The early bird gets the dark circles....

Work, family, friends, we are thinking of everyone but ourselves. It seems like taking care of ones self has become a lost priority. Take some time for YOU. Busy schedules often leave you haggard, causing dark circles under your eyes, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. It's imperative that you stay hydrated, lower your stress levels and get in at least eight hours of sleep each night. As important as these things are for your physical appearance, they are most important for your overall health. So while you take a load off, vow to drink your H20 and set an earlier bedtime. I can help with the rest.

To achieve the maximum effects by doing your part to stay healthy as stated above, here are some holistic measures for your eyes: Place a chilled spoon, raw potato slices, or cucumbers over your lids to constrict blood vessels and diminish dreaded dark circles and puffiness. Tea bags also work as most contain an anti-inflammatory. My personal favorite is green tea. Seep for 6

minutes let cool off (so you don't burn yourself) and place the bags carefully over your closed eyes. Follow up with your own personal favorite eye cream. Then, if you need a little extra hand to perk up your peepers, makeup can be your best friend.

Although, let's be real. No matter how much time and money you spend on your makeup, you can't just expect it to perform miracles. Major skin ailments will not just completely go away with a dab of concealer. It's not cosmetic surgery, so understand what it WILL do for you. Camouflage.

Here's a list of my FAVES....

1. Smashbox - Photofinish Color Correcting Foundation Primer $38

If you suffer from rosacea, or any sort of redness, try this in "color adjust." Not only will it neutralize the redness with it's green shade, it will also minimize the look of fine lines and create a smooth canvas for your concealer and foundation.

2. Benefit - Erase Paste $26

Blends so smoothly, and erases before your eyes! Definitely lives up to it's name.

3. Benefit - Lemon Aid $20

My absolute favorite eyelid primer. Perfectly cleans the slate, hiding any and all discoloration.

4. Kevyn Aucoin Beauty - The Sensual Skin Enhancer $45

You won't need to use much as this is a super rich formula. It can be used as a foundation, concealer AND highlighter. And come on... it's Kevyn Aucoin, need I say more!?

5. Make Up For Ever - Lift Concealer $22

This is just one of those magic products.

Containing Tensine, this will firm and tighten while keeping skin healthy with vitamin A and E. It will also work as a concealer and highlighter. Oh! Did I mention it will also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles? Absolutely a must.

6. mark. - Speedway do everything makeup $8

This will work wonders to conceal those more pesky brown spots, blemishes and under eye circles. It also doubles as a foundation.

7. Neutrogena - Healthy Skin Smoothing Stick $6.50

Extremely lightweight, glides on easy and will not appear thick or cakey. Hence it's perfectly named "skin smoothing stick." Comes in a variety of colors, but as I stated before, yellow is the best color to neutralize those under eye circles.

Mermaid Chic!

It's long since the days I jumped in a pool and swam around pretending I was a mermaid. I always thought they were so enchanting. That's why I can't contain my excitement for the new

mermaid trends that surround us. Regardless if you want to tease up your day to day look, or want a fresh and sultry new idea for Halloween next month, these options are both fun, and stylish.

"Dress" the part! From walking down the aisle, or

the red carpet, various mermaid shapes, and colors are all over and sexier than ever! Flaunt those hips!

For a more casual idea, top off a jeans and T-Shirt look with a Crochet Leaf Scarf. A hot new look, also sort of fitting our theme resembling seaweed! Bakers-Purple/black/gold- $15

1. This polish may be technically "out of season" but you can't deny that it's gorgeous! Perhaps you're a warm weather fanatic, this just could be the way to brighten up the upcoming colder months, put some summer on your nails!

Sephora by O.P.I- Mermaid Collection- in "mail order mermaid" $9

2. This quad embodies fantasy. Put a little blue on using the purple as your accent shade. Experiment. But remember, when using blues there's a fine line between come hither color and Mimi Bobeck.

DIOR -5 color iridescent eyeshadow - in "electric lights" $56

3. If you're not the type for colorful shadow, then be a little daring by putting on only a dash of this eyeliner and some black volumizing mascara.

Make Up For Ever - Aqua eyes- "Blue With Green Highlights 12L" $17

4. Every mermaid's complexion has a rosy dew to it. Being pink and creamy this does the trick. Packed with two colors for contouring, and highlighting. This duo is a sexy combination of sheer pink, and pink champagne with shimmer.

Nars The Multiple Duo in "Maldives/Riviera" $45

5. This gloss so girly, and sweet. Perfect to top your makeup off!

NARS- Lip Gloss- in "Turkish Delight" $24

Lastly, with this trend hair is where it's at.

1. Long waves - When adding curl it's helpful for the hair to not be perfectly clean, so try this do' out on a day where you don't wash your locks. Take a large barrel curling iron, and starting a little off of the bottom curl up to about 3 inches from your roots, leave for a moment then spray. After it settles shake your hair out, or gently run your fingers through it.

2. Mermaid Braids- Two small front braids met in the back, one braid wrapped around your head, One fish tail, or a french braid framing one side of your face. I love this look! Braids are a little tricky if you don't know how. I've found detailed pictures on "how to's" very helpful. I suggest starting off with the "fish tail" or "fish bone" braid. They look intricate and complicated but i find them easier to weave than a french braid!

3. Brunettes to Blonde: Do blondes really have more fun? More celebrities are rocking this look than ever. Perfect for a glamorous little sea nymph! I'm a brunette myself, so this isn't really my favorite fad (traitors! haha) but if you MUST make sure you get it done professionally or i can promise you that your head will resemble a pumpkin rather than Darryl Hannah!

Lock, Stock, and Smokin' Fashion....

Most of us have been inspired by our favorite celebrities red carpet smokey eyes. We want that same sultry sex appeal, but not everyone can have a team of makeup artists to work their magic. This is a list of varying degrees of drama for those who want a little or A LOT of smoke to their look. Whether it be a dark polish to your nails, glitter or a little gun powder eye liner, everyone will find something on this list to get their fix.

1. Kat Von D for Sephora- "Rock 'n Roll Eye Shadow Duo in Sixxshooter" $20

If you're a smoky eye addict like I am, then you will absolutely adore this compact! Long lasting, and it goes on subtle so you have

control to build up the drama that you'd like.

2. Sephora by O.P.I- "Matte Nail Color inMetrochic" $9

I can't lie to you, the matte finish threw me off at first. This is definitely not for the faint of heart, only made for those serious trendsetters out there. But it will really grow on you! Promise. You can even add gloss to the nail base or the tip for a unique twist on the classic french manicure.

3. Avon - "Glimmersticks Waterproof Eye Liner in Smoky Grey " $6.00

You've got to love charcoal liners. Even worn only accompanied by mascara it is incredibly sexy! Or grab some shadows and mix 'n match with this replacing the classic blacks and browns that sometimes become tired.

4. mark. "Winkstick Hook Up Eye Shadow Stick in Coy"

$5.50

This is for those girls who want to try the smoky effect, but aren't totally committed to the sometimes high drama it entails. It's creamy, and adds a gorgeous smoked purple haze to your eyes.

5. Make Up For Ever -"Glitters in Silver 2" $13

Alright you attention seekers, you know who you are. Get creative! Place a little dab of this anywhere you'd like for a fearless pop of sparkle. Tip: Coat your lids with a small amount of "M.A.C: Gloss Creme Brilliance" to allow the glitter to adhere easier, more evenly and stay put!

6. M.A.C - "Zoom Lash in Zoom Black" $13

This is one of the most amazing mascara's on the market, I swear it. It provides amazing length, thickness and doesn't leave your lashes stiff or clumped. But you only need a small amount! A little goes a long way. You can also sweep it on after using your favorite mascara for an added punch!

7. M.A.C. - "Eye Kohl in Smolder" $14.50

Last but not least, for those who are loyal to their black eyeliner it's a smoky eye STAPLE. It's thick, goes on smoothly and has

incredibly rich pigment.

Also, if you want to master you're own smoldering look study Troy Jensen, Mario Dedivanovic, and Stephen Moleski. Best known for their works on Jennifer Lopez, The Kardashians, Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls, Megan Fox and many other undeniably gorgeous women.