You don’t need pricey salon visits to keep your hair color rich and vibrant. The drugstore aisles have everything you need.

1.    Use shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. Try the L’Oreal Everpure collection ($6).

2.    Deep condition weekly. If your strands are fine, coat from midshaft to ends. Try Garnier Fructis Color Shield Fortifying Deep Conditioner ($6).

3.    Boost your hue with a tinted glaze. The translucent dyes coat your hair, so your hair color will appear more vibrant and shiny. Try John Frieda Color Glaze ($6).

Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

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Heal chapped lips with homemade products

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Here’s an easy at-home remedy to keep cracking at bay:

1. Mix two parts Vaseline with one part sugar to make a paste. (The petroleum jelly moisturizes, while the sugar crystals exfoliates.)

2. Rub a soft toothbrush or a cloth on lips for about 30 seconds, then wipe away with a soft tissue or a warm damp cloth.

3. Coat lips with a moisturizing balm. For extremely dry, cracking lips, I like to use a medicated on with quick-soothing ingredients like menthol or camphor.

Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

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Have you always wondered whether it’s a good idea to buy a membership to a discount club store? Good news: BJ’s Wholesale Club is offering a 60-day trial membership—for free! No surcharges, no strings. Simply activate your membership before Dec. 31, and get all the member benefits for free, just in time for the holidays. Click here, print out the coupon and bring it to your local BJ’s, then shop all you like.

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Posted by Beth Lipton, Food Editor

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My friend has dewy skin and always a rosy flush. It’s so natural, I can’t really tell whether she’s wearing makeup or not.

So I had to ask: what’s the key to her glow-from-within look? Use a cheek stain before applying foundation or any other makeup. The outcome? The most natural-looking flush.

1.    Start with clean, moisturized skin.

2.    Apply stain onto fingers and dot onto apples of cheeks (smile to find them). Using a circular motion, blend quickly with fingers. For a deeper “pop” of color, repeat.

3.    When stain dries, then go ahead and put on foundation and the rest of your makeup. (Caryn swears by Bare Escentuals’ BareMinerals foundation.)

Check out these great picks for cheek stains:

1.    Benefit’s Posietint. This pretty pink shade replicates an outdoorsy glow. (My friend swears by this!)

2.    Sephora’s Lush Flush Wine Lip & Cheek Stain. This romantic, plummy hue works hand in hand with fall’s rich colors.

Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

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I was excited when I heard about JCP Rewards, JCPenney’s loyalty program, because I shop on jcp.com often for cute and affordable dresses and home basics like towels and sheets. To cash in on this program, head to jcprewards.com and register for free. Enter information for the credit or debit cards you use when you shop at the store (this way, the store is able to track your points and you don’t have to carry a membership card). Then, shop away—every dollar you spend in the store, online or catalog will earn you one point. Earn 250 points in a month, and you’ll get $10 in JCP Rewards. Earn more points by using your JCPenney credit card or buying designated bonus items (for example, this month, if you buy something from the St. John’s Bay brand, you’ll earn 50 bonus points). When you earn a reward certificate, you’ll receive an e-mail prompting you to log into your account and print it (or, if you’re shopping online or via the catalog, you can use the code given). Be sure to use your rewards certificate right away—points don’t roll over to the next month.

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

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Ever wanted to rub elbows with the fashion elite? Now you have a chance to, thanks to Rowenta, the garment care experts.

Rowenta wants you to live the life of a fashionista at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in February as designers present their collections in New York.

One lucky winner will win tickets to select fashion week shows, where you can check out what’s up and coming in fashion and beauty trends for fall. The package includes roundtrip airfare for two, three nights’ accommodations at a hotel and a shopping spree and makeover so you look your best under the tents.

Log onto rowentasweepstakes.com by November 30 to win. Good luck!

Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

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Catherines stores are holding a “Real Woman Model Search” to find a fresh face for the line, as well as become a top model with Dorothy Combs Models, Inc.- America’s premier modeling agency for plus-size talent. One grand-prize winner will win an exclusive two-year contract with the model agency, a $1,000 Catherines wardrobe gift card and a trip to New York for a photo shoot where they will be pampered and appear in a future Catherines campaign. Four additional winners will win $500 gift cards and have their name and photo appear on the website. Log on to catherines.com by November 30 for your chance to win.

Posted by Stephanie Castro, All You Intern

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* Budget Fashionista has news to make shopaholics jump for joy: H&M—prime spot for trendy, affordable fashion—is rumored to launch an online store for the U.S. soon!

* Before you shell out cash for a new wardrobe, check out how you can recycle fashion trends from 2008 and make them fresh for 2009. (Heads up: Boots, leggings and scarves are among the budget-friendly keepers!)

* Christian Louboutin’s glitter pumps have enough sparkle to bring the party anywhere—for $690.  Ouch! The Budget Babe comes to your wallet’s rescue with details on how to get a virtually identical alternative for just $55.95!

* Yikes! You overslept, your hair’s a mess and you only have a few minutes to get dressed before being pulled in a million different directions—what do you wear? Youlookfab.com clues you in on 10 casual outfit formulas for the mom on the go.

* Forget spending a fortune to look like a million bucks. Check out seven ways to fake a pricey look on the cheap.

Posted by Cheryl Thompson, Allyou.com

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Did you know that women go through an average of six pounds of lipstick in their lifetime? And that 60 percent of lipstick contains lead? While the debate over the safety of lead levels in lipsticks continues, Lavera, an organic skincare and cosmetics company, wants to show you that greener options are available.

Send Lavera a tube of lipstick and your email address via mail, and in return the company will color match it and send you the name of the Lavera lipstick that closely resembles yours—plus a $10 off coupon code toward your purchase.

For details, check out lavera.com. The promotion runs through December 31, 2009.

Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

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For a chance to win a $25 gift card and a $500 shopping spree, visit BudgetFashionista.com now through October 27 to sign up. You can enter three times a day through their Facebook fan page, Twitter (@kathrynfinney) and by visiting BudgetFashionista.com. One person will win a $25 gift card every day through October 27, then each week one person will be selected to win a $500 shopping spree to TJ Maxx. Register everyday for your best chance to win!

Posted by Riley Tant, AllYou.com

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Trendy Fall clothes

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Just because the summer’s over doesn’t mean it’s time to ignore your feet. Keep them soft in 4 simple steps.

1. Exfoliate. There’s nothing I hate more than dry, rough heels. It’s not only uncomfortable but it’s also unattractive. I like the Ped Egg Pro Foot File ($10, pinkpedegg.com); it’s the best and won’t break the bank.

2. Moisturize. Keeping those tooties well-hydrated is key. Massage foot cream such as Avon Foot Works Intensive Callus Cream ($5, avon.com), paying close attention to the backs of the heels and around the cuticles.

3. Shape Nail. Trim nails straight across to avoid painful ingrowns, then round the edges softly with a nail file. Good one to try: Studio 35 Beauty Deluxe Toenail Clipper with File ($2, walgreens.com).

4. Polish and Protect. Apply a base coat, two thin coats of nail color and a topcoat. Why not transition into fall with a deep dusty rose color. I’ve been loving the Essie Angora Cardi polish ($8; essie.com).

Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

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The runaway hot color right now is purple. And who doesn’t like purple?! So stock up on this fabulously flattering jewel tone and you’ll look über-stylish. Some favorites (all under $35!) right now are:

Old Navy sweater, $34.50

Kohl’s Simply Vera Vera Wang top, $24

JCPenney cocktail ring, $12.99

American Eagle suede ballet flats, $29.50

Walmart reversible quilted jacket, $15

Target scarf, $12.99

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Do you know what’s in your makeup brushes? Sure, there’s makeup gunk but your beauty tools are also a breeding ground for bacteria. Pretty gross, right? That’s why it’s important to clean them at least once a month; it not only promotes healthy skin but also increases the lifespan of your brushes.

1.     Squeeze a drop of gentle shampoo (I like Johnson’s Baby shampoo) in your palm, wet the tips of brushes with warm water, and swirl the bristles around on your palm.

2.      Rinse thoroughly, then squeeze excess with a clean towel.

3.     Lay flat on a cloth to dry. Reshape the head, then hang bristles off the edge of the counter so the bristles dry into perfect shape.

Is it time for new brushes? (Hint: Buy new ones when the bristles start to shed or won’t deposit color evenly).

This limited edition set (available September 16th  to November 4th) from Sonia Kashuk won’t break the bank.
Sonia Kashuk Brush Up On Pink Purse Brush Set, $13, at Target or target.com.

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At-home spa treatment

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Are your locks looking dry and dull lately? Blame it on summer! The sun, chlorine and saltwater can rob locks of its natural shine and bounce. With fall just around the corner, it’s time to undo the damage!

Problem: Fading color
Solution: UV-protector + At-home gloss

Create a barrier between your strands and the sun with products that contain UVA/UVB filters. Try L’Oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care volume shampoo ($7, walgreens.com)
Boost your hue up a notch with a weekly color glaze. It’ll keep your color looking fresher longer. This color kit from Revlon includes one ($16; drugstore.com).

Problem: Sun, salt and chlorine
Solution: Deep clean + TLC

Rinse away dulling buildup with a clarifying shampoo like Pantene Pro-V Clarifying shampoo ($4, walgreens.com)
Quench thirsty locks with a protein-rich mask to help fortify and restore the damage. Try Garnier Fructis Fortifying deep conditioner ($8; drugstore.com).

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Are you a fan of Project Runway? Season 4’s winner Christian Siriano not only has his own fashion line and also a collection of shoes at Payless, but now the fashion phenom is also marking his beauty debut with a line of runway-inspired makeup for Victoria’s Secret Beauty.

With gold packaging, rich colors and soft textures, the collection is undeniably luxe, but affordable. So much so that even the biggest label snobs will make a beeline for the mall.

Christian Siriano for VS Makeup includes eye shadow and gloss ($14), black liner ($12), bronzer/highlighter trio ($24), a face brush ($32) and a ruffled makeup bag ($16). My favorite is the kohl liner. It’s very black, luxuriously creamy, glides on effortlessly and very easy to blend. The ruffled, square makeup bag is a close second. It’s stylish, holds a lot and can easily double as a clutch.

Hurry to the mall or check out victoriassecret.com. The line is limited!

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Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Beauty Editor

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Get a free sample of Lancome foundation when you bring this coupon to the counter.

Sign up at Bath & Body Works and get a travel-sized product for free.

Banish blemishes: Register to download lots of Clean & Clear skincare coupons.

Stock up! Save $4 on any beauty purchase over $20 at CVS until August 23.

Get $3 off Neutrogena’s Total Skin Renewal starter kit with this coupon.

Stop by a Victoria’s Secret store with this coupon and get a free Pink body lotion.

Save $1 on Zero Frizz hair products at All You’s coupon gallery!

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Mix your own salt scrub for beautiful skin

Posted by Megan Friedman, All You intern

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Salt scrubs can work wonders if you want smooth, hydrated skin. But some salt scrubs can range from $30-$90 a jar, so this beauty treatment can be hard to justify. Instead, make your own personalized salt scrub at home with this easy-to-follow recipe, and save big!

To start: Mix together 3 cups Epsom salts and 1 cup olive oil (other oils will work as well) and mix until it is consistently blended.  Next, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I prefer lavender oil for its soothing smell). Remember to start out with a tiny amount so you don’t make your scrub too potent. If you have sensitive skin, or would prefer a smoother scrub, use granulated sugar instead of the salt. Make sure to use this at the sink or while in your tub or shower. The salts will dissolve when rinsed thoroughly. Store the mixture upright in a sealed container.

I tried this recipe several times and it’s great for dry skin around your knees and elbows, and it works beautifully on your hands for dry cuticles. You can also make several batches, put in pretty jars and give them to friends as gifts.

To finish out your at-home spa treatment, be sure to visit “Give yourself an all-natural spa treatment at home” for more money-saving tricks to keep you looking fabulous.

Posted by Riley Tant, AllYou.com

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Summer calls for glossy digits in fun, juicy colors (watermelon, anyone?) but come fall, forget the shiny topcoat: Matte nails will be all the rage!

Don’t get me wrong. Glossy nails will always be ‘in’, but the gloss-free finish goes hand in hand with fall fashion’s luxurious textures like suede and crushed velvet. And it’ll add an unexpected, sophisticated touch to your outfit.

Here are two of my fave mattes:
OPI Matte in You Don’t Know Jacques ($9, drugstore.com)
Zoya MatteVelvets in Posh ($6, zoya.com)

Are you on the fence? Then try Essie’s Matte About You finisher ($10; essie.com).  It’ll transform your glossy manicure into matte in seconds. So there’s no commitment!

So tell me — will you try out this trend?

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Posted by Tomoko Takeda, Senior Beauty Editor

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Beauty products run the gamut in price, with some sold in supermarkets for pennies and other sold in department stores for hundreds of dollars. How can you tell which products are worth buying? Luckily, we’ve found that you don’t have to break the bank to get the perfect makeup look.  Check out top-notch beauty products that go for $5 or less.

For your face:
Wet ‘n’ Wild I-Sparkle eye shadow, $5
E.l.f. Studio contouring blush and bronzing powder, $3
Rimmel Extreme Definition two-tone eye pencils, $5 each
Eos Smooth Spheres, $4 each

For your hair and body:
Johnson’s baby oil gel with shea and cocoa butters, $5
Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist, $4
Banana Boat Sport Sunblock Stick SPF 50, $5

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Posted by Megan Friedman, All You intern

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Love Catherine’s plus-size clothes, but watching your pennies? From now until Aug. 31, you can shop guilt free! Get 10 percent off when you shop online for colorful tops, dresses, swimsuits, jeans and jackets—all in sizes 16W to 34W. Simply log on to Catherine’s web site and use this code when checking out: 776999849. Have fun!

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Posted by Beth Lipton, Food Editor

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