Monday, January 31, 2011

Under 30: Treat Wrinkles With Dr. Perricone's Super Skin Care Line

Wrinkles. You never really worried about developing 'those,' until you got into your 40s. But, oh, have times changed. Young women do become anxious about a few fine lines and nasty little things like crow's feet.

Look at just-turned-30 reality TV star Kim Kardashian. She was getting Botox-ed before she turned the big 3-0. And she swore she would never get injected like that again because she allegedly got swollen eyes from the jabbing. We like to think, that the Kardashian sisters are not strangers to skin care quick fixes like Botox and company.

The under 30 age group has become a new target for the skin care experts like Connecticut-based dermatologist Nicholas Perricone. His Super line of botanically based skin care products comes in bright and cheerful packaging with a bull's eye on them, says Daniel Giles, the senior vice president for marketing at Perricone.

"Not a lot of brands talk to a 28-year-old," he tells the NY Times. "That’s where Super is positioned, to 25- to 30-year-olds."

He adds, "It’s a happy, friendly way of approaching skin care."

We like to think.....It's never too late to start protecting yourself against wrinkles. So, we are all for Dr. Perricone's Super skin care line, with lovely topicals like watercress toners, ginger facials, coconut oil infused lip balms, green apple serums, and melon extract eye creams. Sounds yummy.

You can check out the Super line at Sephora, and "Feed your hungry skin."

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Singing Superstar Taylor Swift's 3 Makeup Must-Haves


Taylor Swift.
She's such an unassuming singing superstar. And at the young age of 21, she exudes such poise and 'normalcy.'

Taylor Swift has tons of fans, not just crazy about her country hits, but desperate for her hair and makeup tips, too.

Today, we have Taylor Swift's 3 Makeup Must-Haves. And these beauty basics all come from CoverGirl:

The singer recently told People magazine, that when it comes to her makeup routine, it's a simple one.

"Eyeliner, foundation, and some sort of lip color. A lot of times, I forget about everything else!" she says.

1. Lip Perfection lipstick in Hot ($5.99, at drugstores). Taylor began trying red lipstick three years ago, and says it has, 'changed my life.' Her fave red is the new one by CG Lip Perfection.
2. NatureLuxe Silk foundation in Alabaster ($11.99, at drugstores). This base gives the singer flawless skin. And Taylor says she does take all her makeup off at night.
3. LineExact liquid liner pen in Very Black ($6.88, at drugstores). For those gorgeous blue eyes, she uses this liquid liner to get a more precise and lasting line. And when you want to make a cat eye, which has become Taylor's signature look, a liquid liner pen makes the application a lot easier.

By the way, Taylor Swift told People mag that she does her own makeup on tour. We like it.....a no fuss, pretty beauty routine.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Eva Longoria Proves That Girls Can Go From Flat To Curvy With The Right Bra




Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria is considered one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.

The petite and slender 35-year-old actress has a gorgeous toned body. And Eva proves that girls can go from flat to curvy with the right bust-boosting bra.

Just look at the amazing difference---there is Eva Longoria on the Desperate Housewives set recently, wearing a tight polka-dot 50's dress with some unbelievable cleavage.

And here she is again, enjoying some sexy bathing suit time last year, with a few less curves.

The simple solution?

A darn good bra!

Don't believe us? Then read below what popular Victoria's Secret catalgoue model Rosie says:

"I do believe in chicken fillets,” Rosie Huntington-Whiteley says. “I’m not saying you have to use them, but if anyone knows me and sees me in a photoshoot, well, there are friends in there. I’m not a fan of that whole push-up look in the day. But, of course, you do need a lift with a sexy dress, so do what you’ve got to do, girls — shove them in there. I’ve been known to have three in at a time for shoots — plus padding."

Two of the best lingerie makers for instant cleavage: Victoria's Secret (of course) and Frederick's of Hollywood. Both companies sell tons and tons of bras, in just about every style, fabric, and color out there. From push-ups to deep plunges to water and gel-filled to padded to seamless to underwires to convertible and strapless, there's a bra with built-in cleavage waiting for you. And, er, Eva Longoria.

Check out lovely Eva and her cleavage, as a presenter at tomorrow night's SAG Awards televised on TNT.

Friday, January 28, 2011

A Few Good Reasons Why You Need A Lighted Compact Makeup Mirror


Natural daylight is the best kind of lighting when it comes to putting on your makeup. But for the moments it isn't available, a great lighted compact makeup mirror becomes your new BFF.

And women absolutely adore this cute number by makeup giant Sephora. For $15, you are making a wise beauty investment. The lighted compact scored a very respectable 4 out of 5 stars from 62 reviews, and counting, thus far.

Let's see why:

1. Two-for-the-price-of-one......A regular mirror on one side and a lighted mirror on the other. Yes, it's powered by a tiny battery.

2. Design.......Sleek and sturdy. It fits in the palm of your hand. And a cool, square shape with LED lights built in.

3. Good travel buddy.......Very convenient. Slips easily into your makeup bag or pocket.

4. Serves an important beauty purpose......When you need great lighting for makeup touch-ups and more, the Sephora lighted compact gives off a very bright and clean white light.

5. Shines a light in the dark.....Well, sometimes you need to touch up your makeup in the dark. Maybe a swipe of gloss in the nighttime taxi ride. Helps prevent makeup misses and mishaps
.

Don't be fooled by Sephora's very slender lighted compact makeup mirror. This is a strong and celever beauty item. Great for the gal-on-the-go.

More details at Sephora.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Too Cute Or Too Scary: Walmart Offers Tween Makeup Line


Is it okay for tweens to wear makeup?!

Remember now, a tween is between the ages of 8 and 12. And giant retailer Walmart has just launched GeoGirl makeup, a 69-piece makeup collection, including products for face, lips, cheeks and eyes, also skin and body care, in the $3.98-$5.98 range. The tween line should be available in all Walmart stores on February 25th.

According to GeoGirl, the makeup is colorful but goes on very sheer, and it's formulated with natural, healthy green tea and pomegranate, for instance. Oh yeah, chock-full of anti-aging ingredients for the young ones. As we like to say, "It's never too late to begin taking care of your skin."

More good news about GeoGirl--- the packaging is eco-friendly, too, with all of it being recyclable. Carmen Bauza, Walmart Stores Inc.’s vice president and divisional merchandise manager of beauty and personal care explains it like this:

"GeoGirl is about teaching this generation about beauty care in a responsible way. This [line] is a great learning experience for us to determine how to communicate with this generation."

By the way, the GeoGirl line will replace the space vacated by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen cosmetics in Walmart.

Well, we don't have a daughter, but we first started applying too bright blue eyshadow when we were 13 and attending junior high school. We then added some black mascara and thought we were pretty cool. Our parents cringed every time we walked out the door, but we were not reprimanded. Other 13-year-old girls were wearing makeup, too.

We think it's okay to introduce another tween makeup collection to the young masses, and we might just sneak a little GeoGirl in our makeup bag one of these days.

If you're a concerned parent, check out GeoGirl here.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Chanel's Latest Mani In Black Pearl Polish Sold Out


If you're looking for Chanel's newest, sold-out nail color, you are not alone.

Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Pearl #513 is one hot trend in a bottle for Spring 2011. Sure, there have been comparisons to Chanel's $23 bottle of lovely, iridescent greenish silver hue. But after seeing it in person, nothing can compare.

And now we know why Ashlee Simpson just had to get her hands on some Chanel Black Pearl pronto! Oh, yeah, the edgier Simpson sister has already been showing off her hands, and we are 'green' with envy. Don't worry--- if you can't hunt down this latest Chanel nail polish at your fave beauty counter, you can find some here on Ebay for a few more dollars, more like $40 a bottle.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Dab On One Of These Oils For Thicker Stronger Lashes




Thicker, stronger and of course, longer lashes.

We all desire perfect eyelashes. And when we see celebrities like the Kardashian sisters, Angelina Jolie, and Oprah and many others batting super long eye-fringe, well, we want some, too!

Maybe you're all thumbs when it comes to putting on the faux lashes, And maybe you just don't have a professional makeup artist on call like famous folks do.

And let's say, that prescription lash grower, Latisse, is not in your budget at $130.

Try one of these two healthy oils---Olive or Castor.

Thing of them as lash conditioners. All you have to do is take a cotton swab and sweep some olive oil or castor oil on clean lashes before going to bed. And simply wash off in the morning.

Both oils have hydrating polyphenols that prevent lash breakage. And with some patience, over time, your lashes will become thicker and stronger.

We can't promise you longer lashes, because we are not sure, however, the way we look at it, if your lashes are healthy and strong, they will grow at their optimum best and will resist brittleness.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Don't Give Up On That Beauty Product Yet: 2-3 Months To See Results


You keep looking in the mirror, waiting for that wrinkle cream, acne treatment, firming serum and any other beauty product, to show results.

Frustrating when the beauty items you bought don't seem to be working.

We have a friend who was getting a big pimple on her chin. She begged us for a quick solution. We offered her a new acne treatment we had done research on, and she immediately grabbed the little tube out of our hand.

One day later, she complained to us, that this pimple potion was a piece of junk. Her pimple was still there. Why didn't it work, she asked.

My, my, we laughed. Give the stuff some time to work. And that is the point of our BeautyTipToday:

We're all anxious for the quick fix. We want results ASAP, or as soon as possible. That's why beauty treatments like Botox and Juvederm are so crazy popular around the globe. Poof! And wrinkles are flattened and smoothed away.

Make certain that you are applying the product exactly as the directions tell you to use the treatment. If it is used primarily for nighttime, as you sleep, then, that is the time to use the product.

And be certain your beauty treatment has been researched through clinical studies, and has some solid science behind it. In other words, do your homework.What if we suggested to patiently wait for your beauty treatment to work. At least a few months. That's what the professionals tell us. Beauty treatments take time to work.

Dr. German Todorov, an expert researcher in anti-aging science wrote this article: "What To Do If Nothing Seems To Improve Your Wrinkles:"

"Another potential pitfall is a lack of patience. Skin changes do not happen rapidly. Keratinocytes, the cells of the epidermis, the skin's outer layer, are replaced about every four weeks. Changes in the dermis, the deeper layer where wrinkles originate, usually take longer. Even under the best of circumstances (i.e. proven treatment and responsive patient), changes are usually barely noticeable after one month. Most experts feel that 2-3 month is a reasonable trial period for anti-aging/anti-wrinkle products.
Keep in mind that slow and gradual changes are hard to notice. Sometimes, a person may think that a product is not working even when it does. Unfortunately, objective measurements of treatment effects are hard to perform without a research lab. Some people resort to split face testing but that may be impractical over a span of 2-3 month.
Another alternative is to take before and after photos. However, such photos are useful only if taken in reproducible, well-controlled lighting and camera conditions. This is doable but requires a substantial degree of diligence."

Sunday, January 23, 2011

BeautyTipToday's Favorite Bizarre Beauty Remedies That Really Work


When it comes to skin, makeup, hair, and all-around beauty, women will spend big bucks to be pretty. But sometimes, these beauty products fall short when it comes to results like---clear skin, weight loss, long lashes, healthy bodies,, etc.

Here are some of BeautyTipToday's Favorite Bizarre Beauty Remedies That Really Work"

1. Stop acne, when nothing else seems to zap your zits?! Try dabbing on a little Milk of Magnesia, as a topical acne treatment.

"A letter in the Archives of Dermatology (January 1975) suggested that topical application of milk of magnesia nightly could help reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. Other readers also have shared their success with this remedy."

2. Lose weight the healthy way with the Morning Banana Diet. It began in Japan, and soon everyone seemed to be on the plan.

"The Morning Banana Diet consists of one or more bananas with room-temperature water for breakfast; an optional snack at 3 p.m.; and anything you want for lunch and dinner. The catch: You can't eat desserts after meals, dinner has to be consumed by 8 p.m. , and you have to go to bed by midnight."

Bananas are rich in potassium and a yummy 100 Calorie treat. Packed with fiber, iron, and protein, Vitamins B6 and C, bananas also stop your craving for sugar. And the fruit is high in minerals that reduce cholesterol.

3. Wash out brassy over-processed hair with this childhood fave:
All you need is one packet of Grape Kool-Aid Powder:

1. Wash hair with a mixture of the Grape Kool-Aid powder (just a pinch) and 4 Tablespoons of your regular shampoo. Rinse. Style as you always do
2. The purple blue cancels out the brassy gold orange over-processed shades because it is on the opposite side of the color spectrum.


4. Plump up lips the natural way, with a $5 bottle of peppermint or cinnamon leaf oil.

Dermatologist David Bank of Mount Kisco, NY

, advises women to "dab your pout with peppermint oil" for a natural way to plump lips.

But we would like to exercise some caution here. First, make sure you are not allergic to peppermint or cinnamon to begin with. And secondly, a tiny amount goes a long-ggggg way.

And be prepared for the burn!! We advise you to add the peppermint oil or cinnamon leaf oil to your favorite lip gloss or lip balm. Do not add the oil directly to your naked lips, or you will feel the pain.

5. Keep breasts healthy with the mushroom connection. Strange but true:

Eating just one white button mushroom daily, can lower your risk of developing breast tumors by a huge 64%. That's according to a new study in the International Journal of Cancer.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Are You Cotton Swab Q-Tip Obsessed When It Comes To Beauty?





Cotton swab. Q-Tip obsessed.

Yes, we are hooked, and can't get off the Q-Tip beauty train. We go through tons of cotton swabs weekly, and we'd be ashamed if the trash collector ever saw how many swabs we have disposed of.

So, what are we doing with all those hundreds of cotton swabs?

Lots of things. And find us one professional makeup artist who travels without a few Q-tips, and we would be amazed.

If you put on makeup, then you probably use them. Most women use cotton swabs for eye makeup help. For instance......a moistened Q-Tip can help extend your eyeline pencil stroke into a sexy cat eye wing. You can also remove eye makeup with a few cotton swabs dipped in baby oil or makeup remover lotion. And you can remove the gunk that sometimes builds up in the inner corner of your eyes with a Q-tip stick. You can sweep your eye shadow beautifully with a swab, and remove smudges that come from mascara mishaps.

We have used them to remove hair color during the dye process when a little runs on to our skin. We've also taken a few swabs dipped in acne cream to dab on our break-outs. Q-Tips also take off excess eyebrow powder without messing up the arch you've created. We've often dunked a swab in lemon juice and applied to our decollete freckles. And the list goes on and on.

For us, the cotton swab is a humble, but wonderful beauty invention. And oh yeah, you can even use a Q-Tip to poke around in your ear, although that isn't recommended any longer. Just be gentle, and don't get too busy in the ear canal.

Cotton swabs. Q-Tip brands. Even dollar store swabs. They all work wonders in the line of beauty.

In fact, we need to stock up on more ASAP!

Friday, January 21, 2011

How To Get That Smooth Airbrushed Look From Mineral Foundation

Foundation. We all need some coverage, even those with almost flawless skin.

But then again, the complaints we hear about wearing foundation-----feels like a mask.....doesn't last......too drying.......too oily......can't match the shade properly to skin tone, and so forth.

Then there's mineral foundation. And if you get this one right, your complexion can look red carpet ready. Smooth and airbrushed.

But not all mineral foundations are alike. Sure, the powder-y texture is wonderful, in that it is long-lasting and all-natural. Both high points. But some mineral foundations can produce a few problems. The application can be messy. And the results can look cakey, and yes, even heavy.

We'll admit, we have been a longtime liquid foundation user. It's easy to put on. Not always easy to get the perfect skin tone match, but still, the coverage is great, and it hides our imperfections.

However, we do want to try this one by Lancome. It's been out for a while, and still getting high marks from beauty editors. Allure magazine named Lancome Oscillation Power Foundation with SPF21 ($48, find dept. stores like Nordstroms), as one of its Best of Beauty 2010 products.

You can achieve that flawless no-makeup look by just turning on the button. Just dip the sponge into the mineral powder, press the handle's ON button, and experience a unique makeup session. The sponge tip vibrates 7,000 times per minute. How cool is that?!

Then simply rub the sponge applicator across the skin, as it massages the powder in smoothly and evenly. No clumpiness. The oscillating sponge helps break down the mineral powder into even the very finest particles. This motion allows the foundation to fill in fine lines and give that airbrushed look. The pros say that a regular brush cannot equal the more uniform finish that the Lancome vibrating applicator achieves.

Sure, it's a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way, and the Lancome Oscillation Power Foundation seems to do all the heavy lifting, so to speak. If you're all thumbs and really want that pretty no-makeup look without the mask feeling of a liquid foundation, then this one looks like a great bet.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Beat Pale Dull Winter Skin With Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer

Winter can do a number of nasty things to our skin, including the pale, dull finish we often get in the season. Lifeless. No glow.

That's why were showing you one of the tried and true beauty products that really works. Jergens. And we especially like this Natural Glow because of its clever foaming action. That means a gentle bronze. No, it won't make you look like Snooki. But then again, that's alright, too.

Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer ($8.99, 5 oz., at drugstores). A subtle self-tanner in the form of a tinted moisturizer.
Dries completely in seconds.
No sticky residue or waiting to get dressed.
Glides on evenly for streak-free color.
Designed for Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan skin tones.


It works gradually---give it about 3 to 10 days for the color to develop into a healthy summer glow. It doesn't look orange-y. And it brings the life back to your pale, dull skin.

The formula glides on evenly. And it comes in 2 shades: Fair to medium skin tones. Medium to tan skin tones.

You can look at the entire Jergens Natural Glow line here.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Sex And The City's Kim Cattrall Tapped As Olay's New Total Effects Ambassador


Congrats, Kim Cattrall. The sexy Sex and the City star has been named as one of Olay's newest beauty ambassadors.

And at age 54, we think that's a wonderful compliment and gig for the actress.

kim will become a spokesperson for Total Effects Anti-Aging Body Wash and Lotion, which claims to 'improve elasticity in 1 week, younger-looking, radiant skin in 1 month.'

Representatives for Procter & Gamble say TV commercials featuring Kim will launch here on February 28th, with magazine ads appearing in April.

Some catty websites have already fired off the jealousy missiles, claiming that SATC's Samantha Jones has been heavily airbrushed. However, P&G claims there was only a minimal amount of photoshopping done:
"In accordance with our own strict guidelines, only very minimal retouching was done on the photos of Kim," a spokesperson for Proctor & Gamble tells the curious British press.

"They capture her natural youthfulness and radiance and that’s exactly what makes her a great ambassador for the brand’s new Body Wash.

The way we see it, re-touching is done on just about every person featured in print and television ads. It's the nature of the business, and even the young and beautiful have been photoshopped.

Remember Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher, telling Oprah that it is great lighting on television and the fine work of a professional hair and makeup team that makes actresses look youthful and gorgeous with smooth, flawless skin. It's not reality, but the modeling and acting worlds present a fantasy, and the public buys into it.

Take a look at the photos here of lovely Kim Cattrall. The top photo is a still from her Olay Total Effects ad. And the other photo shows the actress just last week in Manhattan. Yes, Kim looks older in the NYC photo. So what?!

Meow! Meow! People just love to hate. Meanwhile, we love Kim Cattrall's spirit, her energy, and all-American looks. We look forward to her Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Body Wash and Lotion commercials.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Jessica Alba Won't Leave Home Without This Excellent Eye Cream




Why would barely 30 and gorgeous, Jessica Alba, be worried about not leaving home without an eye cream?!

Maybe because she is beauty savvy, protecting her skin early, and realizing, that the delicate eye area is always screaming for a little more TLC. And the more hydrated the eye area appears, the smoother and more rested the entire eye looks.

Jessica Alba's favorite won't-leave-home-without eye cream:

Cle de Peau Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle ($135, at fine dept. stores like Bergdorf's.

Jessica says, "I always have it in my travel kit."

Why? Well, for one reason alone, Cle de Peau Eye Contour comes in balm form and is packed with great anti-wrinkle ingredients:
"A velvety balm with Retinol and Bupleurum Extract that hydrates eye area skin, dramatically improves texture, and promotes resilience to counteract visible signs of aging.".

It's never too late to begin caring for your skin, especially the fragile eye area. And since we are in a brand new year, it's a smart time to invest in an eye cream that delivers results.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Megan Fox Wows Fans With Old-Hollywood Golden Globes Glamour



Old-Hollywood glamour: Soft cascading waves. Sexy cat-eye. Classic curve-hugging gown.

And Transformers actress Megan Fox stole the red carpet spotlight at last evening's 2011 Golden Globes.

So, maybe her cinematic resume is rather thin at the moment, but Megan Fox still has major Hollywood presence. And let's examine why:

1. The gown. Pale pink seemed to be an elegant trend last evening. And no one does gorgeous as good as Giorgio. Megan slipped into a soft pink Giorgio Armani Privé evening grown with an asymmetrical Swarovski adorned strap. She also wore Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, Brian Atwood shoes, and a Roger Vivier clutch.

2. The makeup. Nothing harsh, just soft and sexy, and also, makeup came from the master himself, Armani. Here are the beauty details---Sexy cat-eye---black Maestro Liquid Eyeliner. Maestro Eye Shadows #12, #18 and #38. And Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara. Meow! Blending Blush Duo #4 on Megan's cheeks. And Rouge d’Armani #506, topped with Lip Shimmer #22 on those lovely lips.

3. The hair. Talk about old-Hollywood glam! Stylist Andy Lecompte was the hair genius behind Megan's gorgeous, face-framing waves. Here's how Andy achieved the Golden Globes look---Applied Phyto professional volume mousse before blow drying. Then he set her hair using a 3/4-inch barrel curling iron, following with pin curls. After removing the pin curls, Andy brushed out her hair using a Sheila Stotts detangling brush and gave the hair a deep side part. Then he took a dab of Oribe gel serum to his fingertips and tucked the hair behind her right ear.

All in all, a very feminine and beautiful Hollywood screen siren look for Megan Fox.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Get Hair In Best Shape With Cult Fave: Redken Thickening Lotion 06 Body Builder


Sad, flat hair got you down?

Want the kind of luscious locks you'll see on the red carpet this evening, for Hollywood's Golden Globes awards show?!

Well, of course, we all want that kind of hair. And sure, it helps if you have a personal stylist at your beckon call. But there is one product every gal needs when it comes to healthy, bouncy, big hair:

A volumizer. Root lifter. Thickening lotion. One of these three will alow you to build your hair into an amazing shape and style.

You hear us write ad nauseum about big, thick hair. And we're always on the hunt for the perfect volumizer. Now, we have found another. The critics have spoken, and a lot of women absolutely love this one by Redken 5th Avenue NYC. It's a cult favorite:

Redken Thickening Lotion 06 Body Builder ($16.99, at Redken Salons). We did find some at Walgreens.com, but it's sold out at the moment. You can find some at Amazon.com for $12.50 a bottle.

In our humble opinion, we have found that every body-building hair product is different. And just because the label brags about giving you Big, Sexy Hair with Hold, it doesn't mean it really works. We have tried very expensive volumizers and thickening lotions, and root sprays, and some of those have fallen very flat. But with Redken, the combo of the ingredients really works:

Builds extra body, texture, volume and shine.
Bodifying proteins help reconstruct and strengthen hair.
Hair looks and feels thicker.
Thicker consistency is easier to apply.
Won't build-up on the hair.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Blonde Beauty Contestant With Alopecia Hopes To Win Miss America Crown

Hair loss. It can be a very sensitive topic for women. And when it comes to alopecia, it can ruin one's self-esteem, because the condition cannot be cured.

However, there is one, blonde beauty who is not afraid to live with alopecia, and that is Miss America contestant Kayla Martell from the state of Delaware. And she hopes to win the crown this evening.

Kayla Martell tells People magazine that she has alopecia areata. She has been losing her hair since she was 13. With the disease as her Miss America platform, the current Miss Delaware hopes to educate the world about it.

"I'm still getting used to long hair," says Kayla, who usually goes wig-free. "So we'll style it away from my face with big curls."

The way we understand it, alopecia comes in 2 forms:
1. Alopecia areata. In this type of hair loss, hair usually falls out, leaving behind totally round, smooth patches about the size of a coin or larger. This disease may affect children, women or men of any age. It can often be treated with injections of steroids.
2. Androgenic alopecia
. This is the most common type of hair loss known as, "male- or female-pattern baldness". The hair usually starts to thin out first in the front of the scalp and then progresses to the back and top of the head. This type of hair loss also runs in families.

We applaud Miss Delaware's Kayla Martell for her courage and intelligence and her beautiful dream of taking home the crown. We think she's a special young woman with a lot of knowledge to share, and we believe she would make a super Miss America.

Good luck, this evening, Kayla Martell!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Hollywood Reality Show Starlets Out Of Control With Too Much Lip Filler/Lip Implants?!





Is it us.....Or have the lips of some Hollywood reality show starlets gotten bigger and bigger lately?

We think it's gotten out of control. It used to be too much boob, and now it's just cosmetically or surgery-enhanced mega lips. Hey, we are not against a little filler here and there, but when it looks over-the-top, well, we can't help but notice.

Reality star Kim Kardashian took some heat recently, after being photographed with a larger lower lip. When asked if she had had fillers injected, the dark-haired beauty responded this way:

"That’s not true. Trust me, I’ve tried Botox on the show… I have the flu. I’m puffy and swollen, and I have no make-up on. Why would I just do my bottom lip? My top lip was smaller and my bottom lip was huge and I’m thinking that would be the worst doctor on earth to do one lip and not the other. It’s definitely something that I would never do. I think my lips are big enough to my taste level."

And then there is Taylor Armstrong from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" sporting the oddest pair of long lips we've seen in a long time. She is always wetting her larger-than-life lips on the reality show, and it drives us nuts.

Another reality star beauty, Rachel Uchitel, best known as a mistress of Tiger Woods and now on Dr. Drew's 'Celebrity Rehab' VH-1 show, has also appeared with growing lips.

So, exactly how does one inflate their lips?

Through lip injections with fillers or through cosmetic surgery with procedures involving lip implants. The Perma Facial Implant is a permanent solution for keeping bigger, fuller lips.

According to their website, "The Perma Facial Implant™ is made of a soft, solid silicone elastomer using an injection molding process to produce a naturally contoured implant with a smooth, non-porous surface. The implant cannot rupture or deflate, and may be removed at any time."


Most women opt for fillers when it comes to bigger lips. The sting of the needle is painful, but downtime is quick and the results don't last, so it can be modified each time. Collagen and silicone used to be the only fillers for fatter lips. Look what too much nasty silicone did to reality star Lisa Rinna's famous huge pout. But now there are a variety of safer and better substances for injecting

Dermatologists will tell you that lip injections generally last from 9 months to a year before the substance, like hyaluronic acid dissolves. Those injections can cost around $900 per session. Ouch...in several ways.

We cannot say what these Hollywood celebrities are doing to suddenly develop much larger lips. We can't be sure that it's injections or even surgical lip implants. But there is a popular trend, that appears to be re-trending. And in Hollywood, apparently, Big is better when it comes to lips.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

How To Do Your Own Ombre Hair Like Celebs: Dark Roots And Sun-Kissed Ends

Do you ombre, ladies?

If you're not sure, just look at the lovely locks of celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker----the queen of the ombre effect, as well as Jessica Biel, Ashlee Simpson(before she chopped it all off), Drew Barrymore, Rachel Bilson, Lauren Conrad, and many others.

The ombre hair color trend is still as HOT as it was during the summer.

So, what exactly is the ombre effect?!

The ombre hair color trend features dark roots graduating in color to lighter, and finally, sun-kissed roots. And yes, ladies, you can do your own ombre hair color.

Master colorist to the stars, Kim Vo, says you can do this in the privacy of your own home, and that it's simple to do.

Here are Kim Vo's OMBRE HAIR COLOR STEPS, as explained to Harper's Bazaar:

1. Buy an at-home hair color kit that is 3 shades lighter than your natural color.
2. Apply with a brush to the last few inches of your ends.
3. For lighter ends, wrap the ends in plastic wrap while the color develops.
4. For the strongest intensity, wrap the ends in foil
.


You will see more of the ombre hair trend in Spring 2011 with a few more artistic washes of color. We like the trend. And we think it's especially pretty on blonde hair like SJP.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Beauty Budget Buy Of The Day: Ambi Skincare Fade Cream

Today's Beauty Budget Buy of the Day will cost you less than $5, and the stuff really works, if.... you don't overdo the process. And we emphasize the word if.

We're talking about non-prescription Ambi Skincare Fade Cream ($4.99, 2 oz. tube, at drugstores). The company has been around for a number of years now, and a lot of dermatologists recommend it to lighten up dark spots and balance out skin tone on the cheap. In fact, Allure magazine named Ambi to their annual 'Best of Beauty' list for 2010.

The 'magic' ingredient in Ambi Skincare Fade Cream is the 2% hydroquinone. This chemical helps to speed up skin lightening. But the stuff can also be highly irritating to skin, so you must always proceed cautiously when using hydroquinone. And there are some fears about the possible development of cancer after very prolonged usage.

However, hydroquinone is found in prescription-based fade creams which are given the thumbs up by most derms.

So let's take a closer look at Ambi's fade cream. First, we like that the company offers 2 types of fade cream: One for normal skin, and the other, for oily skin.

And Ambi uses a triple action formula to attack dark spots and other unwanted marks:
Hydroquinone, a skin-bleaching agent which safely fades dark spots.
Vitamin E, which helps soften and smooth skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid, to help enhance results.


We say, to use the product sparingly and to play safely--- only use once a day. If you overdo the hydroquinone, you can irritate the heck out of your skin, with possible side effects like redness, swelling, blisters, allergic rash, and so forth.

But when used wisely, fade creams can do a nice job diminishing spots and marks, and evening up one's skin tone. And for less than $5, well, this is a super Beauty Budget Buy of the Day.

To learn more about Ambi Skincare Fade Cream read this.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

New Neutrogena Foundation And SPF 55 All In One Genius Compact


Foundation that is creamy, light, non-greasy, and packed with a powerful SPF of 55? Are you kidding us? Could this be true, Neutrogena?!

This is genius, or pretty close to it. And it's all poured into a small convenient compact, too.

It's brand new in 2011....Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact SPF 55 ($13.99, at drugstores). We found this for $11.99 at Target...so, shop around.

We love this----foundation and a great protective SPF of 55. And the makeup includes Neutrogena's trademark helioplex formula. By the way, helioplex is Neutrogena's patented formulation of broad spectrum UVA/UVB skin protection containing Avobenzone and Oxybenzone.

Believe it or not, we all need foundation, a basic beauty building-block. Not only does foundation protect the skin from the elements, but it also evens out complexion, gives the face some warmth, and hides imperfections.

And when you have a strong SPF of 55 already in the foundation, it makes your life easier. You're getting a super 2-for-1 makeup product.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact SPF 55 comes in these shades:
Classic Ivory (10)
Natural Ivory (20)
Buff (30)
Nude (40)
Soft Beige (50)
Natural Beige (60)
Fresh Beige (70)
Warm Beige (90)
.

This makeup is kind to those with blemishes, sensitive skin, and combination skin, too.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Smooth Move: Jennifer Lopez In New Ads For L'Oreal EverSleek Hair Line




Jennifer Lopez. She sure is sleek and sexy. And that's probably why L'Oreal Paris has named her as the new face for their EverSleek hair care line.

The JLo L'Oreal TV commercials will debut on Sunday, January 16th during the Golden Globes award show. Behind-the-scenes video clips from the shoot will also be streamed online to L’Oréal Paris’ Facebook that evening. And print advertisements will begin appearing in February magazines.

Not bad for the multi-talented entertainer who will make her debut later this month as American Idol's newest judge.

The 41-year-old mom of two, has also recently inked new deals---- one with Kohl's dept. stores to develop a lifestyles fashion concept with husband Marc Anthony, and the other, regarding a new album, "Love," which is scheduled for a 2011 release.

Nothing can stop Jennifer Lopez. Don't forget, she was also one of Barbara Walters’ 10 most fascinating people of 2010.

So, let's look at the L'Oreal EverSleek line. The hair products are all sulfate and silicone-free and come in bright orange containers. And EverSleek is designed to battle frizz and return locks to a healthy, smooth texture.

We say, Amen, to that. Look for them at your favorite drugstore.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Dress Like Jessica Biel With Timberlake's New William Rast Line At Target





Ladies...now you, too, can dress chic and sexy like actress Jessica Biel, and pay a lot less, because JT has brought sexy back.....to Target! But you better hurry.....this gig is up on Saturday, January 22nd.

Justin Timberlake's William Rast clothing line is now a lot easier on your pocketbook, ladies. You can pick up luscious leather jackets wearing the William Rast label for less than half the price. And the quality is very good. Check out the brown leather jacket, now at Target for $199.99. The jacket silhouette is contoured nicely and available in Junior sizes with a 'young contemporary fit.'

JT's girlfriend Jessica Biel (photo3), is wearing a $495 William Rast leather biker jacket from his more expensive line. But the leathers at Target are just as lovely and rich-looking.

And we fell for the sexy and classic, black tuxedo jacket for $49.99. Look at the detailing on the corset-style lace-up sleeves. Very nice.

The limited edition of the William Rast collection for Target features jeans, cargo pants, sportswear, and outerwear, but is only on sale now, until January 22nd, as we mentioned earlier.

JT describes his collection as "sort of country" with a "chic edge."

Take a look at the William Rast line for Target here.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late To Treat Damaged Decollete Skin



Skin care does not stop at the precious face and neck, ladies.

When you're in your 20s and 30s, you're just not thinking about protecting your decollete. But trust us, as you head into your 40s and beyond, those once cute, tiny freckles scattered across your decollete will matter, because those sun damaged spots will become more prominent, and annoying to look at.

What exactly is the decollete?

The decollete is the upper part of a woman's chest, below the neck. And that brings us to the point of our article today:

Skin Care should not end at the chin. Let's look below. The decollete area on a woman's body is one of the first places to show age. The decollete needs tender loving care. According to liv.com, a website dedicated to helping raise awareness about early detection of breast cancer, the skin of the decollete, is quite delicate:

"The skin on the décolleté area is more sensitive than skin on other parts of our body; it is thinner, less moisturized, has less elasticity and there is no fat tissue below. Consequently, this skin is more likely to show signs of aging with dryness, hyper-pigmentation and age spots."

We have found a super new beauty product by a beauty company we trust, that addresses the neck and decollete:

Necollete by Osmotics Cosmeceuticals ($75, Osmotics.com. This is a strong formula that fights back against damaged decollete skin:

Helps firm and support neck contours while reinforcing fragile skin with needle free hyaluronic acid booster .
Strengthens collagen fibers with powerful peptide combination.
Visibly reduces redness/blotchiness for a more even skin tone.
Firms and tightens for more youthful contours.


Allure magazine once asked 40-something model Cindy Crawford about the areas she pays special attention to:

CINDY CRAWFORD: My hands and my décolleté. In L.A., there are 65-year-old women walking around in Juicy sweatpants, and from the back, you'd think they were 20. But when you see their hands or their neck, you know. When I put moisturizer on my face, I use a little extra so that I have enough to cover my hands. Most people don't start caring about the décolleté until it's too late, but I'm religious about it.

Let's all get on decollete damage control in 2011.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Ermis Labs Uses 2-Pronged Attack On Acne With Special Bottom Of The Sea Ingredient



Acne. It's a word that makes most of us cringe. And it's a condition that can instantly crush one's self-esteem. But as we look forward to new beauty possibilities in 2011, we find hope for clear skin with Ermis Labs.

And in this company's new 2-pronged attack on acne, we also discover a special ingredient at the bottom of the sea. It's sea whip coral, and yes, it plays a key role in the acne treatment program of CoralActives.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Billis, co-founder of Ermis Labs, and trying the CoralActives system. And we wanted to know right away, what's up with the coral?

"The ultimate 'stand out' is Sea Whip Extract," Chris says. "It's an extremely expensive ingredient and difficult to harvest but it addresses the redness, irritation and inflammation of acne that every other product chooses to ignore."

Chris Billis and his partner Paul Tuffy, both have extensive backgrounds in the pharmaceutical business, namely in the field of dermatology. Chris is an acne expert and Paul is extremely knowledgable about inflammation. And both gentlemen saw plenty of over-the-counter acne medications that just didn't have the power to stop the break-outs. So, the two developed their own system, and CoralActives was born. And no, you don't need a prescription.

There are 2 simple steps:
1. Wash your face with CoralActives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser ($22) .
2. Treat your skin with CoralActives Penetrating Acne Gel Serum ($28).

And Chris Billis says his treatment attacks acne differently, than other systems like Proactiv.
"The key differentiator are the ingredients," Chris explains. "I chose 6% benzoyl peroxide (serum gel), Proactiv uses 2.5%. 6% is the highest clinical efficacy, i.e. 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% do no better than 6 - they do however run the risk of irritation at higher doses. Most would consider 6% high, but if you take the time a formulate a vehicle that is extremely moisturizing and has the proper elements to break benzoyl peroxide down to its smallest particle you can avoid irritation. I added ingredients that would attract moisture from the air and keep it on the skin. And bet of all it's light, the serum goes one so easily.".

We fell in love with the Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser, too. It's powerful but kind to skin, and like the acne gel serum, it is formulated with sea whip coral, as well as encapsulated retinol.

"That means it stays absolutely pure until you start to wash your face," Chris explains. "From production, to manufacturing, filling, shipping and in your bathroom nothing touches the retinol. For the 20-30 seconds you wash your face you are getting an incredible rush of retinol, but because of the short contact you can avoid the usual side effects. The cleanser also contains very fine micro beads for exfoliation.".

We believe that the new CoralActives acne treatment system by Ermis Labs is a skin care line and company to watch in 2011. Chris Billis and Paul Tuffy have the beauty and clinical science to back up their 2-step attack on break-outs and pimples.

Take a look at their website. It is very educational about acne and how to treat this problem that affects some 20 million people in the US between the ages of 12-24, every year.

You can order the cleanser and gel serum here.