Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Lady GaGa are just a few stars who are well-known for their outrageous eyelashes. These women have set the trends for false eyelashes and never miss a beat – however sometimes eyelash enhancements can take a turn for the worse.

Britney Spears’ infamous 2006 Today Show interview with Matt Lauer had people buzzing, especially when her false eyelashes began to fall off mid-interview! According to Barbara Rattigan, founder of Shavasana Eyelash Extensions, “Applying beautiful, sexy lashes is truly an art.  Just like applying make up to the face lashes can transcend your look to a new level.  Lashes can provide you with a youthful appearance and lift the eye in all the right places.”

Here are some of Barbara's pointers on how to “lash out” the right way:

There are two types of lash applications we can look at – Eyelash Extensions and False lashes. False lashes are applied by you or a makeup professional for a one day look.  Eyelash Extensions will last you for months with touch ups.  There are many must Do’s and please Don’ts in the lashing world.

The Do’s of False Eyelashes

• Cut the strip to fit the shape of your eye
• Use a flare lash to add dimensions and volume on the outer corner of the lash line
• Apply mascara lightly to the lashes previous to applying the false lash
• Use eye liner over the top of the lash line to blend the false lash and the natural lash line

The Don’ts of False Eyelashes

• Don’t rush your false lash application. Make sure to blow the adhesive completely dry.  The strip could fall out and when you least expect it.
• Don’t go too long or too thick unless it’s Halloween or you’re channeling your inner Gaga.

When planning to get lash extensions you really are depending on the advice and consult of the Eyelash Extension Specialist.  Choosing your professional is important.  Make sure these are the Rules and Regulations your Salon/Spa professional follows.

Proper placement of the extensions can add dimension and fullness to your lashes while creating a youthful appearance to your eyes by lifting the lid in all the right places.  Just like a proper brow shaping, proper lash placement can change your entire appearance.  Applying good lash extensions is truly an art. Consultation is a must. 

Do’s for Eyelash Extensions

• Do choose an appropriate length and thickness to match your natural lash.  This is an extension to your natural lash. .  Contrary to what we see often in the media: overdone lashes can make you look tired and cheap.  You want to look naturally blessed with amazing lashes.  To the untrained eye impossible to differentiate real from fake.   Too thick, too long lashes can harden your look. 
• Do soften up on your make up.  Lash Extensions will add a lot of definition your lash line.  Heavy liners or dark shadows could be too strong for the eyes to carry. 
• Do follow your maintenance schedule for touch up appointments.  An overdue lash appointment can look messy and unruly. Fill in your lashes with mascara until you can make your next appointment. Make sure to only use water soluble mascara that is safe to use with your lash extensions.

Don’ts for Eyelash Extensions

• Not looking age appropriate is the most common mistake made in eyelash extensions.  Lashes that are too thick or too long can actually age you.  The extensions should accentuate your lashes and lift the eye up, not pull it down.  If you are young, tight faced, with no wrinkles around the eyes and stunningly beautiful you can really rock the over the top.  If you’re like the majority of women, you will need a professional consultation to figure out the best look for your face. 
• Don’t go into your appointment guns blazing.  Asking for the thickest and longest lashes available probably isn’t going to be your best look.  Your extensions should extend your naturals but not double them in length.  The thickness is supposed to match your natural eyelash and adding volume can be done by building thicker lashes on the top rows. 

Sounds Greek?  Take this article with your to your lash appointment.  A true lash artist and professional will understand the terms and look.

• Colored lashes can be fun on a teenager for a High School Football game, but not for a grown woman with a family and a career.  The experimentation of highlighting with lashes has run its course.  This is not a fashion forward trend.   The 80’s are kind of back, but there is a fine line on this look.   If you want to highlight the color of your eyes, use make up, not colored, glittered, or highlighted lashes. 
• Don’t assume the bigger the better. “The bigger the lash the bigger my eyes will look” thought is not true when it comes to lash extensions.  Super long and extra thick extensions can actually make your eyes look smaller.  Too thick eyelashes can weigh down your lashes covering your eyes.  Too long can create the illusion of a sunken eye.  Lashes that shape your lash line correctly will open your eyelid and emphasize the color of your eyes making them look bigger.

Remember: lash extensions should accentuate your eyes.  You want people to say you have the most beautiful lashes not the most beautiful extensions. 

Launched in 2005 Shavasana is a leading eyelash extensions company and one of the first to offer professional products and training in the procedure of eyelash extensions. The Shavasana Eyelash Extensions procedure is a semi-permanent treatment to add length and volume to the eyelash line by the addition of extensions to your own natural lashes. Shavasana Eyelash Extensions are available nationwide at select spas and salons. For a complete list of Shavasana professionals, please visit http://www.eyelash-extensions.com/find-professional-eyelash-extensions.php. Shavasana also offers a wide range of eyelash enhancing retail products for purchase at select spas and salons, and www.eyelash-extensions.com.

Almost every weekend in NYC people want to escape the concrete jungle. With a focus on summer getaways, Rachel Roy,  gave us the scoop on her Summer Beauty Must Haves for a weekend on the beach. Below are her personal tricks to looking bright, fresh and flawless. Feel free to share with your readers!

What makeup do you carry with you for a weekend getaway?

I always carry Burberry Lip Cover NO.04 in Rosewood and Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick compact- I use it as blush! It gives a bronzy glow before the sun gives me the real deal. I also always have with me Estée Lauder TurboLash mascara.

How do you keep your make-up in tact during a day on the beach?

I don’t wear any! On the beach I stick with strawberry Lip Smacker by Bonne Bell in extra large and Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne. It not only serves as a perfume but also as a spritzer to hydrate myself. Lastly, Clarins spray-in SPF 50 for sun protection- so important! 

How do you style your hair for a day on the beach?

I usually wear my hair down with little maintenance or pull it back in a pony. One of my fave summer products is KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum- I’m obsessed! It combines natural botanical extracts from India with state-of-the-art technology and makes your hair so shiny and reduces frizz (an essential with beach air!) To me, the perfect beach look is tousled, easy, loose waves- similar to the look that Gisele Bundchen has perfected!

Do you change your makeup and fashion routine in the summertime?

Yes! During the summer I definitely channel my bohemian chic favorites – for example Raquel Welch, Bianca Jagger and Miss Trinidad, all circa the 1970’s. In terms of summer fashions, I love high-waisted denim, men’s style blouses out of sheer cotton and long maxi skirts and dresses. 

What do you always make sure to pack when you travel somewhere warm? 

My must-haves when traveling somewhere warm are my Indian thong sandals, vintage 501 men’s Levi’s, a perfectly worn in brown leather belt, white tank tops, Theodora and Callum boutique print wraps and sarongs, gold door knockers and always my gold Manon body chain. 

What are your three summer essentials?

1. My iPod- such a must for a day on the beach. See my summer playlist- it's on RachelRoy.com now!

2. Tunics- they are not only easy to wear in the summer time- but also serve as a great beach cover up. There are some in my Rachel Roy pre-fall collection that I am living in.

3. Lotion- I mix Jo Malone rose scented lotion with Chanel NO. 5 lotion as my summer perfume – after a tan it’s really all you need!

Image Courtesy of JustJared.com

• On towel-dried hair, apply Kérastase Mousse Volumactive all over hair along with Kérastase Spray Volumactive to the roots for extra volume
• Part hair to the side and rough dry the hair for a natural wavy texture
• Gently pull hair back intoa low messy chignon and pin in place, criss-crossing the pins as they go in
• Let a few pieces fall down around the face for a soft whimsical look
• Finish the look by spraying hair with Kérastase Double Force Hairspray to hold the style in place all night long

• Apply a drop of Kérastase Sérum Oleo-Relax to the mid-lengths and ends along with Kérastase Ciment Thermique
• Part hair in the middle with a clean part and blow-dry smooth with a medium-sized round brush, keeping some volume and movement
• With a 1-inch barrel curling iron, rotate the direction of each section around the barrel, leaving the ends out to create a more natural slept-in feel
• Gently tease the crown and spray Kérastase Double Force Hairspray all over hair, breaking up the waves with fingers for an undone look

• Ciment Thermique (SRP: $37) – Leave-in heat-activated reconstructing milk for damaged/weakened hair that strengthens, protects and reinforces the hair fiber
• Double Force Hair Spray (SRP: $36) – A multi-protective finishing hairspray with a lasting, firm hold and protective UV shield
• Mousse Volumactive (SRP: $37) – Amplifying mousse providing a flexible hold and long-lasting volume for fine hair 
• Sérum Oléo-Relax (SRP: $37) – Smoothing and controlling serum that adds shine and frizz protection to rebellious hair 
• Spray Volumactive (SRP: $37) – Volume enhancing spray for adding body and fullness to hair

Here's a peek from behind the scenes as makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift created Gisele's red carpet look for last nights MET Costume Institute Gala:

“We wanted Gisele to look naturally sophisticated, making the look more modern and not falling into a retro direction.  It made the whole look beautiful and fashion forward with out being heavily made up. A perfect Gisele look.” – Rose-Marie Swift

For the lips:
 - Rose-Marie used RMS Beauty Lip & Skin Balm in Simply Vanilla for a natural shine and nude, natural lip color.
 - She also used Chanel’s #34 Lip Definer

Do you think Jill Zarin had plastic surgery? I cannot believe how different she looks! OF course she did! I'm not sure what because her features somehow seem to look the same but at the same time she looks like a totally different person! How?

What do you think? Did Jill Zarin go under the knife?J

So, y'all know that I have mentioned Kimberly Snyder many times. Kimberly is a certified nutritionist with tons of fabulous advice for people of all ages, she's who I got the idea for the green smoothie that everyone makes fun of me for. On this blog we believe that we should eat healthy, not only to be conscious of our weight, but because we want to live full, healthy and energetic lives! Today I met Kimberly and she is just so inspirational and fantastic, I left the event today feeling inspired to become a full vegan (don't worry friends and family I won't go cold turkey) but I had to share the news about her new book with all of you. Kimberly has a back to basics type of philosophy when it comes to nutrition, raw and fruits and veggies are the best, but she doesn't push just one unrealistic program on you. She understands that people are busy and don't want to overhaul their entire food lifestyle (think celeb clientele like Drew Barrymore, Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Channing Tatum). Kimberly has easy advice that anyone can incorporate into their diet that will leave you with big changes and a smaller waist.

If Kimberly's glowing aura and svelte figure isn't a testament to how well her nutritional guidance works, I don't know what is. She is lean, bright-eyed and bursting with energy (without drinking any coffee I might add, EVER!). What does she attribute her fabulous energy and glowing skin to? Her glowing green smoothie. Sound familiar? I have been pushing this on you guys for months now! 

Her book discusses the green smoothie and how to get renewed energy and the body you've always wanted.  She explains why eating high-mineral fruits and vegetables, while avoiding dairy will help you lose weight. Did you know that the order you eat your food makes a big difference? She told me about it today and I am astonished. Kim's Beauty Detox solution can virtually turn back the clock on aging. Essentially, your body as you get older accumulates a bunch of junk. If you don't keep it clean then your body is going to have to expend alot of energy getting rid of it instead of doing other essential jobs like rebuilding collagen and keeping your fine lines to a minimum. Kim's book is about making yourself beautiful from the inside out. She gives amazing alternatives to refined sugar like her raw cacao truffle recipe. I tried them today and can't wait to eat the other little to-go package she sent me home with. 

Kim's a magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University, she's visited over 50 countries to study health and beauty practices around the world. For more information about Kimberly, visit www.KimberlySnyder.net. 

I don't ever like to hammer you guys to do anything but I truly believe that everyone can benefit so greatly from reading this book and talking to Kimberly. She is such a beautiful person inside and out and just the sweetest person you'll ever meet! 

Here are some things to look forward to in her book: she'll tell you how you don't have to count calories if you're eating the right foods, why soy and dairy may be leading to you gaining weight even when you diet your head off, and why beauty = energy. 

To purchase her book, click HERE. 

If you're a fan of Jersey Shore like I am then you have to check out this spoor called "Jersey Floor." Rachel Dratch is an amazing "Drootchie."