Jessica Cruel
Editorial Assistant, Beauty
Jessica Cruel

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Nails

10 Unusual Uses For Clear Nail Polish

It's likely you have a few bottles of clear nail polish lying around in your manicure kit, whether it's a speedy top coat or a full lineup of prep, prime, and polish essentials.

It's likely you have a few bottles of clear nail polish lying around in your manicure kit, whether it's a speedy top coat or a full lineup of prep, prime, and polish essentials. Now it's time to expand the horizons of your trusty clear lacquer into other areas, from furniture to fashion.

You'll want to keep clear nail polish on hand because it . . .

  1. Makes labels smudge-proof and weather-resistant by sealing in markers and paint. This comes in handy when labeling expiration dates on your cosmetics.
  2. Stops runs in stockings right in their tracks when you dab polish at both ends. This way you can get more wear out of your hosiery, even after a tiny tear.
  3. Keeps buttons from popping off. Just paint the threads in the center for reinforcement. Clear nail polish also protects shoestrings and other threads from unraveling thanks to its dries-hard finish.
  4. Eliminates rings in the bathroom. Simply coat the bottom of metal cans (hair spray, shaving cream, etc.) to slow the progression of rust and keep those unsightly red stains at bay.
  5. Reinforces envelope seals so that your most important missives (bills, love letters, and the like) remain safe.
  6. Waterproofs matches if you're going for a hike: dab clear polish on the tips to keep them safe from moisture. This is also particularly useful if the hike involves a candlelit picnic.
  7. Prevents nail darkening caused by deeper-toned lacquers. While yellow nail polish is cool no matter the season, yellow nails are not. Use clear nail polish as a protective base coat to prevent yellowing. Even better, clear polish preserves your manicure for longer, particularly when applied to the free edge of tips. Think of it as one of those extra beauty steps that's absolutely worth it.
  8. Coats splinters in furniture so you don't rip or snag your clothing or worse.
  9. Acts as a base for a DIY glitter top coat: just pour in multicolored confetti for an inexpensive embellishment that rivals Deborah Lippmann's genius.
  10. Relieves the itch of a bug bite: this tried-and-true remedy isn't quite scientific but it works as long as you don't have any open scratches.
POPSUGAR Beauty

How Much Sunscreen Do You Need to Apply Daily? Find Out!

It's been said that a shot-glass-full is the perfect amount of sunscreen to protect your entire body, but who actually carries a shot glass of potentially breakable barware to the beach or pool?

It's been said that a shot-glass-full is the perfect amount of sunscreen to protect your entire body, but who actually carries a shot glass of potentially breakable barware to the beach or pool? We show you how much sunscreen is enough for every day, break down the new FDA regulations, and recommend a product that won't break you out. On Jessica: Sachin + Babi dress. Correction: dice is incorrectly spelled as dices in the video. Apologies for the error.

summer beauty

8 Beauty Products That Smell Like Summer

Half the allure of Summer is all the sweet scents: the ocean's spray, gardens in bloom, and freshly cut grass.

Half the allure of Summer is all the sweet scents: the ocean's spray, gardens in bloom, and freshly cut grass. While you'll likely get a whiff of all these smells out in nature, the beauty products below mimic the aromas of all the best parts of this season. Even once the warm weather wears off, you'll still be able to hold on to the memories with these fragrant buys.

  1. Imagine you are standing in the midst of a botanical garden when the roses are in bloom, and you'll call to mind the scent of Korres 24-hour Wild Rose Moisturizing and Brightening Cream ($35).
  2. For the foodie in you, Elemental Herbology Watermelon and Cucumber Body Moisturizer ($48) captures the summery scents of a backyard barbecue.
  3. Spritz on Demeter Fragrance in Grass ($39) and you'll recall a picnic in the park on a warm day when the lawn was freshly cut.
  4. Perhaps you won't make it to an island vacation this season, but Pacifica Coconut Pearls Luminizing Lip Quench ($9) will inspire you to plan one soon.
  5. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($25): the scent really is self-explanatory.
  6. Lemonade is a staple this time of year and you can bring that scent to your bath with the help of these Fresh Lemon Sugar Bath Cubes ($38).
  7. Remember those water floats that made swimming so much fun? Sniff Oscar de la Renta Sun Protection Stick ($26) to reminisce on unabashedly splashing in the pool.
  8. Our favorite scent of them all? Coola's Citrus Mimosa Sunscreen Spray ($32), which plays up a favorite beachside brunch cocktail.
Lipstick

Beauty Battle: Emily VanCamp and Katharine McPhee's Pink Lipstick

At Clinique's Dramatically Different Party last night, Emily VanCamp and Katharine McPhee decided to punch up their looks with a bold lip.

At Clinique's Dramatically Different Party last night, Emily VanCamp and Katharine McPhee decided to punch up their looks with a bold lip. Emily's hot-pink hue was a shade that bordered on magenta with purple undertones that works great with cool skin tones. On the other hand, Katharine's choice, Clinique's Chubby Stick in Mega Melon, was a muted mix of pink and orange, making the perfect salmon shade that complements warm complexions. "Kat is always amazing to work with! She is young and fresh so we kept the makeup simple with a pop color on her lips," her makeup artist Gianpaolo Ceciliato explained. Both looks have a hint of pink but are far more interesting than the average bubblegum shade. We know you'll be trying the bright lip trend this season, but which shade is your favorite from last night?

Celebrity Makeup

The New Way to Do a Milkmaid Braid à la Beth Behrs

Last night at the Monsters University premiere in LA, Beth Behrs did a new take on a favorite Summer style.

Last night at the Monsters University premiere in LA, Beth Behrs did a new take on a favorite Summer style. While we're used to seeing the classic milkmaid braid, Beth added even more texture by pinning up two fishtail braids instead. Her stylist Aviva Perea curled her hair in one-inch sections wrapping each piece in opposite directions. Then she used Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo ($5) all over her hair to help add texture. Perea made four braids, two behind each ear. The braids were half fishtail with the ends being regular three-strand braids. She pinned up the braids to frame Beth's blunt bangs and left tendrils around her face to draw attention to the colorful eye makeup.

Her makeup artist, Jamie Greenberg, created the colorful eye makeup with a mix of pink, purple, and burgundy eye shadows to make her blue eyes pop. She started by applying a primer to lids for staying power. The pink shade on Beth's crease is Mark i-Mark Eye Shadow in Luvstruck ($7) mixed with a darker burgundy shade on the outer corners. Greenberg then used a purple hue to line the eyes. Finally, she layered black mascara with YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Mascara in Burgundy ($30). Even though Beth wore this look on the red carpet, it's easily translatable to any Summer soiree this season.

Editor's Pick

If You're Going to Lie Out . . . Here's How to Do It Safely

It's understandable: basking in the sun is one of the best parts about Summer.

It's understandable: basking in the sun is one of the best parts about Summer. But putting yourself at risk for skin cancer and premature aging is not quite as relaxing. Whether you're heading to the pool or beach over the next few weeks or chilling on your back lawn, get a few key tips on the right way to enjoy the heat without risking your skin's health.

If you're going to lie out, do . . .

  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ about 30 minutes before you go out because it takes time for the active ingredients to take effect.
  • Set a timer on your phone to reapply sunscreen every two hours (or 40 to 80 minutes if you're swimming, depending on your product's labeling).
  • Take a floppy hat and sunglasses that will protect your face and neck. Opt for a long-sleeved cover-up to get even more defense from harmful UV rays.
  • Bring an umbrella. While it might seem obvious, the more time you can spend under the shade, the less likely you'll be to get burned or dehydrated.
  • Limit your time in the sun. If you have fair skin and go out without sunscreen, then you could get a sunburn in 30 minutes or less. For darker skin tones, the unprotected time limit could reach up to an hour. To be on the safe side, keep the sunscreen on hand.

If you're going to lie out, don't . . .

  • Overload on liquor or sweet snacks. Sugary drinks and alcohol can aide in dehydration. When you plan to spend hours in the sand, it's better to stick to water.
  • Head outdoors when the sun is at its highest intensity, which ranges from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Forget to apply protection to the areas that are easily forgotten: upper ears, hairline, your hair part, underarms, tops of feet, eyelids, and under straps.
  • Slather on baby oil. Enough said.
Hair

What We're Sweet On: A Conditioner That Feeds Your Scalp

When I first saw the tiny tube of Clear Damage and Color Repair 7-Day Intensive Treatment ($18), I was skeptical.

When I first saw the tiny tube of Clear Damage and Color Repair 7-Day Intensive Treatment ($18), I was skeptical. How could half an ounce per treatment cover all my kinky curls? But the tiny ampule proved to be a force against my full head of hair, giving the slip I needed to glide through tangles and knots fairly easy.

The deep conditioner contains vitamins B5, C, and E to help your strands recover from the usual wear and tear of coloring and straightening. A healthy dose of almond and coconut oil lends moisturizing and shine-enhancing properties. And while you've probably heard that conditioner shouldn't go on your scalp, this line is formulated for your entire head. It even masked my frazzled natural ends. But what makes this product a Summer travel staple is its portability. Each tube is easy to throw in your suitcase, eliminating the need to carry on an oversize jar. It truly is the complete package.

Hair

25 Professional Beauty Tips That Promise to Make Your Life Easier

It's our job to pick the brains of the top professionals in the beauty industry, so we think it's high time to share the best tips we've heard over the years.

It's our job to pick the brains of the top professionals in the beauty industry, so we think it's high time to share the best tips we've heard over the years. From runway makeup artists to celebrity hairstylists, we've picked out the best of the best when it comes to tricks of the trade. Get all the beauty secrets you never knew after the jump

pinterest

Hot on Pinterest: Summer Nail Polish Picks and Pimple-Popping Tips

Hair and makeup lovers adore beautiful images, so it's no surprise that Pinterest is filled with beauty inspiration, tips, and tutorials.

Hair and makeup lovers adore beautiful images, so it's no surprise that Pinterest is filled with beauty inspiration, tips, and tutorials. This week on the POPSUGAR Beauty Pinterest page, our most repinned posts included a shaving video tutorial, Summery nail polish shades, plus a how-to for popping pimples. We love to hear from you, so remember to follow us on Pinterest to see and share more.

Beauty News

A Bronzed Makeup Tutorial, Beach Hair Ideas, and More

Professional makeup tips for a summery bronze palette Get hair inspiration from these celebrities at the beach and pool 40 reasons why beach waves are the ultimate Summer hairstyle Stock your beach bag with these affordable vacation must haves Wedding plan: nosh on these good-for-you eats for better skin Shop the biggest nail trend of the season: metallics Everything you need to know about eye cream Revive your hair after a dip in the pool with his DIY hair rinse What to do when you can't take your beauty arsenal on the road Heading to Bonnaroo?

beauty shopping

Make Father's Day Shopping Easy With These Grooming Gifts

It's not too late to help dad out this Father's Day by upgrading his daily grooming routine.

It's not too late to help dad out this Father's Day by upgrading his daily grooming routine. No more disposable razors and bar soap! The man in your life will be surprised at how luxurious shaving and bathing can be once you gift him with one of these man-centric buys. Who said men were so hard to shop for?

Celebrity Hair

Love It or Leave It? Anna Kendrick Brightens Up Her Hair Color

Anna Kendrick has kicked off Summer with a fresh new cut and color.

Anna Kendrick has kicked off Summer with a fresh new cut and color. At the See by Chloé fragrance launch, Anna showed up with her formerly long, honey blond strands cut into a shoulder-length cut. She also took her multifaceted hair color to a more seamless copper color. What do you think of Anna's lighter, warm-weather style?

Check out our roundup of other celebrity hairstyle changes.

Beauty News

New Details: Marc Jacobs's Sephora Makeup Line to Launch in August

Marc Jacobs has been a busy man, and he's finally ready to release his color cosmetics line to the world.

Marc Jacobs has been a busy man, and he's finally ready to release his color cosmetics line to the world. When news first dropped back in April, Jacobs seemed quite excited about his foray into makeup. "I see makeup, fragrance — everything, really — as an opportunity," he explained to WWD. "The idea of choosing a color for your lip, or an eyeliner — it's just such a delight. Anything that is part of the joy, the ritual, of getting dressed — that's what fashion's about for me."

The line will be a collaboration with Sephora and is slated to drop on Aug. 9 in brick-and-mortar stores and online, as well as in select Marc Jacobs stores. The 122-piece collection runs the gamut from blushes and lip products to blushes and eye shadows, and it's broken down into broad categories: Smart Complexion, Blacquer, Hi-Per Color, and Boy Tested, Girl Approved. Speaking of boys, Jacobs isn't leaving them out. Three products are unisex: his Lip Lock Moisture Balm ($24), Brow Tamer Grooming Gel ($24), and Remedy Concealer Pen ($39). But don't expect any nude shades in his collection. "It would be too natural," Jacobs quipped.

The collection is also going global, which is a new move for Sephora. Europe will get a taste in 2014, and it will move to China in 2015. A holiday color collection is also in the works, as well as additional core pieces for Spring 2014. "I'm surprised at how delighted I am with the results," Jacobs told WWD. "Now I want to see what the customer thinks. That's the ultimate."

Link Time

Derm-Approved Sunscreen Tips For Summer

summer beauty

Convert Your Favorite BBQ Leftovers Into Beauty Recipes

Summer and barbecues go hand in hand, but before you discard those leftovers over the weekend, find out how you can repurpose them into DIY skin and hair recipes.

Summer and barbecues go hand in hand, but before you discard those leftovers over the weekend, find out how you can repurpose them into DIY skin and hair recipes. Lemons and watermelon are all essentials for a backyard party this season, and they also happen to be great for your complexion. The same applies for ingredients you use to make savory sauces and rubs, too. So get to multipurposing, and see all the recipes after the jump.

Celebrity Hair

Celebrity-Approved Hairstyles For the Pool and Beach

You're not the only one vacationing this Summer; celebrities are also hitting up many a beach and pool.

You're not the only one vacationing this Summer; celebrities are also hitting up many a beach and pool. While you might stick to ponytails during wave-surfing, sunbathing, and hitting up the beach volleyball courts, spruce things up by trying out one of these looks seen on bikini-clad celebrities. Braids, hats, and bun ideas abound when you click through.

Poll

Beauty Battle: January Jones and Taylor Swift's Aquamarine Eyes

Already we have seen marine-hued eye makeup on the runways and red carpet, and last night both January Jones and Taylor Swift tried on the trend.

Already we have seen marine-hued eye makeup on the runways and red carpet, and last night both January Jones and Taylor Swift tried on the trend. At the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards, January lined her eyes with an iridescent emerald eyeliner with a cat-eye flick and a shimmer finish. The emerald hue also matched January's glittering green earrings for a polished look. Taylor wore a similar eye makeup look at the FiFi Awards. The singer mixed bronze shadow with shimmering blue eyeliner. Both women chose a winning combination with the blond hair, blue eyes, and sea-themed makeup. But who wore the look best?

Link Time

Beyoncé Launches a New Scent to Mark Her World Tour

summer beauty

Caudalie's Latest Line, Just in Time For Summer

If you love the warm scent of Caudalie Divine Oil, you'll be happy to hear the brand has launched an entire body line with the same fragrance.

If you love the warm scent of Caudalie Divine Oil, you'll be happy to hear the brand has launched an entire body line with the same fragrance. Now, you'll be able to get your favorite body oil in a TSA-friendly travel size, a body scrub, and a candle. Plus, see which new Caudalie product really has us excited for Summer (hint: it will get you glowing in seconds). On Jessica: Zara jacket and Banana Republic dress.