Calling all athletes! I don’t know about you, but the Summer Olympics in London has motivated me to take a few more laps around the track during my workouts. And the more you sweat, the better you feel about yourself, right? But only when you’re training at the gym. That embarrassing sweat you break while completing simple, everyday tasks feels more like a problem. This week, we spoke to Dr. Hania Alaidroos, one of D Magazine’s Best Doctors list for three years running, to get her expert advice on this sticky situation.

If you’re noticing slightly more perspiration than usual, Dr. Alaidroos suggests Secret Clinical Strength as a strong over-the-counter antiperspirant. Using it sparingly will help you obtain the best results, because if too much is applied, it can sometimes cause skin irritation. Secret Clinical Strength can be found at most drugstores, and for about $9, the extra few bucks can be worth the extra strength.

But, if you are genuinely concerned about your excessive sweating as a health issue, Dr. Alaidroos recommends scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. They can prescribe a product called Drysol that she would suggest using for weddings and other special social gatherings.

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

It’s nearly August, and after beach vacations and weekends by the pool, your skin is probably pretty bronzed. (Hopefully you’ve been wearing sunscreen.) But if you’re like me, you’re starting to notice your year-round foundation doesn’t quite match up to your freshly tanned skin. That’s why this week, we spoke with one of Grand Spa’s makeup artists Angela Alan to learn how to find the perfect tint for your summer foundation.

Angela strongly advises you match the color of the foundation to your jawline and never to your neck. In the summer, your face generally will become the darkest, but you want to find a foundation that will blend nicely. Your jawline is a good place to start. “The trick is to find a shade that practically disappears on your skin and works with your undertones,” she says. “If you have pink undertones, go for a more yellow based foundation to conceal the pink.” And visa versa. It also can be helpful to wear a foundation for a day before you purchase it to see if it still looks even and matches your skin in the natural light.

And for Angela’s favorite products, she says it depends on the preference of the wearer. If you have a quick morning makeup routine, she suggests purchasing a tinted moisturizer, such as Revision Skincare’s Intellishade, $50 (also beloved by our shopping editor), which has SPF and anti-aging properties. It can be purchased at dermatologist offices and at med spas, including Grand Spa. But if you’re more of a mineral makeup girl, Angela personally uses La Bella Donna’s Loose Minerals powder, $55, which has SPF and is waterproof. This product can be purchased online.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

If you’re like most business women in Dallas, you’re strong, independent, successful, and you haven’t seen the sun in weeks. But thanks to plentiful sunless tanning options, you hardworking Texans can still achieve a sunkissed glow, even if a trip to the pool is out of the question. The tricky part is getting your faux glow yo last, so we talked to Body Beautiful Studio’s Barb Yevchak on how to increase your tan’s longevity.

She first suggests exfoliating from head to toe within 24 hours prior to your spray tan application to ensure the best absorption. After the tan has set, moisturize your skin, and repeat again immediately following your first post-application shower.

In Barb’s opinion, moisturizing is key. “Natural exfoliation of the skin is inevitable,  but by adding moisture twice a day, that top layer of skin will not exfoliate as quickly, thereby, helping your sunless tan last a bit longer,” she says.

Let’s face it. Your bikini line is not something you like to talk about, but when it comes to summer grooming, this area needs some serious attention. Whether you prefer waxing or shaving, we got expert advice from estheticians on both methods to get you bikini ready.

Candace Spillman from Bliss Spa Dallas insists waxing is the way to go. “When you wax, you are pulling the hair out by the root, which makes it grow back slower, finer, and with less stubble,” she says. Candace suggests scheduling your hair removal appointment two to three days before you plan on baring your skin to ensure the hair follicles don’t have time to produce any fuzz. Bliss Spa offers two great waxing products: Bliss’ Lemon + Sage Skin Softening Scrub ($36) to exfoliate before an appointment and Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads ($35) to use 24 hours after any hair removal process.

If waxing isn’t quite your thing, we know relentless shaving can cause skin irritation that makes wearing your bikini bottoms an embarrassing event. “Razor burn, unsightly bumps, and in-grown hairs are not fun,” says Lisa Lazzara, Director of  Training and Development at The Pretty Kitty. She suggests applying a product called PFB Vanish ($22) after shaving to exfoliate and keep follicles clean and clear. Available at The Pretty Kitty.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

photo courtesy of StyleSheet

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

As invigorating as it is to take your feet out of hibernation and transition into revealing sandals, it adds another element to your beauty routine: foot maintenance. Nail technician Kim Huynh from Indulgence Nail Salon has an easy solution to keeping your pedicured paws in tip top shape, even between salon visits.

“It really is simple,” Kim says. She recommends purchasing a pumice stone and scrubbing your feet each time you take a shower. Then, apply Gold Bond Lotion when you get out. Yes, it really is that simple. Kim understands her clients spend time barefoot and in swimming pools between appointments, and this simple solution is her secret to soft, beautiful skin.

There’s no pricy products needed and with Gold Bond Lotion readily available at the grocery store, Walgreens, or wherever, you can have fabulous feet all the time.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

photo courtesy of StyleSheet

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

FOR FACE PROTECTION EVEN WITH SENSITIVE OR ACNE-PRONE SKIN:

We’ve all heard the lecture a thousand times: wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sweltering sun. It’s easy to remember to lather on SPF when you’re at the pool or beach, but wearing an everyday sunscreen is just as important, especially on your face. We hate feeling like we’re clogging our pores with some of the options out there, so we talked to Dr. Peter Malouf, founder of the Center for Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, for his sunscreen recommendations.

Skip the gooey, oily mess of most sun protectants and opt for a lightweight, UVA or UVB physical blocker, Dr. Malouf says. He suggests EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46. It’s oil-free, which is great for skin types that are sensitive or prone to acne breakouts. Plus, the spray bottle is easy to use and mess-free.

You can use EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 under your makeup as part of your daily skin care regimen. It’s available for $29 at the Center for Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Weatherford.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

photo courtesy of StyleSheet

Live through a Texas summer and you know: survival is the goal. But don’t let three-digit temperatures get the best of you. Tune in to our Texas Summer Beauty Challenge series. Intern Kristi McCann is tracking down expert advice to help you get through the summer and look good doing it.

FOR FRESH HAIR THAT CAN BEAT THE HEAT:

Sometimes it’s tempting to forgo the lengthy hair prep in the morning, especially when you know you’re going to be running around in the Texas heat. By midday, your perfectly coiffed hair often feels ruined from the oils your scalp produces naturally and from sweating. But skip the ponytail. This week, we spoke to expert stylist Ashley Puig from Orange Salon and Spa to find out how to keep hair looking fresh even when you’re out in the sun.

“One of my favorite products is Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo,” Ashley says. “It has a great fresh scent and doesn’t fade color or dry out your hair. The powder actually absorbs oils from your scalp, and it gives volume by lifting at the root.”

To get as much use out of this product as possible, Ashley suggests using this dry shampoo two ways. First, sprinkle it into your roots and rub to knock out oil and boost your volume midday. Second, throw it in your gym bag to eliminate washing and drying your hair post-workout.

Find Alterna’s dry shampoo for $22 at most beauty stores, including Sephora and Ulta.

Kristi McCann is a shopping intern.

(from left) Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, Kelly Osbourne's new take on gray, and model Cindy Joseph's famous gorgeous gray 'do

A friend is looking to grow out her gray locks with grace. Bye-bye, dye. Hello, sophisticated salt and pepper hair. We’re on the hunt for a Dallas hair expert that understands the process of going gray in style and we’re taking suggestions. Know of anyone? Leave it in the comments section. We’ll report back with our findings.

“My hair is pretty much always oily except for day 1 after a shampoo. (I live on dry shampoo so I’m not washing every day.) I’d like to be able to wash my hair at night and style it in the morning, but by the time I wake up, my hair is already a little greasy! Is there anything I can do to keep my hair fresh while I’m sleeping? My old college roommate used to hairspray her hairline before bed, but does that really work?” –Lily

I went to the mane masters at Salon Lucien:

photo courtesy of beautyeditor.ca

We get asked that question quite a bit from our clients.

1. We recommend a shampoo for oily roots and dry ends such as the Kerastase Cristalliste.
2. Conditioners are going to add to her problems so she needs a detangler, such as Oribe’s Foundation Mist, which is light and weightless.
3. After styling her hair at night, put on top of the head in a loose scrunchy (preferably the old-fashioned kind with fabric on it).  This really helps holding the style and or blow out. It will stop the distribution of oil from directly laying and rolling over the hair at night.
4. THE MORE BRUSHING OF THE HAIR, THE MORE OIL SECRETION.
5. The last thing, try distributing a small amount of witch hazel or Sea Breeze throughout the scalp when EXITING the shower.
6. Dry Shampoo is a must, but for her, try one that is not a texturizing spray and a true dry shampoo such as Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair!

P.S. Hair spray has a lot of alcohol and can actually increase her oil production if used in excess.

photography courtesy of retailers

(from left)
Piermarini Boutique: Won Hundred Ink print dress, $149
Diane von Furstenberg: Hanky dress in Falling Marks print, $398
Lela Rose: Embellished woven silk-organza dress, $1,595

photography courtesy of retailers

(from left)
Anthropologie: Parvati maxi dress, $298
Lela Rose or Neiman Marcus: Lela Rose floral-jacquard sheath dress, $1,395
St. John: Crepe Blouson dress with cowl back, $795

We can't all have Nanette Lepore's closet (as documented by Elle Decor), BUT we can have much, much better.

I used to snub my nose at the idea of a personal stylist, shopper, or wardrobe consultant. Not because I’m the coolest girl around town (I’m not), but because I’m bossy and independent and I like to do everything myself. (Including shopping and selecting outfits.) Then one day I shocked myself. I took a peek in my closet, turned to my dog and said, “I have nothing to wear.” Oh the horror! What a cliche I’d become. A closet full of clothes and “nothing” to wear? How painfully uninspired I sounded. Then I met Dallas Wardrobe stylist Amy Havins and completely changed my tune.

Amy does a combo of things to make stepping into your closet exciting again, and although she’s fully capable of doing some damage with a Black Card, it doesn’t have to include maxing out your Mastercard at department stores around town. She can tackle family styling (like getting your 13-year-old to dress appropriately and stylishly), special occasion dressing (got a gala? no problem), wardrobe makeover (giving old garments a fresh start with new ideas), and closet design and organization (pull out the weeds and make your closet work for you). Jump to learn a little about Amy, why I’m a believer, and get her three biggest pointers fo’ free.

It’s no surprise Amy became a wardrobe consultant. She was already pointing out the flaws in her teachers’ ensembles as a kid. She went on to study fashion and business at Baylor and started with personal shopping before founding her own company, Dallas Wardrobe. Today she’s an affordable closet expert who helps people clean our their closets, fill in the blanks, and build and maintain a wardrobe they love. The process is easy. Meet with Amy. Consultations are complimentary. You’ll discuss your style, how your closet and wardrobe disappoint you, and how much you’re looking to spend. (Pricing is based on each scenario, but she’s an affordable bet in town.) Then you’ll meet to do some clutter control, take a look at your existing wardrobe, see what’s missing, and then, “hit the stores if needed.” Above all, the mission for Amy is to make shopping fun and discover how easy it is to love your closet and all its glorious contents.

1.

Mix up your garments. Physically. Simply moving hangers around on the racks can inspire new looks and uncover hidden pieces you once loved.

2.

Organize your closet. “If your closet doesn’t work for you, you can’t work with it.”

3.

Feel comfortable. If you’re not comfy in an outfit, you’re never going to wear it. Period.

photo of Amy Havins courtesy of Dallas Wardrobe

click to enlarge

I love shopping events. There’s nothing better than sipping champagne to numb your guilt so you can buy all kinds of beautiful things (that you shouldn’t) for your closet. Plus, if your memory gets a little fuzzy, you get to re-enjoy all your new purchases the next morning. Wahoo! Hemline’s got your Thursday happy hour taken care of with free bubbly and local style consultant Elisabeth White in house to help you put together some summer ensembles. If you purchase an outfit she assembles, you’ll get it for 10 percent off. All Yoana Baraschi clothing will be discounted, too, for 20 percent off. This event starts at 5:30 pm on Thursday. See you there.

-Smile big
-Stamp one finger (Raychel recommends the ring or middle finger) with the cream blush, and dot it onto the fattiest part of your cheek (the “apple”). To find this, imagine a vertical line running through your pupil and a horizontal line running across your face at the tip of your nose. Where these lines intersect, stamp away.
-Using a clean finger, blend outward, using up, out, and down motions. (Cat whiskers, if you will.)

I’ve avoided cream blush like the plague to avoid looking like a Nutcracker doll (or a cockatiel), but I tell you, very honestly, after getting this pointer, I went home with my sample and applied it to myself and my sister, and was pleased. Not only did it smooth out quite evenly, but it gave me and sis a natural flush that literally lasted all day. I’m now using La Prairie’s cream blush on a regular basis and I’m thrilled. The downfall is the price tag. La Prairie is one of the most expensive skincare and cosmetic lines I know. The upside is they’ve earned it. Sciencey stuff goes into each product, and results match the claim. Plus, with this $55 blush, it’ll last you until your 70 years old. Find it at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue.

orange = eyeliner

That brings me to this week’s “Ask Raya” question. A reader wrote in, asking, “How do you get the perfect shaped cat eye? Is there a trick to getting the liner in the right place every time?”

To that we answer, yes, and Ivan Castro gave us the key at our last week’s meeting:

To figure out where to put the winged tip, follow the shape of your lower lash line. (Notice in our illustration how the orange line is basically an extension of the natural curve of the lower lash line.) If you use this technique, not only should you be able to create the same shape on both eyes, but you should also be able to repeat this every time you’re in the mood for this sultry look. I like that this trick adds a dash of flirt, making the liner look like a lash extension. Go home and give it a shot. If you’re looking for a great liner, try Le Métier’s seriously smudge-proof formula.