Firstly, what type of make up should you use? Your favorite make up may not be the best choice. Look for products that have the catch phrases “hypoallergenic”, “for sensitive eyes” or “for contact lens wearers”; that are fragrance-free and oil-free; and opt for pressed-powder products over loose powder. Second, examine the ingredients in make up before purchasing, and avoid any with preservatives such as phenyl mercuric nitrate. Thirdly, avoid any mascara that claims to build eye lash volume or length. These products often use silicone and fibers to achieve this affect, which can flake off into your eyes, causing discomfort and potentially introducing bacteria to your eyes. Fourth, avoid wearing liquid eye liners – as the liquid dries out during the day, small pieces can flake off into your eyes. Soft pencil eye liners are best. Finally, before getting started, check how long you have had your make up. Make up should be replaced every 6 months, and eye make, such as mascara and eye liner, replaced every 3 months.

Before applying make up, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, and then insert your contact lenses. Once this is done, you can begin. Start with your foundation. Apply sparingly to your forehead, cheeks and chin, being careful around the eye area, and gently spread it over those areas. Close your eyes before applying make up over this area, and again when brushing off any excess powder.

The best eye shadows to use for contact lens wearers are liquid, cream and gel products as these are less likely to get into the eyes or on the lenses; however pressed eye shadows can also be used with care. Close each eye before applying eye shadow. If using a powder shadow, gently brush off any excess powder before opening your eye. Apply mascara only to the outer half of your eye lashes, to avoid accidentally touching your eye or lenses. If possible, use disposable applicators for mascara that can be discarded after each use. Otherwise, make sure to regularly clean the applicator wand of the mascara, as bacteria can build up in the make up caught in the bristles. Never apply eye liner on the inner rim of the eye. This is a very easy way for bacteria to enter the eye, and the pencil may scratch or damage your contact lenses, potentially leading to an infection.

When removing your make up, wash your hands thoroughly and first remove your contact lenses, then proceed to removing your make up. Use an oil-free make up remover and avoid anything creamy. Use fiber-free pads, not cotton balls, to remove your make up.

If your eyes are red or irritated, you should not use make up, as bacteria can be transferred to applicators and re-infect your eyes later on. Never borrow anyone else’s eye make up, or share your eye make up, as this can pass bacteria between eyes. If you do get make up in your eye or on your contact lenses, immediately remove the lenses and rinse the debris off. If you have any concerns about wearing make up with your contact lenses, or you think you have an eye infection, you should contact your local eye doctor for advice.

Caprice Green was the personal stylist to Prince for many years. She has styled the tresses of Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, Nia Long, Mya, 3LW, Cherish and Teena Marie among others.

1. The key factor to maintaining natural hair is MOISTURE, MOISTURE, and MOISTURE! Curly or kinky hair tends to deflect light and appear dry. Locking in moisture will also help prevent frizz. Prep twists, knots, and braids with KeraCare Conditioning Cream. It imparts a healthy shine and won’t leave a greasy residue. If your are not daring and can’t bare the whole grow out phase  cut of the old relaxed hair and usher in the natural new hair and the new you.

2. Growing out a relaxer requires special care since the point where the two textures meet is fragile.

• Bi-weekly protein treatments will help strengthen hair and prevent excessive breakage.
• If you are still using heat on your hair, make sure and use a thermal protectant like the one by CHI. Of course giving the flatiron a break altogether is ideal!
• As you start your journey into the au-naturel try to keep your styles as free as possible until all the old relaxer has been cut off. Try double strand twists to set your style. Twists are less likely to snap hair at “stress” points since they can be done looser than braids or knots.

3. Depending on texture, some of my favorite products are:

• Design Essentials Essential Oil is amazing at keeping the scalp from flaking.
• Mixed Chicks shampoo, conditioner. and leave-in is wonderful on naturally curly textures.
• Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding is perfect for coercing unruly hair into shape while maintaining shine.
• Kera Care’s First Shampoo lifts any heavy residue left behind by styling products. Follow with their Hydrating/ Detangling Shampoo. This shampoo works exceptionally well on both textures and discourages tangling from taking place.
• For locs, try Hicks Transformations. I recently tried it on locs and it has the perfect weight and hold for freshening locs and twists! Just a dab will do!

4. The best advice for finding a natural hair specialist is to do your homework! Research products and styles so that you already have an idea of what you want. Steer clear of heavy-handed stylists! Super tight is not always right (unless it’s for wash-board abs). When dealing with fragile or “virgin” hair, handle with care. No one salon is full proof, just be clear with your needs and desires when “interviewing” a new stylist.

Overall, the process of going natural requires patience and care. Don’t worry; it will all pay off in the end.

Celebrity Make Up Artist Tia Dantzler gives Clutchettes a double dose of make up tips.

1. Matte lips are all the rage this season! No need to run out a buy a new shade. Instead, you can transform your favorite lipstick into a matte finish by applying translucent blotting powder directly on top of your lip color for the reccessionista’s approach to this season’s hottest trend.

2. For a distinct lip line, use a lip primer to keep your lip liner from bleeding as well as to maintain a long lasting lip effect.

1. Ask Around - Look around. If you see a person with a style or a cut that you like ask them who does their hair. Most people will be extremely flattered and give you the info on their stylists. If you’re looking for a good colorist look for color then look for color that you like.

2. Experience – This doesn’t mean that you want to look for the stylist who has been doing hair the longest. Sometimes a stylist who has been doing hair for a long time may not have kept up with the latest techniques and cutting edge technology. But on the flip side that stylist may have really honed their craft. What you want to look for is somebody you feel not only has lots of experience with hair like yours, but also is abreast of what is going on in the hair care industry.

3. Expertise – You don’t find great Italian food at an all you can eat Chinese Buffet. And you may not want to rely on one stylist for all the services you need. Its very rarely a stylist is great at everything. Finding a stylist that specializes in one service you need and another for the other services. For instance, find a great colorist and then find a great stylist who does an awesome blow dry. It may not be the most convenient way, but we are talking about beauty not convenience here ladies.

4. Test Run – When you decide that you have found a stylist that meets your criteria and is in your price range then its time to give them a trial run. Have them do a simple service like a blow dry or deep condition or a single highlight at the back of your head. You get to see how they work, their professional manner and the quality of their work.

5. Trust Your Instincts - Even if they do a great job on your hair if you don’t feel like you would be comfortable letting them do your hair find someone else. After all you might be spending more time with this person then some of your closest friends!

Well in only a weeks time I had converted from a skeptic into a believer. I couldn’t believe how well Eye Grow Brows! worked. Every night I brushed the conditioning treatment through my lashes and brows and it wasn’t long before I noticed them thickening and growing. Eye Grow Brows! creates healthy lashes and brows with a formula that contains Aloe Vera, Wheat Protein and Yeast extract. Lashes and brows will look so good you might be able to skip your brow filler and mascara. A great find that you don’t have to be skeptical about because it really delivers. Eye Grow Brows! ($25) can be found at ramy.com.

Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, is now the new face of Vera Wang Princess. Crowned with a beautiful embellished tiara, the aspiring singer/actress will begin fronting the “Born to Rule” campaign replacing the current star Camile Belle.

Zoe was not only hand-picked by the designer to star in their rebooted campaign, but brings a rock ‘n’ roll edge to the “Born to Rule” campaign which was shot by Bruce Weber.

For more please visit www.verawangprincess.com.

Stand Out Smokey Eyes With Enhanced Lashes

Now that everyone has been reading up on how to apply the perfect red lip, its important that we focus on our most alluring feature: Our eyes! Add lashes for glamorous fun or continue to step 4 to learn to properly line natural lashes.

Products you will need:

• Eye pencil
• Mascara
• False Eye Lashes

1. First, measure your false eyelash against your lash line to see where or if they need to be cut. Do this by taking the eyelash directly from the package leaving on the tacky residue that held them in place, and place along the top lash line. Cut off any extra length to achieve a more natural appearance.

2. Squeeze a small amount of eyelash glue onto a manicure stick a glide it across the eyelash line of the false lash. Allow to dry to a slightly darker gray tone.

3. Using angled tweezers, gently place the outer corner of the false lash onto the outer corner of your lash line, tucking underneath the fatty fold where your lashes meet the skin and tapping across. Allow to fully dry.

4. Next, take a smooth black waterproof eyeliner pencil and glide it across the top lash line from outer corner to inner corner. Smudge the line using short quick strokes of your finger. Repeat with the bottom lash line.

5. Dust an extremely light amount of translucent powder across eyes to set liner.

6. Apply two coats of mascara by lightly brushing the finer lashes with the tip of your mascara brush. Then, using a zigzag motion, apply to your fuller lashes.

7. Open your eyes to reveal the new you!

In my mind makeup and fashion are inspirable. Makeup is fashion for the face. Fashion is makeup for the body. The makeup on the runway models can make or break a collection from a designer. Makeup and fashion share an intimate relationship that every successful designer understands and respects. That’s why it’s no surprise when you hear top designers coming out with beauty lines. Names like Armani, Dior, Chanel all have respected beauty lines. So I was really excited to try Ungaro’s new makeup line. The

U by Ungaro Color Collection ($10- $20, avon.com) brings the effortless, chic sensibility Ungaro is known for to makeup products for everyone.

U by Ungaro Color Collection stands apart from the rest in the pack with its luxurious formulas and limited edition Ungaro branded packaging. At first glance you know that you are getting something truly special but its not till after you try the silky shadows and creamy lipsticks that you can really appreciate the quality. The collection includes face shimmer powders, eye shadow singles and lipsticks. Shades include “Glam”, “Runway Pink” and “Champagne”.

So if you like your makeup to be as beautiful as your clothes then this is a must have collection. Shades and formulas that are universally flattering make U by Ungaro Color Collection a real winner from the runway to the grocery store. A great find.

U by Ungaro is available exclusively through Avon Representatives. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit avon.com.

If you want to create a look that knocks the socks off of your family and friends around the dinner table then look no further then the BareMinerals Jewel Collection ($54, ulta.com) This elegant nine-piece, gem-infused collection gives you everything you need to great an unforgettable look. All in colors that will work perfect for this time of year. Some of the amazing products in the set include Citrine Radiance All-Over Face Color infused with Citron, Smoky Amber Eye color infused with Amber, Cranberry Sorbet 100% Natural Lip-gloss and Wet/Dry Eye Shadow Brush in limited-edition berry. And all of this comes in a beautiful Jewel Collection Vanity Box.

Q: It seems like there are a ton of celebrity-endorsed fragrances on the market right now. Is there any that really are worth the price?

I have tested enough fragrances to say that some people will put their names on anything. I have tried some products with super famous names on the bottle that smell like they belong on a clearance rack in a dollar store. Yes, that bad. But some celebrities have fragrances that can hold their own against popular top of the line fragrances. In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon ($59, avon.com) is one of these fragrances. It is an alluring and sensual fragrance that entices the senses with gardenia blossoms and lush florals, enveloped in amber wood and peach tea leaves. I was pleasantly surprised by the elegance of In Bloom. It is sophisticated but not stuffy. Resse should be proud to have her name on this bottle

Q: Whenever I travel on a plane my hair gets super dry and frizzy. Heading home for the holidays I want to try and avoid this. What should I do?

Frizzy hair and dry skin are the two main beauty concerns of travelers. The dry circulated air and rough fabric of the seat pillow are hard on your hair and skin. Once soft silky hair can turn into a dry frizz ball after a long flight. Beyond bringing a silk pillow case to put on your seat you can pack a travel size bottle of NO FRIZZ Straight Making Styling Cream in your carry on ($14, qvc.com) This velvety cream provides optimum frizz reduction and a touch of conditioning to your hair. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz—humidity and friction. It provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair while reducing surface friction. The result is the most effective, lightweight frizz fighter on the market today. Hair is left sleek and manageable without becoming greasy or heavy.

Q: Being around my family during the holiday season stresses me out. I need a way to calm down in the middle of a family get together. Any quick way to calm your senses?

Leave the house and board a plane to Bora Bora. Okay maybe you shouldn’t do that but it would be nice. The next best thing is Juice Beauty ‘s Hydrating Mist ($22, juicebeauty.com). The mist is a harmonic blend of certified organic, antioxidant-rich white and red grape juices, soothing aloe vera, nutrient-rich rosehip, grapeseed oil and vitamins. The mist works to hydrate and balance skin’s natural moisture, tone and balance. With just a few sprays your skin you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Use throughout the day for an exhilarating refreshment.