Women’s Wear Daily announced today that famed shoe and handbag designer, Christian Louboutin, is going to take his wildly successful brand and branch into beauty!

According to WWD, Christian Louboutin Beauté should launch sometime in 2013 making the Louboutin name just a tad more affordable. “Beauty products also have to do with empowering women,” he explained to WWD. “That’s very much the job of the shoes I’m designing.” Louboutin’s shoe empire celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year.

Louboutin said of his new venture which was inspired by Egyptian queen Nefertiti, that it “has to mirror the quality of the shoes, of the bags, of all the DNA of the brand.” Clearly we should be expecting some seriously luxurious red lipstick and polish to match those ever sought after red soles!

By Erika Katz

Spring is around the corner and so is wedding season. Every bride wants to look her best on the big day. But sometimes a streaky, orange spray tan, runny mascara and a bad hair day can make for a hot mess. Here are some easy tips to avoid the most common beauty pitfalls.

1. Do your hair before your makeup.
If your makeup is done and then you get your hair washed, the water will cause the makeup to run.

2. Fake eyelashes and powder eyeliner.
I love fake eyelashes because you do not have to worry about mascara running down your face if you tear up. Apply a powder eyeliner over your regular liner to seal it in well.

3. Blush, blush, and more blush.
A bride is going to be photographed all day under bright lights which can wash her out. Be sure to use a little extra blush and reapply right before pictures. What looks like too much in person will look healthy in photos and video.

4. Two pairs of shoes.
While every bride wants to wear stilettos when she walks down the aisle, by the time she throws the bouquet her feet are killing her. Buy a second pair of lower heels to change into for the party.

5. Extra lipstick.
Choose your lipstick ahead of time so you can have a spare to reapply throughout the party. If your makeup is being done professionally, decide ahead of time what your makeup artist will use so you can buy the same one.

6. Try to cover your tattoos.
As much as a bride may love her tattoos, it is just not pretty to see a dragon coming out of white satin and lace. Choose a dress that keeps tattoos to a minimum, or better yet, hidden.

7. Lip liner should not be darker than your lipstick.
Dark lip liner outlining a pale mouth went out in the 80′s. Lip liner should match your lipstick.

8. Avoid the Disney princess look.
A bride should look classic and natural. Stay away from updos pulled too tight with ringlets hanging down. So many brides wear that style and they look like they were styled in the Magic Kingdom . Keep hair soft and natural with a hair spray that keeps hair touchable, not crunchy.

9. Do not get a spray tan the day of your wedding.
Spray tans can look great if you go to a salon you have been to in the past. If you choose to get a spray tan, do it at least two days before and test the color at least twice before your wedding. Do not use a spray tan at home because you could come out streaky and orange. It’s better to be pale than orange.

10. Seal makeup with spray.
Makeup sprays allow the makeup to last as long as the wedding day.

At the end of the day, the most important part of the wedding is the man you are marrying and the pictures you have to remember your special day.

Follow Erika Katz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@bondoverbeauty

Red carpet fashion is always to die for but not always easily attainable by the everyday, non-celeb. Red carpet beauty however is perfect and affordable for us all! It just takes a few tricks, the right products and a little step-by-step from some seriously talented stylists. Check out tutorials for one of our fave looks: Finger Waves, done 2 ways at the MET Ball!

Abbie Cornish, the gorgeous star of Sucker Punch, glowed as she walked down the red carpet, showing off her asymmetrical retro finger-waved updo created by celebrity stylist and Nexxus Creative Director, Kevin Mancuso. “I wanted the look to be effortless, but constructed at the same time,” said Mancuso. “To soften Abbie’s updo, I created classic finger waves, then shook them out for an ethereal, romantic finish.” To get Abbie’s look:

Apply a generous amount of Nexxus ProMend Split End Binding Mousse (side note: this is one of my MUST HAVES!) all over damp hair to bind damaged ends while creating texture and body.

Blow dry hair, massaging mouse in at the roots to increase volume, use a a medium round brush to smooth small sections into velco rollers for more body, let the rollers curl to set the curl while you apply a little makeup! Remove the rollers and apply a small amount of ProMend Split End Binding Smoothing Shine Serum for a healthy shine.

Using a small barrel curling iron create waves in the front section of your hair. Back comb the rest and spray with Nexxus Comb Thru Touchable Finishing Mist for extra support and a light hold. Pin sections of hair up, working around to the back of your head, gently twisting and pushing up for volume. Gently finger tease to give hair a slightly fluffy finish.

Also rocking the finger-wave was Dianna Agron, co-star of Glee. Her flapper-era bob was the perfect match for the gorgeous emerald Carolina Herrera plunging neckline gown. Celebrity hairstylist, Creighton Bowman created her 20′s look with products from René Furterer. “We decided that a ‘20s-inspired style evoking the Jazz Baby era was perfectly in sync with the silent-screen siren cut of the gown,” says Creighton. “But rather than go with the super sleek look of the Roaring Twenties, I wanted to keep Dianna’s hair modern and create a style with a more touchable texture. To achieve this, I turned to René Furterer—I can always count on the versatility of their endless list of amazing products.”

Start with towel-dried, damp hair and spray René Furterer VOLUMEA volumizing conditioning spray from roots to ends. Then work in René Furterer VOLUMEA volumizing foam-no rinse at the roots and hairline to add lift. Using your blowdryer, rough dry your hair to create as much volume as possible (Tip: turn your head upside down for added lift!) Once the hair is dry, make a deep side part and using a half-inch curling iron do a finger wave set, spritzing each wave with René Furterer GLOSSING SPRAY. Then with a flat brush, brush out the waves and give the hair a quick blast of René Furterer NATURIA dry shampoo, allowing it to set for two minutes before whisking it out with a brush to texturize the loosened waves. Lastly pin up the back with both bobby pins and hair pins letting the front pieces fall out to give an illusion of an A-line bob

Dimples are cute ─ when they are on your face. However most of us, petite and plus-size alike, are plagued with these tiny dents in various other places that are not so adorable. With bathing-suit season just around the corner, make a pact to say “see ya next NEVER” to cellulite. From at-home creams to futuristic handheld devices and in-spa treatments, it’s time to say sayonara to cellulite, for good.

According to the Mayo Clinic, cellulite “refers to the appearance of dimpled skin on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen of most woman and some men, too.” It is the result of uneven fat deposits under the skin’s surface, and while it’s not a serious medical condition, it can be the cause of some serious insecurity and embarrassment, especially during warmer weather when the layers come off. Keep reading for creams, gels, devices and treatments that can diminish the dimples.

In the United Kingdom, “with the exception of carrots, most goods may not be sold on Sunday,” in Italy, “a man may be arrested for wearing a skirt,” and in the United States it is illegal to produce neon nail polish. Say What?

Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND Colours, told MORE that “Neon polish is actually illegal to product in the US. If you see a neon shade in the store, it’s imported – or your polish hue is just really bright, not a true neon.”

Best news of the day: while it may be illegal to produce neon lacquer it’s certainly not illegal to rock it on your digits! Here’s our list of our favorite (imported) neons and (MadeInTheUSA) brights!

ANY of the NEON collection by American Apparel, $6 each at American Apparel

Shocking Pink, China Glaze, $7 at Ulta

Feelin’ Groovy, Color Club, $8 at Cosmetic Group

Awesome Orange, Milani, $4.50 at Sears

Fabian Lliguin, well-known hair stylist and founder of Ecoagents and Rauha organic hair products, shared his top 8 tips on how to make the most of your next hair appointment.

1. Do your research; find a reputable salon with an excellent training program.

2. If your budget allows, make an appointment with the head stylist.

3. Go au naturale. Come in with your hair dry and in its natural state. This helps the stylist see your “true hair” (wavy, straight, etc.) and best determine the cut.

4. Be prompt! Arriving on time allows for a full consultation prior to the shampoo and cut. If you show up late, frequently you’re rushed straight to a sink.

5. Don’t be shy, ask the stylist questions during your consultation. Some top q’s to keep in mind – is my hair suited for this cut or style, will this be easy to maintain, how will the natural hair growth process affect the look?

6. Do your homework. If you have a specific cut or style in mind bring it with you. We may have some tips to alter it for your face or hair-type, but it gives us a jumping off point to insure you’re happy with the end result.

7. Practice makes perfect. Ask your stylist for a tutorial during the blowout process so you can replicate at home. Pay attention to the products used, and feel free to ask if there is a less expensive version that does the same. Sometimes salons have certain products they are required to push.

8. Relax and enjoy. This time should be all about getting away and pampering yourself.

“Ecoagents is a nonprofit organization created to defend and protect the Amazon Rainforest, its people and ancient culture from damage, pollution, and further destruction.” Ecoagents was founded in 1999, when Fabian Lliguin began conducting educational work with indigenous communities in Ecuador- province of Napo, deep in the Amazon Rainforest along the Curaray River.”

Benefit Cosmetics is by far one of my favorite beauty lines so when I heard that co-founders Jean and Jane Ford debuted Glamouriety, a short variety-show-styled documentary about their lives and rise to the top of the beauty industry, my ears naturally perked up.

On April 25^th, identical twins Jean and Jane brought Glamouriety to the Tribeca Film Festival and shared the story of their company, from its start as a single storefront in San Francisco to its now well-loved presence in the industry. “For us, Glamouriety is more than a film. It’s the story of our lives and what became Benefit’s business plan and inspiration,” says Jane Ford. “We’re hoping the film will give all the beauty gals in the audience a better understanding of the wild ride our beauty career took us on, literally from farm to fame, and how we were able to do it the whole time with a lip-glossed smile on our face.”

After pursuing a career in modeling, the Indiana-born twins moved from New York to San Francisco in the late seventies and launched the beauty empire, Benefit. Loyal customers came back time and time again for the one-of-a-kind “beauty fix-its and fake-its.” In 1997 Benefit went global after it opened its first counter in the UK and garnered the attention of prestige product group, LVMH, who acquired Benefit in 1999 and made it into the iconic brand we know and love today.

Benefit Cosmetics is the ultimate quirky beauty girl’s go-to. From its witty marketing to its creative product names, the line demonstrates how lighthearted and fun its founders truly are. “We really want to connect with our customer beyond their makeup bag,” says Jean Ford. “We want them to truly know us, our story and how our personalities and life experience have informed the brand that they love. We are two real women who wanted to look pretty, have fun doing it and now with Glamouriety we’ll have to opportunity to share with our customers how we pulled it all off.”

Josie Maran, Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall may all be famous for their beauty, but these three supermodels are way more than a pretty face. All three believe in the concept of “Luxury with a Conscience” and in giving back to causes near and dear to their hearts. In honor of Earth Day, Josie, Petra and Angela have joined forces in order to create limited-edition artwork for the bottles of Maran’s signature Argan Oil for Josie Maran Cosmetics. The three designs are just as beautiful as the models that created them, and each supports a very worthy cause.

“Living in a sustainable, earth-friendly way that benefits the planet has always been an essential part of beauty for me,” explains Josie. “Petra and Angela are also so dedicated and passionate about the causes they support, and I wanted to share our enthusiasm with the world. We want to encourage everyone to join us in becoming ‘model citizens,’ and the limited-edition Argan Oils are a great place to start.”

Josie is a supermodel, mother and founder and CEO of Josie Maran Cosmetics, a company she prides on being good for users and safe for the earth. Josie’s design gives back to Women for Women International, providing female survivors of war the tools to become self-sufficient. Since its beginning in 1933, Women for Women International has given back to more than 299,000 women through a year-long program of direct aid, rights education, job skills training and small business development. The organization has donated $95 million in direct aid, microcredit loans and other program services.  “My mother, daughter, friends and coworkers are all women who inspire, support and challenge me every day. To empower each other, to hold each other up and to stand together is how we’ll change the world. I wanted my bottle to capture this powerful message and to reflect this truly important cause,” Josie says about her design.

In addition to being a well-known model, Petra is a host, author, philanthropist and founder of the Happy Hearts Fund (HHF). In 2004 she was injured in the tsunami that resulted from the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake; her fiancé at the time, photographer Simon Atlee, was killed. Channeling her loss into Happy Hearts Fund, Petra has created a foundation which rebuilds schools and restores hope and opportunity in the lives of children after natural disasters. HHF, active in nine countries around the globe, works after emergency response is complete and aims to implement sustainable practices that have a lasting impact. So far the fund has built and rebuilt 56 schools and kindergartens, which have benefited more than 34,412 children and 337,450 community members.  “Like the girl in the artwork, I hope all the children that benefit from HHF are uplifted from hardship to a brighter future after natural disaster,” Petra says about her bottle’s design. “That’s what the balloon hearts symbolize to me – a better life for those children. After what they’ve been through, they deserve this, and I will always make this a mission of mine.”

Like her fellow supermodels, Angela wears many hats. She is an actress, a mother and an active environmentalist and health advocate. Her charity, Healthy Child Healthy World empowers parents to protect their children from harmful chemicals by educating them of the toxic risks, encouraging easy actions and responsible lifestyle choices and advocating for corporate policies and government legislation to protect children from environmental health risks. “The simplicity of the dandelion symbolizes what I would like for the future of our planet: an environment free from toxins and harmful chemicals that grow and exist peacefully, and the promise of hope for the children of the world,” Angela explains about her design?. “From an early age, we’re taught to wish on dandelions, and I hope to inspire people to remember to be positive and to always look forward.”

To purchase any of the Model Citizen designs or to collect them all, go to Sephora.com; 100 percent pure argan oil, $48. (Argan oil is great for hair, skin and nails since it is rich in Vitamin C and essential fatty acids.)

In honor of Earth Month, we’re rounding up our favorite earth-friendly beauty products. From vegan makeup brushes to all-natural hair products we’ve got your eco-beauty needs covered!

Go Vegan

“What good is it to be buffing the right powder onto your cheeks if you’re doing it with a brush made the inhumane way?” Kathy Freston, health and wellness activist, said of these makeup brushes that were recently featured on Dr. Oz. We echo her sentiments exactly. Celebrity makeup artist Christopher Drummond has worked with A-listers such as Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry and January Jones. His CDB line of cosmetics and makeup brushes is 100 percent all-natural, paraben-free, organic-based and vegan (cruelty-free), which leaves users feeling beautiful and environmentally responsible at the same time. There are eight brushes in the collection that range in price from $15-28, available on www.christopherdrummond.com.

Get “Coo-Coo” for Coconut

Desert Essence has long been an established leader in the natural beauty industry and its coconut hair care line is one of our personal favorites. The line recently came out with three new products in March that are must-haves for any curly-girl out there. The Coconut Soft Curls Hair Cream, Coconut Hair Defrizzer & Heat Protector and the Coconut Shine & Refine Hair Lotion are available for $9.99 and leave your hair soft, shiny and manageable. The products use all-natural ingredients, including coconut oil and extracts, cactus, agave, safflower oil and yucca to moisturize and hydrate your locks, making them perfect for the upcoming summer months! These products and the rest of the line, are available at Whole Foods Markets locations and on www.desertessence.com.

Change Your Oil

We don’t mean in your car! While we all LOVE Moroccan oils for silky hair we aren’t always using organic blends! If you want argan oil with no silicone, no parabens and no chemical preservatives, check out Emtage Hair’s SILKtáge. This organic rejuvenating hair serum was recently reformatted to include argan oil direct from Moroccan women’s cooperatives. The benefits of SILKtáge lie in its all-natural ingredients: camellia oil, monoi oil, an infusion of Tahitian gardenia flowers soaked in coconut oil, and the amazing and sustainable argan oil. Perfect for dry, frizzy hair, SILKtáge uses 100 percent pure botanical oils and is made with certified organic ingredients. The oil can be found at www.iHerb.com, select Whole Foods Markets and www.EmtageHair.com.

Feed Your Face

For more than 90 years, Weleda has been a pioneer for 100 percent certified natural, organic and biodynamic skincare. Whether you have sensitive, dry, oily or aging skin, there is a full collection of products ready and able to help. Weleda’s best-selling skin food provides relief for dry, rough skin for celebs like Adele. Even babies get in on Weleda with its full baby care line, which A-lister mom Jessica Alba uses on her little ones! Our favorites are the One-Step Cleanser & Toner, perfect for busy nights to cleanse and tone all at once, and the Pomegranate Firming Facial Care line, which blends effective natural ingredients in order to reduce the signs of aging. Available at Whole Foods Markets and at www.usa.weleda.com.

Find a Secret (Beauty) Garden

Inspired by Les Jardins Sothys in Auriac, France, the Beauty Garden line of ecological and biological treatments and products by Sothys follows Cosmebio standards. The Beauty Garden range is Ecocert certified, and each product contains Sothy’s exclusive Vegetal Moisturizing Activator, a complex from cherry trees, angelica and hawthorn as well as plant-obtained glycerin. My fave in the line is the Floral Water with Angelica and Hawthorn for toning. The products are also used in spa treatments, like the Beauty Garden organic facial treatments and the organic body treatment, at Sothys Institute for those seeking an eco-conscious spa experience.. Products are available on www.sothys-usa.com.

It’s no secret we love SpaRitual nail polishes and their new Spring/Summer 2012 collection may just take the cake! Inspired by earth’s precious resources, SpaRitual has created the Pigment, Gold and Soil collections just in time for Earth Day. Founded by Shel Pink, the brand fuses together mind, body and spirit in its philosophy of Slow Beauty. The natural nail polish formula sources vegan, certified organic and fair trade ingredients and is free is toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP.

SOIL

Outside of being an eco-friendly product line, SpaRitual is a line that gives back to the planet that so inspires it. In celebration of Earth Day 2012, SpaRitual is introducing Soil 2012, a limited edition lacquer duo, which donates 20 percent of its sales to Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods (SOIL) in Haiti.

SOIL is a non-profit organization co-founded by Dr. Sasha Kramer that works to create relationships between community organizations in Haiti and activists and academics internationally in order to promote problem-solving approaches to poverty, poor public health, agricultural productivity and environmental destruction.  The soil-inspired duo includes Back to Your Roots, a shimmering deep rusty brown, and Native Soil, a light earthy cream. The polishes are packaged in a gift box along with a packet of wild flower seeds and a poem by Shel Pink to encourage eco-consciousness throughout the year.   “We’re honored to be involved with the SOIL organization, and to support the foundation’s efforts to help provide agricultural and economic resources to Haiti. Earth Day is an annual reminder of how precious our resources are and how committed we are to environmental conservation,’’ says Shel Pink. The Soil Duo retails for $20.00 in select salons and spas nationwide as well as select online retailers.

PIGMENT and GOLD

In addition to Soil 2012, SpaRitual will release its Summer 2012 collections: Pigment and Gold. Pigment is a “celebration of collective cultures and rituals that have encompassed the use of pigments” naturally occurring in nature. The shades are all jewel or berry-toned and have an excellent cream finish. “Adhere to an age old ritual of self-adornment. Celebrate color, embrace Pigment and express your vitality,” says Shel Pink. Pigment will be available starting May 1, 2012, for $10 each and includes:

Henna – earth berry

Camellia – deep pink

Heliotrope – purple

Indigo – teal blue

Poppy – orange-red

Clay – earth Clay

The special edition Gold collection is infused with real 24 karat gold particles, which give off a natural shimmer, perfect for summer! ‘’Spread your inner light with SpaRitual’s special edition collection, GOLD, as you embrace the symbol of mental growth and general well-being,’’ urges Shel Pink. Gold will be available starting May 1, 2012 for $12 each and includes:

Gilded Age – rose gold

Alchemy – white gold

Aurum – pure gold

Electrum – golden khaki

Conduit – copper hued

Rusted Lux – golden terracotta.

You can pick up your SpaRitual lacquers at fine salons and spas, including Spa Halekulani, Canyon Ranch, and the Mandarin Oriental.