Haute Summer Hairstyles

Refresh your look for the new season and try a fresh, new hairstyle. This summer brings a wealth of fashionable ‘dos for every occasion, so ditch your signature look and show your locks some love with one of these simple, pretty new styles.

The Sleek Ponytail
This style is great for the office or an evening out, a perfect transitional day-to-night hairdo. Start by pulling dry hair back into a ponytail at medium height. Next, take a small chunk of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band. Secure with a bobby pin and finish off the look with a dab of smoothing serum to tame flyaways. To make things a little more interesting, add some curl to your ponytail. Separate hair into two sections. Spray the first section with hairspray and curl with a curling iron. Hold for 10 sections and repeat with the remaining section. Then, twirl both pieces together around your fingers so that they form one curl.

Milkmaid Braids
A carryover from spring’s hottest trends, the milkmaid look is still going strong. It’s practical and convenient like a ponytail—but with an extra fashion flair. To get the look, comb hair into two sections and braid each, securing with an elastic band (clear works best)at the bottom. Then, wrap the braids around the back of your head, crossing over one another. Bring them around the side and up to your crown and secure with bobby pins. The only stipulation to this super-stylish ‘do is that it requires extremely long hair. Those with shorter locks can try a single braid variation of the style. Part hair as you would normally and section off a fairly large chunk of hair closest to your forehead. Braid the hair and secure behind your ear with bobby pins. Wear hair down and flowing or pull back, along with the braid, into a ponytail.

Soft Waves
Loosely tousled waves capture the carefree, fun-loving vibe of summer, and the style itself is almost as effortless as it looks. This look can be achieved a couple different ways. For fine and straight hair, section your hair off and curl with hot rollers or curls. Separate the locks with your fingers—instead of a brush—and spritz lightly with hairspray to keep curls intact with a natural look. Those with a little more natural body can try textured waves. Apply a leave-in conditioner to clean, damp hair and scrunch in large sections. Let your hair air dry and you’re ready to go.

Summer Fashion Forecast

The shorter sleeves and brighter shades make it official—summer is here (okay, maybe not officially, but close enough.) That means it’s time for fresh, fabulous summer fashion. At Pür, we’ve scoured the beauty rags and scoped the web buzz for the hottest trends to be on lookout for in the summer of ’09. Here’s what we found:

Monochrome Madness
Designers went bananas for black and white last summer, so a rebound in ‘09 comes as no surprise. Only instead of the two-toned floral prints that found their way on everything from dresses to duvets, this summer’s fashion forecasters are favoring more minimalist patterns, bold stripes, animal prints and, of course, classic plaid.

Show More Shoulder
The one-shoulder trend is back, thanks largely to the fashionable First Lady’s fondness for the style. (Who can forget that solo-strap Jason Wu she wore to the Inaugural Ball?) A classic evening look, designers are now making this formal staple more summer-friendly with bright, bold colors and a shorter, showier hemline.

A Whiter Shade of Denim
Skinny, white jeans are the Swiss army knife of summer fashion—they go with everything. As clothes (and tops in particular) become brighter and more colorful, it’s important to keep balance. Trade in those faded blue bootcuts for a slim white pair and get more from your fair-weather wardrobe.

Refined Ruffled
Remember ruffles? Once a girl’s best friend, this summer the frilly flair delights us with a more toned-down, age-appropriate look. Keep in mind that ruffles draw attention to wherever they’re worn, so plan your outfit accordingly. A ruffled hem, for instance, is a great way to show off long legs, while a ruffled top can easily enhance a small bust.

Complement your summer wardrobe with a chic and sultry colour. Shop the Summer 2009 Collection at PurMinerals.com.

Fresh Summer Scents

Nothing says summer like sun-kissed skin, sandals, swimsuits and shades. But what good would all of those be without a sexy, refreshing summer fragrance to complete your look. From the latest concoctions to the irreplaceable classics, here are our favorite perfumes for the season.

CK One Summer 2009 by Calvin Klein
A lighter, breezier version of the classic unisex scent by Calvin Klein, the 2009 CK One Summer edition delights the senses with top notes of mint, cucumber, lime and bergamot. Middle notes are sea water, green apple, rosemary and lotus, and base notes are rum, sandalwood, and oakmoss. This aromatic, aquatic fragrance is great for a day at the beach or pool.

Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue
This Allure Best of Beauty Award winner is clean, fresh and lighthearted, just like a summer perfume should be. It’s floral, fruity scent is lively and captivating, without being over the top. Jasmine, amber, citrus, white rose, bamboo and musk balance perfectly, making this a great fragrance to wear on those sultry summer nights

Burberry Summer
A fresh and sparkling take on the original Burberry scent, summer is a radiant green fruity floral with mandarin, lemon, grapefruit, apple, vanilla and moss; however, it’s the notes of red currant and Riesling that give this dazzling fragrance its unique edge. This scent is made for summer travel and scenic day trips—just one spritz and you’ll feel refreshed and beautiful all day long.

Marc Jacobs Splash Collection
The Marc Jacobs Splash series includes three adorable, summery scents. I love each one equally; hence, I can’t write about just one. The collection is made up of Rain, Cucumber and Lemon Ea de Toilette Sprays. Each one captures the spirit of the season, evoking happy summer memories with a cool, bright feel. These are good for any time and any occasion, and the best part is that it’s a body splash, so you can spray liberally without smelling like you’ve been shopping at the fragrance counter all day.

Gotta Wear Shades

Next to a great pair of shoes and a fabulous bag, sunglasses are the ultimate fashion accessory. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they can put the finishing touches on any outfit. But with so many colors, shapes and sizes to choose from, how is a gal to know how to pick the right shades?

With spring rapidly approaching, it’s time to figure out which frames will best suit your face shape. So sit back, relax and reflect on these sunglass suggestions from Pür Minerals.

Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

Oval Face
An oval face is typically slightly longer than it is wide, with a rounded hairline. Almost any style of frames will work with your well-balanced features. Experiment with the latest styles and try everything from aviators to wrap-arounds to see what best suits your personal style.

Round Face
A round face needs a style that adds a little length. Instead of round styles (which will only make your face appear rounder), opt for contrasting straight or angular frames. Wide frames will also help make your face appear longer and thinner.

Square Face
The best sunglasses for a square chin and face are a pair that softens your strong, angular jawline. Round or curvy or styles will help soften your square features and minimize the jaw. Cat eye frames can also be a fun, funky alternative to classic oval styles.

Oblong Face
The goal is to shorten and widen the face. Offset your long, straight cheekbones with a round frame. Frames embellished with crystals and other decorations are also a great way to add width to the face and detract from your jawline.

Antioxidants to the Rescue

In recent years, the term antioxidant has become somewhat of a beauty buzzword, but while most of us know that antioxidants are good for us, few people fully understand their unique function and health benefits.

Simply put, antioxidants, or "free radical scavengers," are the skin’s protectors. Spawned from internal and external stressors such as UV rays, environmental pollution and even metabolism, free radicals attack healthy cells nearby, stealing their electrons and causing skin damage and premature aging. By donating their own electrons, antioxidants help ward off damage and target aesthetic imperfections like sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles and uneven pigmentation, in effect slowing down the aging process to preserve skin’s youthful radiance.

To date, hundreds of antioxidants have been identified, the most well-known of which are vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene, selenium and zinc. Amazingly, researchers contend that there may be hundreds of others yet to be discovered. While some antioxidants are obtained from food, others are manufactured naturally by the body. Unfortunately, environmental hazards and lifestyle choices (i.e. cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure and a poor diet) can quickly deplete the body’s stores of antioxidants and increase free radical production. Therefore, it is imperative that we replenish the body’s natural reserves with antioxidant-rich foods, dietary supplements and topical products for the skin.

With the sun blazing bright, the free radical threat is literally looming just overhead. By maintaining an ample supply of antioxidants in the body, the danger of UV-induced free radical damage is significantly lessened. Harnessing the extraordinary powers of antioxidants like green tea extract, malachite and Co Enzyme Q10, Pür Minerals offers a wide range of antioxidant-infused makeup and skin care treatments designed to combat free radical assaults.

Fulvic Mineral Mist
Infused with over 70 essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids—including the powerful antioxidant fulvic acid—this hydrating misting spray attracts and binds moisture to skin while providing free radical defense and cellular rejuvenation. A must have treatment for a day at the pool or beach!

4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup
The one-minute makeup miracle not only provides flawless coverage, but it’s fortified with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to shield from UV rays and protect skin from free radical assaults.

Recession-Proof Beauty Tips

So, you’re a beauty junkie (why else would you be reading this blog?). There are worse things to be, but in this economy, you’ve got to play it smart—get more bang for your buck. Here are a few recession-proof beauty tips to help you cut back and still look your best.

Be a Multi-tasker
Instead of buying dozens of products with individual uses, look for multi-purpose makeup and skin care products. For example, try a makeup pencil that you can use as an eyeliner, lip liner and brow enhancer all in one. Or, ditch your sheer lip gloss for an all-over balm that also conditions hands, nails and elbows. Trade in your run-of-the-mill foundation for a multi-tasking formula like Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup—foundation, powder and concealer with SPF 15. Trust us, your wallet and your makeup bag with thank you.

Enjoy an At-home Facial
Who doesn’t love a trip to the spa? It can do wonders for your skin, body and mind. Unfortunately, it can also cost a pretty penny. To save time and money, save the spa outings for special occasions and try an at-home facial treatment like While You Were Out by Pür Minerals. This 60-day anti-aging skin fitness system firms, smoothes and brightens the complexion without the irritation of traditional peels—and at a fraction of the cost.

Get Back to Your Roots
If you color your hair, you know that those salon visits can add up. Going back to your original hair color is a great way to save money. Think of it as a makeover, you’ll have a whole new look—without all the maintenance. If you can’t do without your highlights, you can stretch out the time between salon visits with at-home hair care products. Use a color-boosting shampoo and hair sunscreen—we love the Aveda Color Conserve line—to protect your locks and make your dye job last longer.

Save time and money with Pür Minerals makeup and skin care at recession-proof prices!

Mother’s Day on a Budget

With Mother’s Day only a few weeks away, it’s time to start looking for that perfect gift for Mom. Now is the one time of year when you can really show her just how much you love and appreciate all she’s done for you. But just because you want to express your gratitude doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Think outside the box and get creative; remember, it truly is the thought that counts. Here are a few fabulous Mother’s Day gift ideas that require a big heart, not a big bankroll.

1. Flowering Plants
Why give Mom a single bouquet when you can give her the enduring beauty of flowers that she can plant? Not only will her favorite annuals or perennials outlast a short-lived bouquet of roses, but they'll cost a lot less. Plus, you can plant them together and make the gift extra special.

2. Memory Album
If you are the type that saves everything, now is the time to go through all those old cards, letters and photos and turn them into Mother’s Day scrapbook. Arrange the family mementos in a personalized keepsake box or photo album and give Mom the gift of warm, loving memories.

3. Plan a Picnic
Enjoy the gorgeous spring weather with a picnic in the park just for Mom. Do all the cooking—be sure to pack some of her favorites—and pamper her with some sweet treats. Don’t let unexpected showers ruin your plans; you can always cook a lovely meal for her at home.

4. Maid for a Day
What Mom wouldn’t love this gift? Let her know how much you appreciate all the housework she did for you growing up by repaying the favor. Clean her house from top to bottom and help her with any small repairs. If you can afford to hire a maid service, she’ll love that too, but it might mean more coming from you.

5. Chocolate Roses
Instead of buying her chocolates and roses, combine these two popular gift ideas into one delicious and beautiful treat. Most candy and chocolate shops offer this reasonably priced novelty gift (our favorite is Schakolad Chocolate Factory), or you can make your own using cellophane, floral stems and Hershey’s Kisses.

For more heartfelt gifts for mom at an exceptional value, shop mineral makeup and skin care from Pür Minerals.

Get Your Body Summer Ready

Okay, so you had good intentions to start shaping up in January. You promised yourself that you’d work out for 30 minutes, five days a week; eat your fruits and veggies; and get eight hours of sleep each night. If you’ve gotten a late start (or haven’t started at all), it’s still not too late to get moving. Here are a few easy ways to shape up this spring so that you’ll look summer fresh and beach ready in no time.

Work it Out
There’s no getting around the fact that exercise is an essential part of shaping up. While it’s not all that difficult to begin an exercise program, success comes from sticking to it. The key to staying motivated is to make your workouts fun and mix things up a bit. Rather than restricting your cardio to the gym day in and day out, try doing a variety of physical activities that you enjoy. Get your heart rate going and take advantage of spring’s warmer weather and longer days with a run on the beach, a hike in the mountains or laps in the pool.

Spring in Bloom
Reducing the amount of alcohol, sugar and caffeine in your diet will minimize inflammation (i.e. bloating and swelling) and keep bodily systems running smoothly, so that you can shed those unwanted pounds. Learn to yearn instead for healthy, energy-boosting snacks like fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, seeds and nuts. Indulge in delicious and nutritious seasonal treats like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, which are in full bloom by late spring. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, berries help heal weathered skin, and can shrink pores and tone skin.

Out with the Old
Exfoliation has indeed become a beauty buzzword, but the process of shedding old skin is an important one. Whether maintaining a silky smooth finish, polishing away lines and wrinkles, or restoring clarity and color to dull, lifeless skin, exfoliation is essential to maintaining the health and vitality of the skin. Scrubbing away dead skin cells revitalizes the epidermis and dermis, revealing younger, fresher skin.  An all-over exfoliating treatment like Pür Polish is perfect for getting your skin summer-ready. Because it uses all-natural aloe vera and citrus oils, it moisturizes as it exfoliates to plump and protect young skin cells.

For more summer-ready beauty treatments, check out the complete Pür Minerals skin care collection.

Sun Smarts

Like many natural resources, the sun has pros and cons. The vitamin D found in solar energy helps strengthen bones and teeth, and evidence shows that sunlight can positively influence on our mood and psyche. But in an age of global warming and tanning bed fever, it seems more important than ever to get the facts straight on solar UV radiation and sun care. Wearing sunscreen is an essential (NOT optional!) part of maintaining healthy skin. With spring already in full swing and summer rapidly approaching, we at Pür Minerals urge you to read on and boost your UV IQ!

UV Rays: What You Need to Know
Solar energy reaching the Earth consists of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in three different wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC. Nearly all UVC rays are blocked by the ozone layer, whereas UVA and UVB rays reach the Earth and are directly linked to melanoma—the most serious form of skin cancer.

Both UVA and UVB are strongest and most detrimental to skin between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm. The shorter of the two wavelengths, UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburns, reaching just below the skin’s epidermis. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass and can be blocked somewhat by clothing. On the other hand, UVA rays—used in tanning beds—can easily penetrate clouds, windows and light clothing, resulting in premature aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.

The Truth About SPFs
SPF, or sun protection factor, is a standard measurement of a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin against UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend that a minimum SPF of 15 be applied on a daily basis to properly shield skin from harmful UV radiation.

 The lighter a person’s skin, the more sun protection they need. An SPF of 30 is recommended for fair skin. Darker skin or a nice tan, however, does not exempt you from wearing sunscreen—there is no such thing as a “safe” tan. Even those with deeper skin tones need protection, as the melanin in dark skin creates only an SPF of 4—not nearly high enough to block UV rays.

Shield Your Skin from Aging
Almost all of what we associate with aging is a result of overexposure to UV rays. Just compare the sun-exposed skin on your arms and legs with the areas on your body that are generally covered; the difference in skin tone and texture is evidence enough. Tanning can take its toll with visible effects via sun spots, deep lines and wrinkles and dehydrated, leathery skin.

Play it Safe with Pür
Incorporating sun protection into your beauty regimen is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin from the sun—and look good doing it! Pür Minerals offers a selection of SPF colour and skin care products designed to keep your skin healthy, youthful and radiant, including 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15, Day Renewal Complex SPF 20 and Mineral Lip Tint SPF 15. 

Spring is in the Air

Check out these top picks for the season’s lightest and loveliest spring fragrances.

Vera Wang Look
Like Vera Wang’s fashion, this stylish, new fragrance represents a measured study in texture, color, silhouette and proportion. It’s bold and confident yet light and sparkling, a vibrant blend of mandarin, lily, freesia and jasmine balanced by rich, natural touches of oak, vanilla and patchouli.

Flora by Gucci
Gucci lovers will not be disappointed by this sophisticated floral scent. Inspired by Gucci’s iconic Flora scarf designed for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966, this new fragrance captures that timeless Gucci style with a modern edge of power and sensuality. With top notes of citrus and peony and base notes of pink pepper and sandalwood, it’s a perfect pick for spring. 

True Religion by True Religion
Great for day or night, this refreshing, clean scent has a heart of florals, including fressia and violet leaves, woven with warm cedarwood, ambrette musk and purple plum. True religion achieves a perfect balance of sweet and tart with golden apple and pear tree blossom, hitting on all the right notes for a scent that’s airy, seductive and chic. 

Hanae Mori Magical Moon
This lush, fruity fragrance captures the magic and beauty of a romantic spring night. Notes of guava nectar, vanilla, orange flowers, pink berries, star fruit and night-blooming osmanthus captivate the senses. Both sensuous and fresh, this scent is a must for a date with that special someone. 

For more spring must-haves, shop the New Pür Rocks On Collection and PurMinerals.com.