The truth is, it’s really simple to get a barbershop-quality shave each morning by yourself.

Here are the ways — along with some tips — to make sure you get that great shave.

First: Prep.

The most important step in a great shave is the prep work. And often it’s overlooked. Good prep work will cleanse the skin, have the pores open and ready, and soften the skin for the best shave.

Because a hot shower naturally does some of these steps, it’s best to shave right after. This will soften the hairs and open the pores. If you don’t have time, use a hot towel instead.

Next, look for  good, high quality shave cream. Ones with glycerine are ideal, and stay away from any that might include menthol, which can actually constrict and close your pores and cause the hair to become stiff. If you have very sensitive skin or coarse hair, use a pre-shave oil for some extra softening.

To apply the shave cream, use a shaving brush, moving it in a circular motion. This will exfoliate the skin for the cleanest and most protected shave, and produce a better lather.

Next: Shave

Once you’re prepped, you’re ready to shave. To avoid the chances of ingrown hairs or razor burn, be sure that you have prepped properly and are using a good quality, new blade. Three blade razors that are used a total of about 3 to 5 times (depending on your hair) are the best choice.

With a free hand, hold the skin area that is about to be shaved nice and taut. Glide the razor over your face gently. Don’t apply pressure, and shave with the grain. Rinse the blade often, generally after one or two strokes. If you need a closer shave, you can re-lather and shave against the grain.

Finally: Finish

If you nick yourself while shaving, apply a moist alum block to control and stop the bleeding. Then, close the pores with a rinse of cool water, and use a soft cloth to gently pat the face dry. Apply a good aftershave balm, and make sure it doesn’t have alcohol, which will dry the skin.

Other Tips

If you’re strapped for time but do need a shower, you can shave right at the end, while still in the shower.

Pre-shave oils can be used even if you don’t have coarse hair or sensitive skin. When you apply any sort of oil or cream, make sure you leave it on for a few moments to plump up the hair and open those pores.

Before you shave, consider using a face scrub. This will help open the pores and get the hair and stubs ready for a closer shave. It also removes any form of dead cells and impurities that can lead to ingrown hairs, and acne. It also freshens your face and makes your skin feel great.

Anything that tingles, stings, or numbs your skin after shaving is not ideal. Just because it hurts doesn’t mean it is good. Earlier we mentioned to avoid alcohol, but even peppermint, citrus, or other strong herbs and scents can irritate the skin.

Be sure to sooth your skin after. Skipping step number three is not key!

But just like the holiday season is the best time for looking slick, it’s also that time of year where you definitely want to avoid a fashion disaster.

Unless, of course, you’re at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party.

With a little bit of preparation and a bit of know-how, you can easily learn how to avoid the common holiday fashion faux-pas’ when looking your best for the rest of 2011.

Ditch (some of) the Glitz

Okay, don’t ditch all of the glitz. After all, it is the holiday season and the perfect time for glitter and sparkles! But wearing too much glitz isn’t so great, either. Yes, any sort of shimmer, metallics, beading, and bright fabric are perfectly fine for the holidays. In fact, we bed for them! The glitziness is what makes the holidays what it is!

But keep in mind barring too much shine: no matter what, too much shine can overwhelm anyone, especially if you wear it on parts of your body that you don’t want to accentuate. Play up your features. If you have gorgeous hair, look for some holiday flair in your hair accessories. Or pick up a great little purse or shoes. Accessories is where its at for glitz, or play up parts of your body that are meant to be on the forefront.

Dress in Moderation

Yes, we all like to look a little slinkier in our holiday garb, but showing too much skin isn’t realistic. Super low dresses and super high skirts aren’t really in place at this type of event. In addition, most people can’t carry them off (yes, it is time to be honest with yourself). Think of winter-inspired sexy: leave lots to the imagination, and go with accentuating your best features. Lace, bling, glitz, and brights: those are the way to go. Leave sleazy at the door (okay, and maybe under the mistletoe).

Plan Ahead

A last minute party, or two, minute be imminent, so don’t get caught with nothing to wear. If you’re invited to a party and you’re hunting through your closet, it definitely shouldn’t be frustrating, but exciting instead. Keep a few dressy basics in your wardrobe so you’re always prepared for any last minute invites. Keep them basic so you can change them up by adding different pieces and accessories to bring it altogether.

Keep It Simple

Don’t worry about going over the top, and dressing to match and find viable separates. Keeping it simple makes you look elegant and, well, simple… in a sultry, sexy, sort of way. It’s true that the little black dress doesn’t go out of style, and you can add lots of glitz and glam to really make it your own.

Dress the Occasion

No matter where you end up heading, be sure that you are dressed for the occasion. Nothing is worse than showing up to a party and being completely over dressed or under dressed. Be sure to find out beforehand what the dress is: casual, formal, business. If you have trouble deciphering dress codes on a party invitation, here are the details:

Black Tie: Formal attire; tuxedos, cocktail dresses, little black dress.

Formal: Usually the same as black tie.

White Tie: Men in full dress, white tie, vest, shirt; women in long gowns.

Black Tip Optional: the option of a tux or formal dress, but really, then go for it or a dark suit.

Creative Black Tie: Black tie with trendy interpretation. Short evening gowns are okay.

Semi-Formal: Tuxes and formal dresses not required; dark suits and cocktail dresses.

Business Formal: Often same as semi-formal, but women should have more of a dressy suit. Nothing too sexy.

Cocktail Attire: dark suits and short, elegant dresses.

Informal: not casual! Instead, semi-formal.

Festive: Not necessarily the ugly sweater, but go for informal/semi-formal, with a bit of holiday glitz.

Dressy Casual: dressed up casual, such as trousers, sportcoats, and dressy pants.

Casual: anything goes!

A good skin care regime doesn’t have to cost you time or money, just a little TLC to keep your face and body fresh and smooth.

Here are our favourite natural solutions for women, for all types of skin.

Exfoliate

In the morning before getting the shower, do a quick dry brush exfoliation. This will help eliminate any dead skin cells and give it a fresh, clean start. It also helps improve blood circulation and decrease any puffiness that may have accrued over the course of the night. Use a soft, dry brush to gently brush the skin, in small circles, applying very light pressure.

Get Moving

If you have a desk job or a long commute, make sure you get up and move during your day. Getting moving not only helps your skin, it also helps your stress and overall health, both of which can lead to affecting the skin and body in general. If you lack activity, you may find yourself to feel more bloated, as well as more prone to acne and imbalances. Take the time to walk, stretch, and just move in general, and fit an exercise regime into your day.

Drink Water. Eat Fibre.

Good skin is due in part to getting the right nutrients in your body. Ever heard the old adage that eating poorly–like fried or sugary foods–causes or flares acne? Sources, such as the acne treatment review site know this to be true: good skin starts with a good diet. For optimal skin, drink enough water. This hydrates your cells and helps eliminate waste. Secondly, eat enough fibre, which helps keep things moving.

Nix the Sugar

Excess sugar causes premature aging, as well as a bevy of other health problems. The problem is, an overindulgence of sugar can damage protein molecules and mutate them into AGEs, also know as Advanced Glycation End-products. These AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments, as well as promote a loss of elasticity. The result? Wrinkles and saggy skin.

Opt for Quality

If you do need more than just a bar of soap for your skin, then opt for high-quality, organic, and natural skin products instead of mainstream ones. Saffron Rouge is online store loaded with organic, natural skin products. They carefully analyze every ingredient to make sure they are made without the plastics, silicones, petroleum, artificial fragrances, dyes, and other unsafe ingredients found in most beauty products.

Eat Fat

Though healthful fats are always touted these days, some of us can’t get out of the bad fat stigma. The thing is, essential fatty acids are fats are both can’t live without. They are used in our bodies for building cell membranes, moving nutrients, and helping with hormones. They also help our brain, heart, and fight inflammation, which can lead to cancer. Because they fight inflammation, they are also helpful for those with acne or eczema.

Investigate

According to the Environmental Working Group, about 90 percent of the 10,000+ skin care ingredients known to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not been evaluated for safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. So before you buy, take a moment to check out Skin Deep, the world’s largest personal care product safety guide. This database is filled with safety profiles for cosmetics and personal care products. Their staff scientists compare the ingredients on personal care product labels and websites to information in nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases.

When you’re building your wardrobe, you should focus on timeless classics that will never go out of style.

With these, you can take the current fads and trends, and round out your wardrobe each season.

Here are seven timeless classics that never go out of style–and must-haves for your fall wardrobe.

A Nice Fitted Jacket

Be sure to invest in a nice tailored jacket. Choose one that is fitted, which will show off your curves and accentuate your figure. Choose this over a baggy, masculine style.

A fitted jacket will look great with everything from work clothes to casual jeans, to over a nice dress. It’ll add structure and show off what you have, and, with the right fit, help create what you don’t.

Choose jackets in traditional fall fabrics such as tweed, corduroy, denim or menswear plaids–these are excellent choices. For something a little fancier, opt for velvet, leather, or brocade.

The White Oxford Dress Shirt

Yep, this basic is always in style, and a simple crisp, long-sleeve white shirt is a forever building block of your wardrobe, especially in the fall.

Invest in a nice one, but make sure it suits you as well. Choose between cotton with a bit of stretch, a simple but fitted silhouette, cuff and sleeve details (or lack thereof), and collar variations. Wear it on its own, under a pretty sweater, or paired with a vest.

Black Pant Suit

If you’re a business professional, this is a must, but even if not, it’s good to have one around. They’re a simple solution to any semi-formal event when paired with the right accessories, and are forever flattering on any figure.

Go for a solid black pantsuit, which is a flattering look on just about anyone.

Pearls

If you want some jewelry that always looks good, especially in the cooler months, opt for pearls. Pearls are the perfect accessory to complement fall wear. But you don’t have to stick to simple white. Grey pearls look great with black, bright colours add a bit of fun, and classic white keeps your look, well, class–perfect for that cocktail dress .

Neutral Winter Wear

When it gets a little chillier, you’ll want to dig into the closet for a nice winter coat. Choose on that is a neutral – you’ll always look great and it will go with just about anything. Camel is especially a great colour, perfect for fall, and matches with brights or darks.

A Big Bag

Bigger bags are great for  cooler weather because often we have other things in tow, and a space to cram in our wintery gear. Keep it simple or make it exciting – just pick something that will go with a lot of your wardrobe and reflect your accessories.

Knee-High Boots

Everyone looks great in knee-high boots, which make perfect sense for fall because of their style. They look great with skirts of all lengths, trousers, and skinny jeans, as well as leggings and opaque tights. A bonus? They keep you warm, too.

Look for a mid-heel height, which is great for any option, and walkable for everyday where. Go for a a nice brown boots for casual looks, or opt for black, which pairs with almost everything.

With the weather moving into fall, the air gets dryer… and our skin does, too.

Here are our top dos and don’ts for giving our face and body the proper treatment it deserves.

Hydrate plenty

Here are our top 5 hair emergencies, and how to solve them.

You’ve over-snipped your bangs

So you’ve decided your bangs need a trim and, alas, you’ve cut them far too short. In order to disguise the length of your bangs, change your style – at least for the time being. Instead of wearing them straight down, sweep them off to the side. Coat them with a bit of light gel, then use a blow-dryer to secure them in place. Option 2? Wear ‘em pinned back.

Your hair lacks body

Sure, not really an emergency, but for certain occasions (IE attending a wedding), you’ll want to look your best. Limp, stringy hair can be remedied with a few new bathroom essentials. First, wash with a volumizing shampoo, then condition only the ends. Blow it dry with a vent brush or your fingers, lifting at the roots, and keep the airflow close to your scalp. You can also invest in foam rollers, which will add body to clean hair, and using a 3/4-inch barrel curling iron will give you some more, too. Simply finish with a texturizing thickening spray ($25) and you’ll have fuller hair that’ll last the night.

It has that light socket look

Okay, so maybe you just have some dry, frizzy hair. So the biggest key is to keep it conditioned. Since hair is usually driest at the ends, focus there, and let it sit in your hair for at least five minutes before rinsing. Pat it dry with a towel. Next, try silicone-based products to keep the moisture in.

You’ve overbleached

Too many highlights can lead to an overbleached look. Try a demi-permanent color (a temporary dye that runs out in about 4 weeks), in a colour one shade deeper than your highlights.

You’re a bit of a greaseball

If it’s not just a lack of, well, keeping your hair clean, invest in a shampoo that contains zinc and shampoo daily. Avoid conditioning the roots and scalp. If you don’t have the time for a fresh wash, rub baby powder into the roots of dry hair to soak up excess oils. You can also keep oil-blotting face strips on hand for mid-day touch-ups: just blot on the go. Also check out Hair Loss Products – Spencer Forrest

Ah, yes, our favourite fashionable time of year: the summer.

We know that less is always more, but in this case, we want more and more of what is to come. Here are our top fashion tips for the upcoming warmer weather.

Do it Up White

All white is making a statement. Think of loose, airy pants with a fitted blazer, the perfect white sundress, and short shorts with loose white tees.

Colour Blocking

One of our favourite trends from about 30 years ago, colour blocking is back with full force, pairing our super bright colours with more of the same. Think hot pink with bright orange, cerulean blue with lime green, and bold yellow with bolder reds.

Horizontal Headlines

Sailor-style inspired horizontal stripes are hot. Eighties, off-the-shoulder tee-shirts and polo dresses are donning the pattern, and they’re making their way into dress shirts, too.

Sexy Ballet

The romantic boudoir takes colours in pretty pastels, such as peaches, pinks, nudes, and greys, and brings them together with simple, feminine fabrics such as lace. This look is perfect for keeping it simple and pretty at the same time.

Keep it Skinny

Skinny jeans are still trendy, and they are looking great with tanks, tunics, and everything in between.

Go for Sheer

…But not too sheer. Slip a camisole under a sheer, flowy shirt, or look for sheer tees with a thin tank in a brighter colour. Sheer is hot for men, too.

Less is More

The biggest look, along with the whites and the simple fabrics, all comes together for the minimalist effect. No detail, basic tee-shirts, plain Jane.

On the Feet

Like last year, gladiator sandals are still popular… but have been overrun with espadrilles. Huge wedges are big, but you’ll find lots of flats, too. Lace-up boots, just like in the fall and winter, are still at it.

But either way, the new hues are ready to bring our look from the chilly winter into the warmer weather.

Here are our top 40 choices for colours to wear for the upcoming months.

40. Neutrals for the Eyes: Go for barely there looks with different shades of browns, beiges and grey.

39. Shimmer it up: for a little more look, bring on the shimmer for the eyes. Light pinks and a bit of grey is what is hot right now.

38. Make it easy: With a three-in-one shadow, get the base, highlighted and cover completed. Go for a simple palette without too much drama.

37. Make it different: always going for the same colours? Add something a little different this season. Purples and greens are great choices if you haven’t used them before.

36. Pick out the pastels: pastel colours are the perfect choice for spring time.

35. Give it a pop: Choosing neutrals and pastel colours is great, but giving it a pop with a vibrant shade is all you need to bring it to the next level.

34. Keep it simple: choose one shade, one face part, one of anything… and bring it forward.

33. Coralize it: coral is a great new hue that looks great on just about any body… especially on their pucker.

32. Go for the gloss: gloss, in almost any shade, is an instant way to perk up the tired face.

31.But matte is good, too: a creamy matte lip shade looks professional and brings a little more seriousness into the situation.

30. Warm = pink: if you have warm undertones, look for a shade with pink undertones, as opposed to orange undertones.

29. Choose wisely: if you’re prone to dry or chapped lips, look for a lipstick with moisturizers built right in.

28. Forget the frost: regardless of what you choose, one thing is for certain: a frosty looks on the lips is not the look to go for.

27. Volumize those eyes: some eyelashes need length, but all need volume. Choose two in one, or at least a voluminous mascara to get the job done.

26. Make it motorous: want to make sure you get every lash? Check out the latest mascaras… with a motorized wand.

25. Go for falsies: if you don’t have the lashes, make them fake for the right occasions.

24. Get it itty-bitty: For those bottom lashes, there are small brushes designed specifically for them. Invest and make those lower lashes pop.

23. Flawless foundation: look for the lightweight formulas to make it look like you aren’t wearing anything at all, especially for that fresh springtime face.

22. Go barefaced.. Sort of: if you aren’t keen on layering a foundation for the warmer months, opt for a tinted moisturizer instead.

21. Or even barer: nothing says lovely like a fresh faced skin, with a little flaw, a little freckle, and a lot of sun-kissed goodness.

20. Choose a powder: use a loose powder to freshen up those pores and wake up your face.

19. Bring on the blush: highlight those cheek bones with a new look for spring, opting for a bit of blush to bring it all together. Soft pinks are the colour of choice.

18.Make it last: love the look of colour on the cheeks? Find Amazonian clay blush, with loads of pigment and vitamins, delivering the look you want.

17. Make it less: if clay blush is a little too much for your look, opt for a water-based blush stain for a flush that lasts all day.

16. Just the cheeks: a little moisturizer and a bit of lip stain is the perfect complement for pink-pinched cheeks.

15. Bring out the bronzer: instead of the pink, go for the brown. Bronzer delivers that luxe look with a bit of tan, too.

14. Natural foundation: nothing evens out your skin tone like a bit of a tan. If you spend time outside, get some vitamin D with a delivery from the sun… Just be sure to protect it with sunscreen first.

13. Oh, that orange: like coral, orange is hot for spring. Use it on those lips, with a fiery shade that is sure to turn heads.

12. Or on the eyes: if you aren’t keen on bright orange lips, bring it to the eyes instead, with a bright shadow perfect for dark browns.

11. Take on the tropical: many tropical shades are just as hot, with hues that resemble papaya, mango, and other island favourites.

10. Don’t forget the fingers: the bright new shades might be a little much, so if you want to keep it simple, bright the oranges and other tropical colours to your fingernails and toenails instead.

9. Balm it up: lip balms with a  hint of colour are perfect for day-ware, or when you don’t want to overexaggerate but still look pretty hot… like at the gym.

8. Match your make-up: not to your clothes, but accessories should include the same colours of the season: pinks, oranges, and neutrals are great options.

7. Morning through night: long days in spring and summer allow us to bring our look into the evening, too. Change it up with a bit of gloss and another coat of mascara, and you’re good to go.

6. Light on the eyes: focus on bright shades of eyeshadow and mascara, with just a hint of liner to bring it all in.

5. Ditch the smoke: use bright colours in the evening, instead of smoky eyes, more suitable for winter months.

4. Groom the brows: don’t worry so much about filling them in; instead, get them professionally done. Well worth the $5 to $10. We recommend threading.

3. Trim the bangs: nothing cleans up your face more than a snip to too-long or unruly bangs.

2. Pick what pops: talk to a colourist or stylist to see what colours work best for you, then take these colours and choose accordingly.

1. Go au natural: if all else fails, wash your face, smile, and go!

Here’s our guide on when to wash your clothes and what’s necessary to keep them clean.

You think to yourself, 34 C… Let’s see… leafing through the many varieties. You pick it up, smile, and go to purchase, assuming you have a perfect new bra in hand. Problem is, you probably don’t.

Your bra (and breast size) isn’t static… Bras change brand to brand, style to style, and your breasts, well, they fluctuate more than our dollar. Think of it pregnancy, menstruation, weight loss, weight gain, lactation, menopause… They all set you up for a switch in the size.

To ensure the best fit, you should get an annual bra fitting by a specialty-shop expert. Here, they will combine their keen eye, training, and knowledge of their own merchandise to find the best fit for you.

A little wary about getting your bust measured by a random stranger? You can do it yourself–perhaps not as efficiently, but it’ll do the job just fine.

1. Measure your body

Okay, not your whole body. But grab that tape measure and secure it just under your breasts. This will give you the band size (think: 32, 34, 36, et cetera)

2. Measure your breasts

To determine your cup size, take that tape measure around the fullest point of the bust line, holding it a little looser than the initial measurement. Then, calculate the difference in inches between the band size and this measurement. Each inch represents one cup size. So if you measured 32 around the body and 35 around the bust, your bra size would be 32C.

3. Trying it on

When trying on your bra, the band should fit straight across the back. If it ride’s up, the band size is too big. Wear it on the middle clasp, too. If you have to rely on one of the others, re-measure and try on a different size.

4. Make sure it’s flat

On the front of the bra, the centre (including the underwire) should be flat against the breastbone. If you can easily fit a finger underneath it, it is too small. The cups should fit smoothly, and the sides should lie flush.

5. No digging

Not only is it uncomfortable, but it also doesn’t look the best with wires digging into your sides. Additionally, the straps should be comfortable without digging into the shoulders or sliding down.