Dear Shop In Chic,

I would love to change my hair color to something fun
and different, but how can I do it at home? I know that
there are a ton of haircolor kits out there, but which
product would be best? Plus, do you have any tips on
doing it yourself?

Sincerely,
Need-A-Change


Dear Need-A-Change,

Looking for a change for 2009? Changing your color is a great
start, but it can also be intimidating, especially if you have
never colored your hair before. If you did not mention that you
wanted to do it at home, I would highly recommend going to the
salon. Heck, I still would recommend that, or having a trusty
friend color your hair with salon quality products(which is
something I do. Thanks Sarah!)

First off, what color do you want and how many shades compared
to your own natural hair color. If it is drastically lighter
or darker than your own, then visit a salon or have a good pal
color your hair for you. If you want something two/three shades
darker or lighter then buy something permanent. If you just want
a slight adjustment then go with a semi or demi-permanent color
that will wash out in a month or less.

When you shop for a box of hair color, remember to look for the
color chart on the back or side of the box, as it will show you
a realistic view of how the new color will look on your natural
color. Once you made the commitment(or bought the kit!), make
sure you thoroughly read the instructions twice. And don't
forget to do a test strand to make sure it exactly what you
want, and even a skin test if its called for. After all you don't
want to color your hair and discover an allergic reaction!

Here are some choice kits to choose from(see above):
Clairol Herbal Essences Knockout Blonde(Shade 16) available at Drugstore.com and Boots

Clairol Blackberry-Burgandy Black(Shade 38) available at Drugstore.com and Boots

Garnier 100% ColorVibrant Colors by Nutrisse Dark Golden Brown(Shade 433) available at Walgreens and Boots

We know of your dislike of layers, so what would you do to
keep yourself warm?

-Miss Grunge

Dear Miss Grunge,


I don't mind layers so much only if the look is styled right.
Like for instance, you don't want to wear too many layers if
they make you look bulky. Its okay to wear thin layers, and
if you want, a jacket over a long sleeve top. Wear what you
are comfortable with and let your sense of style dictate.
Never wear anything that you have to think twice about.

Truly,
Shop In Chic

Zebra Print Tank is available at PACSUN
for $19.50
Black Moto Cross Jacket is available at Hot Topic for $58.00
Dead 52's Tank available at Urban Outfitters UK for £30.00
Velvet Blazer available at Urban Outfitters UK for £50.00


Have any beauty or style questions? The please
email them at shopinchic83 at yahoo.com

Dear Shop In Chic:
I know the holidays are coming and I really want to look
glamourous for the parties I will attend, yet I hate high
heels. So what other options do I have?

Clueless About Footwear

Dear Clueless:
One thing that people always equate with all time beauty
and glamour is high heels. Heck people even wear them to
glam up the casualness of jeans! But just because most
women wear high heels doesn't mean all women do. And
you know what? There is nothing wrong with that! Rest
assure that there are plenty of other options to choose
from, including flats! There are plenty of styles that
are just, if not more, purely elegant. And if you're
planning on dancing the night away, flats are choice.
Besides who really dances in heels anyway? You'll be
the envy of the holiday party.

So what are some good brands to look for? I like the
styles of Stuart Weitzman, like his "Buckballet" gold
flats? I also like Steve Madden's "Kobraa" pink skimmers.
I also find Office to have some pretty darn cute and
stylish flats for holiday parties. Like their "Call
Me Back Bow" black leather flats and "Concave Back
Strap" sandal style blue flats.

Just remember that when you're shopping for dressy
flats, look for special details such as sequins or
embossed leather. You want to shoes to look rather
special not so casual.




Both Stuart Weitzman and Steve Madden shoes are available at
Nordstrom

Both Office shoes are available at Office




If you have any questions remember to drop me off an e-mail at
shopinchic83 at yahoo.com. Please mention ASKSHOPINCHIC in the
SUBJECT line. Thank you ahead of time!

What are some good brands of sunscreen that will protect you from all rays?
Sarah


Dear Sarah,
Walk down any aisle at any drugstore,cosmetic shop,or grocery
aisle and you will find a huge selection of sunscreens and SPF
products thats overwhelming. So what are the best brands of sun
screen to use? I would not go by brand,I would go by SPF factor.
SPF stands for Sun-Protection Factor ,a laboratory measure
ment of the sunscreen's effect. The higher the number,the more
effective it is,for example SPF 15 is more protective than SPF 2.
In fact SPF 15 is the recommended rating for SPF protection,but
you can't go wrong with a higher rating.

So what should you select? Pick a SPF 15 sunscreen to wear
everyday all year round,and then buy a waterproof version
for summer days at the beach and pool. And don't forget
an SPF lipbalm or lipstick,lips can suffer sun damage,too.

And remember that wearing sunscreen is very important to
everyone regardless of skincolor,even black people can get
skin cancer. Sun exposure puts you at risk of almost all
skin cancers,including the deadly melanoma. Wearing suncreen
protects you from sun damage,premature aging and cancer.

Stumble It!

Last week I started my beauty advice column. I said I
would start on Wednesday,well I got mixed up by a day
and I had it on Tuesday. Well I am doing this regular
column(if that what you want to call it)on Wednesday.
If you have a question about anything related to hair,
makeup,skincare,cosmetics or anything similiar,send me
an e-mail:shopinchic83@yahoo.com. You got 2 days,so send
the questions!



My StumbleUpon Page

Okay,its your turn to contibute to my blog. I want you to
e-mail me your questions about beauty. I will answer them
in tommorrow's blog:Ask Shop In Chic

The Rules
If you got a question send an e-mail to
ShopInChic83@yahoo.com.

It can be about makeup,hair,nails,anything in the beauty
realm. Please leave your name or alias when you send an e-mail.

Depending on how many questions I get I will try and answer
every question I can. If I don't answer yours don't take it
personally,it was because there were too many and I could not
answer each and every single one.



I will officially start my Q and A next Wednesday.

Start sending!


My StumbleUpon Page

I am a big researcher on anything beauty,and I have also learned
about beauty no-nos just by experiencing them. So who is better
suited for starting Ask Shop In Chic? I am starting a weekly advice
column on this blog,sharing my knowledge with everyone.

The Rules
If you got a question send an e-mail to
ShopInChic83@yahoo.com.

It can be about makeup,hair,nails,anything in the beauty
realm. Please leave your name or alias when you send an e-mail.

Depending on how many questions I get I will try and answer
every question I can. If I don't answer yours don't take it
personally,it was because there were too many and I could not
answer each and every single one.



I will officially start my Q and A next Wednesday.

Start sending!


My StumbleUpon Page