Aveda

Ringing in 2009 got me thinking, "Now, just how old am I going to be this year?" That reminded me of the goodies beauty companies send out in honor of my birthday. (I don't sound too greedy, do I?)

To help you prepare for your big day, I've compiled a short list of companies that provide complimentary b-day gifts, so you can sign up if you'd like. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section and share your favorites. And a Happy (early) Birthday to you!

• The Body Shop: As a member of the Love Your Body card program, you pay $10 to join, accumulate points, receive rewards, get 10% off all year long, and receive a gift during your birthday month, too.
• Aveda: The environmentally-friendly beauty company's Pure Privilege card also costs $10 to join. You earn points with each purchase, and every year when you're birthday rolls around, you'll receive a certificate for a $20 gift. Psst. It's usually a customized Pure-Fume Spirit blend.
• Sephora: The beauty megastore's Beauty Insider Card is free. As a member, pop into a Sephora store within 14 days of your birthday to redeem your gift. See the site for more details about redeeming online.

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Backstage at Alexander Wang, the designer told me his inspiration for the hair and makeup was "sweat." Well, he couldn't have picked a more humid and rainy day to show.

Just as hot-and-bothered was the beauty look. Makeup artist Dick Page described it as "the walk of shame — when you have to go into the subway station, everyone is going to work, and you're going home."

To that end, models' hair and faces were sprayed with Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray before they hit the runway. "The girls look very hot, like they've been exerting themselves," explained head hairstylist Eugene Souleiman, who used Aveda products. "It's about action, sporty, really cool-looking girls that are tough. Really cool girls don't do too much with their hair because they don't need to. Fast life, no time to do her hair!" The result? Models who looked like they got caught in the same 90-degree downpour the audience did, only infinitely more glamorous. Real cool girls indeed.

For the specifics on the hair and makeup, plus backstage photos, read more

When Aveda launches a new concept, the company tends to do it in bulk. Such was the case with its Outer Peace acne-treatment regimen (and the subsequent men's hair-care line), and the same rings true with the just launched Dry Remedy. There's the requisite shampoo and conditioner, plus a hair mask (and a free comb if you buy the three as a set).

The system also follows the company's tradition of using plant and flower essences in its products. It does this, primarily, with its use of buriti oil and pomegranate, which Aveda claims help penetrate the hair with moisture; and, secondarily, with meadowfoam, soybean, and sunflower seed oils, used to help seal in the moisture.

I haven't tried this particular line, but I'm glad to see Aveda moving in this direction since I've found some of their shampoos, specifically Brilliant and Shampure, to be very drying, especially with daily use. Have you had a similar issue with Aveda shampoo, and, if so, will you try Dry Remedy?

The hair and makeup at Friday's Rag & Bone show worked 100% seamlessly with the clothing. That makes sense, since lead makeup artist Gucci Westman is married to one of the designers of the line. Like the clothing that came down the runway, the makeup used gray, black, and blue tones to create an edgy cool-girl look.

"It's a Blade Runner '40s girl," Gucci explained as she dabbed navy eye shadow on model Coco Rocha. "The collection is very monochromatic and futuristic, so we wanted something a little more futuristic and unexpected in the makeup. The girl still looks gorgeous—it's always important that she looks sexy and cool."

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Launched earlier this year, Aveda's latest skin care collection is called Outer Peace. This four-step skin care line uses modern Ayurvedic botanicals to achieve balanced, clear skin. Some key ingredients in these products include salicylic acid, the anti-irritant saw palmetto, ambla (a popular Ayurvedic berry that helps heal) and a blend of organic essential oils such as lemon, tea tree and rose geranium.

For a detailed list of each of the products and their prices, read more

After learning about the many many first-aid and household uses for tea tree oil, I decided to do a little bit of research to see what kinds of beauty products exist with this ingredient. I found out that there are way too many to count, so I've decided to create a three-part series highlighting some of my favorite brands that use this fabulous essential oil in their hair, face and skin care products. I can't wait to hear what you think — and of course if you have any tea tree-infused products of your own to share, please leave a comment.

Liz Earle Spot On Roller Ball (around $15) is an amazing treatment for blemishes bites and cuts. It's made from pure tea tree oil, melissa and lavender (it's got that really strong tea tree oil smell). I've been using it for about a week now on my pimples and it's been extremely effective in fighting off bacteria.

I love the easy roller-ball application, and it doesn't sting like many other spot treatments often do. Unfortunately right now it's only available in the UK, but—shh!—there are tons of gray markets online that will deliver overseas.

For two more tea tree oil products for your skin, read more

Just look at Leonardo DiCaprio, all smart and dapper. His dirty blond hair is brushed back and firmly held back in place, yet it still looks soft enough to run your fingers through ... wake up Bella! (Sorry about that little daydream, I was long gone in Leo-land for a sec.)

This photo from the 11th Hour premiere last week got me thinking of all my favorite medium-hold hair gels for men. Take a peek at this post so that the next time your guy asks you what to buy, you'll be prepared!


Frederic Fekkai Hair Gel for Men ($18.50) is a medium-hold hair gel that also provides texture, definition and shape to long or short hair. It smells great (I actually love it too, even though it's for guys) and it leaves hair shiny, soft and manageable.

For two more medium-hold hair gels for men, read more

This season, brightly colored eyeliner is all the rage. It's a great time to play with flirty colors and stray from everyday blacks and browns. I particularly like the lime-green eyeliner trend, because it's a slightly wild but still mild look. It even works for daytime — perhaps with a summer barbecue ensemble?

I've played around with the shade, and I think these eyeliners look best with black mascara and a champagne shadow. If you've tried lime-green eyeliner, let me me know what worked for you.

Petal Essence Triple Accent by Aveda in Olive/Quince ($18) is a dual-ended chunky pencil that can be used on the eyes, lips, or cheeks. (There are icons on each end, indicating where you can use it.) Though this earth-friendly pencil, made from eco-certified wood, is sold out online, you can find it at Aveda salons.

For one more lime-green eyeliner, read more

Welcome back to Model of the Week. This Wednesday, we are taking a closer look at doe-eyed Britt Koth, who you may remember as the devout Christian on MTV’s "8th & Ocean." Koth is a 21-year old from Kansas City, MO, who hails from a very large family. She has nine siblings — four brothers and five sisters — six of whom were adopted from around the world.

She was discovered at age 16, when her mothered entered her in a Kansas City modeling contest. Koth quickly signed with a local agency, where she modeled for a few years before moving to Miami to sign with Irene Marie Management Group.

You may recognize her from her photos in Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Teen People, and Ocean Drive, as well as ad campaigns for Buckle, Roxy, Delia’s, Chevrolet, and Quiksilver. Fittingly, Koth loves makeup and going to the beach, and she also spends time hiking, camping, fishing, and reading. To read what she had to say about fashion on FabSugar, and for insight into her beauty regimen and a photo gallery, read more