Gigi Arredondo

Pool parties, BBQs, and long lake days means summer is just about here -- and with it come shorts and bikinis. Since we won't be ordering an at-home lipo kit anytime soon, getting a tan is the easiest way to look a few pounds lighter, reduce cellulite, and get more muscle definition. Thankfully, the days of Playboy sticker tan lines from time spent baking in a bed are long gone. Here are the top tips for getting that perfect summer glow at home -- sunkissed sans sun.

1. Choose the right tanner for you. If you are a self-tanner virgin, go with a product that can gradually build up color, like Jergens Natural Glow, or pick out the lightest color you can find. This way you can see a hint of color and decide if you need to seek help from tanning pros. If you've done this dance before, then try out various brands and colors by doing patch tests.

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Josh York, courtesy of Gigi Arredondo

Gigi Arredondo has been working in the industry for nearly a decade as a hair stylist, makeup artist, and beauty consultant in Old Town Scottsdale. She's constantly learning, trend-hunting, and shopping -- all with access to beauty products not available to the public. And she's here to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Up today: Men's facial hair.

Move over mustache, beard nation is taking over. From a strategic 5 o'clock shadow, a goatee, or an even manlier "Duck Dynasty" Beard, facial hair is where it at this summer. Lets explore a few different types of manliness at its finest.

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Gigi Arredondo has been working in the industry for nearly a decade as a hair stylist, makeup artist, and beauty consultant in Old Town Scottsdale. She's constantly learning, trend hunting, and shopping -- all with access to beauty products not available to the public. And she's here to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Up today: Sunscreen.

Dr. Michelle Jeffries is a Peoria and Sun City-based, board-certified dermatologist who validated what my clients are showing off this time of year -- sunburned necks, ears, and lips.

Jeffries, who practices at Beatrice Keller Clinic, typically hits on the key points with patients (apply 20 minutes before sun exposure, stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wear protective clothing, and of course re-apply every two hours.) But today, she gives us the rundown on how to protect yourself from getting sun damage and slowing down the inevitable aging process.

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Gigi Arrredondo

SmashBox BB Cream

Gigi Arredondo has been working in the industry for nearly a decade as a hair stylist, makeup artist, and beauty consultant in Old Town Scottsdale. She's constantly learning, trend-hunting, and shopping -- all with access to beauty products not available to the public. And she's here to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Up today: BB Cream.

My morning facial ritual takes a few steps and more than a few minutes so the appeal of an all-in-one new product nicknamed BB Cream sparked my curiosity.

What is BB cream or Beauty Balm? The short answer is "all in one." BB Cream offers moisture, protection from the sun, light to medium coverage, and anti-aging properties, and it helps correct your skin tone. Sounds great, but just as you would with any other product, do your research to chose the right BB Cream for you.

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Gigi Arredondo

(top)Lashes after 3 weeks (bottom) after fill

Gigi Arredondo has been working in the industry for nearly a decade as a hair stylist, makeup artist, and beauty consultant in Old Town Scottsdale. She's constantly learning, trend-hunting, and shopping -- all with access to beauty products not available to the public. And she's here to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Up today: eyelash extensions.

I was turned onto lash extensions to enhance my natural eye and fell in love. It took a while to get used to the care and maintenance, but after a few months, I am totally addicted. I am not into the whole "cake my makeup on" deal, so having the lashes means I don't have too much to do in the morning to get ready except a little powder and lipgloss.

Here are some dos and don'ts for you lash virgins . . .

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Gigi Arredondo

Gigi Arredondo has been working in the industry for nearly a decade as a hair stylist, makeup artist, and beauty consultant in Old Town Scottsdale. She's constantly learning, trend hunting, and shopping -- all with access to beauty products not available to the public. And she's here to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Up today: Coconut oil.

Growing up, my mother forced me to eat spoonfuls of olive oil (not sugar -- I really wanted Mary Poppins to babysit) to keep my skin glowing and because it was "healthy." And thanks to the Internet, I have discovered olive oil's beachy cousin, virgin coconut oil.

Coconut oil has been helping me fuel my body (it's a healthy fat that can boost your metabolism) for the past few years, but I was in the dark about its other beauty benefits until Pinterest.

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Katie Johnson

A shelf of scents at Revera Beauty in Phoenix

Whether you're tired of BYOB painting classes or simply looking to try something new this year, Roosevelt Row's Revera Beauty has a pretty sweet DIY activity.

The locally owned boutique specializes in all-natural bath and perfume products and offers custom perfume-blending classes for those looking to get more hands-on with what they put on.

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