Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 71

Wednesday Trivia: The Least Favorite People to Shop For

We all have people on our holiday list who are difficult to shop for (or, who we just don’t like shopping for)—in fact, respondents of the 2013 Valpak Holiday Survey named their top three least favorite people to buy for: coworker, mother-in-law, and mail carrier. Not too surprisingly 28% of people said they only buy for this giftees out of […]

A Quick Trick for Picking Lipstick

Here’s an easy way to gauge what works for your skin tone, says New York City–based makeup artist Melissa Silver: Rather than swatch colors on your hand, dab on a fingertip and hold it up to your lip. When in doubt, it’s better to buy a shade that seems slightly too bright, because you can always blend it or blot […]

How to Refresh Your Bangs

Bangs can be so conspicuous when they're misbehaving. To keep yours from hanging limply over your forehead, Michael Dueñas, a New York City hairstylist for the Schwarzkopf Professional brand, recommends putting down the hairbrush.

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com 6 Baby’s First Christmas Ornaments How to Write a Better E-Mail Printed Jeans and More New Denim TrendsFiled under: Daily Thought

Expert Tips for Coloring Your Hair at Home

Today I went to an unusual press event at the Sally Hershberger Salon in downtown Manhattan—unusual in that we spent the whole time talking about home hair color (which salon colorists are usually loathe to recommend because it can cut into their business). Anyway, I picked a few tips about how to apply it better when doing a root touch-up […]

10 Beauty Products to Fake a Good Night’s Rest from Fox News Magazine

Good thing that there are cosmetics out there that give the illusion of sleeping for eight hours. For me, it’s not the late night holiday parties, but the lack of sleep a third trimester will bring. Our friends at Fox News Magazine have pulled together ten beauty products that can fake a good night’s rest. To see the full list, […]

A Pretty Bouquet With a Pinecone

Reader Victoria M. tagged Real Simple in this lovely photo on Instagram, while she was reading the December 2013 issue. Love the festive touch that the pinecone gives the bouquet. Another idea for a pinecone—a place card holder, seen here: Get more stylish holiday decorating ideas.Filed under: Simple Tip

Today’s Thought

Get the daily thought in your inbox. See more inspiring quotes on our Pinterest board. What’s Hot on RealSimple.com How to Have a Good Cry 6 Personalized Christmas Ornaments How to Simplify Wedding PlanningFiled under: Daily Thought

A Gift Idea for Animal Lovers

Have a compassionate friend on your Christmas list who loves animals? Consider giving them the gift of sponsoring a creature in need. Various organizations allow people to sponsor animals year round—it’s similar to a traditional donation to an organization, only your friend will also receive information about the furry (or feathery!) friend whose gift was in their support. A few […]

Free Shipping Day 2013

Last-minute shoppers take note: This Wednesday, December 18, hundreds of retailers--including popular outlets like Toys "R" Us, J. Crew, and Sephora--will ship your goods free of charge with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.