When it comes to the big day, we strive for perfection in all ways. Anything that comes with being a bride–the dress, jewelry or makeup,  has to transform us into the princess imagined since childhood. After the cut and style of the dress, the next biggest battle is with the hair. It must glamorous, sophisticated, and most importantly something you’d want to look back on proudly 40 years later. For many it’s difficult to put that look into words, making that process that much more frustrating. To help you along the way, check out these timeless yet very modern wedding day hair styles courtesy of our partner, WeddingChannel.com. Click for more great bridal beauty ideas.

Classic French Twist

Modern Bouffant

Elegant Updo with Sideswept Bangs

Teased Updo with Frace-Framing Pieces

Sleek, Straight and Short

Trendy Side Bun

Tell us: how did you wear your hair on your wedding day?

It’s back to school time, who’s excited? We didn’t expect a cheering chorus, but before you start kicking and screaming we’ve got ten things for you to be excited about. For less than $100 you can pick up the best beauty products for all your skin, hair, and makeup needs that could last at least until Thanksgiving Break. Whether you’re a Mommy sending your little troops off for a new exciting school year or a busy teacher determined to maintain a fresh first-day-of-school-glow until June, it’s time to prioritize a list of beauty must-haves to face the looming year ahead.

Start your mornings off with a great moisturizing conditioner. Your ends will thank you.  Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Conditioner, $5.24

No time for a red carpet do? Take a dollop to tame those fly-aways in a dash. TRESemme Tres Clean Hold Professional Formula Gel Firm Control for  $1.49

Three main ingredients go into a relaxing shower. Hot water, 30 minutes and a moisturizing body wash. Don’t skimp on either part, especially the body wash.  Olay Total Effects Body Wash, Deep Penetrating Moisture, 6.79

Sometimes all you have time for is an all in one. Use these towelettes to cleanse, exfoliate and go.  Pond’s Wet Towelettes Morning Refresh with Citrus and Cucumber, $5.69

Double you pleasure the night before a stressful return to work. Settle into a sinful chocolate face mask and blow your colleagues away with your smooth skin.  Bellaboo Face Mask Sweet Sin Chocolate, 9.99

Say yes to beautiful skin with a facial cleanser that’s organic, natural and paraben free. Yes to Carrots Nourishing Daily Creme Facial Cleanser, 7.99

Be gone in 50 seconds (who needs the other 10?) with quick, drying nail color. Maybelline Express Finish Advance Anti-Chip Color in Grape Times, 3.99

For windy days, sunny days, or any days, never leave home without smooth puckers.  Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, $2.99

Yes, the sun goes down a bit earlier, but that doesn’t mean you’re free from harmful rays. Moisturize and protect your skin. Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30, $7.19

Bring your eyes from natural to dramatic in just 3 clicks. Almay One Coat Dial Up Mascara Blackest Black 8.49

It’s vacation time! Excited? You’ve already got your plans locked in and now you’re probably just crazy with anticipation. Still, there are a few essential items you need to pick up before you can take off. InStyle.com curated a check-off list of 20 Travel Must-Haves. Ever been jealous of the girl who packed early and seemed to bring every essential known to man? Take this as a reminder of items to buy before boarding and avoid having to borrow her brush for the thousandth time. A few of our favorites from the list below.

A non-iPod

Leave the iPod, iPad or whatever swanky and incredibly expensive device in your use right now at home. If you don’t want to risk having it get lost, damaged or stolen, we suggest taking the smart route and cranking your playlist to something that’s a little cheaper. Geeks, $15.

Messenger Bag

You can sling this messenger bag across your body while keeping all of your items together. That includes dangling change, room keys, and that map you keep misplacing. Liz Claiborne, $10.

Body Wipes

As an essential item should be small and easy to use while traveling. A long flight from coast to coast will result in discomfort and unwanted sweat build up. The best way to ward off the glands is by giving your skin the periodic swipe. Herban Essentials, 20 for $15.

Passport Cover

Seriously, how cute are these? Allow your passport to brave the elements in style. When you touch down back in the states and flash this vibrant case they’ll know you’ve been somewhere exotic.  satinbox.com, $20.

Ballet Flats

These adorable silver flats make traveling light and fun. They’re so convenient you can roll them up and stick them in a tiny side pocket. Clunky footwear is no longer required. Target, $10.

To view the other 15 essentials click here.

We can hardly get our capes together! MAC Cosmetics just announced a new collection inspired by everyone’s superheroine, Wonder Woman. While there are no major details available just yet, you can imagine the collection will be outfitted just for Diana Prince — with cool shadow tones, deep mascara and coral lipstick.

According to WWD, MAC Cosmetics said Wednesday that the company is partnering with DC Comics’ Wonder Woman to create a limited edition color cosmetics collection featuring the illustrated superhero. Set for a spring 2011 launch at all MAC locations worldwide, the lineup is expected to include lipsticks, eye shadows, blush and nail polish ranging in price from $13 to $49.50. (No word on whether metal-deflecting bracelets are part of the collection.)

Are you prepping your headbands as we speak? Or are you more on the side of Olivia Munn and say: SUCK IT, WONDER WOMAN?

Clearly we’re all going to need to pick sides.

Image Courtesy of BET2K.com

While you’re enjoying your summer spa on a budget… make sure you’re getting your summer beauty on a budget too. The bucks spent on expensive lipsticks and concealers can be put aside for an extravagant vacay instead. This time around when you aim to reinvent your summer look, do so with products from your favorite neighborhood drugstore. Here, 9 of our favorite must-have beauty and body products under $9 to leave you fresh, clean and glowing in the summer heat.

BEST TANNING MOISTURIZER:  Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer- $8.49

BEST BODY WASH: Suave Naturals Body Wash Mango Mandarin – $3.49

BEST BODY SPRAY: Dove Go Fresh Body Mist Energizing Grapefruit and Lemongrass Scent- $4.00

BEST SHAMPOO: Ultra Swim Chlorine Removal Shampoo- 4.99

BEST OIL ELIMINATOR: Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets- $5.99

BEST SCRUB: St. Ives Apricot Scrub- $4.29

BEST BRIGHT LIPSTICK: Revlon Moon Drops Creme Lipstick, Orange Flip- $8.99

BEST BEACH-FRIENDLY MASCARA: Cover Girl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara – $8.50

JUICIEST GLOSS: L’Oreal Colour Juice Sheer Lip Gloss- $8.48