Hello My Beauties,

Some of you may be struggling with the question, “to tan or not to tan for the prom?” The very simple answer is, NOT!!!!

A tan is actually a sign that damage has been done to the skin and can cause irreversible damage to the DNA of the skin. I hate to be the bearer of bad news BUT tanning beds are worse for you then actual sunlight. They have higher UV rays and can cause cataracts and corneal burns.

Now that my rant is out of the way, there is a way to get a tan without all the damage, my naughty self-tanners!

1. Pick a self-tanner that is natural looking in order to give you a natural sun kissed look, and it should be only one shade darker than your natural skin tone.  Now I am totally going to go against pop culture and say you do NOT, and I repeat do NOT, want to look like Snookie from Jersey Shore!!!! She looks HORRIBLE and about 10 years older with that god awful orange tan.
2. Pull your hair back in a ponytail so that you don’t miss any spots. Apply under eye cream to keep the skin lighter and natural under the eyes.
3. Start with applying the self tanner to your face then your body. Always exfoliate before self tanning to avoid a streaky uneven tan.
4. Blend a few drops of self tanner with moisturizer and blend evenly over neck and face. Don’t forget your earlobes and upper ears. Let color develop for three hours then follow up with a sweep of bronzer on forehead, cheeks and nose: areas where the sun naturally shines.
5. For the body, apply limb by limb, starting with your legs. Apply over the shin and calf of the leg, sweeping tanner down over your ankle, foot, and toes.
6. Apply tanner to your thigh from front to back, using the excess to cover your knee and repeat on your other leg.
7. Finally apply tanner to your hips, stomach and torso, leaving your shoulders and arms for last.
8. Wait 10 minutes to dry before dressing and avoid any excessive activity that will make you sweat for at least a few hours. If your tan hasn't set, sweat could cause streaking.

Two final tips, apply Vaseline on your cuticles and nails. This protects your manicure and helps prevent staining. To remove tanner from palms without washing off product from the tops of your hands, rub palms along a wet washcloth, making sure to get in between fingers.

Till next time…

Xoxo

Wendie

Hey Fashionistas:

So I have been connecting with a really awesome nail salon owner, Rose Velez, owner and operator of Philly Minx and she said that every girl attending the prom should be looking for fabulous nails because it is the perfect accessory to you clothing and your makeup. The nails that she suggested are at a reasonable cost and they can last up to fourteen days and that is definitely worth it.

Here are the two that I thought were amazing!

14 DAY MANICURE

Also known as Gelish, Shellac, gel polish, etc looks like nail polish, it's applied like nail polish, but it wears like a gel.

Rose suggested that you get as much information and education about the unique nail arts so that you know what will best suit your needs and wants.

To learn more about nail care, visit: www.phillyminx.com

Also, look for articles about nails for the prom from the awesome Rose Velez, here at YHC prom Countdown! Also, I can't give you a review without getting my nails done fabulously!!! So get ready ladies ;)

Today we are going to talk about lips, the finishing touch to your makeup. Remember what I said in the beginning, if you played up your eyes go lighter on the lips, if you downplayed your eyes, go bolder on the lips.

Consider the color and finish of your lipstick. You'll do best if you stick with shades close to your natural lip shade, opting for darker shades that compliment your coloring. Matte lipsticks are great for everyday looks while Satin or glossy shades are great for evening looks.

1. Start by applying a little lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips for hydration.
2. With a lip-liner that is one shade darker than you lipstick, draw a thin line around the edge of your lips. Lip-liners help define your lips and also help your lipstick from bleeding (smearing). Start at the center of the upper lip and work outward.
3. For thinner lips hug very outer edges; this will ‘open up’ your lips. For excessively full lips, lining well within the edges will downplay that fullness.
4. Now apply your lipstick. There are many theories on how to do this. I personally prefer using a lip brush as you have more control over where the lipstick goes and it makes it easier to stay inside the lines. You can apply right from the tube; just pay special attention to staying within the lips edges.
5. To make the lips seem fuller add a dab of gloss to the center of the lips.

*** Remember to reapply after eating or drinking as lipstick will come off onto utensils, napkins, cups, etc!

Today we are going to finish up the eyes with concealer, then move on to foundation and blush.

When choosing a concealer you want to consider both consistency and color. You will want a concealer that provides major coverage when hiding dark under-eye circles. Yellow tones are the best for covering up circles while Orange based tones blend well with Dark or Black skin. You want a color that is a shade lighter than your foundation, not two, or you will end up looking like a raccoon and NO ONE wants that!  Place a few dots of your concealer under your eye and around nose (if needed). And remember Blend, blend, Blend!

Now, there are many types of foundation: Liquid, powder, or cake… it basically comes down to your preference. All will do a wonderful job to even out your skin tone. The most important thing to remember is that your foundation should MATCH your skin (not lighter OR darker). Also, be sure to always test your foundation before you buy!

1. Determine your natural skin tone to see if you have yellow, orange, pink or red undertones. If you have no idea, ask a few experienced cosmetic consultants.
2. After determining your undertone pick three shades to try: one that looks about right, a lighter color, and one that is slightly darker.
3. Test foundation along your jaw line by swiping each color with a wedge sponge. Do not test on your hand and definitely not on the inside of your wrist because these areas are slightly different in color.
4. View it under different light settings to make sure none of them look weird when the light changes. I highly recommend checking it out in natural daylight. The shade that disappears is the perfect one for you!
5. Using a sponge, cosmetic wedge or your fingers to blend it all over your face, making sure to blend it well along your jaw and hairline so there are no noticeable lines.

THE BLUSH

Choose a color that best matches your cheeks after being out in the cold, you want your blush to look natural, NOT like you're a clown.

Now that you have the color, choose the right formula for your skin type. Powder is typically best for oily and combo skin. Cream is great for dry skin. Liquid and gel are great for oily skin.

Look into the mirror and smile, place your blush along the apples of your cheeks, keep it light and blended. If you have put a little too much on relax, a bit of translucent powder will tone it down.

Apply some tranclucent powder all over and you have a beautiful flawless face! Until next time...

Wendie



We teenagers tend to do the dumbest things… especially, when we’re having fun.

On prom night, try to avoid danger for you and your friends. If you’re going to an after party, and you know that there will be drinking, then make sure that you have a designated driver. But please keep this in mind: in most states (if not all), it is illegal to drink under the age of 21. So understand that if you find yourself in trouble for an alcoholic incident, you parents are going to pay too.

We know that you want this to be a night to remember and definitely a safe one, and I can honestly go on blabbering like a mother, and tell you what to do and not what to do. Please understand that there are my valuable opinions to inform and motivate you to do the right thing.

This night is categorized according to www.madd.org, the prom is one of the most dangerous nights for teens, but if you play it safe then you have nothing to worry about. Don’t feel shy or awkward to ask your parents to pick you up if anything goes wrong.

This night is actually very stressful night for our parents as well. Mostly because of you’re under age, word of mouth of all of the things that they have heard happened during and after proms, and also if they had prom then they know what it’s all about.

So kiddos! Enjoy. Be safe. Take care, not only of yourself but your friends too.

Here are a few safety tips:

• Don’t drink or do drugs.
• Don’t be afraid to say no to someone offering you drugs or alcohol.
• If you drink, minimize it to two drinks only.
• Do not put down your drinks, even soda or juice, and leave it out of sight.
• If you do walk away from your drink, throw it away! The date rape drug does exist!
• Make a pact that you and your friends will stick together.
• If you are with a crew of people, be sure that one is the designated driver.
• If the designated driver is drunk, then call your parents or call a cab.

Check out this gorgeous and fun dress!!!

My friend and stylist, Kisha Moore of www.moorekishastyle.com, bought this dress from Liatali to celebrate her 30th birthday! This party dress she stated "makes you feel like a classy and fun lady" is not only for special parties, but  can also be worn to the prom. In a dress like this you are surely making a statement that will get the attention of the crowd!

What do you think of this dress? Is this a Prom Girl YES or a Prom Girl NO???

Getty Images

Going to your prom is something that you should look forward to as something fun and once in a life time.

People tend to stress the importance of having a date, but in reality that’s just something that is put out in society as “ideal” not “necessary.” Think of who’d you like to spend that occasion with. Maybe the guy you wanted to go with still hasn’t asked you? If you see that he still doesn’t have a date, then step up and ask him yourself... you have nothing to lose. Guys can be shy too.

Perhaps you’ve decided you’d like to go with a group of your closest friends. Or maybe you figured that going alone and meeting up with friends at the venue is your best option. Just know that there is no “cool” and no “right or wrong” way of going to the Prom.

This is everyone’s special day, and they all will spend it as they wish.

Hey Fashionistas:

Unless you were trying to be Rainbow Brite or performing in a carnival, you should not be wearing this dress...TOTAL FAIL!!!

This dress is ver unflatterig because it makes her look short and thicker than she may be.  Maybe if she would have wore something longer the rainbow pattern would not be so distracting. The lipstic and the gloves should have been trashed. A stylist was definitely in need!!!!

I do have to admit though that I actually like the guys suit! I love the contrast between the pink, yellow, and white. I might not have worn the colorful glasses though!

She should have went for this look:

Rainbow Print Prom Dresses by Temptation $218.00 at eDressMe

This look would have been better because it would have given her a more glamorous and classy look. The floor-length goddess gown would have added serious glam!!!

What do you think???

Hi Tweety! I'm short and want to look taller for my prom. What should I do?

-Whitney, 18

Hi Whitney!

Unfortantely, I cannot recommend a food that will make you grow in a few months, but I do have 5 tricks that could help make you appear taller and leaner as well.

• Confidence- This is the one thing I can guarantee that will make you look taller. When you have confidence, it straightens up your back, evens out your shoulders, and makes you smile.
• Pilates/Yoga- An awesome way to work on your posture which helps you stand tall. It also helps you pull in your stomach which straightens out the body.
• Dress- Wearing a floor knee-length dress might be your best choice because it will add length to your legs. An illusion of height.
• Shoes- Picking the right shoes can make make you appear tall. So look for shoes that are at least 4-5 inches in heel. Just be sure to wear a height that you can walk in and remember that your safety/health is more important!
• Hair- High buns are looking good this year so try one on for size and watch yourself grow...lol

Hope this helps!!!

Do you have ANY prom questions? Be sure to email YHCpromcountdown@gmail.com

Hello Beauties,

This time we're going to talk about "How" to do your makeup for the Prom. The trend this year seems to be light eyes, bold lips. You might be wondering what this means. When you do makeup you want your face to be balanced, so you should either concentrate on accentuating your eyes or your lips—you very rarely ever do both! So pick which one you personally want to accentuate.

In this segment we will concentrate on eyes. Doing eye makeup usually takes the most time and I personally tend to do eye makeup first even before foundation as it is easier to clean up any excess that has fallen during application.

The tools you will need are:

• Eye shadow (in 2 or 3 shades)

• Eyeliner

• Mascara

• Q-tips

•  Eye makeup remover (just in case of mistakes)

Directions:

1. Apply some of your foundation to your lids and brow bone (NOT on your brows). This gives your eyes a primer and blends them to the rest of your face.

2. Eye shadow palettes usually come in 3 shades (a light, medium and dark). Place the base color (the medium tone) to the eyelid first, starting from the inside corner of the eye to the outer lid.

3. Next, apply the main color (the dark tone). There are different ways to do this depending on your eye shape. Below are some examples and how to apply the color.

• Wide-set eyes: On wide set eyes, you use the dark tone from the inside corner of the eyelid to the middle of the eyelid, and apply the light tone from the center to the outside of the eyelids.
• Close-set eyes: If you have close set eyes you have to apply the dark tone of the eye shadow from the center to the outside of your eyelids and go beyond the outer corner. Then apply a lighter color from the center to the inside of the eyelid.
• Droopy eyes: If you have droopy eyes, then you have to apply the darker tone on your eyelid and go upwards in a wing shape. Use the highlight tone under your eyebrows.
• Big eyes: In this case you apply the dark eye shadow tone going outwards and a little bit upwards on the eyelid. The highlight should be just under the eyebrows with a lighter color.
• Small eyes: If you have small eyes then you apply the darker tone of eye shadow on the socket of the eye and the upper part of the eyelid. On the lid you should use a lighter tone of eye shadow and highlight under the eyebrows.

(Chart is slightly different than the above)

4. Place the highlight color (the lightest tone) under your brow bone to highlight and brighten your eyes. The main thing is to BLEND, BLEND, BLEND! You can use a brush or your finger to even out the three shades, although I suggest using a brush as it is easier to use and you get better results.

5. Now it's time to apply eyeliner. Eyeliner comes in many different forms (cake, liquid, pencil) so just pick the one you feel most comfortable using. Note that if you use a cake form of eyeliner you will need to use an eyeliner brush. A pencil should be sharpened each time you use it for hygienic reasons and for easier use. You can also warm it up between your fingers to make it easier to apply.

6. Starting with the upper lid, place the eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible and draw a line from the inside corner out then reverse the process on the bottom lid. You do not have to go the whole way to the inner eye on the bottom three quarters of the way is fine. Wait for the eyeliner to dry for a minute or two before moving on to the final step. This is especially important when using liquid eyeliner. To make a smoky effect, smudge the edges with a Qtip.

7. Lastly, apply mascara. It is easier to use a hand mirror when applying your own mascara as you get a close up view of your lashes making it easier for placement.

Firstly, brush out your lashes using a brow/lash comb to separate your lashes; it's much easier to this now when they are dry and not wet with the mascara. While you are applying the mascara you should always apply it from the inside out and not miss coating any lash. To eliminate clumping you should apply the mascara in one stroke on the whole length of the lashes to have full and long eyelashes. You can make your eyelashes longer by applying a second coat of mascara after the first has dried.

That's it! Now you have amazing, knock ‘em dead eyes!

Till next time...xoxo!

Wendie

Prom season is here!

Those between the ages of 12-18 years of age tend to take this season rather seriously. Whether it’s the 8th grade prom or senior prom; it’s important!  The prom, to some young women is like a girls 2nd Quincanera or Sweet Sixteen… so you know what that means? You must look GLAM!

To make your dress shopping a little easier, here are a few pointers.

First, if there’s a theme, then that should somewhat limit your search. Work with it and make your dress your own.  The dress should be “your style,” meaning it should fit your personality.

Second, how tall are you? Work with your height. If you are below 5’5” you should try to find a dress that’s no longer than your knees.

Third, what colors work with your skin, hair, or even maybe your eyes? You want to pick something that makes you stand out and compliment every part of you, making you feel beautiful. Sometimes it might be hard to work with budget; you might it interesting to know that at times it’s cheaper to make your own dress with a tailor. Now if you don’t care to stay with your prom dress you may also rent it.  I hope these pointers help out.

Happy dress shopping!

Yours truly,

Sasha Marina

Hey Fashionistas:

I am not sure if this is a prom dress or a bed sheet, but I will say this is not something that I would wear (or my mother and father, especially) outside in the public! I am also disappointed in the hair: TOTAL FAIL!!!

There is no reason to show so much skin. There are too many sides missing (the back, sides, legs, arms). There is a such thing as showing too much skin, unless you are selling something (OMG!!!) If you want to look fashionable showing skin then you should make a choice. Either a low back and a little leg (a long split) or short dress with no straps. Be simple, not shocking!

Remember ladies: Too much skin is WAY TOO MUCH! Get it? Got it? Good!

She should have went for this look:

B Darlin Maxi Dress, Sleeveless Beaded Halter Cut Out Empire Long Gown $65.99 at Macy's

This look would have been better because it would have given her a more glamorous and classy look. The rhinestone halter adds serious glam to this floor-length goddess style B Darlin gown!

What do you think???

Lulu Townsend Antoinette Sandal
Cost: $54.95

Purchase Here

I wouldn’t normally go for the fru-fru flower shoe, but these Lulu Townsend Antoinette Sandals are dashing and elegant, what every girl wants from her prom look. The diagonal strap in the front gives this shoe a charming and trendy structure, and it is paired well with the ankle strap that makes sure your shoe doesn’t fall off while you’re gettin down on the dancefloor. It even comes in eight different colors, so you’ll have no problem finding a match for your dress.

Zigi Epiphany Heels
Cost: $89.99

Purchase Here

I love a nude colored shoe, and the Zigi Epiphany is the perfect pair for your prom night. The delicately placed jewels give it an amazing elegant touch, and the cut-out design is so in right now (and one of my favorite styles, I might add)! The perfect touch to your classic look!

Two Lips Seduct Pump
Cost: $69.95

Purchase Here

The Two Lips Seduct Pump is fun, tasteful, and chic. This bold colored heel is an audacious pick for our fashionistas. The wrap around the ankle brings a stunning style to the whole look, like you were made to be drizzled in jewels and cuffs. I love the multi-colored look (I guess you could call this color-blocking), and paired with all of the right accessories, this shoe will make you the goddess of the party.

Betsey Johnson Becca Slingback Sandal

Cost: $98

Purchase Here

Even Betsey Johnson had a prom to go to, which is why I chose her as a designer to be featured in this segment. She knows that you’re different than all the rest of those girls, but you still want to feel young, hip and chic for your prom. VOILA! The Betsey Johnson Becca saves the day (and it’s no coincidence that this shoe was named after me)! You’ll be smokin hot in this hot pink peep-toe. The four straps and bow give this shoe the rocker-chic look so you can rock out with your... toes out? Haha ;) Be gutsy, be dashing, and just have fun.

Hi Ladies,

My name is Rebecca and my theory on prom may very well be much different than yours, but I like to think I know a thing or two about styling for different occasions, especially when it comes to shoes. When you’re in high school, prom is one of the things that you look forward to most in life. Having the right pair of shoes can make or break your entire outfit, as well as your entire night (remember that comfort should be just as important as style for you to have a good time).

While I have great respect for individuals who rock their own personal style and don’t care what other people think, I also believe that there is a time and place for everything. That’s why you won’t find any Jeffrey Campbell Lita’s in my prom shoe picks, or wedges, or booties, or shooties, or sandals or thigh high boots.

Prom is all about getting dressed up and feeling like a million bucks, which is why I’ve picked some great heels and pumps for your prom look which I will post daily. I’ve even found you the perfect pair of back up flats just in case your feet start to kill... nothing will ruin this night for you!

Enjoy!

-Rebecca

The Diba Doloris Sandal
Cost: $29.94

Purchase Here

The Diba Doloris Sandal is the perfect balance of subtle and stunning. This black heel gives you a sleek look with jewels that add class and a sophisticated style. Be bold and beautiful in black.

Hello Beauties,

Let's talk about skin. It's the largest organ of your body and the first thing people notice about you, and the best makeup artist in the world can only do so much if your skin is a mess so here if how you can make your skin look great for prom!

First thing first - cleanse your skin every day, even if it's only at night. You need to get rid of that dirt and makeup from the day. You can use a toner and a cotton pad in the morning.

Follow up with a toner (a toner will help get rid of any excess dirt and help your moisturizer work better), and a moisturizer that are correct for your skin type. I cannot emphasis enough to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Now some of you with oily skin may be screaming "NOOOOO!" but believe me, my dears, there IS a difference between moisture and oil. I also recommend exfoliating your skin and using a mask once or twice a week. Exfoliating will get rid of any dry skin you may have and help your skin look vibrant and glowing -and don't we all want that?

Now you may be wondering what types of products are right for your skin. Unfortunately, I don't know you all personally to recommend products, BUT, I do recommend the skincare company LUSH (www.lush.com). They have many wonderful natural products and their employees are very knowledgeable and helpful. I am certain that they have the correct product for you. I highly recommend the Ocean Salt and their fresh face masks.

Start taking care of your skin now and will you be glowing not only for the Prom but forever! ;)

Until next time...xoxo,

Wendie

Hey Fashionistas:

Here is great opportunity to get a free prom dress, accessories (handbag/shoes/jewelry), hair/make-up-photoshoot before prom, and transportation to prom!!! Amazing right?

Positively Dressed is a non-profit organization that is based on the belief that teens' needs are of the utmost importance. "The way that we continue to strive forward is from teens donating their dresses and getting referrals from friends. So please continue to pass the word so that we can continue to provide dresses to girls for years to come." says their website.

Please be sure to read the guidelines carefully before sending your information.

Positively Dressed Princess Package

For further information visit: www.positivelydressed.blogspot.com

Contact Kim at: 856-343-8830
Essays must be sent to: kimross6615@yahoo.com
or mailed to: Positively Dressed 727 Bentley Road, Lindenwold, NJ.  08021

Good luck and let me know if you got the dress of your dreams :)

The Prom is coming in just one short month and it is time to be inspired!!! Here is a fun and ladylike Prom dress that looks so adorable!!! I chose the cute silver heels because they would look great on the dance floor. I like the simple accessories that are already on the model's arm and the clutch is to die for!!! I like to mix purples for the fun of it.

I also think that since there are not a lot of accessories going on so that people will pay attention to the dress, the purple polish is the great accent to the hands.

Don't forget to let me know what you think and share your inspiration boards that could be featured on the YHC Prom Countdown website. Send you boards to: yhcpromcountdown@gmail.com along with your name and blog address!

Hey Fashionistas:

I am all about creativity but there is definitely a time when fashion creativity can go totally wrong!!!

I have come across many blogs that post attire of what people have worn to their proms and needless to say that my mouth has sometimes dropped to the floor. I can hardly believe what people have created in their minds and what designer would be daring enough to create it. In some cases, the clothig is so bad that I would think that as a designer and an artist, I would not want my name attached to the rags that these people throw on.

Now there are some creative geniuses that make their clothing to make a statement... I get that. For example, the Duck Brand Duct Tape held a contest in which the contestants had to make their clothing out of the colorful brand. It was fun, colorful, creative and a contest. I couldn't help but appreciate the art and time that most people had to put in to the outfits in order to make them look...alive. Would I wear a duct tape dress on one of the most important fashion days of a girl's life... probably NOT, but I can appreciate the love of the art.

Hello Beauties,

It's that wonderful time of year when the only thing you young Fashionistas think of is the most important night of the year...PROM!

Over the next few weeks I will be giving you some insider tips of do's and don'ts, trends and how-to's regarding makeup for your big night.

First off, Retro is HUGE this year. With designers such as Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and Gucci creating 1920's Great Gatsby inspired looks for their spring runway shows. What's Great Gatsby you ask? My darlings, only one of the best books ever written, and a major motion picture coming out with the yummy Leonardo Dicaprio playing the title role.

Popular TV shows such as Mad Men, and my personal favorite Downton Abbey there are many places to draw inspiration from.

Step out of the box. Be creative. Be daring, BE YOU!

Until next time...Xoxo!

Wendie

You smile, knowing you already have your beautiful prom dress and accessories! Nothing left to do but to head to the mall to go shopping for your . You head over to your favorite shoe store and say to yourself, 'this will be way too easy!'

You are casually browsing when something makes you turn your head and you spot a pair of fabulous shoes; they are practically glowing! They would go perfect with your dress and OMG they are on sale! You swiftly more towards the shoes making sure that you don’t bring too much attention to your miracle because you know that there are other girls on the lookout. You finally reach the shoes and they are amazing so you ask an employee if they could find your size in stock. They go to the back to see if they still have your size available, but you can feel something is wrong because of the length of time it is taking for them to come back. Your horror is confirmed…they don’t have your size!

Hi Tweety! My senior prom is in April and I wanted to know when should I get a dress?

-Becca, 17

Hi Becca!

It definitely depends on you. I would suggest that you start buying your dress now! That way you can go over all of the looks that you are interested in, try it on and buy. This also goes for shoes. The earlier you get your dress the better chance that you will get the dress that you want. Remember that last minute decisions lead to very few choices and you may be dressed like many others.

If you are trying to save money and you are not to picky, then getting a dress last minute will mean that you can catch a sale. I actually got a dress once, last minute that was gorgeous and I only paid $10!!! Incredible, right?

If you do not have an idea of the kind of dress you want, then you should start brainstorming now so that you can find the perfect dress for you. Look through your favorite magazines that have gowns and chose the ones that would best fit you physically and your personality. Also, an early purchase gives you time for tailoring.

Hope this helps!!!

Do you have ANY prom questions? Be sure to email YHCpromcountdown@gmail.com