I've had bangs (or fringe) since I was about 15 years old, and I can't even imagine being without them! Inspired by my affection for style, I've researched the evolution of bangs.

1930s: Finger waves were an extremely popular hairstyle during this time, but the most influential bang-wearer of this decade was undoubtedly Louis Brooks with her blunt bangs. It was classic yet edgy. 

1950s: A short, curled over bang (much like Katy Perry's today) was super popular during the fifties. Here, Bettie Paige sports the most popular bangs of the time--slightly angular with a little curl for body. 

1970s: Jane Birkin was effortlessly cool with brow-length bangs and long straight hair, quite an outstanding contrast from the 1950s. 

1980s: Bangs got totally big. In the late 70s and early 80s, Farrah Fawcett's iconic hairdo inspired ladies everywhere to have big poofy hair and super curly bangs. 

1990s: Jennifer Anniston's widlly popular hairstyle introduced the side-swept bangs! In the early 90s, bangs were still big and bold but as the decade moved on the popularity of noticeable bangs decreased. A side-swept bang was really the only way to go during that time!

Late 2000s: Kate Moss brought bangs back in 2007! She opted for trendy, straight across bangs with straight hair, and the bang revival began. 

Today: There are several popular styles of bangs today, but a popular style is Michelle Obama's classic fringe!

There are many factors that can contribute to an oily scalp, whether it be your hair products or your biology, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything you can do to fix it. Here are some super simple ways to prevent oily hair: 

Do Not Overwash 
It sounds counter productive, but washing your hair every day can actually make it more oily. The more you wash your hair, the more you are stripping your hair of its natural oils. Then your scalp reacts by producing more oil, and thus making your hair more oily. Personally, I prefer to wash my hair at least four to five times a week, but in between washes I also like to use a clarifying shampoo, such as Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo ($4.24 at Target). (Be sure to read my drugstore beauty product review on this shampoo!)

Only Condition the Ends
I used to put globs of conditioner in my hair because I loved how silky it felt, until I read once in a magazine that you really only need it on the ends of your hair. Conditioner is used to deliver nutrients and moisture. Then it seals the cuticle to protect hair, but the only time it should be applied to the scalp is if the scalp is extra dry.

Rinse Thoroughly
You may be in a rush to get out of the shower, but if you want to prevent oily hair, make sure you rinse all of the shampoo residue out of your hair. The left over residue can build up and allow the hairline to build up oil more quickly. Plus, it can clog the hair follicles, leaving it you with an itchy scalp. 

Switch Shampoos 
I love trying new shampoos, mostly so I can blog about them, but also because when I switch I get a feeling of freshness. Dermatologist Erin Gilbert recommends rotating different shampoos to prevent buildup. "I suggest using a shampoo with salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole," she says. Dr. Gilbert recommends trying Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, Scalp Build-up Control ($7.39 by Neutrogena at drugstore.com), which contains 3% salicylic acid, the maximum strength, to reduce oil at the scalp. [source]

If you're scalp is looking greasy as you walk out of the door, you can also try using dry shampoo or (my favorite) baby powder to soak up the oils. Already out of the front door and need a quick fix? You can even use your small compact of face powder! Using a makeup brush, brush your face powder through your scalp until you reach the desired result. 

What products do you use to prevent oily hair? Let me know in the comments below!

Looking to revamp your look for 2013? There's nothing more drastic than cutting your hair short... and for the more daring, cutting your hair even shorter!

Who could even forget Anne Hathaway's drastic makeover in 2012 when she chopped off her long locks got a super short pixie cut. I have to admit, I wish I had her boldness! Michelle Williams has had her short pixie for a while now, but for those looking to ease into a shorter hairstyle, I suggest getting this cut. It's a bit longer and fuller than your typical pixie cut. 

Both Rihanna and Miley Cyrus also traded their long hairstyles for short pixie cuts. Rihanna's is classic and a little bit more feminine than Anne Hathaway's. For Miley, this is the first time I've ever seen her hair so edgy. She definitely went for something bold and something new! I have to give her props for her bravery on this shaved pixie, but I prefer it when its styled nice and clean as opposed to spiked up like a mohawk. 

Another option for those of you looking for a shorter cut, but don't want to go as far as getting a pixie cut, try Elisabeth Moss's new 'do. I think she looks completely fantastic!

Will you be cutting your hair shorter for 2013? Let me know in the comments!

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your favorite beauty guru for Christmas this year? To jump start this year's Holiday Gift Guides, I've rounded up the best beauty products on the market right now. 

Forever 21 has a lot of great impulse buys at the cash wrap these days, but I'm totally love this 88 shade eye shadow set! It's perfect for makeup afficionados who love to experiment with color, but also have the option for classic shades, too! And seriously, you just can't beat that price!

If you are headed to work on Halloween but still need to look presentable while celebrating the holiday, here are two sure ways to show your affection for the holiday without looking too scary:

THE HUNGER GAMES: KATNISS

This look is super easy to recreate and consists of basically a fishtail braid and light makeup. Here's how to get the look:

1. Start with a clean face and dry hair, then use a dollop of Pantene Beautiful Lengths Strengthen and Smooth Finishing Crème to add texture and smooth frizziness.

2. Starting on the side where the hair is parted, pull a fairly large section of hair from behind the ear to start a reverse French braid – almost like a corn row. Grab small sections as you go, making sure the braid is tight. (Be sure to angle to braid so it swoops down around the neck.)

3. Secure the end of the braid with an elastic band. Then take about an inch of hair from around the face and wiggle it out of the braid. Loosely wrap that section of hair around the barrel of a curling iron and set.

4. Spray hair with Pantene Pro-V Stylers Anti-Humidity Maximum Hold Hairspray.

5. Pull out another strand of hair on the opposite side and let it hang loose or pin it back if it’s too long.

6. Starting at the top, massage the braid to pull it apart loosely so it’s not super structured. Once complete, the braid should look a little bit messy.

7. Remember to keep makeup simple because Katniss is a hunter. Start with COVERGIRL + Olay Powder in a shade darker than your normal skin tone to warm up the complexion. Apply where the sun would naturally tan your face.

8. Use CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor ($10.49 at Walgreens) on lips and cheeks to create a subtle sunburn effect. Coat the top and bottom lashes with CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara ($6.94 at Target) mascara.

When you’re finished, you should have a wilderness look, like you’ve been hunting for days!

TRUE BLOOD: SOOKIE

For a something a bit more vampy, check out this easy Sookie look. All you really need is a light based powder, red lipstick, and soft curls. 

1. Using a soft shadow brush, apply a generous layer of CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1 Kit Eyeshadow ($3.19 at drugstore.com) in Brown Smolder to your upper and lower eyelid. Create a smoky-eye by applying brown eyeliner to your upper and lower lash lines.

2. Curl eyelashes and apply two coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume mascara to the top and bottom lashes.

3. Create an ethereal glow by applying shimmer to the eyes and cheekbones.

4. Now use the COVERGIRL OutLast All-Day Lipcolor on lips to give that just bitten, sexy look. (Bonus: Add “bite marks” on your neck using the same Lipcolor.)

5. On to the hair! First start by misting Pantene Pro-V Stylers Heat Protection Spray all over. Next, separate hair’s layers to make the curling process easier. Grab a 1 – 1.5 inch section of hair, wrap around the barrel of a curling iron and roll left. Grab another section of hair, but this time, roll right. Repeat these steps until the whole head is curled. Next, gently go through strands with your fingers to break up curls and add volume. Finally, spray Aussie You Can Shine Spray Gloss throughout to boost shine.

Voila! Now you have the True Blood look.

One thing that remained constant on the A/W 2012 runways was a bold lip paired with bare eyes. It's most certainly the easiest way to pull off a great bold lip color, and it definitely makes your lips the focal point of your beauty look. It's also the perfect way to add a pop of color to your otherwise neutral fall wardrobe, plus I think every girl could stand to wear more bold lip colors every now and then. 

While there will always be be exaggerated and impractical beauty looks walking down the runways every season, this look is actually wearable for the street! Are you ready for some beauty math? Here's how to get that perfect bold lip! (Pssst! Don't be shy to try a darker or brighter shade of lip color with this look, too. A firey red-orange lip color will also do the trick!)

Suggested Products: Eyeshadow Pan - Cappuccino ($10.00 at DERMSTORE); Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette, in Amethyst ($7.95 at drugstore.com); and L'Oreal Colour Riche Stars Lipcolour Lipstick, Eva's Caramel ($8.95 at drugstore.com)

Some say it's out, some say it's still in. Whatever you think, you've got to admit that people are talking about ombre hair.

The latest take on ombre hair is the reverse ombre --darker on the ends and lighter at the roots. At New York Fashion Week, models at Jen Kao were spotted rocking the reverse ombre trend, and I have to admit, I think it looks pretty sleek.

Gwenyth Paltrow and Nicole Richie have successfully rocked this trend before, whereas Jessica Simpson's reverse ombre didn't quite make the cut.

What makes a great reverse ombre dye job? A subtle difference between colors. Jessica Simpson utterly failed this trend because her hair went from white-blond to brown. It was too much of a color contrast to look nice. Gwyneth Paltrow, however, had light blonde locks at the roots and slightly dirty blonde locks at the ends.

I didn't try the ombre style, and I'm not sure I'll try the reverse ombre. It's not that I don't love the look, but it's way too expensive to keep going back and forth to the salon when you could just dye your hair one color and wait for it to grow out. If I did have the money to try it, I most certainly would!

Will you try the reverse ombre?

Maybe you're the hostess of a fab party or one of the glam attendees, but whatever your role--you're running late. It took you forever to master the perfect smoky eye, you're still dashing around the house trying to find your other shoe, and you've only got a few minutes to spare to get your hair done. What's a girl to do? The bird's nest bun!

As seen on the Chanel runways and celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens and Kate Hudson, the bird's nest bun is a chic yet easy updo. What's more, you can get this easy hairstyle in only five easy steps!

1. Before blow drying hair, spritz on a volumizing spray.
2. Pull hair into a ponytail at the top of your head and secure.
3. For a messy look, use hairspray and a comb to tease your ponytail. This will add volume and texture. If you want a sleek and simple bun, skip this step.
4. Loosely twist hair into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
5. Set with hairspray.

Beauties, take inspiration from these fabulous beauty looks! I'm always looking for vintage inspiration when I'm going out for the evening, and these ideas are nothing short of perfect! Isn't this the quintessential cocktail look? Fabulous pops of lip and eye color are particularly striking against retro waves that provide a perfect flashback to old time starlets.

Flare's December issue captures colorful winter beauty trends with these stunning studio portraits. Models Catherine Dea and Katrina (Next Canada) wow while donning voluminous tresses by hair stylist Danilo and neon accents by makeup artist Greg Wencel. Embellished tops from the likes of Louis Vuitton and Christopher Kane selected by fashion editor Zeina Esmail complete the retro glam look.

These super great beauty looks are something you can easily replicate! Watch the video above or take inspiration from the photos below!

And most importantly--Enjoy!

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