Summer Safety: Go Easy In The Sun And Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning. We all do it, or have done it, and/or continue to do it.

And for those who really want that golden glow year round, there's the tanning bed. Unfortunately, that's where the extreme danger lies, so to speak.

We saw a very sad story today, about a lovely young woman from Texas, Jaime Regen Rea. Jaime spent her high school lunch hours at a tanning salon. She wanted to always look tanned and pretty. Her mother says Jaime spent a lot of time in the sun, but really became addicted to the tanning bed.

At age 20, she was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. And Jaime Regen Rea was dead, just 3 weeks before her 30th birthday.

Her heartbroken family has decided to honor Jaime's memory by joining in the American Academy of Dermatology's new TV and print public service advertisements. These ads aim to educate the public about the increased risk of melanoma from tanning beds and sun exposure..

This story isn't a rare one. We have spoken several times, here at Beauty Tip Today, about the dangers of too much sun exposure and the alarming statistics of young people using tanning beds.

No one needs a long lecture here, but... researchers have found that deadly skin cancer is on the rise for younger women, but not for younger men. Cases of melanoma among women have jumped some 50%, according to a study published back on July 10, 2008 by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

"It's worrying," said Mark Purdue, a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute, who led the analysis published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. "What we are seeing in young adults right now could foretell a much larger number of melanoma cases in older women." .

Have fun in the sun, but remember to do it in moderation and arm yourself with plenty of sunscreen. As far as tanning beds go, well, the statistics alone, should have you thinking twice before lying down on one.

It's best to use a self-tanning lotion. You can fake a pretty decent tan. Lindsay Lohan has a nice product she put out last year, called Sevin Nyne ($35, at Sephora). LiLo developed the unique faux tan styling mist with Lorit, an expert celebrity airbrush tanner. The product is chemical-free and smells delicious. And its made with natural products like---goji berry, chardonnay extracts, caramel, and a sugar coconut base.

Kardashian Sisters New PerfectSkin Care Line Debuts---But Do They Really Use It?!

The Kardashian sisters. Kourtney. Kim. Khloe.

Love 'em or hate 'em...the girls are running all the way to the bank. And for the fools who say the Kardashians are lazy, trust-fund babies, we have to disagree.

Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe, are three of the most financially savvy celebrity darlings we have seen in a long time.

With 2 hit reality TV shows on E, and selling products with the famous Kardashian name on them, like self-tanning lotion, diet products, fitness tapes, fragrance, jewelry, and so much more, it would make sense to eventually sell a skin care line. And that my dears, is what these three pretty sisters have now launched.

PerfectSkin is a 30-day 3-step solution for more beautiful skin. And it includes these key steps: Cleanse. Tone. Repair & Protect. And for $29.95, you, too, can have clear, healthy skin like Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe.

But do the Kardashian sisters really, truly, even use PerfectSkin on their faces?

We assume they do. At least that is what all three claimed on their recent infomercial. But just last year, Kim and Kourtney gave out some of their favorite and expensive skin care lines. And we wonder if they have since abandoned these rich girl beauty products.

Kim's fave eye cream just happens to be Creme de la Mer Concentrate, at $350 for 1.7 oz.
And Kourtney claims she doesn't really follow a strict skin care routine, but does, however, "love Peter Thomas Roth eye cream and Peter Thomas Unwrinkle Peel Pads". Both cost about $100 each.

Well, sometimes, beauty isn't cheap.

Better Make Sure Gel Manicure You're Getting Is Safe

Gel manicures.

They sure are ultra shiny and lovely. And one of our BFFs, delights in reminding us that gel manicures last longer than all the others.

No...we haven't had a gel manicure yet, and now, we're not so sure.

Our rule of thumb, so to speak:
You better make sure the gel manicure you are getting is safe.

We caught a segment this morning on Good Morning America about the safety of gel manicures and the possibility of nerve damage when things don't go right.

Gel manicures are hot and everyone seems to be requesting them in nail salons.

This is how a gel manicure is created:
"First, the technician lightly roughens your nails with a file.
Then an all-in-one gel is brushed onto your nails only, not the skin around them.
Next, the gel hardens under a UV lamp.
And the final step is simple. The technician removes any residue with a cleanser."

So, what's the big, harmful deal?

The subject in the GMA piece, Jane Ubell-Meyer, received what she thought was a real gel manicure> And what she ended up with was an excruciating pain that began at her thumb.

"Anything that touched my thumb caused an electric shock, whether it was air or water or just touching very gently. I would get an electric charge that went up my thumb, through my elbow and up to my shoulder," she says.

Jane found a neurologist who was also familiar with getting gel manicures. And Dr. Orly Avitzur figured out the problems that developed. "The two major hazards are the actual filing down process of the nail and then subsequently what the chemicals are we often don't know," she says.

More from the GMA news segment:
"Jane Ubell-Meyer said that during her manicure, the electric file slipped and scuffed up her skin. Then the technician dipped her damaged fingers in to a pot of powdered chemicals.
"And that allows the chemicals to actually seep in -- in a way that wouldn't if the skin served as a protective barrier," the doctor notes.

Avitzur said she believes that the chemicals got into the abrasion and migrated, causing nerve damage. What's worse, she said, she doesn't even know what the chemicals were, because what Ubell-Meyer got wasn't a true gel manicure.

The lesson here: Ask a lot of questions BEFORE getting a gel manicure, because this is scary stuff.

Cool Crochet Celebrity Summer Trend Adds Sexy Touch

Crochet. No...this ain't your grammy's doilies. Far from it!

Crochet is back in a big way, and now you can add some cool crochetpieces for that sexy celebrity summer trend. Check out Kate Bosworth in a TopShop Knitted Crochet Dress ($110, at topshop.com), at the Coachella Music Festival recently.

And there's Alexa Chung, very casual in an ivory crochet top with denim cut-off shorts, and a Chanel bag, which of course, catapults a very low-key ensemble into the stratosphere.

Speaking of Chanel, the design house, along with Issey Miyake showcased lots of pretty crochet fashions in their spring/summer 2010 collections.

You don't have to spend Chanel dollars for a sexy, feminine crochet style. You can add a few smart pieces to your summerwardrobe and still save $$$. Look at this cute, nautical blue/white Striped Crochet Sweater Cardigan by Forever 21 ($17.80, at stores and here.)

If you're hesitant about crochet, just remember, not to wear too much crochet all at once. And beware of big 'holes' in your crochet pieces. It might look too doily. It's best to add a crochet belt or bag as a lovely accessory to your summer style of light linens and cottons.

We think this Button Snapped Crochet Belt by Charlotte Russe is a simple, yet elegant piece, and at only $9.50, it's a steal!

We also adore this beautiful Elizabeth and James Gypsy T-strap Knit Sandal. Okay, it's a splurge, but every gal deserves a new pair of shoes! And these come in black or sand. The crochet cuties feature a fabric and suede upper, leather footbed, and leather sole. Zips up in back. Available at fine stores like Bloomingdales.Orig $225.00. On Sale $157.50.

Even Skinny Supermodels Have To Exercise And Diet After Babies

Adriana Lima. Gisele Bundchen. Even these supermodels and what you might call, genetically-gifted women, have to exercise and diet after having babies.

Sure, they are tall and slender and in their late 20's to begin with, but let's face it......no one can just sit still and watch the baby weight melt away, after giving birth. Not even Adriana and Gisele.

So, how did these two supermodels get back to 'fighting weight?' With a little this and a little that.

Let's get the beauty low-down.

Adriana, a Brazilian beauty like Gisele, says she still has 10 lbs to shed, but the new mom to a baby girl, just 7 months ago, is back modeling covers.

And even Adriana Lima is blown away by Gisele Bundchen's incredible after-baby body. "Amazing! I think she’s amazing," Adrian told People magazine. "I wish my body was in shape right away like her! I’m still not where I want to be right now but I’m working on it."

Meantime, the 28-year-old model is busy watching what she eats, and that includes an 'all-protein diet, followed by a detox diet and salads'.

"I want to lose 4 kg (about 10 lbs.)," she says. "Not because of work or not because of nothing [else] but because I want to. Also, I will continue with my workouts because I like a toned body. I like everything to be hard."

And the lady loves to box That's right. Adriana Lima keeps moving to melt away those post-baby pounds. Three times a week, Adriana got into the ring with Aerospace co-founder and former professional boxer — Michael Olajide, Jr.— to get skinny and tone up. You can check out her video here.

As far as Gisele goes, well, the photo snapped of her back to modeling, just 2 months after delivering a baby boy, tells the story. Look at the supermodel in a tiny bikini in a photo shoot for Calzedonia(above). Incredibly toned and slender! And probably back to her size 4 figure.

But Gisele Bundchen was very active before, during, and now after her first pregnancy.

Her secret? Water resistance. Working out in a pool. It's called the Brazilian Body Surf program, and Gisele was reportedly doing the surf during her pregnancy.

According to the website Equinox, it's a combination of cardiovascular and muscle conditioning drills taught using water resistance.

Gisele's personal trainer is Leandro Carvalho. And he told the Boston Herald, that Gisele was active to begin with, which can only help a woman's body bounce back from pregnancy. She was in "very, very" good shape throughout her pregnancy, in part due to the "very athletic" workouts, which he believes are super for muscle tone.

The supermodel also does yoga and meditation, which served her well during the labor and birthing process.

Poor Kate Plus Eight Criticized For Botox Gone Bad

Kate Gosselin, the mom to 8 adorable children, just can't seem to buy a break.

Take a look at the photos provided by Us magazine. That's old Kate on the left, with her signature, much-hated hair-do. On the right, there's new Kate with pretty blonde hair extensions, much smoother skin, and oh yeah, some alleged Botox gone bad!

Shame on Us magazine for dishing on the reality television star, when so many, many actresses all submit to the stings of a Botox needle to arrest a few lines, crow's feet, and wrinkles.

Us magazine brought in some big guns, or experts, to tattle-tale on the poor woman's alleged Botox results. Believe us, Kate Gosselin wouldn't be the first TV persona to get a make-over with Botox, and certainly won't be the last. There are quite a number of actresses who sometimes don't get the Botox injections perfectly mapped out across their foreheads. Hmmm. Does the name Nicole Kidman ring a Botox bell?! Or The Nightly News' Katie Couric?!

Big deal. Botox doesn't last forever. It irons out lines and wrinkles for about 3-4 months. And it gradually relaxes, so Kate Gosselin doesn't have to worry, and she can always return to a dermatologist to balance out the Dr. Spock raised eyebrows if she wants.

Here's what Us magazine caused such an uproar about:

"Kate Gosselin had oddly spiked eyebrows and a noticeably smoother face as she ran errands in Pennsylvania on Monday.The reason? After comparing before and after photos (left), plastic surgeons tell UsMagazine.com. the reality mom, 35, had botox treatments gone wrong.

"She looked much better in the earlier photo: great hair, nice smile and a normal brow position," says Dr. Michael Olding, the chief of The George Washington University's division of plastic surgery. In the "after" photo, she "has the typical appearance of Dysport or Botox poorly placed in the space between the brows where frown lines occur," adds Olding. But because Gosselin didn't have any injectables put in her forehead, "the lateral part of her brow is elevated in an abnormally high position, which my patients refer to as McDonald's arches!"

Maybe so, but why are the tabloids cutting the woman down every chance they can?! We think Kate Gosselin was a good candidate for a little Botox treatment. She had deep 11 (eleven) marks between her eyebrows. And we think her skin looks smooth and clear now.

Botox cosmetic still remains the number 1 injectable in the country. And celebrity super derm Frederick Brandt, says it's great stuff:
“Botox cosmetic has revolutionized our field,” Dr. Brandt says. “Botox is easy to administer, safe and effective, and not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but also has the effect of preventing the future formation of wrinkles and fine lines if used appropriately.”

Get Skin To Sparkle Again With Microdermabrasion Polishing Cream

Beautiful skin. If you think you can just splash water on your face every day and keep your complexion clear and healthy, well, you are mistaken.

And as you get older, your skin needs to keep moving, so to speak. And that is where exoliation or scrubbing away the old, dead skin cells, becomes a key step in your daily beauty routine.

Today, we are looking at microdermabrasion cream, and how a little scrubbing action gets your skin to sparkle again! Yes, it feels like you are almost washing your face with liquid sandpaper, but in a luxurious way.

Sure, microdermabrasion done in an office by a dermatologist, can cost you hundreds, and you'll walk away with very smooth and radiant skin. But you can also mimic a visit to the derm, by picking up some microdermabrasion creams to use at home to achieve similar flawless results.

We have two great polishing creams for you to try. One is high end, Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion at $75 for 1.7 oz. You will love this exfoliating face cream by this celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Brandt.

His microdermabrasion cream is made with,"pharmaceutical grade magnesium oxide crystals and lactic acid polishes away dead skin cells and revives dull skin. It softens and visibly smoothes skin's texture leaving your skin radiant. It also increases the penetration of other treatment products and treats keratosis pilaris (tiny red bumps in back of arms).

On the budget-saving end, we also have a wonderful product by Platinum Skin Care, called Diamond Dermabrasion Polishing Cream at $21.95 for a 2 0z. jar.

This exfoliating cream is also formulated with lactic acid for hydrating the skin. And it contains, "a high % of multiple sized quartz and diamond crystals for exceptional exfoliating. It is excellent for all skin types......This product will keep the skin smooth and radiant. Ideal for the face, neck, hands and body. The results are great and can be seen immediately."

Simply wet your face. Apply a small amount of polishing cream to a clean face. Massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Avoid eye area. Rinse thoroughly and apply moisturizer sunscreen.

Trust us. You face will feel as soft as a baby's behind and give off a pink, healthy glow. The benefits are worth it.

Do Homework Before Choosing Doctor For Laser Hair Removal

A laser can do remarkable things for your skin. The high technology today, can zap wrinkles, acne scars, facial lines, age spots, sun damage, and more.

And since it's now summer, there is also popular laser hair removal. Women get so tired of shaving, waxing, threading, plucking, and using depilatories to get rid of unwanted hair in unwanted places.

Today, we are looking at armpits. Not the most pleasant subject to bring up, but from the research we've been doing for the past couple of days, the Beauty Tip Today is this:

Do your homework BEFORE choosing a doctor for laser hair removal.

Why? Very simple. Take a look at the photo of Monica Jimenez of Miami. She has hired an attorney to handle a case involving second and third degree burns received during a recent laser hair removal procedure.

It's almost painful to see the skin damage done to this woman's armpits.

"Ms. Jimenez says she experienced a burning sensation instantly during the laser hair removal process," says her attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, in a press release. "It's clear Dr. Cabrera didn't ensure protocol was followed and did not provide an acceptable standard level of care -- something all health care providers are required to do."

Attorney Aronfeld goes on to claim that neither Dr. Cabrera nor the person performing the laser procedure recognized the fact that the laser was burning the patient's skin continuously, and that she needed immediate medical attention.

We can't imagine the pain in such a sensitive area like one's armpits. But Monica Jimenez can tell you what it felt like:
"It felt literally like fire was under my armpits," Jimenez declares in a YouTube video. "Somebody got a torch and lit fire."

In her medical negligence lawsuit, Miss Jimenez is seeking personal injury damages totaling more than $15,000. It now appears that the person who performed the laser procedure might not have been licensed.

So here's the lesson: Make sure the dermatologist and the technician are licensed to do so. And if you feel burning during a laser hair removal procedure, stop, and head to an emergency room.

Lasers often feel like someone is snapping your skin with a rubber band. The discomfort should not feel like a burning.

British Blast Megan Fox For Alleged Overdone Plastic Surgery at Jonah Hex Premiere

Megan Fox. She is considered by many, to be one of Hollywood's hottest beauties. But at the young age of 24, has the sexy starlet

OD'ed on plastic surgery?!

Megan Fox appeared in London last Thursday, for the premiere of the new movie, Jonah Hex.

We think she looks amazing, but boy oh boy, the British press had a field day, knocking the dark-haired actress.

BumpShack.com noted that Megan Fox “looked like a complete Botox-ed mess.” It added: What the heck did Megan do to her face?

Megan had a robot expression. She could barely smile and her face was smooth and completely disfigured. Megan is a beautiful girl, so why would she disfigure her face at the tender age of 24?”

Britain’s The Sun said Fox showed cosmetic signs of Botox, fillers and breast implants. She had “utterly smooth, mask-like features. The 24-year-old’s appearance sparked speculation she has had Botox, while a slight trout pout suggested collagen lip jabs. … Fans were also stunned as the once-curvy natural beauty’s plunging neckline showed off a rigid, gravity-defying bust.”

The only thing we see unnatural about Megan Fox are her allegedly, overly-inflated lips. We don't believe that's simply lots of collagen, although we hope it is. We think that is possibly the result of lip implant surgery, where the lips are cut and a synthetic lip implant strip is inserted before the cuts are stitched together.

So, what plastic surgery procedures has young Megan Fox undergone?

The experts have concluded, although they are only guessing, that Megan has had a nose job and lip enlargements, and perhaps cheek and breast implants, too.

If this were true, at age 24, are all these procedures necessary, even for a Hollywood starlet who is constantly pressured to appear perfect?!

Pink Lady by Milani Painting Nails Pretty For Summer

Pink. You either love it or you hate it. And when it comes to hazy, lazy summer days ahead, it's the go-to shade for making pretty nails and toe nails.

Today is the first day of summer 2010. Finally!

And we thought we'd talk a closer look at Milani's Pink Lady (#08). We love this nail polish and it's only $4.49 a bottle. And it wears well.

Ladies, you can have your Chanel Jades and your Avatar blue/green nails and any other neon orange shade tossed in there, but when it comes to classics, well, you can't beat a simple, soft pink pair of colored nails or toe nails.

Milani's Pink Lady nail lacquer is also described as Cotton Candy Pink. However, this is not a tacky, carnival pink shade, as you might assume. This is soft, glossy, and a classic pink nail color. And the shade works well with all skin tones, we might add.

As you can tell by the photo, we are no photographer. Sometimes, we can 'nail' the shot, so to speak, but you get the idea here. It looks like a strawberry shake.

Sexy Summer Celebrity Trend: Fedora Once Again Hat Of Choice

Fedora. It never seems to go out of style. And once again, it is the sexy, summer celebrity trend. Check out gorgeous 'Dancing with the Stars' champion Nicole Scherzinger wearing the fedora so beautifully in natural.

And she's not the only Hollywood hottie donning this classic hat. There are a string of them: Katherine Heigl in plaid (photo3), Hayden Panettiere in black (photo4). And we've also seen the fedora recently on Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus, Ashlee Simpson, Katy Perry, Lindsay Lohan, and Rachel Bilson, just to name a few.

The fedora looks glamorous on everyone. Although, usually for celebrities, the hat is also a clever cover-up. Toss on a pair of big sunglasses, and, well, you're almost going incognito. You can dress the fedora up or down, and it always looks right.

And forget about spending hundreds for such a cool hat. we found a super cute fedora from the 15dollarstore. It's gorgeous and really rich-looking. And for $15, you can't beat it! Check it out in our top photo!

We are attracted to the Dorfman Pacific Co. woven fedora in natural. It looks similar to the one Nicole Scherzinger's wearing. The hat is made with a breathable woven paper. The crown is trimmed with a tie-like band with contrast stitching. There is a 1 1/2” stingy brim. The inner crown is lined with a solid matching tie ribbon. Retails for $42. And also comes in black and sand.

Don't be afraid to try on the fedora. As you can see, it looks sexy and classic on all face shapes and hairstyles. And if you're having a bad hair day, well, the fedora makes a great cover-up, even for a non-celebrity.

Mariah Expands Fragrance Collection With New Lollipop Bling Trio

Lollipop Bling. We like it already, Miss Mariah.

The 40-year-old songstress has just announced a trio of new fragrances to add to her already very popular line of scents. And why the name, Lollipop Bling??

Mariah says it all has to do with the way her engagement with Nick Cannon went down. "The inspiration for Lollipop Bling was Nick’s marriage proposal to me," she says in a press release. "He first surprised me with a ring-pop — romantic, fun and young-at-heart — like me!"

We love it! And clever Nick Cannon even sugar-coated the deal on the couple’s second anniversary last month, by presenting his sexy bride with a custom-designed ring-pop sparkler encrusted with white diamonds and pink sapphires. OMG!!

The ever-so-sweet Lollipop Bling trio will be introduced in July through a partnership with Elizabeth Arden and Topps Candy Company.

We love M by Mariah, one of her older scents in the purple bottle. It's sweet like cotton candy but in a subtle, light way. We are really curious what her new trio of scents will smell like. But how could you miss with these from her Lollipop Bling collection?! Honey, a tropical pineapple infusion. Ribbon, Blue raspberry. And Mine Again, including notes of chocolate and raspberry. Yum!!

Mariah Carey will also continue her signature fragrance bottles with the butterfly tops. Each new Lollipop Bling fragrance will sell for $35, 1 oz.

Meantime, Mariah and Nick are a fun, loving couple. And we hear that twins are on the way for the talented two. The National Enquirer rarely gets it wrong. So, we wish them all the best with their double bundle of joy!!

Beauty Shopping For Drugstore Deals: One Day Left!

Beauty shopping. Makeup. Skin care. Hair styling products, and more. You know exactly what you want. And you also know how high these essential beauty items can cost.

We're all looking to save a few $$bucks$$ here and there. And if you're hunting for that certain L'Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline brand and so forth, well, you have through tomorrow, June 19th, to still pick up these super beauty deals, all at your local drug and department stores!!!

So let's shop, beauties:

CVS. L'Oreal: 30% off on foundation, powder, concealer , or blush with CVS card.

Olay: Extra CVS $6 savings when you purchase Olay Regenerist anti-aging eye roller. Get out your handy CVS card.

Nivea: $3 extra CVS bucks when you buy Sun Kissed Beautiful legs or moisturizer with CVS card. Love this subtle tinted moisturizer.

Rite Aid. Almay: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all cosmetics

Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all cosmetics. Double your fun! So many products to choose from.

Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all Natural Beauty makeup, lip products, or Sally beauty tools with your Rite Aid card.

Walgreens. CoverGirl: Blast cosmetics on sale at $7.49. Gotta love the Blast, baby.
Neutrogena: 25% off skin care.

Target: TRESemme: 11 oz. Extra Hold hair spray aerosol can now at $3.34. Two friends of ours swear by this hairspray.

Happy shopping!

Julia Roberts Bats Eyelashes For Lancome With New Definicils Mascara

Julia Roberts. Mom of three. Looking great at 42. Starring in the new, much-awaited movie, Eat, Pray, Love out this summer. And looking lovely for giant Lancome company as their new pitchwoman.

In addition......on April 29, 2010, Julia Roberts landed on top of the People magazine's Most Beautiful People of 2010 list. This is the 12th year that Julia has made the cut.

Gee, not too shabby.

And now, the Oscar-winning actress is hoping women line up for Lancome's newest beauty product-----Definicils Precious Cells Mascara ($29, at fine dept. stores). The product features stem cell technology from Swiss apple extract.

Lancome makes some wonderful and pricey mascaras, but many would say this little tube of black beauty magic is worth the price.

We love trying out brand new mascaras, and Definicils has us curious about its claims that the Swiss apple extract helps lashes grow longer and the special formula adds a sexy boost of volume to lashes.

Look for Lancome's new Definicils Precious Cells Mascara in beauty stores late this summer.

MIneral Powder Sunscreen Protects Without The Gooey Mess

Sunscreen. If you believe the skin care experts, then you know you need to wear it everyday.

But maybe you are tired of applying the white gooey stuff the old-fashioned way(photo2) and putting it on 30 minutes before heading out in the sun.

We have something a little bit easier, and really not messy at all. Colorscience is proud of their mineral-based powder sunscreen called, Sunforgettable. Cute name.

Sunforgettable is a really unique beauty product. The ingredients contain immediate 8 hour, waterproof protection. And it's a powder base. No more greasies.

And it comes in 3 shades: Perfectly Clear. All Clear. Almost Clear. Application is easy, too. You can put it on with a brush applicator, a roll-on, or a shaker.

We found some Sunforgettable here at SkinCareRX.com for $50.

And the product is pretty amazing if fair-skinned actresses Cameron Diaz and Anne Heche swear by Sunforgettable.

Whatever you do, just play safe under the sun. And even if you're in the car driving, you still need to wear sunscreen. Facial skin cancers develop more on the left side due to frequent driving, say researchers at St. Louis University.

"We tend to see more skin cancer on the left side of the face---drivers need to be aware of the amount of sun exposure they receive behind the wheel," cautions Dr. Scott Fosko.

All the more reason to be smart and put the sunscreen on. And it looks like mineral-based sunscreen powder is high-tech beauty science.

Engagement Ring From Tiffany's: Oh Yeah...There's An iPhone App For That

Ladies....here it is:

The Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder, the jeweler’s first iPhone® application..

Oh yeah....it was just a matter of time before the oh-so-important task of diamond engagement ring shopping went mobile

And leave it to one of the most celebrated diamond experts to lead the way! Who wouldn't want an engagement ring from Tiffany's?!

This is out right now! So, how exactly do we use this dazzling iPhone app?

According to the famous Tiffany jewelers, this one-of-a-kind app includes an "accurate Ring Sizer, the first tool of its kind from a jeweler, that lets users determine their size by placing an actual ring directly on the screen and aligning it with the correct circle in the guide. Browsing the collection according to shape, setting, metal or design is equally simple. The rings are shown true-to-size and each style may be viewed with diamonds of six different carat sizes. Users may zoom in on a ring’s exquisite details, pair the rings with wedding bands, and save or share their favorites via e-mail, Facebook® and Twitter®."

Wow! 6 different carat sizes. We'll take the 'Liz Taylor' rock, if you don't mind, or that J.Lo/Ben Affleck ginormous ring. Remember that one?! LOL.

And how about finding the ring size, too? Just place the ring on the screen and find your size. Love it!

For all you happy diamond engagement ring seekers click here for details.

And to see a super YouTube demo, place your ring finger here, ladies.

Brady Bunch Beauty Melts Away 50 Lbs. To Get Back Bikini Body

50 lbs!!

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!!

Everyone's favorite Brady Bunch beauty, Maureen McCormick, is looking fab after melting away the pounds with sensible diet and exercise, and it took 10 months to get to 111 lbs. That's right folks, there is no easy way to drop the weight. It takes dedication and drive, and we're happy to see Maureen look so pretty, fit and healthy.

A size 2 at age 53. Incredible. So, how did the Brady Bunch cutie melt away 50 lbs?

Maureen McCormick told OK magazine that she hit her highest weight of 161 lbs. last summer, and that was it:

"Last summer, I truly looked like I had totally let myself go. It’s been a really long, slow, but very natural and healthy journey," she says.

"I spent too much time at night watching reality shows — eating chocolate and cakes and pizza and pasta and burgers and french fries."

Maureen threw out all the junk food and adopted a much healthier diet of vegetarian foods, like beans and rice. She does eat chicken if it is organic. And Maureen enjoys "the wheat-free, gluten-free snacks, mainly fruit and vegetables, and nuts."

And she has stopped drinking alcohol and it shows in the mirror. "I feel younger than I've felt in years."

Maureen is also moving, a lot. 6 days a week. "We box, we run, we swim. She's found this diverse toolbox of exercise. Now, it's a fun thing in her life," says her trainer Juliet Kaska. And she started the Brady Bunch beauty moving slowly. Walking. The treadmill. Some yoga and Pilates.

To learn more about Maureen McCormick's stunning weight loss, pick up a copy of OK magazine's June 14th issue

Seashell Massage With LavaGel Hottest New Craze And We Mean Hot!

Seashells. LavaGel. Hot massage.

We're not sure how many lavish spas here in the U.S. have caught on to the hottest, new craze, but our friends in the U.K. are already leading the way.

And it all involves a beautiful shell readily found in the Philippines called the tiger striped clam shell.

We love the idea, because this is actually an eco-friendly massage. No electricity needed to warm up these pretty, pink-hued shells. According to what we read here," a teabag-like sachet is placed inside each shell. This is the “LavaGel” (a mix including algae and sea kelp) which, when combined with salt water, generates enough heat for an hour-long massage." Yes, heat is actually produced when a chemical reaction occurs after mixing the algae and other ingredients.

It sounds delightful and soothing, and nice and warm. And the tiger striped clam shell, itself, becomes a massage tool. The different parts of the shell are used for different massage strokes. And while being used across the body, the heat from the shells naturally produces calcium. This calcium is then transferred to the skin which is known to help firm and rebuild or rejuvenate.

And these shells are easy to handle, because, they are light to hold and fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, allowing therapists to, " apply deep pressure with the shell doing all the work. The heat can also be used on problems areas to release muscle tension and soreness and to promote relaxation of the fascia layers that connect muscles to the rest of the body."

Wow! How awesome is that?! For more details, check out this website.

Korres Beauty Product From Greece Uses Yogurt To Soothe Burned Skin

Yogurt. It really is good for your skin. Yogurt is a true beauty food.

And the Korres company has a wonderful product for your sunburned face and body. You can pick up a jar of it in Greece. Or you can head to your nearest Sephora beauty store, and stock up on Korres' Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel ($23.50).

Even reality star Kim Kardashian adores this soothing, cooling skin lotion. She mentioned it June's issue of OK magazine. Take a look at Kim. Even olive-skinned beauties can absorb a load of damage from the sun.

If you've ever used a natural yogurt mask, then you already know how very cool and soothing it feels against your skin. And yogurt is big in the Greek tradition. We should know, by the way. Our grandfather enjoyed a cup of plain yogurt daily, and almost reached 90 years old. And our Papou had very nice smooth skin.

Korres' Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel goes a few steps further. Ideal for after sun exposure, yogurt hydrates the skin, instantly relieving excessive heat and stinging. And it's really effective on oily, acne prone complexions, too. No greasies. We know some women who love to use this cooling gel for their faces and bodies daily, even when they have NOT been out in the sun.

Why is this Yoghurt Cooling Gel so special?

Read how the Korres company describes their product:

Yoghurt, a natural source of Lactose, Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals, increases the water content of the top layers of the skin instantly relieving UV-induced redness (erythema) and reducing the sensation of burning. Epilobium Angustifolium and Fennel Extracts demonstrate exceptional anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties, promoting the recovery of sun-harassed skin.Directions: Apply to the face and body after exposure to the sun. Repeat 2-3 times on irritated skin. For maximum cooling effect keep refrigerated.

To learn more about Korres' Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel, click here.

Hollywood Celebrities Like Katherine Heigl Change Up Hair Color And Style Often

Katherine Heigl. She loves to change up the hair and the style quite often. The woman is lovely, no argument there....BUT....are you really digging the pageant bouffant hairdo and too dark color??!!

What's going on here? Ever since she became a mommy, well, er.....something seems a miss with her hair. We caught a glimpse of Katherine Heigl last evening in London, where she is promoting the debut of her new film, Killers.

Even People magazine diplomatically took issue with Katherine's new do:

"When she headed to London for today’s U.K. debut, the 31-year-old actress amped up the look — and quite possibly her age, with a structured bouffant that reminded us of the sprayed-in-place coifs from the Reagan-era ’80s. Paging Designing Women! Though the chic mom can pull off just about any look, it’s a distinct departure from the soft-and-pretty Hollywood hair standard we’re used to seeing on the red carpet."

Ouch!

Many Hollywood beauties change up the hair and style quite often, and not always because of a new movie role. Julia Roberts easily transforms from auburn to brunette to blonde, and back again and again. A few weeks ago, we saw Julia on Oprah's show as a blonde. And just last night at a red carpet event, Julia was photographed hanging with Oprah, and this time, Julia was back to being a medium brunette. We don't like Julia Roberts as a blonde, but many fans do.

If you want to switch hair colors, of course you can.....but tread so carefully. Here are a couple of super hair color tips from the Hollywood color genius himself, Kim Vo:

1. Which head of hair poses the biggest challenges for coloring---blonde, brunette, black, or red? And why.

Kim Vo: Although blondes are very tricky, not all blondes are created equal. Matching skin tones is crucial to create the perfect blonde. The biggest challenge are reds. The red color molecule is the smallest of all colors. It's like a tropical rainstorm. It's tempest and dramatic at first and then quickly fades.

2. So then, is skin tone the most important factor when considering hair color? And can u give us tips?

Kim Vo: Skin tone is the most important factor in deciding your perfect color. It takes a professional eye to determine, but for a simple read, use the veins on your wrist. If your veins are blue, warm tones like chestnut and auburn tones are for you. If your veins are more green, caramel and golden hues will compliment you. If your veins are blue/green, then warm and cool tones can be added seamlessly.

Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme Simply Delicious Treat For Dry Feet

Coconut. Yum!!! Give us an Almond Joy or a Mounds, and everything is alright with the world.

We also love the scent of coconut. And boy, have we found a fan favorite for dry, ravaged feet.

It's Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme ($9, drugstores). This is an amazing beauty product that has stood the test of time. And people can't get enough.

If you have what we lovingly call, Hobbit feet, oh yeah, you know what we're talking about. And if you recall the great writing of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, then you remember the feet of these kind-hearted creatures:

"(Hobbits)wear no shoes, because their feet grow natural leather soles and grow thick warm brown hair like the stuff on their heads” (The Hobbit pg. 12).

Don't despair.....Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme comes to the rescue. And the magic, is in the formula, because coconut oil is full of wonderful properties:

"The flesh of the coconut is rich in emollient fat and, when pressed, yields a white, sweetly-scented, super-moisturizing oil, which is a solid at room temperature but easily melts on the skin.".

Burt's Bees also says this about their popular foot softener. "This pampering natural foot cream combines coconut oil, lanolin and vegetable glycerin to revive and rejuvenate even the driest, most neglected feet. There's also a hint of natural rosemary and peppermint oils to refresh tired feet."

This cream is so rich, you should put on a pair of socks at bedttime to let it all absorb. That is the method most users prefer, and we think it makes a big difference. You wake up to soft, smooth feet, and those nasty cracked heels improve nicely with time.

And check out the customer reviews...97% would recommend Burt's Coconut Foot Creme. Those are pretty good numbers.

Celebrities Go GAP: Wearing Stylish Pieces Each Under $100

Will you, Fall into the GAP this summer?

Why not?! Gorgeous celebrities like Jessica Alba and Halle Berry have been photographed recently, wearing great GAP pieces, each under $100! Let's be honest....both Hollywood A-listers wear expensive fashions on the red carpet, and yet, when it comes to every day living, even Jessica and Halle like to wear GAP because it is stylish, comfortable, and won't break anyone's wallet.

Let's take a closer look:

Jessica Alba strolling along with adorable daughter Honor Marie. She's wearing a GAP Denim Vest for $50.

Halle Berry out shopping, looking extra comfy in a GAP black Maxi Dress for $80.

It pays to hunt around for great pieces, and the GAP has lots of super styles for under $100 a piece. To get an idea, check this out here: The GAP Belted Utility Jacket. It retails for $79.50, but now on sale for just $24.99 for Petite Smalls and XtraSmalls. This is a great deal.

Our Beauty Tip Today: It's simple....You can be a trendy recessionista with a little thought and imagination. And if the GAP is good enough for Jessica Alba and Halle Berry, then it's good enough for the rest of us.

Happy shopping!

Aussie Pop Star Kylie Minogue Bans Botox For Pond's Cold Cream To Stay Youthful

Pond's Cold Cream instead of Botox to stay youthful over 40?!

Have you lost your mind, Miss Kylie Minogue?????

We are not here to judge. We think the 42-year-old Aussie pop star is looking glam and gorgeous, but we are certainly not going to give the credit to a simple jar of cold cream. We become so disappointed when pretty celebrities claim their unwrinkled faces and necks, are the result from an over-the-counter beauty product, one that every woman has access to.

Granted, some women and men age better than others, but seriously now, is that the only stuff the youthful singer is putting on her face?? Apparently, so.

According to a recent interview Kylie gave to the UK News of the World, she did use Botox before, but not anymore:

"I've been honest about the fact that I did use Botox. But I don't any more, I won't go near it. I have lines. You can see the lines on my face," Kylie Minoque says.

Instead, the pint-sized beauty says her 'mum' told her to use Pond's Cold Cream instead. "It’s such an old classic [Pond’s]. My mum uses it. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and it really does work. It’s made such a difference."

"It's really changed my skin," she says. "I use it every day. It's all I really use to look after my skin."

The singer is excited about releasing her new single this month, "All The Lovers."

By the way, could Kylie Minogue be talking about another Pond's Cold Cream, a newer anti-aging version in the company's beauty arsenal?

Just last year, we wrote an article about Pond's Age Miracle Cream. which is huge in the Philippines. That little jar, pictured above, sells for about $30, if you purchase it from the Philippines.

Deirdre Gonzales, a business entreprenuer from Cebu City Philippines, now based in Florida, wrote an article about the Pond's Day Cream:
".......considered today as one of the most popular beauty products in the Philippines as well as in other countries. The brand is the Ponds Age Miracle Cream. The Ponds Age Miracle Cream uses some of the most technologically advanced formulations that specifically target the 7 signs of skin aging, which are fine lines and wrinkles which are usually seen on the eyes and on the forehead, rough skin texture, uneven skin tone which is usually the result of sun or UV rays, skin dullness, visible pores, blotches or age spots, and dryness of the skin. Through targeting these signs, the Ponds Age Miracle Cream is known to stop the aging process."

Well, we're not sure if Kylie Minogue is talking about this advanced Pond's Miracle Cream or the regular jar of Pond's Cream that only costs about $5 here, and is great at removing makeup and keeping skin soft. Whatever the case, she looks amazing, and if it's only Pond's keeping her looking so darn good, then what are we all waiting for!!

Beauty Shopping For Summer 2010: Fighting Frizzies To Fab Fragrance

Beauty shopping. Let's have some fun, and take a closer look at 5 super beauty products to buy in summer 2010!!

We're just scratching the surface here.....but these 5 beauty products will keep you looking polished and pretty all summer long:

1. Fab Fragrance. Why not try Ralph Lauren's newest summer scent, Ralph Lauren Summer Romance ($78, at fine dept. stores like Macy's). It's a gorgeous, fruity fragrance that hits all the right 'notes.' And we mean "notes of playful passion fruit, hibiscus and tiare flowers dance with sensual apricot musk and take you away."

2. Fighting Frizzies. Hot and humid days mean ugly, out of control frizzy hair. What a way to ruin any gal's day. We found a new one to give a go. It's called, No Frizz Straight Making Styling Cream by Living Proof ($35) for medium to thick hair. This velvety cream deposits a lovely layer of frizz-fighting ingredients that battle the nasties and take away the greasies.

Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair "offers the first new anti-frizz technology in over 30 years. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz—humidity and friction. It provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair, while reducing surface friction. The result is the most effective, lightweight frizz fighter on the market today."

3. Sheer Golden Coverage. Try this--Stila Bronzing Tinted SPF15 Moisturizing Cream ($32). You get a very natural and sheer golden glow. Don't ever go out with a naked face and neck. If you hate faux tanners and despise foundation, put this on. Stila's tinted moisturizer has a decent SPF of 15. for sun protection. And it's "infused with genuine 24kt gold, creating the perfect pigment-to-pearl ratio and providing a beaming, flawless face in an instant."

4. Lovable Lips. Don't like the feel of heavy lipstick or gloss in the searing days of summer? Want a more natural look of kissable lips? Then pick up Tarte's Natural Lip Stain ($24). This little number contains 'LipSurgence Technology.' A natural lip stain that is clinically proven to increase lips' moisture content by 6000%. Wow! Now we're talking.

Like the popular Tarte cheek stains, each shade of these natural lip stains "will leave a natural hint of tint that will last throughout the day." Comes in 6 long-lasting shades.

5. Blushable Beauty. You need blush. So let's remember that, and we are loving Smashbox's Naked Beauty Summer 2010 collection. If your cheeks could use a summery boost of warmth, treat them to Smashbox's Naked Beauty High Lights/Creamy Cheek Color ($26). Sheer pink pearl and a sheer rosy pink.

"Give your cheeks a naturally flushed look with this blush duo that delivers the perfect pop of pink." So lovely and long-lasting, too. The duo cream blush includes a nice highlighter that really enhances your bone structure.

All this makeup is available from Sephora.

New Melanoma Drug Shows Great Promise And Could Be Available By December

Melanoma. It is the dealiest form of skin cancer.

But today, there is real hope! And we should be quietly celebrating the advancement of science, because now there is a promising new drug that helps those who have melanoma.

The drug is called Ipilimumab and it was found to, "significantly improve survival in a major study of people with advanced disease.". The biotechnology drug, helps to activate the immune system's T-cells to fight the cancer. And it's being developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Wow. That is major news, and the findings were just reported yesterday at a cancer conference.

In the 676-patient study, more than 20 percent of those who took Ipilimumab were alive after two years, with some alive four years after receiving the immunotherapy, according to data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago.

"I think this a breakthrough for the field of metastatic melanoma that has had a lot of negative Phase 3 trials in the last decade. It's impacting survival, which is the gold standard in cancer clinical trials," says Dr. Steven O'Day, director of the melanoma program at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute in Santa Monica, Calif, and one of the study's lead investigators."

Look--we hate talking about skin cancer. We all want to have fun in the sun, and of course, most of us have forgotten to slap on the sunscreen from time to time. And many of us did significant damage to our skin years ago, as children, by playing under the hot rays hour upon hour. And we know plenty of tanning bed addicts who love that beautiful bronze look. We don't mean to preach, but the facts are out there: The sun does bad things to your skin. So, be extra careful when you go out to enjoy life.

Just the wrinkles and deep lines alone, should have us running for cover.

For more information on this promising new Melanoma drug, click here.

Sneak Peek At MAC: New For Fall Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara

Mascara. We certainly CANNOT live without this basic beauty product.

In our tiny corner of the world, mascara makes a huge difference to our eyes. So we are always excited when a brand spanking new mascara makes its debut.

Enter MAC cosmetics. No...it's not for sale just yet. You'll have to wait until the end of summer or the beginning of September to grab up a tube. But here's a sneak peek. We love the look of Mac's new Haute & Naughty Lash with its pink, purple and black design. Very feminine.

The way we understand it, there are two mascara application sizes in one. If you go naughty, you pick up more product for thicker lashes. If you stay with haute, you will get the length and volume, but at a tamer level.

We don't have much experience with MAC mascaras, but this new Haute & Naughty has us intrigued, expecially after reading a 'test drive' of the product , if you will. We enjoyed Tina's review at her beauty website, The Fancy Face:

"So here's how it works....the brush can be used two ways. First way is to pull off just the pink cap off the tube...the brush will be pulled through a small tube extension on the purple/glitter cap and you will get less product. This can be for separating and lengthening the lashes.

The second way is to pull off both the pink and purple/glitter caps together so the brush is just pulled through the bottle itself like a normal mascara. You get a fuller brush with more product so you can get volume.

I got volume and length and it made my lashes super thick and black. It was the perfect mascara for me!

It was actually a GREAT mascara and I HATED that I had to give it back after four weeks! I will be BUYING THIS FOR SURE!!!"

Okay, Tina, we are sold! We will try MAC's new Haute & Naughty Lash, but it's going to be a long-gggg summer before this one launches.

Designer Dimples: Newest Cosmetic Surgery Trend--Takes Only 10 Minutes

Dimples are, well, just darling!!

Look at actors Eddie Cibrian and Jennifer Garner. How hot are they?! And those delightful dimples have a lot to to do with the attraction. Gabrielle Union. Mario Lopez. These celebrities, too, share incredible dimples.

We can't believe this.....in fact, we read about this little beauty nugget yesterday, and couldn't believe it. Yes, you can now design your own dimples. We're talking, a little bit of cosmetic surgery, only about a 10 minute procedure and then, poof! Instant sex appeal!

And if you already 'own' one dimple (like we do), you can add another to match.

No, we're not sure exactly how this new cosmetic surgery trend called dimple-plasty is done, but it must involve the area between the muscle and the skin. As we understand it, an incision is made inside the mouth.

Don't worry. It's an outpatient procedure. And you're under local anesthesia. It does take a while to heal properly, up to a month, but when it's done, your smile will look extra dazzling with your brand new dimple(s)!

Cosmetic surgeons charge between $2,000 and $5,000 for a dimple-plasty procedure.