Tips from Celebrity Manicurist Beth Fricke

Beth Fricke’s skill, attention to detail and trend-setting style have established her as one of the most prominent manicurists in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industries. She has done covers for such prestigious magazines like Elle, Deutsch Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Nylon, Redbook, Angeleno, and Black Book. She has developed an impressive celebrity roster including Drew Barrymore, Sheryl Crow, Heidi Klum, Mariska Hargitay, Miranda Kerr, Christina Ricci, Mariah Carey, and Lindsay Lohan. Fricke is currently serving as an O∙P∙I Celebrity Manicurist. Additionally, she has contributed to various publications on emerging trends and nail care including Glamour, 944, US Weekly and Genlux. She's sharing her insights on choosing the right shade, nail care, and manicures.

They say that the nail condition is an important indicator of health. What irregularities should we look for and what health problems to they point to?

White spots can be an indicator of diet issues or damage (like a smashed finger). Ridges in the nail can be from too dry cuticles or damage. Purple or blue looking nails or hands are an indication of circulatory issues.

How can you extend the life of a manicure?

The best, easiest way is to put an additional coat of topcoat on and then apply oil to the cuticles.

What nail colors are complimentary on all skin tones?

There are some sheers and slightly darker reds that seem to work pretty universally.

Why should we use different products to moisturize our nails than for our hands?

When we moisturize hands, we are trying to moisturize the skin. When we do nails, we are trying to moisturize parts under the skin or the layered nail, that both require substantially more penetration.

What tips do you recommend to ensure a perfect manicure at home?

File the nails the same shape. Clean out under the nails to make sure there are no rough edges or corners. Gently buff over the top of the nail and cuticle with a soft (220 grit or higher) buffer and then brush them with a wet nail brush.

Before you polish, wipe the nail with some polish remover to remove any oils. Make sure you hit the outer edge of the nail with polish and with the top coat to seal it in.

Zach's Wax Review

Zach's Wax is a bit out there, wild, colorful, temporary, but best of all, it's fun! Whether you want to show team spirit, make a costume stand out, make a sleepover extra special, spice up a boring office meeting, or make a picture memorable; this is a crazy and fun way to do it. Zach’s Wax Extreme Color Gels ($9.99) are water soluble, easy to apply and exceptionally friendly to noncommittal types.

I didn't take any pictures, but I love using Zach's Wax in my son's hair and mine too since it is temporary and washes out with one shampoo. Application is easy since each tube comes with a mascara-like wand and gloves to make it less messy. Despite our dark brown hair, Zach's Wax still stands out. I chose the blue for my son and I chose the pink and red for myself. I've never used colored hair products on my hair prior to this. Therefore, this is a fun and interesting experience for me. Family and friends get a kick out of our colorful hair!

Zach’s Wax Extreme Color Gel is sold for $9.99, but you can buy a set of three (and get 1 free) for $29.99 or buy a set of 6 (and get 2 gels and 2 backpacks free) for $59.95.

Zach's Wax also sells non-colorful and premium hair products: Extra Firm Hold Clear Gel ($14.99), Zach’s Molding Cream ($15.99), and Zach’s Pomade ($15.99).

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Tried and True Touch-Up Tips for a Fiercely Festive Holiday Party Season

The holiday party season is here and you’ll probably be going out straight from work to these festive functions. As the day goes by, even the best-applied make up will slip and fade. Here are some quick touch-ups tips to help you get that “freshly applied” look you started the day with.

- Remove all of your lipstick and lip liner. You’ll want a fresh application to go with your revived make up. Apply a light layer of lip conditioner to soften and smooth your lips while you touch up the rest of your face.

- If things look too messy or dark under the eyes, use a Q-Tip with a little moisturizer to clean the area. Yes, I said moisturizer – it works great for quick cleanups and won’t break down the makeup you apply over it.

- If your eye-shadow has creased or eyeliner has run, blot the area gently with a tissue, then use a brush or sponge to smooth out the remaining color. Apply a little translucent pressed powder over the area to catch any excess oil and then reapply shadow and liner as needed to make your eye makeup look fresh again.

- If you have oily skin, blot away any excess by laying a blotting tissue over a make up sponge and press it lightly over the shiny areas on your face. Do this before you do anything else.

- Once the excess oil on your skin has been blotted, remove the blotting tissue and use the sponge to smooth out your foundation, concealer and blush (women with dry and normal skin should also follow this step). Use a gentle buffing motion, making sure to smooth all edges as you go.

- Use your favorite foundation to touch up blemishes, faded areas and around the mouth. Blend with the sponge or your fingers.

- Apply a little foundation or concealer under the eyes to highlight and brighten the center of your face.

- Lightly dust translucent powder over the face (kabuki brushes are best for this step) to set make up and give you a soft, smooth finish.

- Apply more blush or bronzer and finish with a touch of highlight powder on the tops of your cheekbones.

- Finally, blot off any excess lip conditioner and reapply lip liner and lipstick.

- Shimmering eyes-shadow brushed lightly over the lid.
- Extra black eyeliner smudged with a brush or Q-tip for a sexy,smoky effect.

- A dab of luscious high shine gloss with a burst of shimmering sparkle over your lipstick to give it holiday gleam.

Lisa Hoffman Madagascar Orchid Candle Review

An avid traveler and true beauty connoisseur, Lisa Hoffman spent years traveling the world with her high-profile husband, Dustin Hoffman, and their six children, immersing herself in diverse cultures and becoming well-informed about beauty secrets from around the globe. Throughout her travels, Lisa has methodically uncovered the most essential skincare ingredients, all of which combine to ensure potent and high performing treatment systems.

With an innate gift as a "kitchen chemist," Lisa has been the driving force behind some unique skin formulations, and in 2007, after six years in development, Lisa launched her very own beauty line that is taking skincare to new heights. With her system dedicated to excellence and simplicity, above and beyond being recognized as an award-winning skincare line, Lisa was named "Newcomer of the Year" by Women's Wear Daily in 2007 and most recently was selected for Allure's Best of Beauty 2008 for her Spa Bath Soak.

The person who said that you can't give Mother Nature an upgrade hasn't met Lisa Hoffman or enjoyed the enchanting and beautiful fragrances that she creates. The Madagascar Orchid Candle ($46) is beautifully scented with a soft, yet noticeable fragrance of Madagascar Orchid; which is a delicate white flower, containing notes of sheer jasmine, ylang dew, mimosa mood, and pink peony. In just a few minutes after lighting the Madagascar Orchid Candle, my mood and spirits are instantly lifted as the atmosphere becomes more tranquil and peaceful. This is the perfect candle to burn when you're snuggling with the one you love on a cold wintery evening.

Using a proprietary soy wax blend, her candles contain the highest concentration of fine fragrance oils and will burn for over 50 hours. The Japanese Agarwood Candle ($46) is also available, which I'm sure that smells equally beautiful since I have the Variations ($95) in this scent and I love it!

The product in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way affects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

ResVitále Organic Wine and Beauty Gift Basket Giveaway

Prize: Two winners will receive a bottle of Organic Wine, Beauty Sleep, and Resveratrol Age-Revitalizing Fruit Chews.

4 more will also have a chance to win at FashionFling.com and TotheMotherhood.com.

6 winners in all!

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.

Entry Limit: Daily

Note: You can list bonus entries separately or all in one entry - your choice!



Their story begins in 1905, when a French family inherited a beautiful vineyard in Southern France. After discovering a passion for the vine, they dedicated their lives to the native farming and harvesting practices of Bergerac. After generations of devotion to their winemaking, the family has perfected the art and science of cultivating their land and nourishing their vineyards for the finest, purest harvest.



Firmly rooted in its authentic foundations and French heritage, ResVitále's story captures the very essence and values of the French vintner, delivering you a product rich in culture and abounding in authenticity.



Organic ingredients protect your body from the many harmful additives associated with the pesticides and herbicides used in non-organic farming. The finest Resveratrol is naturally produced by plants as a defense against harmful elements in their environment. Since non-organic plants have man-made chemicals to protect them, the level of Resveratrol in the grapes is next to none.

ResVitále provides you with the purest, most potent levels of Resveratrol through their organic sourcing, their innovative research and their unrivaled dedication to quality.



- Follow The Beauty Counter via Google Friend Connect.
- Follow Beauty Counter on Twitter.
- Tweet this: ResVitále Organic Wine and Beauty Gift Basket (2 winners) #Giveaway @BeautyCounter http://bit.ly/hchRy9

- Become a fan of this blog on Facebook.
- Add my blog button on your sidebar.




<a href="http://thebeautycounter.blogspot.com/"><img alt="The Beauty Counter" style="border:0;" src="http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss296/WTTMBlog/templatebeauty/sophisticatedlipstick_badge.png"/></a>


- Stumble this post.
- Add me to your blog roll.

The giveaway will conclude December 20th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.