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For anyone with long hair dreading the hot summer weather, we have a few tips on how to do a ponytail you will love! Quick ways to look polished, and stylish even when the weather is heating up.

We recently caught up with hairstylist Martin from the Prive Salon in New York City, and Los Angeles who offered this tip: “Always take the two minutes to wrap a piece of hair around the elastic—it will make the style look intentional.”

We’ve tried it out a few times and have come up with a few easy tricks to getting it just right: First, Pull the right piece. Grab from underneath your ponytail, where the hair is the longest. A two-inch section from here will create a nice, thick wrap.

Polish it up: using the tiniest dab of styling cream or pomade in your fingertips (less if your hair is fine) and smoothing it over the piece before wrapping the elastic will keep any flyaway layers in place, and add instant shine.

Play around: try twisting the piece or making a small braid instead.

Keep it secure: the easiest way to finish the style is by discreetly bobby-pinning the bit of hair in place. You can also work it into the hair elastic. Once you’ve wrapped the hair, flip your ponytail up onto the crown of your head, and fish out the elastic underneath the hair with one hand, while looping the hair piece through it with the other.

The Girls in the BSW Beauty Dept.

Burgundy eyes have been showing up everywhere, and giving those ’80′s eyes a run for their money. The Eggplant, Aubergine, and Burgundy eye trend is slowly gaining momentum, and just recently, Gwyneth Paltrow went for it with the most beautiful Burgundy lids and we loved them!

Of course it is totally our beauty opinion, but you may not agree. Some say the color is too severe against her pale skin and blue eyes. What do you think?

We asked our favorite makeup artist, beth bender what she thought about Gwyneth’s eyes. “I love this look on Gwyneth. Her eyes look even bluer, and the  pale pink colors (with yellow undertones) on the cheeks and lips works beautifully with her Burgundy eyes.”

If you’re going to copy this look, beth suggests downplaying any pinkness in your skin, including pimples, because the undertones will make those areas pop even more.

Want to browse some shades? Head over to our shopping section and browse for burgundy, eggplant and aubergine eyeshadows. Click here for more spring Smoky Eye looks, like Kate Hudson’s Eggplant eyes.

A timeless beauty who captured the hearts of millions with her grace, charm, and voice, Lena Horne passes at age 92.  She helped pave the way for future black performers in America.  Born on a beautiful summer day in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 1917.  Lena claimed that her father was in the middle of a card game to pay the hospital bills while her mother was giving birth.  A few years later her parents divorced then her mother left her in the care of her grandparents while she pursued an acting career.

Legendary singer Lena Horne

At age 7, Lena’s mother, Edna Louise Calhoun Scottron, returned to New York and then the two traveled together from state to state.  Lena eventually returned back to Brooklyn, quitting school when she was 14 years old.  At age 16, Lena got a job at the famed “Cotton Club” in Harlem, New York, dancing and singing.  While there, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington took Lena under their wings helping her through some rough times.  Before she knew it she was singing to packed houses.  By age 21, Lena had already appeared on Broadway and Hollywood was nipping at her feet.

Lena doing her thang...

In 1938, Lena appeared in her first film “The Duke Is Tops.” It wasn’t until 1942 ( 4 years later), when she appeared in “Panama Hattie,“ in which she played a singer.  Believe it or not, MGM filmed Lena’s shots so they could be easily cut from her films since back then most people weren’t too keen on having a young beautiful black woman portraying romantic roles.  Her total film career included 14 films.

Lena with her daughter Gail Lumet Buckley

We will miss Lena Horne but know that her legend will live on through her films and music.  For more information go to Lena Horne.

cami

image credit:  possumsal.homestead, the divas, toppayingideas