Crayola-Colored Lips & Other Beauty Trends For 2008

They say that art imitates life, and if you look at the beauty trends in makeup for 2008, you know what I mean.

With hot colors like coral and pink in style, and electric blue eyeshadow on the runway, and bright floral material flowing on the catwalk, makeup is definitely an art school delight these days. And even the cosmetics items you are buying, resemble art supply store paints and pencils. Fashion, makeup, and the art world have become one.

The March issue of Vogue, really brought it to my attention:

...."Makeup was similarly inspired: 'Surrealist eyes' elaborately lined in chalk blue and black at Rodarte, paint-by-number lids at Michael Kors, Crayola-colored lips at Vuitton. And spring's new cosmetics? They look as though they came straight from the art-supply store, with products resembling tubes of oil paint (Clarins) and calligraphy pens (Styli-Style's precision felt-tip eyeliners). Rimmel's color-block shadows recall a Rothko canvas; Sally Hansen's nail polish pen looks more like the kind of graffiti marker Keith Haring would have loved...."

Spring/summer 2008 has a color for everyone. From red lips to navy blue nail polish, the makeup palette is endless. Experiment. Have fun. Let the Picasso in you run wild. And if you're a bit timid on the makeup scene, that's fine, too. Nude lips are back in vogue.

How To Get Thicker And Bigger Hair

Whoever created the first hair volumizer, you are a genius! Volumizer isn't even a real word in the dictionary that I know of, but salon companies sell tons of hair volumizers. And beauty writers constantly mention 'volumizers' for the hair.

Simply speaking, a hair volumizer is a serum or lotion that gives great body and thickness to hair. It plumps up each hair strand. A volumizer is usually applied to damp hair that has been shampooed. Massage in, and then blow-dry for amazing big hair.

Volumizers are wonderful for fine, limp locks, or even for those of you who have lots of hair, but hair that isn't thick. Volumizers get rid of fly-away strands and also lend you a bit more control over your crowning glory.

Here are some tried and true hair volumizers:

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray ($26.99, 8 fl. oz.)

Frederic Fekkai All Day Hair Plump ($95.00, 3.5 fl. oz.)

Kiehl's Super Thick Volumizer ($18.50, 8.4 fl. oz.)

Paul Mitchell Volumizing Spray ($11.50, 8.5 fl. oz.)

KMS AMP Volume Reconstructor ($15.95, 25.4 fl. oz.)

There are many, many hair volumizers out there, and all with unique body-building properties. From sunflower seeds to soy beans to peptides of sorts, all designed to pump or plump up the volume. Some work better than others. Try a few. And watch your hair get bigger and bigger!

7 Reasons To Take Care Of Your Skin

It's never too late to begin taking care of your skin. If you're in your teens or early 20s at the moment, then this advice might seem a bit extreme or silly. But get over the 30 mark and beyond, and you will see how your skin changes in texture and appearance.

Let's face some facts. We all age. There is no way around it. Some of us look better than others, and some of us do not. But it isn't merely good DNA. If you recognize what is happening and where it's happening on the face, then you can react, and make it better.

Here are 7 reasons to take care of your skin and develop a smart routine in battling the signs of aging:

Skin
Jaw/Neck
Upper Lids
Under Eyes
Lashes
Brows
Lips

Skin. Wrinkles. These are permanent residents. They set up house on your face, and like to dwell especially near the eyes, around the mouth, and on the forehead. Your skin is thinner and probably drier. Years of sun exposure has broken down your melanocyctes. These are the skin cells that produce melanin. Without strong melanocytes, you develop uneven pigmentation and dark spots. Cell turnover is much slower, and that creates a rougher complexion. Brightness disappears.

Jaw/Neck. Blame it on gravity. Elastin and collagen are also produced at a more reduced rate. The contours of your face become softer, more square-like.

Upper Lids. Puffy eyes. You've been awake for 15 minutes now. And the puffiness is still there. As we age, this is normal. Loss of elasticity and circulation are also factors to blame.

Under Eyes. Notice your dark circles getting even darker? The skin is thinning. Loss of fat under the eyes. Both cause veins to locate to the surface. Shadows reflect off the hollows, causing the dark areas.

Lashes. Your lashes used to be so long and thick, right? General aging causes lashes to get skimpier.

Brows. Yes. Brows, like lashes, are thinner, too. All hair thins with the passing of time. And if you have been a constant brow plucker or brow waxer, those routines can cause brows to thin even more. Your eyebrows might seem like they've lost a little bit of elevation, too. You're not imaging this. Brows lose collagen and elastin, and that equals sagging.

Lips. Maybe that's why so many women over 30 love to get collagen shots. The natural fullness of our lips reduce in time. Also, the lips' definition, or outline of our lips, fades because of sun damage and loss of elasticity. And some women develop vertical lines around the mouth.

All scary thoughts, and some unavoidable as natural aging takes place, but a solid skin care routine can make a difference. Simple procedures, like wearing sunscreen, and limiting hours in the sun, help significantly. Not smoking, helps keep deeper wrinkles at bay. And getting into a nighttime habit of applying skin care serums targeted at your specific facial needs, all help battle the signs of aging.

Best And Worst Sunscreens For Summer 2008

Consumer Reports did all the testing and lab work on a number of sunscreens. And they found, that we sun-worshipping bathing beauties, are making some wrong choices when we grab a bottle of sun protection off store shelves.

Before you buy your next sunscreen for the summer of 2008, read this:
Most people just look for a sunscreen that shows a high SPF, or skin protection factor. Okay, that's good. However, more importantly are the UVA and UVB rays. As one dermatologist explained it, "Remember UVA rays are the aging rays, and UVB rays are the burning rays."

Scientifically speaking, UVA stands for ultraviolet A radiation. And UVB stands for ultraviolet B radiation.

Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to protect themselves, according to the recent Consumer Reports study. You've got to cover your body and really get every inch of exposed skin.

More advice from Consumer Reports: Choose your sunscreen with the highest protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the sunscreen is very water resistant or waterproof. And select an SPF of at least 30.

Consumer Reports' 3 Best Sunscreens for the Summer of 2008:

#1. Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch, 45 SPF. Score: 86/100.
Excellent protection all the way around. Cost: $4.33 per fl. oz.

#2. Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sport, 30 SPF. Score: 84/100

Very good protection. Cost: $1.50 per fl. oz.

#3. Hawaiian Tropic 15 Plus, 15 SPF, Score: 83/100.
Excellent UVA protection. Average UVB protection. Cost: $1.00 per fl. oz.

Consumer Reports' 3 Worst Sunscreens for the Summer of 2008:

#1. Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray. Score: 31/100.
Scored the poorest out of the bunch for UVA and all-around protection.
Cost: $1.67 per fl. oz.

#2. Banana Boat Kids, 30 SPF. Score: 38/100.
Does not provide adequate UVA protection for children. Cost: $1.00 per fl.oz.

#3. Bull Frog Sport Spray, 36 SPF. Score: 45/100.

Excellent UVB protection, but poor UVA protection. Cost: $2.13 per fl. oz.

For more information, visit: http://www.consumerreports.org/.

Ivory Simplement Body Wash Is Baby Soft

Here is one of my new, favorite beauty items. I guess, I just love the clean, fresh scent and the light feel of this body wash. It isn't heavy and greasy like some of the more expensive body washes. And yet it lathers up supremely. One of my friends says it's so gentle, she bathes her 16 month old in it. It is truly baby soft. Nothing harsh in the ingredients, either.

I stumbled upon it in the drug store. And it's a great buy. Under $5.00 for 24 fl.oz. That's huge, as far as body washes go.

Ivory Simplement Moisturizing Body Wash in Fresh Snow.

I know, a long title, but it's worth the money. Like all Ivory products, it's pure and mild with a rich, creamy lather, and yet rinses away completely, and smells like fresh laundry. You will feel as soft as a baby. And if you wish to enjoy a bubble bath, this Ivory wash can create a magical tub full of bubbles. The scent is heavenly....not girlie. Just fresh and clean. Your man will like the Ivory, too.

I have two big bottles of Ivory Simplement. And I haven't grown tired of the product yet. Give it a try.

Sonia Kashuk's Tips For Summer Beauty

We told you yesterday, about Target department stores, and how wonderful they are for stocking up on tons of makeup. Today, we highlight one of their cosmetic favorites: Sonia Kashuk. For those of you in the makeup biz, you know how respected Sonia is and how well her makeup line for Target is received. Sonia makes up the faces of celebrities, too. Sharon Stone and Britney Spears are just a couple.

What's nice about the Sonia Kashuk line at Target is this---it's beautiful and budget-friendly And she's put out a terrific book all about makeup, called Real Beauty. There are tons of cosmetics tips and how to's.

Here's an excerpt from Sonia's Book on "How To Tone Down Your Makeup For Summer."

Cheeks, Eyes, Lips

Your face has three basic areas to emphasize: eyes, lips, and cheeks. You never want to emphasize all three areas at once. Choose the one feature you want to play up and downplay the other two. Here's how to apply just the right amount of color:

Cheeks: Apply bronzer or blush to the apple of the cheek (the fleshy area that plumps up when you smile). Always start with a conservative amount, as it is easier to add more than take away. For more glow, sweep bronzer over the arc of the forehead and the arc of the chin.

Eyes: Here's a surprising tip: to identify colors that will work best for you, let your hair -- not your eyes -- be your guide. If you're a blonde, sweep lids with creams and taupes. Brunettes look best in mochas and chocolate browns, and if you're auburn or red-headed, choose coppers, peaches, and reddish-browns, or cool tones like pinks and lavenders.

Lips: The natural pigmentation of your lips should always be the underlying tint of every lip color you wear. That's why the same lip tint looks one way on you and another way on a friend. For the perfect summer pout, always use a lighter color or a dab of shine in the center of the mouth. Forgo strong lip liner in the summer to help keep your look soft.

Sonia Kashuk's book, Real Beauty, is available at bookstores nationwide.

Target Is A Bull's Eye For Good Makeup

Yes. Target sells good makeup and beauty products. It isn't a total beauty shop like Sephora and Ulta, but makeup junkies can find their beautiful fix at Target. They feature a wide variety and are well-stocked. You might just be surprised. Here are a few samples with high, mid, and low price tags.

If you're on the hunt for the new, sizzling corals of the season, you will find them at Target:
Revlon Renewist Lipcolor in Coral Fixation ($7.69)
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Blush in Precious Pink ($10.59)
Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in Orange You Cute ($4.99)

If it's hair that needs care, you're in the right place:
Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10 Hair Color ($11.99)
Nexxus Therappe Shampoo ($14.99)
Sunsilk Thermashine Conditioner ($2.99)

If it's skin, you want to look lovely in:
Olay Definity Night Restorative Sleep Cream ($23.89)
L'Oreal Collagen Remodeler ($17.99)
Lumene Time Freeze Targeted Wrinkle Treatment ($19.99)

Target does a body good, also:
Sanctuary Salt Scrub ($17.99)
Burt's Bees Radiance Body Wash ($7.99)
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($9.39)

Please---No More Diet And Health Tips From Oprah!!!

Yes, the divine Miss Oprah is a wonderful, intelligent, and very generous woman, but when it comes to losing weight, diet plans, and health advice, well, maybe Oprah should just stay silent.

Here we go again. Oprah is on another diet. As you might recall back in October of 2007, Oprah told her viewers and readers in O Magazine, that she had packed on the pounds because of a medical problem.

“My body was turning on me,” she said in the October issue of O. “First hyperthyroidism, which sped up my metabolism and left me unable to sleep for days. (Most people lose weight. I didn’t.) Then hypothyroidism, which slowed down my metabolism and made me want to sleep all the time. (Most people gain weight. I did! Twenty pounds!)”

Then in February of 2007, Oprah blamed her weight gain on "too much bread and mashed potatoes," and not hitting the gym enough.

Now Oprah is blaming the weight gain on something new---an attachment to certain foods. According to People Magazine, Oprah has embarked on a vegan, 21-day detox plan. O is impressed with Kathy Freston's book Quantum Wellness and online sessions with Canadian motivational speaker Eckhart Tolle. (She's also getting help from chef Tal Ronnen.) And she is keeping a diary about her progress at her website.

"This 21-day cleanse gives me a chance to think about [eating] differently and see what my attachments are to certain kinds of foods – and what I'm willing to do to change," she wrote on Sunday (day one). "Don't know if I'm going to feel better or worse, but I'm willing to try to see if my body at least feels differently."

So far, so good, for Miss O.

"I had been focused on what I had to give up – sugar, gluten, alcohol, meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese. 'What's left?' I thought," she wrote on day two. "Apparently a lot. I can honestly say every meal was a surprise and a delight, beginning with breakfast – strawberry rhubarb wheat-free crepes."

So what's the big deal? Look, Oprah, by her own admission, has tried just about every diet plan out there. Is Oprah a yoyo dieter?

"She tried the Atkins diet, she tried diet pills. She tried the Scarsdale diet, the banana, hot dog and egg diet. She tried a 1,000 calorie a day diet. She tried Weight Watchers, Diet Work Shop and Diet Center. She tried Nutri-System," explained a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

In addition, Oprah has a personal chef and a personal trainer. Some women figure, if Oprah can't keep the weight off with all these resources, how can the rest of us, even have a chance?

Maybe Oprah should stick to a sensible diet and moderate exercise, and go from there. Detox plans probably work in the short term, but offer little else for maintenance.

Simple And Smart Skin Tips By Sandy Linter

Are you going to bed? Then wash your face. That is a must for maintaining beautiful skin. Go ahead and laugh, but it is true.

Most of us have gone to bed with stale makeup on at least once in our lives. But it really isn’t good for your skin. Clear pores are necessary. And the body's natural skin-repairing activity goes on when your are sleeping. Therefore, your skin needs to breathe and be very clean!

It’s best to have a routine, according to Sandy Linter. Good nighttime cleansing and skin protection are essential. And Sandy would know. She's a highly-respected makeup artist( working professionally since 1972), who has applied makeup to the skin of so many famous and gorgeous faces.

"A routine is necessary," she says. "I feel miserable when I wake up with mascara around my eyes, etc. Everyone leaves makeup on occasionally. When I do QVC and the Estee Lauder breast cancer events, we start so early, that I tell my client to leave it on (makeup), and I’ll retrace in the a.m. But that is really not often. At first they kind of looked at me suspiciously, but when it can save 20 minutes at 5 a.m., you do it. And that’s the only time I can think of that it works."

For waking up to super skin, Sandy advises using a cleanser, toner, and a night cream. She raves about Lancome's Absolue line. As Lancome describes it, ‘it addresses the effects of chronological aging.’ For more information, go to http://www.lancome-usa.com/.

Sandy says this trio of steps each night, reaps fine results. "This line (Absolue) is for women over 50. My skin has never looked so clear. And I almost never wore a night cream before. But the texture of this cream is fresh and stimulating. You will feel like you did something good for yourself—like going to the gym."

A jar of Lancome's Absolue Replenishing Cream costs about $110, but many women believe this is a skin-saving investment.

And which celebrity beauty has the best skin she's ever worked with? Cover girl and model Christie Brinkley wins this one, hands down, Sandy says. And Christie Brinkley is 50-something, which just goes to show, that beautiful skin can endure and can be maintained. In other words, a nice complexion doesn’t always belong to a 20-something.

"I still see Chrisitie Brinkley from time to time," Sandy says. "And I made her up initially when she was around 20. She had the best skin then, and she still does. No pores. Even skin. Smooth, healthy coloring. She wins that contest because she has stood the test of time. And she took a lot of sun over the years."

Well, we want to hate you Christie, but we can’t. In fact, we respect and admire you. And to keep looking so attractive and vibrant after 40, and then 50, is simply a standard we can all hope to shoot for.

Whatever you do, remember to treat your skin with loving care. It’s never too late to improve the canvas you were born with. Like Sandy Linter says, ‘It’s all about beautiful skin."

Lose Weight With The Flat Belly Diet!

Even the skinniest women sometimes complain about their flabby bellies. Crunch after crunch, abdominal sit-ups in every position, and still, the jiggly tummy is there.

So what's a gal to do? Try the Flat Belly Diet, of course! You can lose weight with this diet plan. That's what the editors at the popular health magazine Prevention say. And why not? Prevention's editor-in-chief, Liz Vaccariello, put the diet plan together with the proper nutrition folks. The Flat Belly Diet was introduced to the world last January. And now four months later, the diet plan is helping many women and men lose stubborn tummy fat. The weight loss plan is all the rage these days, so we decided to explore the diet a little further.

The Flat Belly Diet sounds too good to be true. You get to eat yummies like chocolate and pistachio nuts and get to refrain from abdominal exercises. What? No crunches? No. Not a one.

According to Prevention's Liz Vaccariello, there is smart science involved in this diet plan. What you must do at each meal, is eat a specific kind of food, actually a fat. This good fat attacks belly fat. It is called a MUFA. It stands for 'mono-unsaturated fatty acid.'

The good MUFAs in the Flat Belly Diet include: nuts, seeds, oils, avocados, and dark chocolate. You are scheduled to eat 4 times a day, and consume 400 calories at each meal.

For instance, Liz revealed one of the delicious breakfast recipes---a Cherry Chocolate Waffle. Take a frozen waffle. Heat up. Melt some semi-sweet chocolate chips over the waffle, and top with a few cherries. There---what a tasty breakfast. The MUFA in that one, is the chocolate drizzled over the top.

Now, some dietary experts are pooh-poohing the Flat Belly Diet, calling it a scam, an unhealthy amount of food intake, etc. Others claim the diet plan is a rip-off of the Mediterranean diet which encourages healthy oils, seeds, nuts, olives, and so forth.

But the people on the Flat Belly Diet, love the plan. One woman lost 47 lbs. in just 5 months. Another dropped 3 pants sizes in months.

It couldn't hurt to look into the diet plan. Everyone loves a flat belly. The diet plan does include great foods like nuts, avocados and olive oil. I mean, you're not eating cardboard-tasting rice cakes all day. Check with your doctor and see what he or she thinks.

For more information, visit: http://www.flatbellydiet.com/.

Wavy Hair, Bobs, And Ponytails for 2008

Ladies, you really have a choice this spring/summer 2008. Hair is making a statement, and this time, the lengths and textures are all over the place. And if you really crave a platinum head of hair, be brave and go for it!

Backstage at the fashion collections earlier this year, models walked the runways with some of the hottest styles going. And you know how the catwalk rules real life. Sooner or later, you begin to see the trends on the streets of cities and towns all over America.

Let's begin with the very short boy cut. Popular British model Agyness Deyn is rocking the look in a punk way( see left photo). The platinum dye is new for Agyness, but it's really grabbing a lot of attention. Orlando Pita who styled the hair for the Oscar de la Renta show, told In Style magazine this:

"A boyish cut is a good contrast to spring's brightly colored clothing and flowered prints. Short hair is also great for those who want to express a bit of their personality."

If you can't carry off the pixie sweetness of a short hairstyle, that's okay, too. If you have medium to long hair, there are several options. Namely, the loose waves. Wavy, long tresses were bouncing by the runways. Models at the Betsey Johnson show all had the look (see right photo). Long layers can create the effect. Think Jennifer Aniston. That's her trademark these days. And it's a carefree, classic style.

And then we have the bob. Victoria Beckham always has a bob of some length and asymmetry. And maybe you saw Eva Longoria on the red carpet with what appeared to be a wavy bob cut. Surprise, it was carefully coiffed by her stylist and pinned underneath to mimic a bob without losing her real hair length.

Also in vogue at the moment are ponytails. Just about everywhere. The look is young and polished. The straight ponytail is in, and also the curly tail, where the bottom half is coiled up into bouncy curls.

And lastly, the undone bun. It's not your grandmother's severely pulled back bun. This bun is modern and romantic with more loose volume and wave. It looks like it could be pulled apart at any moment. Take out a few strands slightly around the crown.

Still have bangs, and hate to 'part with them,' so to speak? Don't worry. Stylists tell us, fringe is still in. Last time I saw model Heidi Klum at a red carpet event, she had big bangs and long layered hair. Very glam.

Hairspray, mousse, gel, and anti-frizz treatments all help complete the sexy hairstyles for 2008.

Laser Lipo Melts Away Fat Permanently

This isn’t your mama’s traditional liposuction.

It’s a procedure that actually melts away fat. It’s called laser liposuction, laser lipolysis or better yet, ‘SmartLipo.’ It’s been around Europe, Asia, and South America for a few years now, and less than two years ago, the FDA here, gave the SmartLipo machine the thumbs up.

In a ‘People Magazine’ article, it was reported that, "SmartLipo may be as close as humans can come to that fat-melting fantasy."

And for that idea alone, 'SmartLipo' has become a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure these days..

Todd K. Malan, M.D., a board-certified, cosmetic gynecological surgeon at the Innovative Cosmetic Surgery Centers of Arizona, was the first west coast doctor to offer this breakthrough procedure. He has also become a national trainer of the SmartLipo device. (see photo right)

"I routinely perform 15-20 procedures per week," Malan says. "SmartLipo has been very popular in my practice with patients waiting two to three months for a consultation. I have treated patients from 36 states and five countries, and I train 10-20 physicians a month."

SmartLipo is liposuction with hardly any suction. Lasers are used to melt away fat. Traditional liposuction can remove large quantities of fat. However, it can also produce scarring, bruising and bleeding, sometimes lumpy results, and a longer recovery time.

According to Dr. Malan, laser liposuction can melt away any area of unwanted fat. Fat that is stubborn and remains even after constant diet and exercise. And not just bellies, buttocks and thighs.

"It excels at treating hard to reach areas such as ankles and knees. More importantly, SmartLipo also tightens the skin. It is the preferred method for treating fat in and around the neck, face, and arms.," Malan explains.

What’s remarkable about the SmartLipo procedure, is the control the surgeon has in creating a more perfect silhouette. First, there is the permanent removal of the targeted fat areas. Remember, adults do not form new fat cells.

Then, the laser surgery smooths out the skin and tightens it, too, promoting new collagen growth. A big plus. Lastly, a talented SmartLipo surgeon can sculpt the body like never before. And even more comforting, is that most SmartLipo surgeons prefer to use only local anesthesia.

"This is not only safer for the patient, but allows us to have the patient stand up during the procedure to re-evaluate fatty pockets in the normal, upright position, I prefer to use SmartLipo as a body-contouring tool. With body-contouring, our aim is not for weight loss but to provide a more appealing figure. If done correctly, a size 12 could in many cases, expect a three to four size drop."

So how expensive is SmartLipo? A ballpark figure Dr. Malan gave us—$2,000 per area. He says that is a very common amount charged by most SmartLipo surgeons.

To learn more about SmartLipo and Dr. Malan’s cosmetic surgery practice, visit http://www.irisdocs.com/.

Help Me Get Gorgeous In 5 Minutes

Welcome to the 5 minute face. Yes, you can apply makeup within five, tiny minutes and achieve a polished and pretty look. And all you need to have---are 5 beauty items. So stop screaming that you don't have even 5 minutes to waste. Help is on the way.

1. Foundation. Yes, we all need a little, unless your complexion is just about perfect. That means zero undereye circles, zero uneven pigment, zero zits, zero lines and wrinkles, etc. Our makeup legend friend, Sandy Linter, says that we all need some coverage for those reasons. And Sandy says that foundations usually offer some amount of SPF, so you are protecting your skin from the elements when you wear foundation, be it liquid, cream, powder, or mineral.
Try: Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex ($12.99) ColorStay comes in 12 shades and in Normal/Dry or Combination/Oily. Halle Berry is said to be a big fan of ColorStay Makeup. Okay, she is a spokesmodel for Revlon, but I believe her.

2. Eyeshadow. We could all benefit from a little color on the eyes, especially when it's classic and pretty. Go for a neutral shade and apply all over the lid.
Try: Nars Cream Single Eyeshadow in Paper Tiger (Toffee, $21). This is a nice, soft, brown-beige shade and complements most eye colors. A long-lasting cream to powder formula.

3. Mascara. Need we say more? Mascara is probably one of the more important beauty items to always include in your makeup plan on a daily basis. Why? Simply put, mascara opens up the eyes. You don't have to put on 30 coats. Just a couple and you will see the difference that long lashes and wide eyes can make.
Try: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Blaster Mascara ($7.99) This mascara is a great lash-plumper and comes in 4 intensities: Black. Brown. Black Brown. Very Black.

4. Blush. Cheek color. According to Sandy Linter, it's THE most important cosmetic to use every day. "It shows off your bone structure and gives your face depth and warmth." Blush gives you a healthy glow. A sheer bronzer can also give you the same healthy look, but with more of a tan and can be swiped all over---forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Bronzers come in a big variety of hues. But remember to keep it sheer and not too dark.
Try: N.Y.C. New York Color-Color Wheel Mosaic Powder in Pink Cheek Glow ($4.99). These mosaic wheels come in 6 pretty palettes and give brightness to underlying skintone. Each wheel contains 4 shades, but when you apply to your face, the 4 combine into one color hue. An amazing beauty item at a great price.

5. Lipstick/Gloss. The finishing touch. You don't need to waste time lining your lips. And if you can't be bothered with lipstick, a gloss is very quick to apply to your lips. Lip color comes in so many, many colors. You can go neutral, light, or stay in the pink family for a classic look.
Try: Prescriptives Rain Gloss in Watery Melon ( $18.50). A soft, sheer pink coral shade. Light and healthy, not a heavy gloss. Lips look 'dewy,' as the Prescriptives people say.

There, you're gorgeous in 5 minutes!

Carmindy And Sally Hansen Launch New Makeup Line

If you've ever watched 'What Not To Wear,' then you certainly know makeup artist Carmindy Bowyer. Carmindy has always emphasized that women need to highlight their natural beauty, instead of piling on gobs of makeup and/or not wearing cosmetics at all.

Carmindy is proud of the new Natural Beauty line she inspired under the Sally Hansen brand. It just hit store shelves in mid May at CVS and other department stores. And right now at www.Ulta.com, buy one and get the other Natural Beauty item at 50% off. Plus, use the Ulta.com 20% coupon at the website, and you get some super money-saving deals.

The Natural Beauty Makeup by Sally Hansen, is priced from $7.95 to $12.95, and features everything from lipsticks to blushers to eye shadow palettes, and foundations. And the cosmetics are made with skin-friendly ingredients, including mineral, natural extracts, and active botanicals such as--bamboo, soy, papaya, and mango.

Carmindy will be using beauty items from her new makeup line on 'What Not To Wear,' when she performs her magical makeovers. Women always look so healthy and attractive after sitting for a Carmindy makeup session.

Makeup With Elf---Cheap And Gorgeous

Okay, I had not even heard of e.l.f. cosmetics until about a year ago. I guess I just never paid attention to makeup that barely cost a buck. Well, e.l.f. (eyes, lips, and face) is a truly amazing makeup brand. And if you've never checked out e.l.f., then do so now. And be ready to save a bundle on makeup. Cosmetics are so expensive, it's nice when you can get cheap makeup and still look gorgeous.

ELF has come out with some luscious new shades and products. And they sell cheap but strong brushes, too. Imagine....an all-over face brush for just a buck. You can't beat it. Alright, some of their beauty items cost a bit more, but when you can pick up a great mineral foundation for just $5.00 with 4 skin tones to choose from, you're really on a beauty roll.

I'm in love with ELF's Vanilla Coconut Body Butter ($5.00, 7 oz). The aroma is delicious. And the body butter is made with all sorts of soft and smooth ingredients like---sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and coconut milk. And there's an entire vanilla coconut line. A body lotion. A hand cream. A hand soap. And a bath gel. The sizes are generous.

I'm also intrigued by ELF's 3 in 1 Color ($1.00). It's a blusher, an eye shadow, and even a lipstick, all-in-one stick of color. The new shades include---Pink Lemonade. Persimmon. Lilac Petal. And Toasted.

You can find e.l.f cosmetics at Kmart Sears Essentials department stores and the BigKmart department stores. Or you can order online.

Learn all about ELF here: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/.

Why not give ELF a try. Cheap makeup can be a very good thing.

How To Look Pretty In 2 Minutes Flat

Forgive me for picking on lovely actress Jennifer Garner. I've heard such wonderful things about her and Academy Award winning husband Ben Affleck. They enjoy raising their active toddler, Violet, without nannies. They lead a normal life, bringing their daughter to a public park and not being afraid to get their hands dirty in raising a little one. They seem like such a real, down-to-earth family, never showing off their Hollywood pedigree.

Now that I've said that.....a little blush or lip tint can make all the difference in the world, Jennifer. When you're past the age of 30, a subtle dab of makeup makes you even prettier. You don't have to look red-carpet-ready, but you should make an effort.

You can look pretty in 2 minutes flat! And all you need are 4 simple beauty items to get a gorgeous, natural look. Tinted moisturizer. Undereye concealer. Cream blush. Lip tint.

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude ($42.00). In Style Magazine rated this 'Best Tinted Moisturizer for 2008.' Sheer and lightweight with an SPF of 20. Instead of foundation, this is quicker to put on and you get a nice, healthy glowing complexion.

2. Max Factor Erace Concealer in Natural 213 ($5.03). Just a quick dab and you cleverly hide dark circles. Creamy and soft.

3. Maybelline's Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin ($7.09). This little pot of cream blush was voted 'Best Blush for 2007' by Teen Vogue Magazine. Satin-soft and air-whipped. It goes on smoothly and lasts for hours on the apples of your cheeks. Natural color with just a hint of shimmer.

4. Savannah Bee Company Beeswax Lip Tint in Peach ($5.75) Not only heals and protects lips, but also gives just a hint of tint. Brightens your smile. 100% all natural.

The above beauty items come in several shades. This is just an example of how to look pretty in 2 minutes flat.

The Diet For Big, Healthy Hair

Gwyneth Paltrow and Kathy Hilton share something in common. To begin with, they are both very attractive Hollywood women. And yes, both women are blonde. But what's very similar, is the beautiful head of hair they each own. And both credit their luscious locks to a healthy diet of vitamins and supplements.

Do these vitamins for the hair really work? That's been a question that has challenged many skin care professionals. Some say that supplements for the hair work wonders. And others say, the results are less than amazing.

Allow me to put a personal note on the issue. When I was a freshman in college, after having burned my dark hair with 'Sun In' lightener and other chemicals, I decided I wanted my long, healthy hair back. I can't recall the name of the hair vitamins I took, except that the tablets were big, yellow pills. But I took them faithfully each day, and within three months or so, my hair started growing and growing. I no longer take any vitamins for my hair, but after having interviewed Kathy Hilton recently, I might just start them up again.

I had asked Kathy Hilton about her favorite beauty secrets. She was more than gracious to give me several. On that list was Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplements ($50, 120 caplets). Kathy told me "They're great for the hair."

If you look at the ingredients of Vitamins A, B, C, and E, plus Omega 3 and Omega 6, the formula seems like an intelligent combination. Marie Claire Magazine has called Phyto Phytophanere a great diet for the hair.

The Phyto folks claim the supplements take about 4 months to see results. But little by little, hair becomes healthy and lustrous. Nails get stronger. Skin becomes more radiant. Lashes get longer. And the pills help prevent hair loss.

Visit: www.bloomingdales.com for more information on Phyto supplements.

Meantime, Gwyneth Paltrow (mom of two), says that when she first got pregnant, she began taking prenatal vitamins, and then discovered how healthy her hair became. And she still takes the prenatal vitamins today. Gwyneth told Harper's Bazaar in 2006, that the brand she believes in is New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal ($44.95, 90 tablets).

"It doesn't matter if you are pregnant," Gwyneth told the magazine. "I swear to God. I have double-processed blond hair, and it's so long and not damaged. Those vitamins. They are the trick."

A number of women credit their big, beautiful crowning glory to prenatal vitamins. But if you are not pregnant, can these supplements harm you? The only really worry there, is that prenatal vitamins contain a good amount of iron. And too much iron for a woman who is not expecting, can mess up her body. So it's best to check with your doctor if you decide to follow the Gwyneth diet for healthy hair.

For more information, visit: http://www.newchapter.com/.

For A Smooth And Soft Booty

Nordstrom's is simply a gorgeous store to shop at. I could live in there. And if you don't have a Nordstrom's near you, you can visit their online store, because the best beauty products are just a fingertip away. http://www.nordstrom.com/.

What I love about Nordstrom's is their 'What's New' division under 'Beauty & Fragrances.' Here, you can get an exclusive peek at the newest beauty items just hitting store shelves. From waterproof mascara to shower elixirs and more, they've got you covered from head to toe in the most attractive way.

I'm highlighting two beauty products that aim to give you a smooth and soft booty. Yes, booty. And pretty 'booty-ful' items I might add.

The first one is by Trish McEvoy, a makeup artist legend in her own right.

Trish McEvoy #6 Mandarin & Ginger Lily Body Polish Sugar Scrub ($18, 2 oz). This is a travel size product and very convenient to stash in your purse or overnight bag. The aroma alone, is more than heavenly. And Trish has put out an entire line of Mandarin & Ginger Lily items, inlcuding a luscious body cream and bath and shower gels.

Use this in the shower and exfoliate away for a smoother tush and tummy and more. The sugar scrub is gentle and yet, lifts away dead skin cells. An invigorating shower experience.

The second new beauty booty booster is by the good folks at Bliss. Use this one after the McEvoy Sugar Scrub.

Bliss 'FatGirlSleep' ($38, 6 oz.). This one is the turbo-charged sister of the Bliss FatGirlSlim.

Designed to relax your body as you apply the cream and then turn in for a good night's sleep. Formulated with the Bliss 'slenderiZZZe' complex, FatGirlSleep releases 'dimple diminishers' throughout the night, along with the calming notes of lavender, working their magic for up to 6 hours.

You awaken with a smoother, softer booty. Let's face it---anything that zeroes in on booty dimples, is fine by me. So grab some zzzz's and slenderize your behind in the process.

Makeup Tips From Sex And The City's SJP

The fabulous four---Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon hit the London Red Carpet at Leicester Square Sunday evening for the world premiere of 'Sex And The City: The Movie.'

The NYC girls looked radiant and fashion-forward, as they greeted a huge throng of fans. The movie, which is a sequel to the mega-hit HBO television series, opens May 30th in the United States. New York City is planning a major celebration when the characters of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda come home to the city that launched the empowerment of 30-something-and-beyond single women everywhere.

Celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez always creates SJP's natural and pretty makeup. And Sunday night, Leslie did it again. We've got Sarah Jessica Parker's Sex and The City makeup tips. According to our friends-in-the-know, it was Christian Dior cosmetics all the way:

DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation ($60)
DiorShow Mascara in Black ($24)
Dior Ultra Gloss Reflect in Jersey Pink ($24.50)
DiorBronze Essential Bronzing Powder ($40)

You can check out Christian Dior makeup at fine department stores and at: http://www.sephora.com/.

Leslie Lopez also applies makeup to these famous actresses---Kate Hudson, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Crest Pro-Health---Fact Or Fiction?

Almost 100 million bottles of Crest Pro-Health Rinse ($4.69, 1 liter bottle) have been sold so far. That's what the giant company of Procter & Gamble says. And they put out the oral rinse. In fact, Crest Pro-Health Rinse is the second leading mouthwash, behind top seller Listerine.

So what's the problem? My friends told me about the ugly internet rumors regarding the Crest rinse. I didn't believe them. I have a bottle of Crest Pro-Health Rinse in my bathroom cabinet at the moment. Alright. I admit, I haven't touched the mouthwash since they told me about the bad things it can allegedly do to your smile. But I have another reason I quit using, and you will see that at the end of my article.

The internet rumors have been circulating for a while now. Some folks claim the Crest rinse discolors teeth or stains them. And there are others who claim the rinse has a numbing taste. Crest Pro-Health Rinse has been on the market for about three years now. And it has been marketed as an alcohol-free mouthwash that also fights plaque and gingivitis.

At present, there is a federal lawsuit pending in Georgia. The suit is alleging fraud by the Procter & Gamble/Crest people. The FDA(food and drug adm.) is looking into these allegations.

But P&G claims the allegations are fiction, and says the Crest rinse is safe and effective. A statement posted at the Crest website said this in part:

"The millions of consumers who use it every day, and the growing number of dentists who reccomend it, can attest to that."

So there you have it. When I was using the Crest rinse, I never noticed anything weird going on with my smile. What I did notice, however, were break-outs along my chin, every time I rinsed with the Crest. There are also internet rumors going around, that say whitening rinses and whitening toothpastes cause pimples on the chin.

I don't know what to believe. If anyone has some ideas, please leave a comment.

Ladies.....here they are! The CEW award winners for 2008! Some 600 beauty products were nominated, and here are the number ones in skin care, hair care and coloring, and makeup.

By the way, CEW stands for---Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc., an organization of 4,000 plus executives in the fields of beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries.

The 2008 best beauty product winners were honored at a gala event in Manhattan on May 2nd. Some of the beautiful presenters are captured in the photo above. The winners were cited for being 'the most innovative beauty products of the year. "When shoppers see a product with the CEW Winner's seal they know it's been vetted by a professional. It's like having a friend in the industry give you their honest opinion," noted CEW President Carlotta Jacobson. "These are the products people are talking about - and the ones we all want to own."

Visit: http//www.cew.org. to read more about the winning products. You can also shop online there, and try out some of these great beauty treatments.

FACIAL SKINCARE
Acne Treatment - Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy
Anti-Aging – (Mass) Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Anti-Aging – PrestigeShiseido Cosmetics (America) Ltd. Bio-Performance Intensive Skin Corrective Program
Cleanser and Scrub – (Mass) Dove SkinVitalizer
Cleanser and Scrub – Prestigephilosophy The Microdelivery Micro-massage Exfoliating Wash
Eye Treatment – (Mass) Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System
Eye Treatment – PrestigeEstee Lauder Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Eye Creme
Moisturizer – (Mass) L'Oreal Paris Revitalift UV Daily Moisturizing Cream with Mexoryl SX
Moisturizer – PrestigeEstee Lauder Hydra Bright Skin-Tone Perfecting Moisturizer

HAIR CARE & COLORING
Hair Care and Coloring Product – (Mass) Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray
Hair Care and Coloring Product – PrestigeFrederic Fekkai Coiff Contrôle Ironless Straightening Balm

MAKEUP
Eye Product – (Mass) CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara
Eye Product – PrestigeDior DiorShow Blackout Mascara
Face Product – (Mass) L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour
Lip Product – PrestigeYSL Beaute Lip Twins

Heidi Klum Adds Skin Care To Her Empire

Thirty-five-year-old Heidi Klum has beautiful, clear skin. And would you expect less from a supermodel?!

Heidi wants you to have super skin also. And that is why she is busy these days, promoting her new skin care line called In An Instant. Heidi has teamed up with the Guthy-Renker company to develop a 5-step beauty program. The anti-aging beauty treatments are formulated to hydrate and moisturize dry and sensitive skin, to guard against premature aging, and to minimize fine wrinkles. 'One application. Instant results.'

The In An Instant skin care line by Heidi Klum costs only $29.95 for the 5-step system. Included: Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Intensive Firming Serum. Instant Wrinkle Smoother. Instant Daily Tinted Moisturizer. Instant Warming Scrub. Visit: http://www.InAnInstant.com/.

It seems like a reasonable price for 5 full-sized treatments. We're not saying you're going to wake up looking like Ms. Klum, but Guthy-Renker and Heidi do say the anti-aging system is based on cutting edge beauty technology.

Blonde beauty Heidi has a wild schedule these days. In between her successful Bravo television hit 'Project Runway,' and her various modeling assignments, Heidi has also just launched her own Jordache denim line. No rest for the supermodel, wife, and mom, who has graced the covers of many fine magazines, like---Vogue, Sports Illustrated, Elle, Marie Claire, and many more.

The great thing about Heidi's In An Instant skin care line: a full money back guarantee if you aren't pleased with the results.

Eye Makeup Magnifying Glasses

If you need to wear glasses to read fine print, well, you just might need a pair of eye makeup magifying glasses to really see how you're applying stuff. Maybe some of you try to put on makeup while wearing your glasses, but boy, that is difficult and the frame gets in the way. Or you try to apply mascara without the aid of glasses and you jam yourself in the eye.

Instead of guessing how to apply eye makeup without squinting, here's a cool invention. They're called eye makeup magnification glasses. And these things have been around for a while. But these glasses are really the only way to apply makeup when you can't see well up close. If someone out there has a better idea, please leave me a comment here.

MagniPlus Eye Makeup Glasses ($49) can be bought online at: http://www.timeformecatalog.com/.

These eye makeup glasses come in four strengths, too. The folks at MagniPlus advise that you buy a magnification strength that is at least one level stronger than your current prescription.

+2.5. +3. +3.5. +4.

What's so great about these makeup glasses? The cool thing being, each lens drops down for full access to the eye. So while you have the lens up on one eye, as you look into the mirror, the other lens drops down so you can apply makeup to that eye. You won't bump into the frame or magnifying glass. It makes life so much easier for applying mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, and tweezing eyebrows. It's also a great thing to have on hand when removing contact lenses or even applying eye drops.

If you have a super makeup artist with you 24/7 (lucky you), then you won't need this information.

Cover Your Own Roots--Skip The Salon

Okay, things are getting crazy around here with the economy out of whack. Prices have sky-rocketed on just about every item imaginable. And if you make constant trips to the hair salon for expensive dye jobs, well, it might be time to cut back. Either that, or go gray, or some other odd shade your hair might really be, underneath all that maintenance. Or let those roots run wild.

No need to panic. There is one way to save a little cash in between those must-do trips to the salon. Cover your own roots. Yes, you can do it. Stretch out the time between your hair color sessions. But how?

With hair powder spray. Remember Pssst Instant Spray Shampoo? It worked without water. All you did was spray it on your oily hair. Fluff it up. Then brush it out. And you got cleaner hair with volume. Alright, if you didn't brush it out enough, your hair was a bit white, but still a genius product. And you can still buy the traditional Pssst ($4.99).

Now the makers of Bumble and Bumble have come out with something even better. Hair Powder Spray ($19. for 1 oz). And it comes in five classic shades: Black, Brown, Red, Blondish for dark blondes, and White for light to platinum blondes. It covers up roots and grays between colorings. It's also a dry shampoo. And it gives great texture and volume to your lifeless locks. Only one word of caution: This colored powder spray can get a bit messy, so be careful spraying the darker shades. You don't want it on your white blouse or white walls. Buy it at B and B salons or here: http://www.abeautifullife.com/.

Pssst has also come out with a colored version of their traditional Pssst Instant Spray shampoo. Its' called, Pssst Instant Spray Volume and Color ($8 a can). It comes in Brunette and Blonde. It's a new product soon to hit your local drusgtore. It, too, promises volume and will get rid of the oiliness. And add color and shine.

And if you'd like something easier, this is what I do in between coloring: It's like a mascara wand. It's quick, easy, and really covers up roots. Instant Grey Touch Up ($5.99). Just brush away unsightly roots. It's gentle on your strands, and it washes right out. In 5 shades: Blonde. Light Brown. Dark Brown. Black. Auburn. Get it here: http://www.beautyboutique.com/.

Best of luck, ladies. Nothing worse than roots gone wild.

How To Apply The New Self Tanners

We’ve come a long way. Remember the days of orange, streaked skin? And how messy the whole process was, in trying to fake a tan? Parts of your calves would be dark, but maybe your feet would be pale, and your chest blotchy, all because it was nearly impossible to spread yourself an even tan.

Self-tanners have greatly improved these days, and they’re worth a shot. Why not? We’ve all heard that, "No tan is a good tan." The UVA rays from the sun cause premature aging and unfortunately in some cases, skin cancer. So forget that deep, St. Tropez tan. Why not go for a subtle, golden glow, a hint of summer color that won't break your budget?

What makes these low dose self-tanners attractive, is that they are oil-free, light-weight, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). They also have a moisturizing base and won’t leave your skin dry and peeling. And the product is made to fade away naturally, too.

Helpful Tips Before Applying A Self-Tanner
1. You should shower first before using a self-tanner. And it’s best to exfoliate, or remove the dead skin layers. In other words, shaving your legs and mildly scrubbing your face with a Buf Puf helps the tanner absorb better onto your skin.
2. Dry your skin thoroughly with a towel, and pin your hair back.
3. Open the tube of self-tanner. Yes. That familiar odor is still present, but not as strong as in years prior. Put an amount in your hand and rub it onto a large area like your leg. Try to work it in well. Applying the self-tanner to your back might be a bit tricky, and that’s where you could use a friend to reach those little nooks and crannies.
4. When applying to the face and neck, be careful of the eye area, and use sparingly on the face.
5. After you’re done, let it dry thoroughly. It can stain, so do not put clothes on immediately.
6. Wash hands with soap and water.
P.S. Most self-tanners do not have an SPF sunscreen in the product, so you are still not safe in the sun with your new faux tan. You can apply a suncreen over your tanner should you be heading outdoors for any length of time.

One Of MyFavorite Self-Tanners On The Market:
Lancome Soleil Ultra Medium Colour Self Tanning Lotion ($31.50) with 40 SPF.

Just Remember: Practice Makes Perfect
Some women complain that self-tanners are difficult to apply. It’s an individual thing. It’s probably best to go sparingly on them at first and wait to see how your glow and light tan is shaping up. You’re not going to look like you’ve been in the Caribbean for weeks, but looking too tan is not in style any longer either. If it’s a healthy golden glow you’re aiming for, then you might really enjoy these popular self-tanners.

Many customers think it’s easier to use a spray tanner than a lotion. But care must be taken in spraying directly on to the face. A better way to use this kind of product, is to spray on the palm of your hand and then apply to the face or spray onto a facial puff and then apply to the face.

Whatever new self-tanner you choose, remember, you’re saving the skin you’re in.

Retin-A Really Repairs Skin

Florida plastic surgeon Don Revis put it this way:

“Retin-A and Renova(Retin-A for dry skin) are the single best skin care product that has ever been developed.”

In other words, this stuff really works. You might need to use it for a lifetime, but then again, you get a second chance at smooth and wrinkle-free skin.

Retin-A is a prescription medication created from a derivative of vitamin A. The active component is known both as retinoic acid and tretinoin. Retinoic acid speeds up cell turnover and encourages collagen synthesis. In other words, collagen plumps up skin, so your face regains its buoyancy.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS), the best candidates are older patients(adults)--- those with fine to medium depth facial wrinkles or blotchy pigmented areas of skin caused by sun damage. Retin-A is not for pregnant or nursing mothers. Research is still not clear if a fetus or nursing infant might be affected by the anti-wrinkle cream.

Retin-A is available in cream, gel, or solution form, as well as a generic version. And it comes in different strengths. For instance, Retin-A cream is available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and the strongest at 0.1%.


Applying Retin-A Carefully

Retin-A actually peels away the outer layers of the skin during the early weeks of use. That means skin is thinner and is very vulnerable to sunburn. Protection from the sun is extremely important to Retin-A users. Sun screen and a good moisturizer are your best bets.

And less is more. If improperly used, Retin-A can cause swelling, redness, burning, peeling and itchiness. Some users have quit because the irritation was unbearable. Most dermatologists advise a slow build-up. Apply the cream only every third night, until your skin ‘can take it.’ A pea-sized amount dotted on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, and then rubbed all over the face. Crow’s feet respond nicely to Retin-A, but some skin care experts say that the eye area is too sensitive for the anti-wrinkle cream, and great care must be taken if applying around the eyes.


Results That Are More Than Superficial

Retin-A works at a genetic level. In other words, retinoic acid is able to alter the skin cells’ DNA. It brings about increased blood delivery to the skin. It improves pigmentation and renews collagen. And it lessens the chance of skin cancer by regulating the skin cell cycle.

If you can get through the first few weeks of using the miracle cream with little irritation, then hang in there for all the good stuff to follow. Dermatologists says that after 8 to 12 weeks of use, skin cell turnover increases. Down the road, a few months later, you will enjoy a rosy glow and watch large pores shrink down. Fine lines will begin to soften. And by turning the 6 month mark, wrinkles will be less visible and age spots will fade. Skin tissue tightens and firmness develops.

Whatever you decide to do, visit a dermatologist and do your homework. Science is making incredible advances in skin repair/rejuvenation. Most of us are impatient and really want a cream that will iron out wrinkles and the signs of aging immediately. But it doesn’t work that way. Even incredible beauty products can take incredible amounts of time to slow the clock. The wonderful news is, it can be done. We can fool Mother nature. Gradually.

Kathy Hilton Talks Beauty And Skin Care

Look at Kathy Hilton. You notice that she is very pretty.

But more importantly, you see great skin and bone structure. And she's just like you and me---Kathy Hilton worries about wrinkles and sun damage and yes, aging.

The American socialite and businesswoman (and mom to Paris and Nicky) has teamed up with the Home Shopping Network, HSN, to introduce more great beauty treatments in her signature skin care line PureBotanical by Kathy Hilton. We had the chance to interview Kathy about her beauty regimen and she revealed some wonderful skin care tips.

Kathy Hilton is proud of the anti-aging products that carry her name. She tells us that her PureBotanical line was carefully developed by one of the prominent skin care formulators in the world. The end result is 'a perfect combination of technology and nature.'

"PureBotanical scientifically blends hand-picked botanicals from the Amazon Rain Forest with a select blend of anti-oxidants and vitamins. The Anti Wrinkle Cream, for example, features pure, exotic botanicals combined with my H5 Complex, to synergistically mix nature and science, fighting the signs of aging. The H5 Complex contains five cutting edge peptides developed exclusively for my line, one of which is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effects of the Temple Viper venom."

Kathy told us that her PureBotanical Wrinkle Cream ($32.50--Ageless Skin Care Set) is the one makeup item she cannot live without. She calls it amazing. "I find myself not only using it on my face--but on my hands, elbows, ends of my hair, in a spray bottle mixed with water (which I spray on my face when I travel) and even on my feet. I love it! This cream is definitely something I don't leave home without--it's always in my handbag."

And Kathy also enjoys this beauty on a budget item. "I love the Andrea Eye Q's Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads. I can't live without them."

To keep her long blonde locks in tip-top shape, Kathy Hilton prefers these brands. "I always use the Kerastase Bain Volumactive Shampoo, but I also think it's important to alternate or switch your shampoo from time to time, otherwise, your hair becomes accustomed to the shampoo. I also use Frederic Fekkai's Apple Cider Shampoo for its clarifying properties and I take the Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplements. They're great for the hair."

Kathy also says we have to be sensible about our beauty routine. Always wash your makeup off at night. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep. And like her mom taught her--keep your face and neck protected from the sun.

Who is Kathy Hilton's beauty icon? "I think Princess Grace is definitely an icon. Her elegance and style still transcend through time. I also think Ann-Margret is so captivating and beautiful--a timeless beauty."

For more information on PureBotanical by Kathy Hilton, visit: http://www.kathyhiltonbeauty.com/.

http://www.hsn.com/.

Jessica Jessana Nails The Perfect Shade

Nail polish is big this season. From midnight blues to vivid floral pinks, reds, violets, and mauves, it seems like every woman has a favorite shade. Nail polish is the hottest new accessory. And Hollywood is definitely driving this craze for beautiful manicured hands.

Celebrities are wild for Jessica Jessana polishes. And why not? At just $4.00 a bottle and dozens upon dozens of shades to choose from, you'd be silly not to pick a favorite. In Style Magazine even made a mention of Jessica Jessana's newest nail polish colors. Come to find out, Jessica Alba loves her fingers painted with 'Eternity.' And Demi Moore likes to wear 'Prima Dona.' And the magazine also called Jessica Jessana's 'Top Coat,' the best around for 2008.

Who is Jessica? Jessica Vartoughian founded the Jessica Nail Clinic in 1969. And from that point on, she has never looked back. The New York Times calls her the 'First Lady of Nails.' Her well-established line of nail and spa treatments have been written about in magazine after magazine all over the world.

Jessica stands by her products. She claims the formula in her nail polishes are superior and the color will last and last. And at $4.oo, you can't beat it. Hollywood celebs seem to think so, too. Some of her clients include: Scarlett Johansson, Mrs. Nancy Reagan, Sharon Osbourne, Tyra Banks, and Patti Scialfa.

There are so many gorgeous nail colors to pick from, you'll want more than one, or two, or three.

Check out Jessica Jessana Nails at: www.jessicacosmetics.com.

Milani Cosmetics--- Beauty On A Budget

Milani Cosmetics really deliver the goods. You can't beat a super bargain. The Los Angeles-based makeup company was created specifically for 'multi-cultural skin tones.' And that's a very good thing. How many times has a woman of color or a woman of Mediterranean background, for instance, been frustrated by the lack of depth in foundation shades? Every woman has a unique skin tone and skin type. It's nice when cosmetics companies recognize that 'one-size does not fit all.'

And it's really nice, when you can buy makeup like Milani, for dollars cheaper than most brands out there.

Milani Cosmetics calls it, "affordable luxury." Even their packaging looks rich with gold lettering.

Milani makeup offers a huge range of beauty items for face, eyes, lips, and nails. For instance, there are 11 types of lipsticks and glosses to choose from. Most at $5.00 or less. Sheer, velvet finish, moist matte, etc. And if you're looking for some base, there are several foundations to look at. Minerals loose or minerals compact makeup ($8.29). Liquid foundation. Tinted moisturizers. Foundation powders. Pretty blush and bronzer duos ($6.99). Soft, silky eye shadows. Liquid eyeliners. Nail lacquers ($4.49) with lots of lovely shades to choose from. Tropical Fiesta. Blue Nile. Liquid Silver.

Milani Cosmetics has become a very popular brand and has been written up in major magazines like Lucky, OK, Cosmo Girl, Essence, Seventeen, and more.

Milani makeup is distributed worldwide. And you can find it at department stores, supermarkets, and drugstores like Walgreens and CVS. You can also purchase Milani beauty items online at: http://www.bestbeautyonline.com/.

Blue Eye Shadow Is Back In 2008

Our girl Eve is definitely rockin' the blue eye shadow in her video (see photo). And she looks hot. It's fresh, not old-school.

Here we go again. Blue eye shadow is back in style in 2008. Blue, blue, and more blue was seen all over the runways. Models in the Betsey Johnson, Blugirl, and Diane Von Furstenberg shows, were all strutting their stuff wearing vivid shades of it. Layered cobalt shadow and electric blue liner. Bright blue liner 'winged up' like cats' eyes. And Betsey Johnson's girls glided by batting eyes adorned with chunky blue sparkles and blue eyeliner. Okay, a bit extreme. But that is the runway. Very disco and 1980s.

You don't have to go over the edge when it comes to pulling off the blue look. A little goes a long way. Kate Hudson was just seen on the red carpet wearing blue liner under the eye. The look was soft and pretty, and new again. And more Hollywood celebs like Beyonce, Hayden Panettiere, and Katie Holmes have all been seen with blue shadow and liner.

I like MAC Powder Eye Shadow in Tilt ($14). Some women describe the shade as denim (see photo). It really does look like a pair of jeans. It's a very wearble day-time shade. It's not a crazy blue. And Tilt looks lovely on all eye colors, especially brown.

You can also try Laura Mercier Eyeliner in Bleu Marine ($20).

And if you're on a budget, Milani's Blue Ice Shadow is a pretty shade for just $3.99. And it looks as good as the higher-priced shadows.

Just remember to have some fun with blue eye shadow and liner. Experiment. Find the blue that looks hot on you.

NYC Makeup Artist Sandy Linter - Foundation Tips

It would be nice to have New York City make up artist Sandy Linter, arrive each day to ‘put on your face.’ She is a legend in the business and has the resume to prove it. From Eva Longoria to Christie Brinkley, this woman has enhanced the beauty of every face she has applied makeup to. Sandy Linter shares some super tips on foundation, the building blocks to beautiful makeup.

Okay, let’s say your skin is just about perfect. Lucky you. Then Sandy says all you need is a little concealer and blush. And don’t forget a sun-protection cream because Sandy cautions that skin cancers can form on and around the nose later on in life. But if your skin is a bit red, or pale, has uneven tone, large pores, or acne, etc., then you need to cover.

Choosing the right shade of foundation seems nearly impossible, but Sandy says you can get close. “I apply a swipe of color near the neck. On the face under the cheekbone. It has to blend into the skin, not exactly match it. But it should cover. Apply it on broken capillaries or something you need to tone down, like ruddy cheeks. See how the foundation sits on the skin.”

Most women don’t think about this, but a wonderful aspect about wearing foundation, is its ability to fight the elements like sun, wind and cold, harsh winter air. Sandy notes that foundation, even without the spf., still provides a good barrier, especially against sun damage. “And you will never regret saving your skin. It’s all about beautiful skin,” she says.


There Are A Gazillion Foundations—I’m Lost

Alright then. Liquid or cream or powder foundation? The choices appear to be endless, and that is when many women fear to even try a makeup item. But through trial and error, you can find a foundation that balances your complexion and gives you a healthy, sheer glow. For instance, I have oily skin with large pores, but Sandy says foundation can tackle a number of skin problems.

“I usually apply a liquid or cream, and then throw a powder foundation in my bag for touch-ups. That’s also what I do with models, actresses, etc. Most of the time, I use powder foundations for touch-ups, but it depends. They do work very well on oily skin. And I love working with Kevyn Aucoin's The Liquid Airbrush Foundation. With liquids, use your fingers to apply. With creams, use sponges. I use foundation brushes on oily skin. That might be a good trick for you. Armani has a great little brush. A stiff brush beats the foundation into the pores. Sounds gross, but it gives a really ‘pore-less’ finish. The Kevyn foundation is so moist that it is a waste pouring it into a sponge. I apply it with fingers, like a moisturizer.”


Don’t Forget The Blush, Either

On your way to ‘building’ a lovely face and complexion, don’t ignore the steps that follow through. Just applying a foundation or base, is not enough. You want to create a three-dimensional face--- one that features warmth, and enhances skin and bone structure. And that little secret is some blush, according to Sandy.

Whatever you do, remember to treat your skin with loving care. It’s never too late to improve the canvas you were born with. Never go to bed with makeup on. And get into a good nighttime cleansing routine. Like Sandy Linter says, ‘It’s all about beautiful skin.”