea as well as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a type of antioxidant that “protects skin from damage caused by exposure to sun and pollutants,” says Wu. Sip up — but cook with the brew, too; it makes a great poaching liquid for chicken or fish.

Apply it! Tea is a natural hair-color booster that can function as a rinse to bring out highlights in dyed or undyed hair, says Jet Rhys, owner of the Jet Rhys Salons in San Diego. Chamomile revitalizes golden highlights in blond hair, black tea perks up brunettes, and berry or red teas add oomph to auburn or red hair. Prepare 8 ounces, let it cool, then saturate your strands with the solution. Put on a shower cap and wait for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse with water.

3. Almonds

Eat them! Going gray? According to Dr. Wu, almonds contain high levels of catalase, an enzyme that may help slow the graying process by preventing a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in follicles that can cause hair to turn gray. Almonds aren’t just a snack, though: Pulverize them in a food processor and add to waffle batter, or use as a crunchy coating for chicken.

Apply them! Go nuts for this exfoliating body scrub recipe from Kym Douglas, the author of The Beauty Cookbook: Grind 1/4 cup almonds in a food processor until superfine, then mix in 2 tablespoons organic virgin coconut oil to make a paste. In the shower, rub the skin-softening mixture over rough areas, such as knees and elbows, and then rinse with water.

4. Cocoa

Eat it! Cocoa has a high concentration of flavanols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect skin from sun damage,” says Wu. Add a tablespoon of 70 percent cocoa powder to a cup of barbecue sauce for richer flavor.

Apply it! A no-cal way to get the skin-care benefits of cocoa’s flavanols: Use it as a bath soak, suggests Ginger McLean, spa director for the Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania. To do it, add 1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, which also nourishes dry skin, and 1/3 cup instant fat-free dry milk to your tub.

5. Yogurt

Eat it! Get ready to show off your pearly whites! Spooning up yogurt can help keep your grin gorgeous. “It has calcium and phosphorus that can strengthen tooth enamel and protect your teeth from cavities,” says Drayer. What’s more, varieties such as Greek-style yogurt are high in protein, which is an essential nutrient for the production of collagen, a fibrous substance that keeps your skin youthful looking, according to Wu. Score more daily dairy by replacing regular sour cream with fat-free plain yogurt in recipes for salad dressings.

Apply it! Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy that’s great for sloughing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores, says Wu. She suggests using full-fat plain yogurt as a mask: Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also whip it into a protein-rich hair mask, says Rhys. Whisk together 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt, 3 tablespoons honey and 1 egg yolk. Apply to hair, put on a shower cap, and wait 15 minutes before rinsing and washing as usual.

6. Strawberries

Eat them! “Strawberries pack the double punch of high levels of vitamin C and ellagic acid,” says Dr. Howard Murad, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen and acts as an antioxidant to prevent environmental damage. And a 2007 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that high intake of vitamin C was associated with a lower likelihood of wrinkles and skin dryness. Ellagic acid increases skin’s ability to hold moisture and, says Wu, has been shown to help fade dark spots caused by sun exposure. A new way to work the fruit into your menu: Add a touch of balsamic vinegar to pureed strawberries and use the mixture as a sweet sauce for grilled chicken.

Apply them! Studies show that both ellagic acid and vitamin C in strawberries help protect skin from environmental damage, so using strawberries as part of an at-home beauty treatment could be beneficial. Try this face mask recipe from Douglas: Puree the berries in a blender and mix in chilled full-fat plain yogurt and a squirt of lemon juice (it has antiseptic properties and may help to lighten dark spots). Apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse.

Boost Your Roots

A novel way to scrub your scalp

Styling product tends to build up on your head over time, weighing hair down. Clearing your scalp of excess product can help boost your hair’s volume. To do so: combine one tablespoon each of lemon juice and vinegar with your shampoo, massage the combo into your scalp, and leave it for five minutes, says Jet Rhys, hairstylist and co-owner of the Jet Rhys salons in San Diego and Solana Beach, California.

The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Pretty Hair

 

Confession: We’ve written—and read—enough beauty articles to know how to give ourselves a darn good blowout. But some mornings, even we’re guilty of phoning it in. Here are the quick tricks we use to get gorgeous hair on the fly.

#1 Don’t feel like doing a complete blowout?

Just do the top layers; nobody will know what lies beneath.

#2 Style while you sleep

Before bed, twist your hair into three high buns and secure each with a scrunchie. (Yes, they’re totally passé, but trust us here: they won’t leave behind dents.) In the morning, unravel for Victoria’s Secret model-like waves, says Michael Shaun Corby, creative director of Alterna Haircare.

#3 Reactivate yesterday’s styling products today

Mist dry hair with water and blast roots with your blow dryer. Done!

#4 Freshen up limp hair with your fragrance

No joke. “Perfume is like the original dry shampoo,” says Australian-based stylist Kevin Murphy. Its heavy alcohol content dries up oily roots—and will make your hair smell pretty, too.

#5 Put a cap on frizz

To get smooth curls without piling on the products, slip on a hair net and scrunch the hair inside of net as you blow dry, says Murphy. The net helps to activate your natural curl while preventing flyaways and frizz.

#6 For a ponytail that has lots of sexy volume, create two separate ponys

Stack one on top of the other. It’s that easy.

#7 Get vintage-glam waves in minutes

Create a side part. Then use a curling iron just to curl the face-framing sections of your hair. Brush through and go!

#8 No time to shampoo?

Just wash and blow-dry your greasy bangs. This two-minute trick gives the impression of an all-over clean.

 #9 Give your layers a little bounce

Without all the fancy brushwork: Pull hair into a high ponytail, and then wind around two or three hot rollers. After a few minutes, let it all down and finger comb, says San-Diego-based stylist Jet Rhys.

How To Make Your Straight Hair Wavy

Like most people, I often want what I can’t have. What I’m wanting these days is wavy hair. Not perfectly structured waves, but beachy, salt-of-the-earth ones — more Kate Hudson than Veronica Lake. Of course, I have lots of slippery, pin-straight hair, and all my wavy-haired friends think I’m crazy for wanting to join the frizz party. And, as many of you know, changing hair texture usually involves heat styling or some sort of damaging chemical process, which is partially why my stylist refuses to perm my hair (“Oh hon, that’s so early ’90s!”).

But hey, I’m stubborn … and determined. To get the lowdown on how to make waves safely, and get natural-looking results, I asked eco-friendly celeb hairstylist Jamal Hamadi, creator of biodegradable Hamadi Organics hair products, and San Diego-based celeb hairstylist Jet Rhys to share their tips.

“Anyone can have beachy waves … it’s just a matter of how you do it,” said Hamadi (prompting me to jump up and down with glee). The man knows what he’s talking about; he’s given almost every celebrity he’s styled, from Amber Valletta to Rachel Weisz, a naturally gorgeous set of waves. Try these three techniques at home, and everyone will think you have naturally wavy hair!