How To Plump Up Your Lips The Natural Way

Everyone seems to love plumper, fuller, sexier lips.

Actress Angelina Jolie probably has the most recognizable big lips in Hollywood. Maybe, too full.

If you're looking to plump up your lips, and want to forget the stinging needles of collagen in your dermatologist's office, you can try this:

Plump up your lips the natural way.

And all you need is one ingredient you can find in your grocery store aisle or natural food store.

You have a choice:

1. Peppermint oil

or

2. Cinnamon leaf oil

Each small bottle of oil will cost you about $5-$6.

In fact, if you look at some of the over-the-counter lip plumpers available, you will see the ingredients often list peppermint oil or cinnamon leaf oil. Both natural products set off a small allergic reaction that causes temporary swelling.

Even derms like David Bank of Mount Kisco, NY, advise 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 advice 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.

And it's as simple as that---plumper, fuller, sexier lips, at least temporarily.

Cinema Secrets Sets Makeup In Matte Way For Hours

This is one little beauty tip product we will be buying soon.

We had never heard about Cinema Secrets Super Sealer ($10) until we noticed InStyle magazine make a mention of this unique beauty item in their Fall 2009 InStyle Makeover Issue.

Today, the humidity here is brutal, with temps reaching the high 80s. And it would be nice to have a matte way to keep makeup on and have it still look fresh a few hours later.

Believe it or not, Cinema Secrets Super Sealer comes from an online shopping website that sells theatrical and special FX makeup along with Halloween masks and costume cosmetics.

We took a look at http://store.cinemasecretsonline.com/index.html learned this:

"Hollywood makeup guru Maurice Stein founded Cinema Secrets when he retired from showbiz to open a family owned and operated beauty, special FX and makeup supply store."

If anyone would know how to keep makeup on during a long theatrical performance or movie set, it would be Maurice Stein. So we are intrigued by the simplicity of CS's Super Sealer. Just a few spritzes and go!

This is what Cinema Secrets Super Sealer is designed to do:

1.Makeup Sealer: Great to use over any type of makeup to seal and protect makeup from the elements. Matte formula eliminates shine.
2.Sweat Stopper: Use prior to makeup applicaton as a sweat inhibitor.
3.Clothing Protection: Use Cinema Secrets Super Sealer as a protector from getting makeup on clothing like, collars, shoulder straps, and other clothing parts that come into contact with makeup.
4.Sealing Fluid: : Use Super Sealer instead of water for all water-applied foundations.

This little beauty product is economical at $10 and sounds like a genius product idea.

We are hoping it works for our uber oily skin.

You can also purchase this product at http://www.getyourbeauty.com/ and other online shopping sites.

Hula-Hoop Workout Blasts Belly Fat And Big Thighs

Ladies, it's time to 'hoop it up!'

We've talked a lot about jumping rope to stay fit and torch a bunch of calories. And now, it's time to hula-hoop.

In about 20 minutes, you can burn 200 calories. And most importantly, blast belly fat and big thighs. And develop a sexy butt.

And if you recall using a hula-hoop during your childhood years, then you know how much fun it can be.

This ain't your mama's neon pink hula-hoop. Modern Hoops are now fashioned with weights inside for the extra workout burn. Some hoops come with pretty bling and colors. And a few hoops are able to collapse to a smaller size for easy travel.

We like any easy exercise that whittles your waist. And Christabel Zamor has a new book out--- Hooping: A Revolutionary Fitness Program. She claims that if you hoop it up 4 times a week, in a month, your belly, butt, and thighs will look amazing.

Maybe some of you take hoop workout classes already.

Check out http://www.hoopgirl.com/. You can buy a professional hoop here for about $30. And the site explains the new modern style hula-hooping:

HoopGirl Hoops are constructed of heavy weight durable plastic tube which is thick and resilient. They are larger in size than "traditional" toy hoops which makes them rotate slower so they are easier to keep spinning. The fabric and vinyl tapes create friction so the hoop "sticks" to your hips very effectively. This allows many people who could never hoop to experience easy success!

And hooping is excellent exercise for all ages. In other words, size, sense of rythym, and age, have nothing to do with skill, when it comes to hooping.

There is also a website, http://www.hooping.org/ that even shows you how to make your own hula hoop or to start your own hoop group in town.

As the old saying goes: "What goes around, comes around."

Happy Hula-Hooping!

Perfect Pedicure Beauty Tips To Last Through Summer

We are in the dog days of summer, and honestly, our precious feet take a beating. From callouses to blisters to un-pretty pedicures.....our feet tell the real story.

As we sit here with bright red, and chipping nail polish on our bare feet, we want to hide them under the rug.

But we found a few excellent and perfect pedicure beauty tips:

And this is one of our favs.

1. To get rid of a stubborn, yellow stain on your toes after wearing a dark nail shade, try scrubbing your toenails with a Tablespoon of Clorox diluted in a cup of water. Then rinse off and buff. (try for fingernails, too)



2. Smooth cuticles and dry feet with olive oil. It works beautifully to soften everything up. You can soak feet in some olive oil for a few minutes. Or you can even make a nice exfoliating paste.

We got this pedicure recipe from: http://bistrochic.net/beauty/olive-oil-pedicure/

1/4 c sugar
2-3 tsps. olive oil
1 tsp. vanilla.
Mix into paste. Rub all over feet and keep on for a few minutes. Then rinse off in shower.

3. Remember: Going for a dark, sultry nail shade? Then be prepared for a long-gggger drying time. According to the experts, dark shades take almost twice as long to dry as light ones.

4. The tips of your toenails and fingernails are the first to peel, so you want to make that part the strongest. Add an extra little swipe of color and top coat across the tips of each nail.

5. It's summer, so get crazy with the colors. We like these brands: Nars. OPI. Dior.

We're Loving Ted Gibson As New Hair Guru On What Not To Wear

If you know gorgeous celebrity hair, then you know the man behind those locks----Ted Gibson.

Anne Hathaway, who graces the photo with Ted here, is just one of his ultra-glam clientele. There are also Angelina Jolie, Joy Bryant, Zoe Saldana, and Debra Messing. All sexy-haired women.

We're enjoying Ted Gibson's new role as hair guru on the popular make-over TLC show 'What Not To Wear.'

Ted recently replaced stylist host for 7 years Nick Arrojo, who had taken a lot of criticism as of late, for always chopping women's long hair off, and always, so it seemed, giving the same short, layered in front hairstyle to women on the show, week after week. And of course, we forever noticed his obsession with the razor.

What we adore about Ted Gibson, is his gentle manner, and his patience with women who really want to keep their long hair. Ted finds a way to work around a dull hair routine. And so far, so good.

"I am extremely excited about joining the TLC/'What Not To Wear' family," says Gibson. "Being part of the beauty, style and fashion team of experts is an extension of what I do in my salons, at red-carpet events and on the covers of magazines. The biggest reward is helping women realize their potential beauty and encouraging them to be their best selves."

Enlyten Melt In Your Mouth: Like Gatorade On A Strip

We have found an unique set of exercise and diet supplements that can fit in the palm of your hand, and immediately melt in your mouth.

As the creators of Enlyten Electrolyte Plus like to say, 'It's like Gatorade on a strip.'

And it's so simple: Just take 1 strip out of the cassette, and pop it in your mouth. It melts on contact, and you quickly absorb all the good stuff that Enlyten Electrolyte Plus is feeding your body.

Plus zero calories and no sugar!!!

So what does each small, orange strip do for you?

Enlyten Electrolyte Plus Strips are engineered to pre-load your body with much-needed electrolytes prior to exercise to promote optimal physical performance. Electrolyte Plus Strips deliver fast and effective electrolytes to help maintain proper hydration and achieve peak muscle and nerve function!

Take a look at what's really in Enlyten Electrolyte Plus strips ($40, 4-pack. 22 strips per cassette. 4 cassettes in pack).

Let's face it. Just by placing a small strip on your tongue and absorbing all those key ingredients immediately illustrates how technically advanced Enlyten's delivery system is for your body.

And the creators haven't stopped there. Enlyten has more strips to keep you strong and healthy:

Antioxidant Strips. Enlyten Antioxidant Strips are formulated with some of the most scientifically proven antioxidant properties in the world.
Energy Strips. Enlyten Energy Strips provide a scientific blend of B and C vitamins, caffeine, ginseng and gingko biloba to leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and reenergized!
Melatonin Strips. Enlyten Melatonin Strips are designed with the perfect blend of melatonin and theanine to work in conjunction as a natural aid to reduce mental and physical stress and help you sleep better.
Appetite Suppressant Strips. Enlyten Appetite Suppressant Strips are formulated with ingredients that have been shown to decrease hunger and promote healthy weight management. Calorie Burner Strips. Enlyten Calorie Burner Strips are scientifically formulated to give your metabolism an all-natural boost.

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

It's Amazing What The Right Makeup And Hair Can Do For A Woman

Wow. That's all we have to say here.

We know the photo with the lady and the microphone is singing sensation Susan Boyle.

But be honest. Would you know that the photo of the glam woman with the chic clothing and hairstyle is also that of 48-year-old Susan Boyle?!

We did a double-take, and then a triple-take. My goodness. Like we've always said before.....a little makeup and pretty hair can make a huge difference in a woman's life. Huge! Just covering up dark, undereye circles and wearing a little lip gloss can speak volumes.

The photos were taken of the Britain's Got Talent star for the September issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine. On newsstands August 18th.

Susan Boyle, the Scotland native who lives with her cat, Pebbles, was excited to pose for Harper's and to get made-up and glam. Back in April, Susan received her first makeover with a more fashionable wardrobe, darker locks, and thinner eyebrows.

And now these amazing photos with Harper's Bazaar, have her looking younger, slender, and so attractive. But Susan hasn't gone in for the real Hollywood makeover yet, and has some reservations:

"Maybe I'll consider a makeover later on," she said a few days before showing off her new look. "For now I'm happy the way I am -- short and plump. I would not go in for Botox or anything like that. I'm content with the way I look. What's wrong with looking like Susan Boyle? What's the matter with that?"

Watch the behind-the-scenes video of Susan Boyle's Harper's Bazaar photo shoot here:

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-video/#v31836604001

Jumping Rope Without A Rope: A Genius Product?

We've done a couple of BeautyTipToday articles on the value of jumping rope. And here's another. But this time, we are 'jumping rope without a rope.'

No. We haven't lost our mind. Maybe many of you have already been aware of JumpSnap.

So, what is it?

It sounds too good to be true, but if you aren't too co-ordinated when it comes to jumping with a real rope, this could be your answer.

Jumping rope is an excellent exercise. It is not expensive, and requires some room, but still, an economical way to burn calories, and quickly tone up the entire body, and get the heart rate up. And yeah, ladies.....jumping rope tones the triceps, the 'dingle-dangle' or underarm jiggle.

This brings us back to 'imaginary' jumping.

JumpSnap is a fitness gadget that is computerized. Just enter your height and weight and the computer will coach you through a workout. JumpSnap counts calories, exercise time and alerts you when you’ve reached your exercise time or number of jumps goal. How cool is that! Plus, there's no rope, so you can't trip over it. Ha!

And the JumpSnap is selling right now for $49.95, http://www.jumpsnap.com/. The JumpSnap kit includes two handles with a built-in computer, three interchangeable weights for each handle, two DVDs and a handy mesh carrying bag. It also comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Why is jumping rope good for your body?

The stats show: Jumping at mod. speed (btw. 70-85 turns a min.) for 15 minutes, burns about 200 cals. Same amount as running a 10-minute mile. You also receive a total body workout. Jumping utilizes almost every major muscle group. Streamlines the upper body + trims fat away on arms (triceps).

Whether it's an $8 rope from WalMart or the ropeless JumpSnap, get your body moving! Jumping rope is great for everybody.

Remove Makeup With Eco-Friendly Bear Naked Wipes

If you wear enjoy wearing makeup, do you get the same satisfaction of removing it?

It can be a royal pain the in the you-know-what, to get rid of every last trace of eyeliner, shadow, blush, foundation, concealer, mascara, lip gloss, etc.

And if any of these makeup items are water-proof, well, you have to work twice as hard to remove them all. And that's just before you begin your cleansing routine.

As we all know, you should never sleep in makeup. Period.

One makeup artist suggested removing makeup with baby wipes, like Pampers or Huggies. Those wipes work well, but can sting your eyes and sensitive faces.

We've found a new wipe. And this one's eco-friendly. And has to do with polar bears. Say what?!

Model Josie Maran has developed her own beautiful makeup line. And one of her popular products are the Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes ($12, at http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/ or http://www.sephora.com/).


We really like these removal makeup wipes because the product is environmentally-friendly and Josie gives a portion of the proceeds to protect endangered animals like the polar bear.

Josie's website explains the Bear Naked Wipes:

Erase your face, not the polar bear race!
Wipe off makeup and dirt nature's way, with a blend of natural and healthy ingredients including aloe vera, cucumber, and vitamin E. Free of fragrance, parabens, and petrochemicals, these luxuriously soft wipes are kind to tender eyes and skin and are biodegradable. Leave your skin feeling nourished and refreshed!

To learn more or get involved, please visit http://www.polarbearsos.org/.

Should You Rush To Get On Rush's Weight Loss Diet Plan?

Let's talk about radio host Rush Limbaugh. No, not his political leanings. Please!

But let's take a look at him. Rush is looking lean and mean. And it seems like women and men everywhere, want to know his successful weight loss diet plan. It's becoming the latest Hollywood craze.

We just learned that the talk show host has been on the Quick Weight Loss Center plan. And so far, he's lost 79 lbs!!

Rush looks great, but should you, too, rush to get on Rush's weight loss diet plan?

Let's take a closer look. And you can find out what the diet is all about at the website: http://www.quickweightloss.net/.

Rush Limbaugh explains the Quick Weight Loss Center diet plan:

"I don't know the caloric intake of one thing I'm eating," he explains. "All I know is that it adds up to about 1,500 calories. It's a factor, but it is the way the proteins, the complex carbs and the fats and even some fruit get put together during the course of the day.

"For example, you cannot have two proteins at one meal. So I cannot have one night Surf and Turf. I can have five and a half ounces of fillet, seven ounces of chicken or fish, but I can't combine it. I can't have three ounces of beef and four ounces of fish. I don't know why. I just follow it and it works. I've never lost weight faster than this diet."

And he adds, "I've done every other diet, folks, that there is. I'm not insulting any of them, but for the first time -- for example, breakfast and lunch, I mean I ate breakfast in five minutes and lunch in ten, there's no reason to ever abandon that, totally satisfying. It's just the easiest one and it's the fastest. I'm 58 years old, I never lost weight this fast, almost 90 pounds here since March 9th, not even six months yet, and it was 40 pounds in like 45 or 50 days."

Doctors caution that when the weight falls off so quickly, the diet plan might not be as sound, because to keep the lbs. off, you would have to be on this 1,500 Calorie plan forever.

We're not sure about that, but people become encouraged when the weight slides off immediately, and it keeps your self-esteem high. We're not here to judge, just to lay out the facts. And of course, check with your own doctor before signing up for any diet plan.

Priti Is As Pretty Does: Organic Without Chemicals

We have received personal emails in the past, begging us to do more stories that involve organic beauty. Organic skin care. Organic cosmetics. Etc.

So we began our search, and stumbled onto a pretty website called pritinyc.com.

As you can easily see, the photo depicts a very pretty woman. And Kim D'Amato is priti. This is her New York City company which also includes her organic spa, located on the Lower East Side.

And here is one of her many beautiful organic nail polishes. This one is a really lovely nude. A naked shade that works on every skin tone. If you want subtle and 'priti', try this shade, King Protea ($12.50, http://www.pritinyc.com/).

And we all know what non-organic nail polish can do to our nails, besides ugly yellowing and sometimes, infection, and so forth.

Priti Polish is refreshing and safe and gentle, as suggested at Kim D'Amato's website:

Priti Polish, a private collection of nail polishes that are formulated without toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde -all known carcinogenic ingredients. With over 100 colors to choose from that are all safe for moms, mother's to be, and children as well.

The polishes are housed in a 12.6 ml. bottle that is completely recyclable. They are fast drying, chip resistant, non-yellowing, contains a UV inhibitor, and are super durable and glossy. All Priti Polishes are named after similar colored plants and flowers such as... Magic Man Iris, China Pink Tulip, White Ballet Dahlia, and Shirley Temple Peony, and of course, or new fav.....King Protea..

Priti also has a wonderful stock of Organic mud masks, Organic sugar scrubs, Organic soy polish remover, Organic hands and feet cream, etc.

We like Kim D'Amato's thinking. She's way ahead of her time.

How To Wash Out Brassy Over-Processed Hair Color

We have a number of friends and acquaintances with a similar summer hair problem:

Brassy hair color!!!

We are no hair diva. Trust us. We have had our own share of hair traumas. But always remember, when you color hair darker, you can hide a multitude of mistakes. When you start lightening up strands, problems kick in. Or when you perm, over-color, get too much sun, over-heat or blow-dry, the brassies start showing up.

Even pretty celebrities end up with brassy hair. It happens to the best of them. Like lovely Drew Barrymore. Stylists have been knocking her brassy locks, for a few months now. We still find Drew to be looking glam and sexy.

And how about Eva Longoria? She rarely has a bad hair day. But famous stylist Louis Licari, gave the Latin beauty the big thumbs down in the color department with a brassy look last year.(See photo above)

But we have found a simple, quick, and what appears to be, a great method to say 'bye-bye' to brassy hair color.

We found this beauty on a budget tip in the pages of InStyle magazine's annual Makeover issue, '50 Best Beauty Tips of all Time.'

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.

There you have it. Does this Kool-Aid beauty tip really work? Well, according to N.Y.C. stylist Tippi Shorter, it sure does.

You have nothing to lose. Just a pinch of Grape Kool-Aid Powder would be quite gentle on your hair.

Gwyneth's Cleansing: Good Sense Or Dodo Diet Advice?

Apparently, the diet cleansing is working for actress Gwyneth Paltrow. That and a love of working out, since she and Madonna share the same fitness trainer. However, we like the 'softer, rounder curves' Gwyneth is showing, rather than Madge's too sinewy muscular silhouette.

Here is Gwyneth Paltrow at the Children of the City 'Champions of Hope' benefit in New York City Wednesday night.

Paltrow, who recently finished filming "Iron Man 2" wore a black, sparkling mini dress by Preen and black booties, with the familiar red kabbalah string around her wrist.

Gwyneth is fresh from another 3-week-long cleansing. That means 3 weeks of smoothies and salads. Actually, we are attracted to that diet plan. We believe we could pull that off.

But the Academy-award winning actress has been 'pooh-poohed' by critics, claiming that her lifestyle website, Goop.com, is teaching women how to detox and cleanse. And some medical professionals claim that cleansing can cause serious problems with the body.

The cleanse, developed by Gwyneth's doctor and detox diet specialist, Dr. Alejandro Junger, is made up of two liquid meals a day with a solid one (no processed foods, dairy, sugar, etc) in between.

Let's be real here.....Gwyneth Paltrow is already uber slim to begin with, but then again, she is seen by millions on the big screen, and actresses want to be very thin because the camera adds about 15 lbs. Still, it is difficult to read on her website, about having to shed a few extra lbs. she gained at the holidays. Er, where are those lbs. hiding?

So what's wrong with diet or detox cleansing?

We hunted around for information, and found these quotes from FoxNews.com. Interviewed was Peter Pressman, MD, an internal medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

According to Dr. Pressman, "the problem is that some groups may suffer severe adverse effects from highly restrictive diets. They include children and teenagers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, seniors, and people with heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. These groups are especially vulnerable to intestinal and even cardiac problems stemming from malnutrition."

Another specialist was quoted, too. Dawn Jackson-Blatner, a dietitian at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Wellness Institute and American Dietetic Association spokeswoman, tells WebMD this:

"The problem is most detox diets are so restrictive that they’re ineffective for long-term use. And any weight loss that occurs during the diet is likely to be temporary.

“When people think about losing weight, they think about losing fat,” she says. “But this is water lost and water gained.”

To take a look at Gwyneth Paltrow's website and her detox cleansing, click on http://www.goop.com/.

No Wrinkles And $50 Botox Rebate Good Until October 15

Think of this as a mini Botox stimulus plan.

Get $50 back, in a Botox rebate all across America. Get your Botox cosmetic treatment by September 30, 2009, and postmarked by October 15, 2009, and add a little cash to your beauty stash!

Now you might be thinking, gee, $50, big deal? But you could put the $$$ towards some expensive Chanel makeup or several great Sephora beauty store cosmetics.

Why the Botox rebate? Because the most popular cosmetic injectable, for 7 years in a row now, is celebrating its anniversary!!!

What's the big deal about Botox, or Boulinum Toxin Type A?

Let's look at the numbers. 11 million Botox procedures and counting, thus far. Heck, someone is having the stuff injected. Both women and men alike. And the Botox routine is quick and easy. Minimal pain, and within 7 days or so, wrinkles and frown lines around the eyes and forehead are temporarily smoothed away for 3-4 months. The result is subtle and attractive when done correctly.

People love Botox because the procedure is non-invasive. You are not undergoing surgery. Botox has become a household name. And baby boomers trying to stay youthful, really enjoy having that rested appearance, although many younger women, with barely wrinkles showing, are turning to the sting of the needle to get that 'air-brushed' look.

Botox shouldn't be given to those with neuromuscular disorders like ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

Botox cosmetic injections should not be given to people who have an infection where the physician proposes to inject. They should also not be given to people who are known to be sensitive to any ingredient in Botox cosmetic.

To get in on the $50 Botox rebate plan, simply save your receipt from your Botox visit, and ask for the rebate form. Have your doctor write the Botox cosmetic vial lot number on the form, and then sign the form to verify your treatment.

Madonna's Bulging Veins And Biceps Gone Too Far?

We have to admit, this photo of Madonna in London returning home from dinner, snapped two evenings ago, freaked us out a bit. And apparently, that is the buzz all over the globe.

Has the 50-year-old superstar over-done it with the strenuous exercise routine she religiously sticks to, 2 hours a day, 6 days a week?!

There is a fine line between fit and toned arms, ladies. Critics says this has gone beyond the look of healthy and feminine. What we see now are bulging veins and too sinewy arms.

And the media is having a ball going after her. Headlines screaming for 'Madge' to quit the gym. Calling her a walking skeleton. Showing off stringy, muscular arms. And so on. Just brutal attention made to this beloved musical performer.

Some women might argue, that at least Madonna, the busy mother of 4, has little fat, and a whole lot of muscle. Who wants bat wings and soft, mushy arms, her supporters have been saying.

Both Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna share the same personal fitness trainer, Tracy Anderson.

And according to an item in the Telegraph.co.uk.com, Tracy Anderson suggests that Madonna is her star pupil and works out like a fiend, and still has maintained her feminine appeal:

"Madonna is an athlete. That's what I try to hammer into people's heads, people who criticise her for training two hours, six days a week. She's just like a baseball player or a soccer player.

"I don't have to scream at her because she's so motivated. She organises her time so she can train – she makes an appointment to do it and she keeps it, but two hours is the most she ever exercises in a day.

"Madonna will never look her age," Tracy Anderson insists. "She doesn't even look half her age – she looks 19."

By the way, Madonna is currently in London on her "Sticky & Sweet" tour.

To get some softer, but still fit, knock-out arms, check out an article we did last year on toning triceps and biceps.

NeoStrata's Exuviance Introduces Sheer Refining Fluid

We've written a few articles about NeoStrata skin care products. We happen to believe the beauty treatments are effective and on the cutting edge of skin care science.

Our NeoStrata friend Michelle, has just sent us a brand new product from the company's Exuviance line, called 'Sheer Refining Fluid.'

And for those of you fighting oily/acne prone skin, this is an ideal item.

Not only do you tame the 'greasies,' but you also give your complexion a healthy boost, in the way of reducing the look of dark spots and discoloration, pimples, and wrinkles.

This pH-balanced fluid contains 2 important ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, to even out skin tone. And Phytotal, a botanical blend that controls oily skin.

We like Exuviance's Sheer Refining Fluid ($32, 1.75 oz.) because it really is a lightweight formula and absorbs immediately. And there is an added plus of an SPF 15. Apply it during the day under your makeup, and you're good to go.

Exuviance's skin care line always develops products that are non-irritating to sensitive skin. There is no animal testing.

To learn more about NeoStrata and Exuviance skin care products, and to purchase, visit:

http://www.neostrata.com/.

Kohl's Vitamin C Brightening Cream Actually Estee Lauder Product Line

We've been hearing encouraging news about a wonderful little orange jar of Vitamin C cream.

And you can find this little anti-aging product at Kohl's department stores. Yes, Kohl's.

What's even more intriguing, is that Vitamin C Power Brightening Cream SPF 25 ($32.50) is put out under the label, Grassroots Research Labs. And this company is actually owned by cosmetic giant, Estee Lauder. The Grassroots line is sold exclusively at Kohl's.

And we have always associated Estee Lauder with beautiful makeup and skin care.

Get your dose of Vitamin C in this little jar, because your skin will really thank you for it. And if you are a dry-skinned beauty, this product is perfect for you, especially in these searing hot summer days. Trust us, this is a very moisturous cream.

Here is how the Grassroots folks at Kohl's describe their Vitamin C Power Brightening Cream SPF 25:

This rich hydrating cream brightens skin and helps reduce discolorations and uneven skin tone while protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays, environmental aggressors and damaging pollution, with a triple vitamin cocktail and SPF 25.

Vitamin C, referred to by scientists as a powerful anti-aging vitamin, is known for its remarkable ability to help visibly brighten and even out skin tone while helping skin defend itself against future damage. 1.7-oz.

According to the clinical trials that Grassroots Research Labs conducted on this Vitamin C brightening cream:
62% saw an immediate increase in skin clarity
68% saw an immediate increase in moisturization

And after 4 weeks:
88% of the subjects reported visibly brighter skin

For more information, visit: kohl's

Dysport: Longer Lasting Botox Wins FDA Approval

We thought there would be a much bigger beauty buzz over the new Botox alternative known as Dysport (Reloxin).

The Food & Drug Administration recently gave the green light to this newest wrinkle relaxer Botox rival. The thumbs-up was issued in April.

So, why is this botulinum toxin better than Botox?

According to the research we uncovered, Dysport "may last up to 8 months compared to Botox, which typically lasts 4-6 months." Now that's excellent news. And this longer-lasting Botox is said to work faster than regular Botox and be about 25% cheaper in price.

Hmmm. Sounds terrific, and yet why haven't we been hearing more amazing stories about Dysport?

We haven't got the answer to that yet, but it should be noted, that the skill of your dermatologist and/or plastic surgeon could make the difference in how Dysport is even better than Botox. We saw this beauty nugget at WorldHealth.net. And one of the first doctors to try Dysport on his patients was Oculopastic surgeon Joseph Eviatar, M.D., of New York City:

"I am very excited about the introduction of Dysport as it possesses several unique properties that set it apart from Botox Cosmetic," says Dr. Eviatar. "Since Dysport does act quicker and last longer, it is more important than ever to have an experienced aesthetic physician administering the injection. The doctor should be very experienced about facial anatomy and dilution procedures. It is exciting to be able to offer patients an alternative to Botox Cosmetic, especially those patients for whom Botox does not last."

Sure, the sting of the Botox needle is still there. But while Botox needs about 7-10 days to work, Dysport appears to do its magical smoothing stuff in 2-3 days.

Dysport sounds quite amazing. We will be watching for more beauty buzz on this newest wrinkle relaxer. We're surprised it hasn't been a top beauty story as of late, especially since more and more baby boomers are out looking for employment and trying to look youthful against the much younger competition bombarding places with resumes.

Forever 21 To Debut First Ever Makeup Line In Fall

Forever 21 is ready to launch their first ever makeup line this fall! The popular, junior-sized retail clothing store wants to give young women good cosmetics at bargain prices.

So for all you recessionista-makeup or fashion junkies out there, this could be your deal. Some cosmetics snobs are turning their noses up at the concept of a Forever 21 makeup line. But we aren't laughing. Hopefully, the line could be as decent as drugstore brands.

Forever 21 has had recent successes with its new swimwear and plus size clothing lines.

And we wish we could find the quote Eva Longoria Parker gave to InStyle magazine a couple of years ago, when she said that shopping at Forever 21 was a guilty pleasure. Every gal loves a bargain, and Miss Eva is no exception.

Of course, Eva Longoria Parker is petite and very tiny and can easily fit into the junior-sized fashions at Forever 21, but there are also lots of no-size, super accessories there on the cheap-cheap. Like trendy scarves and sunglasses, and of course, fun jewelry at rock bottom prices. Come on.....if you can buy a pretty bangle bracelet or some nice chandelier earrings for $5, and it lasts the season, what's wrong with that?

We look forward to the lip glosses, foundations, eyeshadows, mascaras, and more, to launch this fall at Forever 21.

You can check out the shopping deals here at http://www.forever21.com/.

Scott Barnes' Makeup Tips For Looking Lovely Like Lopez

Happy Birthday, Jennifer Lopez!!!! The Latin beauty turns 40 today!!! And Jenny from the Block has come a long-ggggg way. From music to movies to a fashion line, a collection of perfumes, and motherhood, and a triathlon, and now this: Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony are proud part owners of the Miami Dolphins!!!!

J. Lo is looking slender and sexy these days, filming a new movie and of course, chasing after her twin toddlers.

Jennifer Lopez' makeup always looks refined and glamorous. And you can thank her artist Scott Barnes for the beautiful transformation he gives her, time and time again.

When you look at Jennifer, you notice wonderful, high cheekbones and a golden glow. That seems to be her trademark look. To get that J. Lo makeup, you need highlighter and bronzer.

Makeup artist Scott Barnes has these suggestions:

Bronzer: Make sure that you don’t use a bronzer like you would be using a loose powder. You shouldn’t be applying bronzer all over your face. You should actually use bronzer on parts of your face that the sun would kiss naturally and you should make sure that the centre of your face is lighter than the outer parts of your face.

Highlighter: This is one of Jennifer Lopez’s most loved beauty secrets. Highlighter is what gives her that J.Lo glow!

We found more details on the beauty of bronzer, in an article by Style.com. Here, Scott Barnes explains the process:

So would you recommend cream-based bronzers over powder then?

Liquid bronzers, like my Body Bling, work well to this end, and I just repackaged my cult favorite in a squeeze tube that should be out by the end of the month.

What about application techniques? Is there one right way to apply product for the perfect sun-kissed glow?

In general, I try to abide by a less-is-more mentality: You can always layer more on but it’s harder to take it off. It’s really all in the approach, though. I always see women applying powders and bronzers starting next to their nose. But the trick is to work from the outside of the face inward, rather than the other way around. This creates a halo effect and leaves a diamond shape of light in the center so your face appears a little more open. This will hide double chins and give you a visible bone structure so you don’t wind up looking old. Also, use a bronzing brush to blend allover rather than applying product directly to problem areas like crow’s feet and laugh lines. And don’t forget to do your neck and décolletage.

Wonderful makeup tips. And by the way, if you're wondering how Jennifer Lopez maintains that healthy, youthful complexion, just 2 words.....La Mer.

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