Everyone thinks that the Oscars are the biggest night in fashion, but in reality, it's the Met Gala. 

The annual ball, which formally kicks off the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s yearly Costume Institute exhibit, draws just about every Hollywood heavy-hitter -- not to mention stars at their boldest. (Please see Nicole Richie's grey hair in 2013, Lupita Nyong’o's feathered number of 2014 and Rihanna's massive gown of 2015).

This year, the theme, "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," made room for some... interesting choices. Taylor Swift arrived in what can only be described as a spacesuit, Alicia Vikander donned a robot-esque Louis Vuitton dress and Julie Macklowe appeared in a mirrored jumpsuit (perhaps R2-D2 inspired?). Others went a more classic route *cough, cough* Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and, as always, Anna Wintour looked like her regal self in Chanel. 

Check out all the most noteworthy looks below:

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We should have guessed that Taylor Swift's 2016 Met Gala look wasn't going to be super sweet based on the grungy looks she's been experimenting with lately. 

As a co-chair of this year's Met Gala, Swift took the "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology" theme very seriously. She hit the red carpet rocking a short silver Louis Vuitton dress with snakeskin and ruffle detailing. She paired the frock with knee-high black gladiator heels. (We wonder if she had trouble like getting into those shoes, like Kendall Jenner.)

Her tousled, bleach blonde bob, '90s burgundy lipstick and dark nail polish added the finishing touches to this ensemble. 

Are you feeling Swift's futuristic outfit? Sound off in the comments section.

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Kylie Jenner showed up at the 2016 Met Gala sporting a new 'do.

The 18-year-old reality star's bob haircut fell just below her chin and looked close to her natural hair color. However, the super clean, off-center hair part has us thinking that this is just another one of Jenner's wigs. 

Real or fake, we think the new 'do makes her look classy and chic. But just in case it's a wig, we'll try not to get too used to it.

What do you think of Jenner's new hairstyle? Tell us your thoughts below.

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The Met Gala, fashion's biggest night, has arrived and among the couture, glitz and glamour, a few attendees are standing out for donning designers familiar to us mere mortals.

On the red carpet, Ciara, Hailee Steinfeld, Jennifer Hudson and Amber Valetta have all appeared in stunning looks by... H&M.

Playing up the Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology theme, Valetta's one-of-a-kind blue gown was, according to the brand, "embellished with over 1,000 hand-cut and sewn organic silk petals and recycled plastic sequins." Meanwhile, Steinfeld in a floor-length satin number, Ciara in an intricate Swarovski crystal gown and Hudson in a white silk dress with a four-foot train all impressed.  

These one-of-a kind couture pieces are H&M in name only -- they won't be available at your local store, according to an H&M spokesperson. But it's still cool to see big stars wearing a humble retailer to fashion's most important event of the year. 

Check out the fast-fashion-meets-couture looks below:

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If there's ever a major fashion event, you'd better believe that Kim Kardashian West and her hubby Kanye will be there. 

And of course, at this year's Met Gala, the pair showed up looking divine in matching Balmain. Mrs. Kardashian West's silver Balmain dress seemed painted onto her body, while Mr. West accessorized his Balmain jacket with ripped jeans and some weird-ass contacts. 

Kim did most of the talking on the red carpet and told reporters that she was going for a "gorgeous, sexy robot" look when she got dressed. She also mentioned that her daughter, North, would get to play dress-up in her couture gown post-gala, making the rest of us officially jealous of a toddler. 

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Beyoncé had the Beyhive buzzing with divorce rumors for the millionth time after dropping her latest album, "Lemonade," last week. And given that the megastar is on tour -- most recently in Atlanta, Georgia -- it wasn't a given that she'd show up at the 2016 Met Gala.

But she did show up in a big way, wearing an all latex dress that she teased on Instagram.

Acne and condom jokes aside, there are not many stars who can pull off a dress made from this rubbery fabric. We love how she paired the look with simple straight hair and classic smokey eye makeup. Because really, what more does it need?

What do you think of Beyoncé's Met Gala dress? How does it compare to previous years? See those looks below.

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Amy Schumer just outdid herself at the Met Gala. 

The comedienne stepped onto the red carpet in a jaw-dropping red Alexander Wang gown. While we've seen the actress in dozens of stunning looks over the past few years, this tops the list as the best one ever.

Maybe it's the color, maybe it's her perfect blow-out or maybe it's that sultry smokey eye, but one way or another, we're in love. 

What do you think of Schumer's look?

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It looks like Lady Gaga is up to her old fashion antics again.

The pop star attended the 2016 Met Gala pantless in a circuit-board inspired leotard, fishnet stockings and platform heels. According to Vogue.com, Gaga said that it only took "10 minutes" for her to assemble her fashion-meets-tech costume. That must not include the time it took to do her makeup and put on her blonde bouffant wig, right?

Although this cheeky outfit reminds us a lot of the pantless look Madonna wore to the 2013 Met Gala, we have to say that Gaga deserves an A+ for interpreting the "Manus x Machina" to a T.

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Fashion's fanciest evening, the Met Gala, brings together all of the biggest celebrities for an evening of dinner, dancing and dollars (it serves as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute).

But for guests, it's also a chance to catch up with old friends, admire each other's assets (ahem, Lady Gaga and Kate Hudson) and to prove that yes, you are as cute of a couple as you seem.

Thanks to this year's theme, "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," the gala also blessed onlookers with a bevy of elaborate accessories, playful hair colors and some very intricate designs. 

While us mere mortals have nothing more than social media to rely on for a glimpse inside, we did get a good, close-up look at some of the more subtle, intimate happenings on the red carpet. Feast your eyes on all the sweet moments, dress detail shots and more than a few looks at Zoe Saldana's magnificent Dolce & Gabbana gown below. 

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We're still raving about all the red carpet dresses at the 2016 Met Gala. There are many looks that have left a lasting impression on us -- from Beyoncé's nude latex Givenchy Haute Couture gown to Lady Gaga's Versace circuit board-themed jacket and leotard. But Lupita Nyong'o's towering topknot was the most spectacular hairstyle we saw last night.

In an interview with André Leon Talley for Vogue.com, the Eclipsed actress revealed that her natural hairdo, styled by Vernon Francois, was inspired by "women all around the continent." With an intellect steeped in fashion and beauty history, Talley noted that he could see elements of Nina Simone in Nyong'o's updo.

We couldn't agree more, as it reminded us of the image below of the late jazz singer, circa 1968. But we can't ignore Nyong'o's statement that her hair is a true reflection of international women. It's also worth noting that it bares a striking resemblance to the hairstyles worn by Zulu women of South Africa.

Her hairstylist, Vernon Francois, told The Huffington Post, "There's not one particular visual reference which inspired the look. Strong bold structures have always been prevalent in African history and our goal is always to show just how versatile textured hair is. Nina Simone is a excellent cultural reference point, as she was someone who was always very confident with how she wore her hair. We wanted to ensure that the look on the carpet last night was a modern and creative take on traditional style."

Everything considered, we believe Nyong'o's Met Gala hair is an artistic tribute to Simone. 

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These days, most single adults feel like they are dating as a living. They can find dates on dating apps like The Dating Lounge, online dating, blind dates, group dates, stranger dates, old-fashioned pick up at a bar dates, etc. Actually, a single person could have a date every night of the week if he or she desired. However, the true goal in dating is marriage and to get there, you need to date properly and not make stupid dating mistakes.

Here is a list of some obvious mistakes that might be stopping you from finding the One.

Don't order water. Yes, you can order water along with something else, but you can not order water alone. Water alone makes it seem like you aren't interested and that you want the date to end quickly. So, even if you are just really thirsty for a cold glass of water, order something to go along with it.

Don't wear black. It's not a funeral. It's a date. Colors are happy, colors are sexy and colors make you look younger. Black makes you look old and serious. No man wants old and serious on a first date.

Don't get drunk. Need I say more?


Don't order the most expensive thing on the menu. This is an oldie but a goodie. One would think that all women know this by now. However, sometimes they "forget." Don't forget and don't do it. He will remember you did it and then come up with all these preconceived notions about why you did it and not ask you out again.

Don't laugh like a hyena and snort.Laugh like a lady, not like an animal. A man wants you to be a lady, not an embarrassment.

Don't bite your nails. It's disgusting. Most people don't it. Men don't like it. They notice.

Don't play too hard to get. The operative word here is "too," don't play "too" hard to get. This is not the 1960s or even the 1980s, where men went after the hardest women to get. I am not saying be easy; easy is never good. Instead, be confident and stand your ground, rather than being a pain in the butt about making plans or where you need to go on a date.

Don't be too honest. Again, the operative word is "too." This tip is NOT about lying. Don't lie obviously. But, don't vomit honesty and your deep dark secrets on date one. It's not appropriate and it will scare him off.

Don't talk about your divorce or breakup. This is Dating 101, however, I can't tell you how many times, I hear how women forget this rule. Their excuse is usually, "he asked" or "he starting talking about his ex, so I talked about mine." Unfortunately, there's a double standard here. Don't take the bait. Don't fuel the fire. Try to change the subject, you will better off.

Don't sleep with him on the first date. I know that you have a friend who slept with her now husband on the first date and here they are, 10 years later in marriage bliss. We all have that friend. However, the odds say, if you sleep with him on date 1, you are not marrying him. If you truly want to get married, I recommend playing those odds.

Are there any other Dating Dont's you would like to share?

Samantha Daniels is a well-known Professional Matchmaker and Dating Expert as well as the founder of The Dating Lounge, the exclusive invitation-only iPhone dating app for upscale people looking for real relationships. You can follow her on Twitter @Matchmakersd. For more information, go to www.SamanthaDaniels.info
Follow Samantha Daniels on Twitter: MatchmakerSD

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In life there are few things more valuable than friendship, and what better way to pay tribute to your BFF than with some matching ink? Not convinced? The below tattoos might inspire you and your best friend to take your friendship to the next level.

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We're still reeling over the elaborate looks at Monday night's Met Gala, but it's not every day you hear a celebrity talking about what goes on beneath those fancy get-ups.

James Corden was one person who got real about (read: poked fun at) the equally-intricate undergarments involved in putting a fashion-forward look together. 

"The Late Late Show" host, who looked dapper in a custom Burberry tuxedo jacket alongside wife Julia Carey, joked to reporters that he was wearing "three pairs of ankle-to-neck Spanx" underneath his look.  

So when asked what he planned on wearing to bed that night, the international hero and "Carpool Karaoke" host extraordinaire told The Huffington Post that it would take some major work to simply get him out of his suit.

"There are three men waiting for me at the hotel to help me get out of the Spanx. I'm going to lie on the ground and they're literally going to roll me out of them," he said. 

Same, James Corden. Same. 

Fellow TV personality Andy Cohen, on the other hand, had a much quicker response when asked the same question. "Nothing at all," he quipped. 

Well then! 

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Scientific studies have proven that the old adage "black don't crack" isn't just an expression. Melanin really can slow the aging process for many women with darker skin by up to ten years. 

But "black don't crack" shouldn't only be about looking younger than your actual age. It's about aging gracefully and fabulously, all while embracing the wisdom and beauty that comes with getting older. In honor of Mother's Day, below are twelve stunning black moms (and grandmoms) in Hollywood who not only look amazing, but epitomize the strength, beauty and grace of black mom's everywhere. Slay!

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Now this is a bridesmaid look that's actually wearable IRL.

Lena Dunham and her fellow 'maids donned customized, sparkly J.Crew skirts for BFF Audrey Gelman's wedding in Detroit on April 30. According to the bride, the looks were hand-stitched by Jenna Lyons and team. 

This isn't the first time Dunham has stood by a bestie's side as a bridesmaid. She wore this grey number by Reformation at pal Isabel Bramlette Halley’s wedding in June 2014.

And who could forget the convertible blush bridesmaid dress from Marnie's hot-mess-of-a-wedding on "Girls"? 

Lena Dunham: Bridesmaid extraordinaire.

H/T PopSugar

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People who have an obsession with pineapples, rejoice. You can now wear your favorite tropical fruit in the subtlest and chicest of ways.

Two words: Pineapple leather.

That's right, those cream retro handbags above are made with a pineapple-based "leather" called Piñatex, manufactured from the leaves of a pineapple plant (not the actual golden juicy fruit).

Carmen Hijosa, a Spanish leather goods designer, developed the tropical textile after working as a consultant in the Philippines. In search of an alternative for leather, she came across the Barong Tagalog, a formal garment normally worn by Filipino men and made with the fibers of pineapple leaves.

Its fabric was both fine and strong -- a perfect combination for designing the perfect leather product. That's when the idea for Piñatex was born.

Pineapple-based leather is not easy to make, but since it's a by-product of existing pineapple harvests, its environmental impact is relatively low.

"This really means that in order to [make] Piñatex, a textile, we don't have to use any land, water, pesticides [or] fertilizers," Hijosa told Fast Co. "We are actually taking a waste material and 'upscaling' it, meaning that we're giving it added value."

And since the faux-leather textile is strikingly similar to the real thing, it gives any of its finished products a classically cool look without all the guilt.

Through her company, Ananas Anam, Hijosa works with Filipino plantation farmers to extract the fibers from pineapple leaves, which would normally be left on the floor to rot after the fruit is harvested. Then, the fibers are sent to a textile factory to be mechanically and chemically fused together, similar to the way felt is made, and turned into a non-woven fabric.

The finished fabric is sold in bulk to other clothing or designer brands in four wardrobe-friendly colors: charcoal, natural (cream), brown and metallic gold.

While big brands like Puma and Camper have created prototypes of their own designs with the pineapple-based textile, international companies are already selling a variety of products including handbags, boots, flats and laptop carriers. 

Since the production of Piñatex involves no harming of animals (or pineapples!) whatsoever, it's a vegan and environmentally friendly fashion choice that turns waste into seriously cute wear. And this game-changing textile has not gone unnoticed.

This spring, London's Royal College of Arts announced Hijosa as the winner of their 2016 Arts Foundation award for Material Innovation, while PETA UK honored Hijosa with a 2015 Innovation Award during their annual Fashion Awards.

And if the pieces that have debuted so far are hinting at a future in pineapple-based fashion, we're convinced that it's going to be sweet.

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When choosing between hopping out of the shower to find shaving gel or reaching for the closest thing in our showers (read: soap), we are guilty as charged of going with the latter. But we always regret our hasty decision when we look down and see that our legs are covered in nicks or a rash from razor burn.

In an effort to do the right thing, we took our shaving concerns to Schick & Skintimate partner dermatologist Annie Chiu so we'd know exactly why we should put down the soap and stick to gels. Read on to find out what we learned and to shop for better shaving products.

Soap or body wash is good for leaving your skin moisturized after cleansing, but bad for razors. 

According to Chiu, sudsy soaps and body washes contain ingredients that clog up razor blades, making them dull. "It can also then trap moisture and allow more bacteria to grow on your razor," she says. 

You probably already know from trial and error that a dull razor isn't the key to a smooth and close shave. Chiu adds, "It can increase the risk of ingrown hairs, nicks, cuts and maybe infections because soap residue dulls razors. Typically, soaps do not provide the gentle glide that a shaving gel does." This difference is imperative as gels make shaving over irregular or sensitive areas, including the bikini line, knees or ankles, much easier.

Instead, use shaving gels with nourishing ingredients to moisturize the skin and decrease irritation. 

Chiu notes that shaving exfoliates the very top layer of the skin, which can lead to dryness. Skin-soothing and hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and sunflower seed oil help to replenish moisture and soothe inflamed skin. Chiu suggests a product like Skintimate Silky Skin Shave Gel because it is formulated with the aforementioned ingredients and vitamin E. The dermatologist believes the slightly pigmented and rich lather it creates allows you to track exactly where you shave so you never miss a spot. "I recommend a golf ball size for each lower leg," says Chiu. "Too much product can make too much of a slippery shave, and in sensitive places like the bikini area can interfere with good visualization."

For a smoother and safer shave, invest in multi-bladed razors ASAP. 

We understand that the one- to two-blade women's razors are often more affordable than those with three or more blades. But cheap doesn't always translate into the best, especially when it comes to shaving. Chiu swears by multi-bladed razors because they move with the contours of a woman's body and provide a closer and less irritating shave. She adds, "Everyone is different, [so] customize your routine to your specific type of hair! If you have longer or curly hair in the bikini area that you want to groom, make sure to trim the hairs first so the long hairs don't tangle and dull the razor."

Skintimate Skin Therapy Moisturizing Women's Shave Gel, $2.97; Gillette Venus Embrace Women's Disposable Razors, $12.49; Cremo Women's Shave Cream $7.99; Tend Skin Razor Bump Skin Care Solution, $20; Philips Pink Precision Perfect Trimmer for Women, $9.99

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For Allure, by Sonaiya Kelley.



We already love the brand's sneakers and trefoil-bedecked athleisure, but now Adidas is giving us a reason to love its politics.

The German sporting-goods company partnered with Parley for the Oceans to introduce a shoe made of recycled ocean plastic and 3-D-printed fibers. And it looks pretty damn stylish:



"The 3D-printed Ocean Plastic shoe midsole stands for how we can set new industry standards if we start questioning the reason of what we create," says Adidas executive Eric Liedtke of the prototype. "We shouldn't be told to do the right thing. The industry can't afford to wait for directions any longer."

The brand is currently working on a consumer-ready range of footwear and apparel made out of ocean plastic and old gill nets that should be available later this year.

Additionally, Adidas recently phased out plastic bags in retail stores, has ridden its body-care products of plastic microbeads, and stopped using plastic bottles in meetings at its headquarters in Germany.

PHOTOS: ROSMARIE WIRZ/GETTY IMAGES; COURTESY OF ADIDAS

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The Sneaky Way You're Probably Ruining Your Hair

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There are more than 10,000 toxic ingredients allowed in conventional cosmetics, hair products and body/face creams, according to celebrity makeup artist and natural beauty expert Katey Denno.

Denno also says that there is virtually no regulation of terms like "non-toxic," "green" or "all natural" on beauty products.

So, I started asking women who consider themselves healthy if they apply their same stringent standards to makeup.

And so many women told me that makeup is their last stand in the toxic realm.

Women who drink their greens, eat locally and sustainably, and use coconut oil on their bodies are still rubbing chemicals, toxins, synthetic dyes and known carcinogens all over their faces and lips.

My best recommendation? Turn over your cosmetics, read the ingredients and know what you're ingesting.

Skim past the marketing--and unless it's ingredients, it's all marketing.

Sure, if a company is writing about its farm and its methods for cultivating ingredients, go ahead and read that. Become as informed as you desire. But, don't forget to always look at the ingredients. A quick Google search on ingredients you don't recognize is useful, but I recommend EWG's Skin Deep database first and foremost.

This brings me to the question: If you're trying to go toxin-free, which cosmetics can you trust?

After two months of constant testing--which was truly enjoyable for me, as nearly every day I dove into the creative energy of using my face as a temporary palette for artistic expression--these are my top three favorites in the 12 common categories of products we use on our faces to adorn (but hopefully not mask) them.

I've done a lot of narrowing and whittling to get to the top three in almost every category (plus some honorable mentions where necessary). What I list below are not only the shades that work best for me (a medium skin-toned gal with normal skin and warm/yellow undertones) but the product formulations, ingredients and consistency have all very much been taken into account. I was not paid by, nor am I affiliated with, any of the brands mentioned in this article. This is purely my opinion (but it's a damn fine one, if I do say so myself).

Some notes on my picks:

• I've listed the products below in the order in which I apply them.


• I've included my color shades for certain products where it might be helpful.


• This particular guide is geared toward Spring colors: bright, fresh, sunkissed, and glowing.

I also don't like to say what things DON'T contain, because I think it's a gateway to ignoring what they DO. Brands often write, "NO this," "NO that," but it's all marketing, because the ingredients they do contain are still less than pure.


However, I will say that none of the products mentioned below contain synthetic chemicals, FD&C or D&C dyes, parabens, phthalates, chemical preservatives, known carcinogens or any other toxins.

I'm also a purist, and take a pretty strong stance against things that can still be included in "green beauty" as well, such as dimethicone, talc, phenoxyethenol and particularly synthetic dyes, as often they are derived from coal tar, petroleum or (the worst) lead, and are sometimes tested on animals.

Always do your research and figure out which ingredients are right/wrong for you based on your own moral compass.

Also, this Spring guide by no means comprises all brands that are considered "green beauty." I can think of at least two dozen I haven't yet tried. But... there are three more seasons in 2016, after all. (If you are a brand that fits this criteria, feel free to get in touch with me.)

Onward!

Foundation

For this oh-so-important base layer category, I have three different consistency options for you: liquid, cream and powder.

My everyday go-to is the 100% Pure Fruit-Pigmented Healthy Foundation in the shade Golden Peach. A liquid formula, it is lovely to dot on and then blend with a beauty sponge.

Stepping into green beauty has truly changed how I view liquid foundation. I used to think of it as a smelly, cakey gross thing that I would never wear. But the 100% Pure foundation is quite literally made of fruits, peels, seeds and beans (and extracts of them). It's a revolution.

As for powder, I haven't found a lot of natural options I love except W3LL People Altruist Foundation Powder. The triple-milled pigments make it a very creamy blending experience, and I love that it's made with organic aloe, chamomile and organic green tea--though I do find I have to go in a couple of times and use more product than I think I should need.

My cream favorite, which is perfect if you desire full coverage, is the Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation. It's formulated with ingredients like sweet almond seed, coco and jojoba oils, and is best applied by hand and then blended out with a foundation brush. Note: The Kjaer Weis foundation does contain talc--some talc is contaminated with asbestos, which is carcinogenic. The talc in the Kjaer Weis foundation is asbestos-free, and 95% (minimum) of the ingredients are from organic farming.

Concealer

I have a bone to pick with concealers. Not just green beauty concealers, all concealers. And that is because even in my twenties I had wrinkles around my eyes (I blame years of contact lens input and output since the 8th grade), and for the life of me I cannot find a concealer that does not crease.

The only one that does a decent job is the RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up (I'm in shade 33). Made with a blend of oils like organic coconut and castor seed, and rosemary extract, it's lightweight but buildable and melts into the skin, especially when applying it with the fingers. When I apply this under my eyes and take the time to use a setting powder after doing so, it almost doesn't crease. Which is seemingly the best that I can ask for!

My second favorite is the Hynt Beauty Duet Perfecting Concealer in Medium. Extremely thick but somehow still fluffy, this is the stuff of many a beauty blogger's dream. I find it most useful for covering blemishes, not under-eye circles. It's made with aloe vera leaf, avocado oil and cupuacu seed butter (the white pulp of a rainforest tree found in the Amazon basin, which is said to have hydrating properties that absorb easily into skin).

And finally, I like the Vapour Organic Illusionist Concealer in 30. It has some amazing natural ingredients like tomato, frankincense and lotus leaf extract, and it's very pigmented--but I find, of course, it deposits into my fine lines and stays there until I blur it out with my fingertip (repeat, all day). It's extremely portable though and easy to apply straight from its narrow, spinnable container. For someone without my personal issues, this might be a dream.

Bronzer

Ah, bronzer. What more does a girl want than to feel a bit sunkissed during the Spring? Well, a heck of a lot, but for argument's sake, let's move on to what is one of the most popular cosmetics out there--bronzer.

Starting off with powders, since that's what I prefer a bronzer to be, I adore the W3LL People Bio Bronzer (loose powder) and the 100% Pure Cocoa Glow bronzer (pressed powder).

The Bio Bronzer powder is a lovely "natural tan" shade and truly warming to the face. The Cocoa Glow is a bit of a cool bronze, if that exists, but I love that it's made with cocoa powder, fruits, leaf extracts and lavender.

I'm also loving using the 100% Pure bronzer as a eyeshadow crease shade. One caveat I have about it, though--it arrived to me all smashed up and I had to replace it, and I've read other reviews saying as much, so be very gentle with it.

And as for liquid, I love to blend the 100% Pure All Over Glow in Lightly Sunkissed into my liquid foundation. It's a bit shimmery for direct sunlight, but for a cloudy/rainy day or nighttime, it will give your entire face a delightful warm glow.

Honorable mention goes to: Kjaer Weis Dazzling Cream Bronzer. For me, honestly this is more of a light bronzer that highlights my cheekbones. For those with fair, light or light-medium skin, this is a lovely shimmery bronzer made to be applied with the warmth of the fingertips--plus, it's made with 95% organic ingredients.

Blush

L to R: 100% Pure Peach Glow, Jane Iredale Cream Blush Clarity, RMS Beauty Promise, Alima Pure Antique Rose, Zuzu Luxe Cougar, W3LL People Universalist 8 Dusty Rose

First and foremost, I quite love how my boyfriend still calls blush "rouge." Secondly, I have way too many blushes to list as my top three favorites, so bear with me.

I used to only love powder blushes, but that's because I didn't know how to apply cream ones. Since I've learned quite a bit during my studies, I can safely say that my #1 favorite is the 100% Pure Fruit-Pigmented Lip & Cheek Tint in Peach Glow. This color is divine and made from cocoa butter, shea butter, honey beeswax, grapeseed oil, vitamins and fruits. It is the perfect warm-peach flush for my cheeks.

My #2 is the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Promise. Promise is a warm salmon-pink with a very subtle golden shimmer. Honestly, what is it about RMS? I have loved literally everything I have tried from them, and their ingredients are also some of the cleanest in the market.

And my third favorite is Alima Pure's Satin Matte Blush in Antique Rose. This is pretty light for my skin tone, but it's the perfect I'm-not-wearing-makeup blush for easygoing days. It's also literally just mica.

Honorable mentions go to: Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush in Clarity (a soft yet vibrant, bubblegum-pink shade that truly glides over the skin), Zuzu Luxe Blush in Cougar (a powder blush that's peachy orange with a subtle shimmer), and W3LL People Universalist Colorstick 8 Dusty Rose (creamy and buildable, but it takes a while to warm up to the skin).

Well, that's more than three favorites. Don't judge.

Highlighter

L to R: 100% Pure Northern Light,  W3LL People Bio Brightener, RMS Master Mixer

Highlighters are one of the newest categories in the cosmetics world (also new are counter shades, which can easily be bronzing shades if they're matte, and this is why they do not have their own category).

Because of this newness, I offer a little explanation: Highlighters are meant to be dotted and blended (if cream), or lightly brushed (if powder) onto the high points of the face. This is generally regarded as the cheekbones, but it can also be placed on the cupid's bow above the lips, on the tip of the nose, the tip of the chin and just above the brow bone.

Highlighters are not blush, and they are not bronzer. They go where the light hits your face and produces a natural glow or glimmer. Highlighters are meant to amplify this glow.

My absolute favorite highlighter is the RMS Beauty Master Mixer. It is a luminous rose-gold cream highlighter that comes in a pot. Made with coconut oil, jojoba oil and rosemary extract, I find it works best if you dip your ring finger onto the product, swirl it in circles so it melts lightly, and dot it wherever you like. I'm not such a huge fan of dipping my fingers into things (I abhorred fingerpainting as a child), but for this product--sign me up, baby.

In no particular order, my next two favorites are the W3LL People Bio Brightener Stick and the 100% Pure Northern Light Luminous Creme highlighter. The W3LL People's stick has great pigmentation and is super hydrating as well. The 100% Pure highlighter comes in a lip gloss-esque container, which is truly unique and allows you to really pinpoint exactly where you want that pink-toned highlight to go. Note: The W3LL People Bio Brightener does contain carmine (CI 75470) and is therefore not vegan.

Honorable mention goes to: Vapour Organic Halo Illuminator. The color is a bit too light for me (better for fairer-skinned folks), but it's made with wildcrafted myrrh oil, wildcrafted frankincense and organic tulsi/holy basil leaf extract. This brand goes above and beyond when it comes to ingredient sourcing.

Eyeshadow

From top: Buttercream, Golden Girl, Sand Castle, Beachy Keen, Violet Vixen, Oh Schnapp!, Bronze Bombshell, Siren, Mermaid Lagoon.

Girl, let me tell you a story.

I used to be afraid of eyeshadow. I had no idea how to use it, how much color to use, which colors... and my biggest problem? All I owned was purple. Can I tell you how much I hate purple eyeshadow? How badly it pairs with my yellow-olive skin? Just so you know where my bias is.

The absolute best neutral colors for me are bronze, copper and gold colors (matte or shimmer, but I prefer shimmer), because they not only enhance brown eyes, they also enhance warm skin tones.

This is another one of my personal problems, I'm sure. Because of my skin tone, the circles under my eyes come out purple, and so if I apply purple eyeshadow, I'm really just full-mooning the half-moon under my eyes.

But let's get on with it, shall we?

My favorite eyeshadows so far this Spring have come in the Hynt Beauty Field of Gold set. They are: the Stella eyeshadows in Champagne and Honey Gold. The Champagne is a perfect shimmery beige base, though a bit light for my skin tone with only a light amount of glow. The Honey Gold is my #1 pick for a single-color shadow shade, as its coppery gold is a perfect match to complement brown eyes. A bit of Honey Gold and some luscious mascara is all I need on a no-makeup makeup day.

I'm going to count that as one. So, my #2 is the Red Apple Lipstick City Palette - Color. This is gorgeous for Spring! It's got 4-5 nude-tan/pink base shades, depending on your skintone, one brow bone shade (Buttercream), one lilac shade (not for me, re: my hatred of purple, but it's the only one I don't use) and three of my favorite shades ever: Oh Schnapp!, a rose-gold shimmer, Mermaid Lagoon, a light tropical water warm blue, and Siren, a gorgeous sea-foam green/turquoise.

I must say, though: these shades aren't as pigmented as others I've tried, so I recommend spritzing your eyeshadow brush with a bit of water or rosewater and applying the color wet for a bolder application that lasts longer.

Last but not least, I adore Silk Naturals eyeshadows, and they are such a bargain (only $4.50 a pop). My favorites for Spring are the shades Ruffian (a stunning blue with lots of glimmer), Loaded (a warm-tan shimmer with hints of pink) and Caliber (a warm, golden-shimmer pearl with a hint of red).

Honorable mentions go to: Red Apple Prime Time Mineral Eye Primer, which doesn't quite prevent all creasing but does provide a lovely cream-to-powder finish on the lid as a base for any and all colors. I also adore the Zuzu Luxe Amazon Glam Palette for its peachy, orange, bronze and chestnut brown shades (and the convenience of a small to-go palette).

Eyeliner

Eyeliner is one of those things that a lot of people find essential that I absolutely do not. To me, especially during the day, there's nothing prettier than a subtle golden shimmer on the eyelid paired with a luscious, fluffy mascara for a bright-eyed, open and awake look. (I know, I just half-convinced you with that description.)

But, for those special steamy, smoky-eyed nights, I've got some faves for you.

I adore the Gabriel Eyeliner in Black. This is my absolute favorite. It is so creamy, stays on all day, doesn't smudge and is made of amazing ingredients like jojoba oil and sea fennel extract.

My favorite brown liner has got to be the Hynt Beauty Forte High Definition Eye Liner in Brown. It's creamy, comes with a smudge tip on the other end, and is made with coconut oil.

And finally, I love the Vapour Organic Beauty Mesmerize Eyeliners. I have them in Ink (black) and Viper (dark purple). The pencil is a bit less creamy than the Gabriel and Hynt eyeliners, but still doesn't require that much pressure.

That's it for now--pretty classic darker colors. I am looking for a natural, brilliant warm blue eyeliner (I was using Urban Decay and Sephora brand ones until I returned them...), so if any of you know of one you love, please leave me a comment or let me know on Instagram.

Brows

In this category, I'm going to cheat a little, but in the opposite way I did in "Blush." I've only got one brand to recommend to you, though I do have two products.

My go-to for brows is a fusion of 100% Pure Long Last Brows in Medium Brown and Soft Brown. The medium brown color is very dark, almost black, and the soft brown is really more of a medium brown. This pulls like a dry gel, and contains marula oil, coffee, oregano, thyme, black tea and, of course, fruits. A little bit goes a long way with these products.

I would love to recommend more to you, but I don't recommend anything that I haven't tried personally. A few green beauty bloggers and YouTubers recommend EcoBrow (note: does contain dimethicone) and Glo Minerals, which I will likely try for a future review. Leave me a comment if you have further recommendations!

Mascara

This is the easiest category for me to write about, because I am completely in love with these three products regardless of the fact that they're green beauty. They beat my old Clinique stuff any day.

My top pick? Hynt Beauty's Nocturne Mascara. Oh. My. Lord. This is the mascara of dreams, people. It lengthens, curls, volumizes and gives me tiny eyelash orgasms every time I use it. Okay, that was too far. Anyway, it's made with chamomile, rosemary leaf, lemon peel, cinnamon bark... all amazingness. Get your hands on this.

My second favorite is the 100% Pure Maracuja Mascara in Black Tea. This is a wet formula, which I personally like a lot, though some say it weighs their lashes down. It doesn't for me, and I have long, thick lashes already. With oregano, thyme, goldenseal, maracuja seed oil and seaweed powder extract, it's a treat for your lashes.

And rounding this winning team out is the W3LL People Expressionist Mascara in Black. Buildable and designed for big, fluffy lashes, it's smudge-free and an award-winner in quite a few beauty magazines. Note: It does contain "Parfum" in the ingredients.

Lipstick

This is my favorite category! In my 40 Days of Pure Lips challenge, all of the following have been featured and linked below, if you'd like to see them on my pout.

In what took an inordinately, painstakingly long window of time, I managed to narrow down my favorites to 16. My top 16. Yes, I'm aware I have a problem.

I've grouped them by shade range according to how they pull on my lips/skin.

Nudes:

• Philosophy by Axiology*


• Foxglove (Pomegranate line) by 100% Pure


• Audrey by Red Apple Lipstick**


• Butterchew (Lip Caramel) by 100% Pure

Pinks:

• Attitude by Axiology**


• Lipstick 01 Soft Coral by Dr. Hauschka


• Narcissus (Pomegranate line) by 100% Pure


• Ganache (Lip Caramel) by 100% Pure*

Oranges:

• Passion Flower by Zuzu Luxe**


• Virtue by Axiology


• Devotion by Axiology*


• Sunkissed by Red Apple Lipstick

Reds:

• Firecracker by Red Apple Lipstick*


• Lipstick 04 Warm Red by Dr. Hauschka


• Red Velvet (Lip Caramel) by 100% Pure


• Poppy (Pomegranate line) by 100% Pure**

*my favorite daytime shade; **my favorite nighttime shade

A few notes: As I mentioned, I have a warm skin tone, so not many of these have blue or cool undertones. And "oranges" is very broad--this also includes peaches, or reds with notable orange tones. The lipstick shades I chose are suited perfectly for someone with medium skin (me)--if you're on the darker side, the colors may appear more subtle on you and you might be able to wear all of these in the daytime. If you're on the lighter side, go with the lighter shades, and maybe save the darker ones for nighttime.

Or better yet, do what I do and wear whatever you want, whenever you want.

As far as brands, I have three firm favorites for lipstick, which you can see by my consistent choice of them in the shade ranges above.

My three picks are: 100% Pure, Axiology and Red Apple Lipstick.

100% Pure makes the most truly pure lip products on the market.

Their Pomegranate line is smooth and creamy, and the fruit pigments leave a gorgeous stain on the lips. They call them "anti-aging" moisturizing lipsticks due to the concentration of antioxidants, particularly pomegranate oil (hence the name of the line). The intensity of some of these reds/pinks (particularly Primrose, Poppy and Narcissus) is second-to-none--they are pure pigment, and pure fabulousness.

All eight shades in the 100% Pure Pomegranate Lipstick line.

100% Pure's Lip Caramel line comes in gloss-type packaging, but I've included them under Lipsticks because of how incredibly pigmented and matte they can be, depending on the shade and application. The fruit, root and achiote seed pigments in a base of pomegranate oil and cocoa butter makes these intense colors smell and taste naturally delicious, too.

The lighter shades are glossy gorgeousness; the darker shades however, require a certain technique to work optimally: Apply the darker shade, then immediately blot. This will leave you with a matte look. If you really want a glossy look, be careful--the Lip Caramels start to feather out (away from your lips and into the tiny lines in the skin around them) if there is too much product on your lips. This tends to be a problem for me only for the darker colors, as it's much more noticeable.

All the 100% Pure Lip Caramels swatched. Click photo for the shade names.

100% Pure is a stellar brand, and I'd repurchase many of these shades in a heartbeat.

Axiology is hands-down my absolute favorite luxury lipstick brand--not only for their colors, but for their philosophy, ingredients and scent (the sweet orange oil is addictive!). They craft lipstick exclusively and are one of the only green beauty brands that offer lipsticks in wacky colors like purple, blue and black.

They also have some damn fine copywriting, such as: "For both bold romantics and wall-flowers, Philosophy's ultra-smooth pink blends with a twist of salmon--bringing to life even the shyest of lips. Like a pair of well-loved ballet slippers, this shade is soft, silky and just-a-touch sweet." Hot.

Their packaging is out-of-this world--triangular boxes sustainably sourced from a Balinese women-run recycled paper store house a gorgeous gold bullet that's addictively clickable (warning: keep away from children and boyfriends). One click reveals the lipstick, another keeps it from being twisted open in bejangling purses.

Axiology lipsticks and their packaging.

Axiology's lipsticks tend to be a tad bit on the earth-toned side (read: "brown," to some), but their ingredients are stellar. For example: Organic Candelilla Wax, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Castor Oil, Organic Avocado Butter, Organic Grape Seed Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Elderberry Extract and Sweet Orange Oil. May Contain: Iron Oxide, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Manganese Violet.

I mean, really. Purity level = amazing.

Each lipstick will run you $28, and they are worth every damn penny.

Red Apple Lipstick is the third brand I cannot live without when it comes to lipstick.

Their ingredients are not organic, but they're still pure, toxin-free and do not contain synthetic dyes. Typically found in their lipsticks are: Candelilla Wax, Synthetic Bees Wax, Olive Oil, Cupuacu Seed Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Aloe Barbadensis leaf Extract and Mica.

These guys are the real deal, and when you search among their myriad of shades, you can search by shade groups, finish, formula and allergens--which is extremely helpful considering they have so many (45+) options! The lipsticks are generally creamy and super easy to apply (especially the X Series). They also have a 6-month return policy--even if you use the lipstick a dozen times before deciding it's not for you.

At first I thought the marketing on the site was a bit cheesy, especially the man grinning at me and telling me he's "discovered 5 key concepts that women don't know that all lead to lipstick frustration," and that I need to sign up for his lipstick course. But then, I bit the bullet (heh, lipstick pun) and checked out his course--and I learned a lot of things about the importance of blotting and reapplying to make the color last. Judgement = deleted.

Lip Liner/Gloss

L to R: Red Apple liners in Natural, Barely Pink, Roseberry and Almost Red, Hynt Beauty Satin Nude, 100% Pure Gemmed gloss in Ruby.

Liners aren't really my thing, therefore I'm combining liners and glosses into one section. The ones I do use are the Red Apple Lipstick Lip Liners. My faves for darker lip-shade days are Roseberry and Almost Red; for lighter-shade days, Barely Pink is the perfect my-lip-shade color. I'd recommend Natural for lighter ladies, as it doesn't show up on my lips very well.

Note that the RAL liners come in two distinct types: one is smooth, creamy and retractable. The other is a traditional pencil, still smooth but a bit more dry. Choose your non-poison.

As for glosses, I haven't been wearing them much lately because I have a plethora of lipsticks I truly adore, but one gloss I love is the Hynt Beauty Libre Lipgloss in Satin Nude. It's a gorgeous honeyed shimmery nude, which also comes full-size in the Field of Gold set I mentioned in the Eyeshadow section.

I'm also feeling for Spring the 100% Pure Gemmed Gloss in Ruby. These glosses do feel sticky, so I tend to not wear them alone, however Ruby is such a gorgeous color and the sparkle comes from natural minerals like moonstone, opal and labradorite. How could that be wrong? It can't be wrong, is the answer.

Finishing Powder

At last, we have a product that many of you may not even know was a thing. I'm still questioning if it is a thing. So, I'll just group my three favorite finishing powders by "purpose," if you will.

My #1 favorite is the Hynt Beauty Lumiere Radiance Boosting Powder. It is a pretty penny on its own, so if you want to try it, a healthy size sample comes in the Field of Gold set, as well, which I suppose I'm highly recommending at this point. It's got a lovely golden shimmer, is filled with organic antioxidants and botanical oils, and is perfect to dust over your makeup (or not) with a big fluffy brush.

My #2 is the Alima Pure Radiant Finishing Powder in Augusta, a slightly shimmery taupe that is a fusion of a highlighter and finishing powder. It's got a soft pink tone to it, so it's perfect for dusting over the cheeks or even over the entire face to look more alive.

And for a multi-purpose non-shimmery, sheer finishing powder I recommend Silk Naturals Tinted Blur Finishing Powder. This is excellent for "baking" under the eyes (this essentially means putting lots of powder on after your concealer and letting it sit for a few minutes, then dusting it away, providing staying powder and lessening creasing), as well as dusting over the face with or without any makeup on, as it "blurs" away imperfections.

And that's all! Phew!

Thank you so much for reading this and being curious about investing in and prioritizing your health. Cosmetics are a hugely chemical- and toxin-laden industry, and if I can help one woman transition over to something that nourishes her skin in addition to making her feel beautiful, this article was worth it.

If you'd like to come along and see what other products I love (and ingredients I hate), follow my Instagram at PurdyPurity. Cheers!

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

For Allure, by Kristie Dash.


PHOTO: ANTONELLO TRIO/GETTY IMAGES

Sure, you're still years away from the two-day hangover, but if you're feeling invincible in your late teens and 20s, you shouldn't. At least not when it comes to acne scars, says Doris Day, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. "Acne scars that seem very mild in my younger patients turn into deep scars as they approach their 50s because their skin loses elasticity and collagen. For this reason, I'm more aggressive about treating even mild acne scars in my younger patients," she says. If you're acne-prone and about to have a panic attack, don't freak out quite yet. But definitely keep reading to find out what you can, and should, be doing.

How do you know whether a scar is bad enough to need treating? "A scar, by definition, is a change in texture of the skin. Any scar is worth treating."

What is the best way to treat an acne scar topically? "Retinols are important--they can be prescription or over-the-counter or a combination of both. For other topicals, besides retinols, growth factors and antioxidants are good. Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum is my favorite example. It has an outstanding combination of growth factors, peptides, and brighteners, and I've seen excellent results when it's used in combination with my scar treatments."

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rid of Acne

What about in-office treatments? "I use fractional lasers, and I also like the Endymed device, which uses microneedling with radio frequency, and the eMatrix, which uses sublative radio frequency and is great for all skin tones."

How do you know which treatment is right for you? "There are lasers and devices. Many people group everything as a laser, but many of the treatments I use, like Endymed and eMatrix, are devices that use radio frequency or other energy rather than light energy, which is what lasers use. There are many excellent options, and there is more than one right way to treat most scars, but it's also important to know that what we call 'ice pick scars,' which are small but deep, don't do well with lasers or devices. For these, I very carefully use a high concentration of trichloracetic acid (TCA) in a controlled way to try to improve them."

How do you know whether you can just use a topical rather than doing an in-office treatment? "Treat with topicals to help minimize or avoid a scar and to strengthen the skin. Once the scar is formed, though, you'll need to restore your skin as much as possible with a treatment. But continue to use the topicals to make it even more effective and heal quicker."

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-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.