If you’re blond
Lighter hair is gorgeous, but it’s easier to go overboard with your makeup color choices, according to Marie Claire magazine. With such a pale color surrounding your face, colorful features often take center stage. As a result, it’s best to choose one feature to make pop rather than several. If you want to draw attention to your eyes, use dark or neutral shadows to create contrast, like you’d find in the Jane Iredale – PurePressed Eye Shadow collection. The same goes for eyeliners and mascara. A lighter lip color, like peach, will complement darker eyes. One thing to keep in mind is the color of your eyebrows. Whether you keep them darker than your hair color or match them to it, it’s crucial to keep brows filled in with Paula Dorf – 2 + 1 for Brows to avoid them looking scarce.

If you’re a redhead
Neutral shades are a redhead’s best friends, as they won’t compete with the vibrant color of your locks. Browns and greens work well on their own, but layering brighter colors with toned-down shades will create a subtle burst of color. Pick up a compact with plenty of variety, like POP Beauty – Eye Cake, which has chic options. Marie Claire also suggests using purple as one of your go-to shades, as well as other jewel tones, so experiment with violet eyeliners and plum lipsticks. BORGHESE – B Moisture Advanced Care Lipcolour has plenty of purple choices that will make your lips truly luscious.

If your hair is black
Ladies should “play up the mysterious, sexy vibe of black hair by accentuating just one feature with sultry color,” Jerrod Blandino, founder and creative director of Too Faced Cosmetics, told Women’s Health magazine. Use colorful smokey eyeshadow paired with sheer cheek and lip tints, like you’d get with GloMinerals – gloTint for Cheeks & Lips. Plenty of mascara will pull together the look, so apply one coat of Blinc – Mascara then let it dry before coating lashes with another application. Use a lash comb to separate them afterwards for a feathery look.

If you’re a brunette
With brown hair, you can pull off a variety of colorful makeup looks. Brighter colors look fresh against a neutral brown shade, so try out something like vibrant orange lipstick or navy blue eyeshadow. Marie Claire warns not to forget about your eyebrows however, as they make a natural frame for your face. Colorescience – Eyebrow Stencil can help you achieve the desired shape. Feel free to experiment with a variety of colors, and don’t forget that shimmery shades and glitter can be fun for a night out!

Don’t forget that you can always switch up the color of your hair, so you don’t have to stick with the same coloring all the time. Even subtle highlights can open up a variety of makeup looks to experiment with, so don’t be afraid to ask your stylist for color advice.

First of all, you should know that there is no standard timeframe for when you need a trim. Everyone’s hair is different, so there’s no one time that’s good to have your hair touched up. However, there’s a basic guide that you can follow, recommended by The Beauty Department.

Short, cropped hair needs a trim every four to six weeks. This will ensure that the shape of the cut doesn’t change much. In between trims, you may want to use a styling product like Baxter of California – Clay Pomade to ensure that your style remains looking cared for.

Hair that’s about shoulder-length should also get a cut every four to six weeks. Many styles will start to flip outward when the hair hits your shoulders, so how long between trims depends on how long or short your neck is. Longer necks could probably go six weeks, while shorter ones might need a trim after four.

Layered hair needs a trim every six to eight weeks. This will ensure that the style moves the same way and remains the same shape. Leonor Greyl – Eclat Naturel can help your hair remain soft and smooth in between cuts.

Hair that’s medium to long length needs a trim every eight to twelve weeks. This will prevent any split ends from occurring, which could travel up the hair shaft and create frizz and other signs of damage. It’s important to use a conditioning product, like Hamadi – Healing Serum, in between trims.

Very long hair should be cut every six to eight weeks. Long hair has a tendency to get dry, brittle and extremely breakable near the ends, so it’s important to keep split ends at bay.

These numbers are subject to change, since all hair is different. Basically, it’s up to you to tell when you need a trim. If your hair starts getting heavy, shapeless and dry, you know it’s time for some TLC. Split ends are also a tell-tale sign that your hair needs to be cut.

Now that you know when to get your hair cut, it would help to know how. Most women prefer to go to a stylist to get their hair trimmed, but it’s actually very easy to do yourself, especially if you’re only touching up your bangs. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you should be able to save money and time by giving yourself a touch-up. Here are the tools you need, according to Livestrong.com:

• A fine-toothed comb to help you section off areas and get rid of tangles
• A selection of hair clips to hold back hair that you’re not cutting
• A razor comb to create layers
• Hand and wall mirrors to ensure that you can see your head from all angles
• Sharp scissors, especially designed to cut hair.

It’s best to cut your hair when it’s dry, as wet hair appears longer because it’s weighed down. This will ensure that you won’t cut your hair too short by accident. You should also make sure that your hair is free of tangles. Hamadi – Shea Leave In will make your hair smooth and manageable.

As long as you stay organized while you’re cutting by using plenty of clips, you should be able to give yourself a satisfactory trim. If you’re unsure about the best hair-cutting methods, simply pay attention to your stylist next time you go to the salon, or check out how-to videos online.

1. Down, wavy and all on one side. If you’ve been paying attention to the red carpet lately, you know how frequently this look pops up on celebrities. It’s an easy way to take your normal blowout from cute to fabulous. After showering, use a bit of Leonor Greyl – Condition Naturelle, then blow dry and use a large-barreled curling iron to create soft waves. Make a deep side part, then move all your hair to one side, in front of your shoulder. Spritz with hairspray to ensure it stays put.

2. Plenty of texture. If you want to wear your hair down but infuse it with loads of volume and texture, it’s easy to do with a volumizing mousse like Leonor Greyl – Mousse Au Lotus Volumatrice. Just apply some to your roots, then flip your head upside down and blow dry. Once it’s completely dry, use a curling iron to create waves on random sections, then finish up with a light hairspray.

3. Pinned side part. Celebrities like Madonna are real fans of this look, so it’s safe to say it’s totally fashionable for your holiday soiree. Blow dry your hair as usual, then use a round brush to lightly curl the ends underneath. Create a side part, then pin the sideswept hair behind your ear, tucking it underneath a bit.

4. Sleek and smooth. This look is very polished, so you can bet you’ll look fancy and sophisticated at the bash. Just blow dry your hair as usual, then use plenty of shine spray to infuse your hair with shimmer. Hamadi – Shea Spray will do the trick. Run a flat iron over your strands to really smooth them out, then blast with cold air from your blowdryer to seal the cuticle. Part it however you’d like, then tuck it behind your ears.

5. Side braid. Once your hair is dry, use a bit of salt spray to create beachy texture. Just mix a bit of table salt with water in a spray bottle. Pull your strands to one side of your head, then make a braid (or even a fishtail). Gently pull pieces out to make it a bit rough looking, as you want it to look casual.

6. Partial french braid. After blow drying your hair, use Jack Black – Body Building Hair Gel to create volume and texture. Part your hair on the side, then start a french braid one one side, right next to the part. Take pieces from along your hairline, then finish above your ear and secure with an elastic. Pin it in place and you’re good to go.

7. DIY headband. When your hair is dry, use a curling iron to create loose waves all over your head. Pull your hair into a low side ponytail, then separate it in half and braid the top portion. Pull the braid over your head to create a headband effect, then pin it into place behind your ear. Rough up the other half of the ponytail and secure it into a bun. Keep everything in place with Leonor Greyl – Structure Naturelle.

8. Half up. Create a bouncy blowout by drying your hair, then using large Velcro rollers near your roots and blasting them with hot hair to heat them up. Shake it out, then use a thin comb to tease the roots on the crown of your head. Pull the upper half of your hair back toward your crown, then secure it in place with bobby pins or a bejeweled clip.

Perhaps Miss Middleton is here to teach us that you don’t need to shell out big bucks in order to look your best, especially if you already look amazing given the makeup skills you’ve perfected over the years.

Either way, we’re sure some of you are clamoring for a piece of the royal pie too – here are some basic do-it-yourself beauty tips, inspired by the ever glamorous and practical Kate.

Skin

Ever wondered how Kate managed to keep her skin so radiant and flawless through the months-long media circus that ensued following her engagement? Alright, we relent, not all of us have our photographs airbrushed when we make public appearances, but at least we can’t chalk this one up to our lack of a team of professional makeup artists.

Fortunately for us, it’s not beyond our grasp to get our hands on the same products that Kate relies on to nourish her dewy complexion. Ever since she was introduced to them by a friend, Kate swears by products developed by Swiss beauty brand Karin Herzog, according to Style.com. Karin Herzog’s U.K. managing director, Julie Cichocki, told the news source that Kate uses the Professional Cleanser, the Vita-A-Kombi 1, the Vita-A-Kombi 3 Spot Zapper and the Oxygen Face Cream.

This last ingredient in particular is something that will let women everywhere breathe a little easier – Karin Herzog was one of the first companies to use oxygen in its beauty products.

“Stress is the number one culprit for depleting oxygen in the skin, and, poor girl, what could be more stressful than an international announcement of a royal wedding, with cameras from every news agency pointed at you,” Cichocki told the news source. “A wedding of any kind is stressful for a bride, and still, her skin looked just beautiful – dewy, plump, fresh.”

Hair

You and I both know that we wouldn’t be so captivated by Kate’s effortless glamor if it weren’t for those commercial-worthy chestnut locks.

Kate’s hair is the next shiniest thing besides her engagement ring, so ladies who want to cop her look should reach for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. A shine-enhacing serum or spritzer can help add a little extra reflective oomph.

As for that classic polished style, Glamour.com instructs women everywhere to nab it for themselves using “the round-brush twist.”

“Using a medium-sized, boar-bristle round brush, blow out your hair as usual, until it’s about 80 percent dry,” the news source explains. “Then start rolling sections onto the brush and [flip] it vertical to your head. Hold each section that way and blast with heat from the dryer for several seconds, then pull the brush straight down until the hair slides up and off.”

Voila – you’ve got sleek, subtle ringlets that will make for a rather royal impression.

Makeup

Last but not least, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the beauty prowess that is now so accessible to women everywhere. Kate has inspired many with her clean, basic makeup that bodes well for a run down the grocery aisle just as well as it does for a professional photoshoot.

With the already-impeccable complexion you acquired thanks to Kate’s skincare regimen, apply just enough tinted moisturizer or foundation to even out your skintone.

A soft, rosy blush paired with sheer pink or neutral gloss will add the subtlest tint of color to lips and cheeks, as eyes are what tend to steal the show in true Middletonian fashion. A basic rim of black or dark brown liner applied to the top and bottom lash line is of utmost importance, followed by a couple coats of black mascara and a pencil or mousse to get those brows in tip-top shape.

If you thought that was easy, rest assured – the hard part largely involves waiting on that prince to show.

Perhaps it’s time to make a resolution, don’t you think? With a few simple steps and expert tips, we can all start treating our manos a bit better. After all, who doesn’t want to be able to show off gorgeous, manicured hands on a regular basis?

1. Every good manicure starts with a soothing soak – attending to your skin is an important first step to getting those hands into shape.

While every inch of your skin generally requires extra TLC in the winter, nothing gets a harder beating than your hands. If you’ve been suffering from dry, cracked knuckles, it’s crucial that you begin applying lotion to them at least once a day. Carrying ultra-rich hand creams in your purse is also a good idea if you find yourself needing access to the stuff at all hours of the day.

Look for lotions that are specially designed to treat the sensitive skin on your hands. L’Occitane Mini Honey and Lemon Hand Cream will make taking care of yourself all the more intoxicating with its fresh, delicious scent and ultra-effective shea butter.

Cuticles also need special attention in the winter, and tending to them well can help prevent the temptation to chew them up.

“I’ve had a number of nail gurus tell me that oil is better than lotion,” Genevieve Monsma, beauty director of MORE magazine, told CNN.

Monsma recommends applying nail oil to the cuticles before bed or before putting on your gloves in the morning in order to give enough time for the product to sink in (olive oil works just as well, too).

2. For those with some rugged-looking cuticles, keeping your nail beds in shape can make the difference between promoting your bad habit and having flawless, healthy nails.

Toronto nail salon owner Leeanne Colley told The Globe and Mail that avoiding “wet” and “soak” manicures may be a better solution for the cuticle-afflicted. Colley recommends applying a gel cuticle remover on dry nails and letting it sit for about 30 seconds or so. Then, gently push back the skin with an orange stick wrapped in cotton.

For healing purposes, a bit of special cuticle salve may help you with any existing damage on your hands. Colley recommends looking for products that contain grapeseed or almond oil.

3. If you’ve been tearing up your cuticles, chances are you never let your nails get too long either. Some people like having short, manageable fingertips, but if you’re longing for a little extra length, there are ways you can promote your nail growth.

A high-protein diet can be an unexpected route toward faster growth, according to OneIndia Living. Fish and lean meats can provide the most noticeable results, and vegetarians can benefit from some Vitamin D supplements or protein-rich legumes.

The news source also recommends massaging nails with olive, coconut or sesame oil. This is especially good therapy for anyone that does a lot of dish-washing throughout the day.

If you haven’t been wearing gloves this winter, you should probably get on that right away. Nails can crack without the proper circulation and warmth, which doesn’t do much for your manicure. One way to help prevent this is by wearing some thin polish at all times, according to the news source.

Of course, a little outside help never hurt anyone. Use a special nail treatment such as Talika Nail Regenerator Serum for extra nourishment and healing power.

While walking the line between holiday cheer and evening chic may seem tricky, it can be easy to master, as long as you armed with the right products and a bit of expert insight.

Glitter is perhaps the biggest component of great holiday makeup – it adds instant flash, while upping your look’s glam factor. Cover your lids with a shadow that is chock full of sparkle, like Too Faced Shimmer Veils, but remember to keep brightly colored pigment below your crease. A bold hue that contains a lot of shimmer can be too much for your entire eye. To create a gorgeous look that sparkles all over, use a glittery nude shadow above your crease and on your brow bone to add flash without overdosing on color.

You can also coat your lips with a shiny lip gloss that boasts a healthy helping of glitter. While some products contain pigment and shimmer, we suggest using a lip stain to add color to your pout and then finishing your smile with a sparkling formula, like Liptini Topper Lip Gloss in On the Rocks (silver glitter) or Spritzer (gold glitter). This way, you can replenish the shimmer throughout the night without worrying about adding too much color.

If you want to wear glittery makeup, remember to choose to emphasize one feature or the other – if you opt for sparkly eyes, a matte mouth or lips that boast a subtle sheen will be the perfect complement, and you won’t look like you are heading to Studio 54.

Glitter can be subtle as well. Too Faced Starry Eyed Liquid Eye Liner will add a small stripe of sparkle and the brand’s Electric Lash Ultra Thickening Mascara and Shimmering Topcoat will cover your lashes with a subtle sprinkling of glitter. If you are interested in a more refined sparkle, add a bit of shine by applying a shimmering highlighter like GloMinerals gloDust 24K, on your cheekbones and brow bones, and a touch in the center of your lower lip.

However, glitter isn’t for everybody – especially if your ensemble is sequined (then your outfit will already boast enough flash without sparkling makeup). Instead of showering your face in shimmer, opt for a pop of color instead. A bold red lip or a smoky cobalt eye will make any evening look come alive for the holiday season.

If you’re wearing a little black dress, you can get away with makeup of almost any hue (as long as it flatters your complexion as well, of course). But if the getup is a bright color, you have two options- select cosmetics that match your outfit or shades that contrast with it. While a bright pink pout will look fantastic with a magenta dress, plum eye shadow is a perfect pairing with a gold number – the choice is yours.

Remember – don’t forget your nails! No look is complete without a perfect manicure, and nail polish is easiest way to add sparkle or color (or both!) to your ensemble. Lippmann Collection offers a range of lacquers that contain a lot of glitter, like Across the Universe (navy polish with blue and green glitter) and Ruby Red Slippers (deep red polish with matching sparkles), as well as metallic formulas that provide a simple sheen, such as Stardust (platinum frost). Pop Beauty Nail Glam is available in a wide range of hues, from Nude (a basic neutral) to Tomato (a classic red) to Turquoise.

However, with a bit of preparation, some savvy packing and a few key products, women can create a great travel revival kit that will enable them to instantly refresh their look before they set foot in their parents’ house.

Before leaving, use a mild exfoliant to remove dead skin and apply a thick layer of moisturizer, skincare expert Denise Spanek told StyleCaster. She also warns that women should avoid using products that contain Retin A or a high percentage of alpha-hydroxy acids, as they can irritate skin when exposed to different climates.

Gals who are flying to their holiday destination of choice may need the most preparation, as the Transportation Security Authority restricts the amount of liquids one can bring on a flight. According to regulations, carry-on luggage can include one quart-sized plastic bag filled with 3.4 ounce bottles of liquid.

Instead of checking your luggage or trying to squeeze 20 bottles into the one bag, only take the necessary products along for the trip. This is a completely personal decision – some women cannot live without their specialty shampoo and conditioner, while others won’t leave home without the products for their personalized skincare regiment. Carefully weigh what you can and cannot do without, and fill a few three-ounce bottles accordingly.

When packing your revival kit, make sure to include items for the three target areas – skin, hair and makeup.

Whether you are traveling on a plane or by bus, the stuffy, recirculated air can leave your skin feeling dry and dull. Make sure to bring a hydrating hand cream and a facial moisturizer. L’Occitane offers treatments that are good for your skin and are packaged small enough to travel with easily, such as Mini Cherry Blossom Hand Cream and Ultra Moisturizing Fluid SPF 20.

While tying your hair back is the easiest way keep strands from looking stringy, women who prefer to wear their locks loose should still bring along some hair elastics, and stock up on dry shampoo.

According to Allure, New York-based hair stylist Moulay Yacoubi suggests that at the beginning of the trip, women separate their hair into three sections – one on each side of your head and one in the back – and make three loose braids. Upon arrival, simply shake out the braids and use a product, such as Clean Original Dry Shampoo, to absorb excess oil. Finish with Clean Shampoo Fresh Hair Fragrance, which will make your locks smell as if you just stepped out of the shower.

Instead of carrying your cosmetics case with you, pack your every day items in your luggage and fill your revival kit with a few multipurpose products. Cream blushes, such as Paula Dorf Cheek Color Cream, can infuse your pout and complexion with color. Pixi Lid & Line combines liner, shadow and a smudger in one easy-to-use (and better yet, easy-to-carry) pen.

While your beauty revival kit will help you to look great when you arrive at your destination, there are a few items you may want to avoid as you travel, to improve your appearance as well.

“Internally, it’s best to stay away from salt, coffee and alcohol – try and drink teas [herbal or green is best] and lots of water,” Spanek told StyleCaster. “Yes, it sounds boring but you will arrive feeling and looking much better.”