Cashmere Robes For Ultimate In Wealth And Softness

Cashmere. Just the sound of the word seems to signify a sign of wealth and sense of softness.

And yes, cashmere seems to surface around the holidays, because it is a classy gift to give and receive. And this time again, cashmere is hot, especially when it comes to robes. Nothing feels cozier and softer than a cashmere robe.

So, exactly where does cashmere come from? A cashmere goat, silly. And according to some digging, we learned that these goats can be found hanging out in the high plateau regions of Asia, including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. And a few still live in the Cashmere region of India where the name originated from. Make sure you are getting real Cashmere when shopping for a robe. The label will state that the item is made from 100% pure Cashmere.

As we all know, pure cashmere is expensive. A robe can cost you thousands of dollars! Often times, cashmere is blended with silk for robes and sweaters. Pricey, but cheaper than 100%. Still, a very luxurious fabric. And there are also cottons that are soft and smooth and feel like cashmere and won't break your wallet. We will call those items, cashmere-inspired. And just as pretty.

Today, we are looking at three cashmere robes, from high end to low end:

1. Loro Piana Classica Cashmere Robe ($3,495, Neiman Marcus). Absolutely gorgeous. Need we say more?! And the robe comes in pink or white. Shawl collar with tie waist. Long sleeves. Pure cashmere. Made in Italy. Take a 'zoom' look at this one.....a really stunning cashmere robe. Hey, you are definitely worth it!

2. Black Cashmere Knit Robe ($152.15,on sale now at Bluefly). This robe is a great deal, because it, too, is 100% cashmere. And it comes in black, grey, pink, or natural. It features a lightweight, soft cashmere knit style with a wrap front and self-tie. It measures 37½" from base of collar to hem.

3. Victoria's Secret Soft Sweater Robe ($58, Victoria's Secret). These cashmere-inspired robes are really lovely and warm, and come in burgundy, heather oatmeal, and heather grey. Loose, drapey shape with cashmere-like softness. Three-quarter kimono sleeves. Wrap tie. Knee-length. Imported cotton. A great budget buy!

Cashmere robes are really the ultimate in luxury. We are all looking to lounge around in something beautiful, uber-soft, and comfortable. And these three selections hit the mark on all counts.

LexLi Skin Care Line Developed By Plastic Surgeon Features Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been around for a very long time. In fact, the plant from the lily family dates back to biblical times. People around the globe have used aloe for dozens of reasons...like treating a bad sunburn, for instance.


But this bright green plant with the thick, tapered, fleshy leaves has been shown to do so much more. At least that's what one popular plastic surgeon from North Dakota says.

Dr. Ahmed Abdullah believes so strongly in the properties of aloe vera, that he has an entire skin care line, LexLi, based on this succulent plant. And he is proud to say that his treatments are true aloe-based products. All you need to do, is look at the back of the jar for the ingredients. The first ingredient listed in the LexLi Skin Care AloeGlyC collection is ALOE.

We thought we would take a look at AloeGlyC and how these topical beauty products work.

Dr. Abdullah explains at his website, that aloe vera is featured in his skin care line, because the plant performs two key actions: 1. heals the skin. 2. repairs the skin. But to be extremely effective, aloe must be carefully blended with other ingredients to sustain its power. "When Aloe Vera gel is mixed with either propylene glycol or glycerin, it has a synergistic action as a humectant. This synergistic, augmentative ability to retain water is the basis for the use of Aloe in cosmetics as a skin moisturizer and smoothener."

The most popular beauty treatment in the LexLi line is AloeGlyC ($75, 1 oz.). And this is what Dr. Abdullah says the rejuvenator does:
"This patented aloe based exfoliant combines aloe vera, glycolic acid and L-ascorbic acid beads (Vitamin C) into one unique formula. This remarkable combination aids in the removal of dead skin cells while activating the production of collagen-the skin’s natural rejuvenation process. The result is a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving the texture and clarity of the skin. As an added benefit, the tine vitamin C beads function as biological cofactors and antioxidants, protecting the skin from damage caused by the environment. After just a few weeks you will begin to see remarkable improvement in how your skin looks and feels."

There are also a cleanser and day moisturizer that go with the AloeGlyC. "At LexLi we use bio-active, pharmaceutical grade Aloe Vera as the base for our products instead of water. This Aloe Vera base makes our products much more effective than our competition's products," Dr Abdullah explains.

To learn more about the LexLi AloeGlycC skin care line, and other aloe-based products, like their shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover, toner, and more, visit aloeglyc.

New Garnier HerbaShine To Offer 'Soft Lift' To Hair In 2010

Women who at-home color hair, can thank bamboo extract and the pros at Garnier for HerbaShine. It's a new and quicker way to cover grays, add shine and depth, and lighten hair one shade!

But ladies, you will have to wait until late December/January 2010, before the boxes of HerbaShine hit store shelves.

What's so unique about the new Garnier hair color?

First of all, No ammonia. Ammonia is a chemical, and it is often used during the coloring process. It opens the cuticle of the hair to allow the color pigments to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. But ammonia can be quite damaging and cause hair to become fragile and brittle and snap off if over-used or used incorrectly.

Garnier's new HerbaShine is actually a cross between a permanent color and a semi-permanent color. The dye contains some peroxide to allow for a gentle jump to level 2+, or a 'soft lift' as the Garnier folks are calling their unique box of HerbaShine:

1. Can lift hair up to a single level.
2. Covers gray (up to 70%)
3. Provides natural results without an obvious root line.
4. Does it all in just 10 minutes, for the retail price of $7.99
5. Comes in 18 gorgeous shades.

And the bamboo extract is forumlated into the color creme formula for a good reason. It fortifies the hair cuticle for radiant, shiny color. We learned that the leaves of the bamboo plant are used for a variety of cosmetic applications, because its anti-oxidant properties protect the integrity of the skin and hair's health.

We're going to try Garnier's HerbaShine when it hits store shelves. We've been checking, but so far, no boxes here in the U.S. Across the pond in Great Britain, however, women there are already using the new HerbaShine, raving about its gentle coloring process, no-drip formula, less of a stinky dye scent, and quick results.

Match Your Nails To Your Emails With OPI And Dell

OPI Nail Lacquer and Dell. What a lovely combination! This is too cute, but it's really true. Now you can match your nails to your emails!

This would make a great holiday gift, we think:

A new Dell laptop in a shade that matches your favorite OPI nail shade. Brilliantly beautiful!! An intelligent accessory.

The brainchild of this fashion interface---a woman, of course. Suzi Weiss-Fischmann of OPI has designed a line of computers skins with Dell, by lending 26 of her most popular colors to the Dell Design Studio.

“Beautiful nails really are the ultimate accessory to any look,” Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive Vice President & Artistic Director says. “And now, with Dell laptops that coordinate with OPI Nail Lacquers, you can match your nails to your emails!”

Classic and popular shades like:

I'm Not Really a Waitress (pictured above)

Big Apple Red

Princesses Rule!

Louvre Me Louvre Me Not

Cajun Shrimp and Green-wich Village, to name a few.

The Dell/OPI color option is available for these personal computers: Mini, Inspiron and Studio laptops.

You can check out all the pretty OPI nail lacquer shades available with the Dell laptop partnership at Dell's own Flickrpage.

And to find your perfect OPI color for nails, just visit OPI, of course.

Our personal fave is OPI's Pompeii Purple. Second fave: Teal the Cows Come Home. Ha. ha. Someone buy us one of these Dell/OPI's, please!!

This holiday season, you can really make a bold and shimmering statement with beauty and technology. The only problem is choosing. We would all like more than one!

AMC's Susan Lucci Stretches Pilates Empire With Spandex And Fila

Daytime's Susan Lucci is putting a little more stretch and spandex into her appearance these days. The ever-youthful Erica Kane on All My Children, has been sported around town in some pretty, new fitness clothing.

Susan Lucci has teamed up with the Fila Apparel company and designed a new line of Pilates and fitness clothing to complement the Emmy winner's Malibu Pilates Program. The apparel is called Fila by Lucci and is selling exclusively on HSN, for $33 to $50.

What's so special about Fila by Lucci? There are some pretty feminine touches and some clever details. There's a cute racer-back floral tank, a cut-out back long bra top, and a cami tank which go perfectly with a hooded jacket, and pants with contrast piping. The tops are uniquely made with an "inside self fabric bra" and are designed to flatter the contours of a woman's neck and back. The pants feature a contrast band that can be folded down at the hip, or kept at the waist for added coverage and support. The line is made with Fila's special, peached poly-spandex fabrication. So flexibility and comfort are always maintained.

The attractive Susan Lucci is 60-something and looks amazing. And yes, she really does work out, and Pilates is her fitness strategy:

"Pilates is a huge part of my fitness program and I want to make sure I look great during my workout," Susan Lucci explains. "I fell in love with Fila's beautiful performance apparel; it makes me look and feel great during my workout. The styles in our new collection are so versatile; I could wear the styles from the gym to running errands around town!"

We think this is a super idea for women working out and on the go. These pieces look to be sophisticated and smart. And heck, you don't even have to work out if you don't want to. The line is pretty in spandex. So we say, way to go Susan Lucci!

Roy Orbison's Widow Debuts New Perfume: Pretty Woman

We like to believe that most people remember and adore Roy Orbison's huge hit song Pretty Woman.

And of course, there were Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman on the big screen. How could we forget?

This time, it's all about Barbara. Barbara Orbison, the widow of the legendary Roy Orbison. And she has been working for a number of years now, to create a signature scent, appropriately called, Pretty Woman. And it's debuting now! How lovely....a fragrance inspired by her husband's beautiful song.

Pretty Woman Perfume is an exotic blend with notes of bergamot, stargazer lily, amber and patchouli.. Price is $80 for a 1.7 oz. bottle. At the moment, the fragrance can be purchased at stores such as Stanley Korshak in Dallas and Planet Blue in Malibu, Calif. And you can also buy a bottle at Barbara Orbison's website Pretty Woman Perfume.

Barbara Orbison has always had a thing for fragrance. "After all these years of mixing my own perfume (which I have been dabbling in since finding this scent when I was thirteen years old), perfecting it throughout my life and marriage to Roy - it's finally here and I can't wait for you to try it.

I feel a scent should be mysterious and draw the world into you. I'm always being asked over and over again, “what are you wearing?” Now at last I’m able to share my secret with you!"

Barbara Orbison is also adding some scented candles for the holidays. The candles come in black, white and gold, and are encased in heavy glass. She also is looking into creating a body lotion and shampoo in the future. According to one source we found, first-year sales of the Pretty Women line could be worth an estimated $1.5 million in U.S. and international markets.

Barbara explains it this way:

“Everything I add to the line has to have something special about it,” she says. “The name Pretty Woman is important to me, not just because of the song or the movie, but because I feel every woman is pretty, every woman is beautiful, and it doesn’t make a difference where they live or how old they are.”

Gisele Bundchen Baby Due December And Some Of Her Beauty Tips

Gisele Bundchen is about to give birth very soon! In fact, we believe the due date is next Monday, December 14.

The famous model has been very quiet these past 9 months, as she prepares for the Bundchen baby she is expecting with husband Tom Brady, New England Patriots quarterback. You see 29-year-old Gisele at the beach here, sporting a smallish baby bump in mid August, which would make her about 5 months pregnant according to our math.

She looks toned and healthy, and has been staying fit throughout her pregnancy. And that incredible mane of hair is still wavy and gorgeous. Women absolutely love Gisele Bundchen's hair. And the televised Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last week, copied Gisele's trademark long, wavy hairstyle on all the models walking the runway. So to get the look, you need long layered hair, either naturally or through the magic and ease of hair extensions. You will also be smart to buy a volumizing spray to spritz on and wind hair aound a large-barreled curling iron to achieve those beautiful, sexy spirals.

Everyone loves the color of Gisele's hair, too. Her colorist, Harry Josh of John Frieda, explained to talkingmakeup.com, how he acieves that beautiful blend:

"Gisele’s hair color can be achieved only if the bulk of your natural hair color or base color is showing. Only idea if you have light brown or dark blonde hair naturally. If your hair is very dark naturally, it will never work on you."

Harry Josh also raves about this product to get a smooth, shiny look:

"I use John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum on EVERY single person’s hair I’ve ever styled in my life. Especially after coloring hair John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum helps in flattening the hair cuticles."

As far as makeup goes, we learned in the October issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine, that the Brazilian native favors makeup from her celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift. The new organic cosmetics line is called RMS Beauty. And apparently, Gisele can't get enough of the lip2cheek pots ($36) that come in 6 luscious and very wearable shades.

This is good, healthy makeup by RMS Beauty. In other words....no synthetics, no petrochemcials, no parabens or other bad stuff. In fact, there is no artificial anything.
We wish Gisele and Tom all the best on the soon-to-be arrival of baby Bundchen-Brady!

How To Get Eye Candy With All-Around EyeLiner In Two Shades

Who's got eye candy?

Penelope Cruz. Rachel Bilson. Angelina Jolie.

It's not secret. Most women do wear eyeliner on a daily basis. For really big eyes, you need eyeliner. Of course, there are varying degrees of liner. And there are several different ways to wear it----top lid, bottom lid, inside lids, cat eye. You get the picture. Wearing eyeliner frames the eyes beautifully, but there are a few things to consider:

If you line the entire eye all in black, your eyes can actually look smaller.

That little beauty nugget comes from Kela Wong, Rachel Bilson's talented makeup artist.

Here's Kela's advice, and we think it works!

1. Wear black eyeliner pencil along the top lash line only.
2. Then apply a dark brown liner on the bottom.
3. "It keeps the eye open," Kela explains.



Look at the first photo above of actress Penelope Cruz. Her eyes are absolutely gorgeous and you can see the makeup artist lined Penelope's top lids in black liner. And the bottom was enhanced with a dark brown liner and shadow. It's still a strong, sexy eye, but just a bit softer, as the eye rimming is broken up in the two, very subtle colors of black and dark brown.

As you know, there are lots and lots of eyeliners....from pencils to crayons to gels to liquids. Take your pick and the liner you choose doesn't always have to be super expensive to do the job. Kela Wong suggests picking up Wet n Wild Eyeliner Pencil in BlackBlack at your local drugstore. It's only a dollar.

Or how about M.A.C. Fluidline Eyeliner Gel in DipDown(dark brown, $15, at Macy's). Or in BlackTrack(black). Most pros and makeup fanatics love M.A.C. for its superior quality.

Just try the 2-tone eyeliners, and you will see how this simple process makes a big difference in your eyes. It's a clever trick and we've become hooked on it!

Floss Your Teeth For Better Health And Gain 6 Years

We really hope, and like to assume, that you are flossing your teeth, at least once before you go to sleep at night. But the sad facts show that only 5-10% of Americans are regular flossers.

This is our beauty tip today: If your floss your teeth daily, you can add some 6 years to your life. That's what one researcher claims. Michael Roizen, MD, author of RealAge, says you can add 6.4 years, to be exact. In his book, Roizen lists flossing as one of the most important daily activities -- along with exercise and quitting smoking -- that could extend life span.

Don't believe it? Well, even if the stats aren't perfectly etched in stone, flossing teeth does a world of good for your health:

1. Flossing keeps your teeth looking bright and clean. Do you want everyone to see you had spinach lasagna for lunch? It gets rid of plaque buildup.

2. Flossing removes bacteria that can lead to inflamation.

3. Flossing maintains good gum health and avoids gingivitis and periodontis. And we all need great gums because, gum tissues are common sites for inflammation, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

4. Flossing prevents tooth decay.

5. Flossing helps guard against bad breath.

According to Fun Dental Facts, flossing is just not what people want to do.

73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

In 1994 a prison inmate in West Virginia braided floss into a rope, scaled the wall and escaped. We love that one!

There are so many dental flosses to choose from. Waxed. Unwaxed. Thick. Thin. Minty flavored. Unflavored. Supermarket brand. Expensive brand. There really is no excuse not to regularly floss.

Of course, there is no attractive way to do it....er, floss. But it can be done in private. The little plastic container dental floss comes in, is so convenient and small. You can tuck it away in your purse, car, pocket.

You really have no excuse. It's time to floss. Everyone notices a beautiful, clean smile.

Julia Roberts Becomes Beauty Lancome Cover Girl Early Next Year

America's cinematic sweetheart still has that dazzling mega-watt smile.

And why not? Actress Julia Roberts has just been tapped to become the newest cover girl for French makeup giant Lancome!

We love it, because the mom of three is now in her 40s, and continues to exude a wholesome and healthy appeal.

Let's face it....Julia Roberts has one of the most incredible, big, natural smiles around. Those white teeth and full lips!

And Julia Roberts has always been a big fan of Lancome lipsticks. Here's her beauty tip today:

According to StyleList.com, Julia already adores Lancome's L'Absolu Rouge in Rich Cashmere ($29). This is a creamy and moisturizing lipstick in a nude shade, the subtle kind of makeup Julia is often photographed wearing.

Lancome has often been recognized by A-list beauty editors for its amazing lipsticks. And if you're looking for a lip color that is worth the price, L'Absolu Rouge will not disappoint.

"Lancôme brings Pro-Xylane™; its complete and powerful replenishing molecule, to a lip color for visibly fuller and smoother lips."

We're not sure exactly what kind of role Julia Roberts will assume as Lancome's newest spokesperson. But the actress will promote their beauty products, and follow in the same footsteps as another Lancome cover girl, Kate Winslet.

Lancome Cosmetics told WWD.com yesterday, "By her remarkable personality and career, Julia Roberts is an emblematic woman of her time,” said Youcef Nabi, president of Lancôme International. “Her exceptional talent, her radiance and her strong commitments perfectly echo Lancôme’s values. We are convinced she will embody the brand in the most sublime way possible.”

Julia Roberts has been very busy these days filming Eat, Pray, Love with Javier Bardem. The movie has taken the popular actress all over the world to exotic locales like Bali, Rome, and Delhi. In addition, she has also made time for another movie, currently in post production, Valentine's Day.

Lancome isn't saying how long the 'Pretty Woman's' contract with them will last. But we are excited for Julia Roberts and her new role as cover girl. You can bet she will bring many new Lancome customers with her. If she didn't have staying power and huge appeal, she wouldn't be taking home $20 million per movie. Julia Roberts sells cinema and she can also sell beauty.

How To Clean Makeup Brushes The Right Way

Makeup brushes. From the blush brush to the eyeshadow brush to the mineral powder brushes, we all use some kind of makeup brush every day. It's an important, daily step in building your canvas or beauty portrait.

But if you pause for a moment, take a closer look at your collection of makeup brushes.

Are your brushes clean? We'll be honest, we have often neglected cleaning our makeup brushes on a proper schedule. And if you think about it, makeup brushes can do great things for your complexion and give your face a polished finish. But these brushes can also absorb lots of grease and grime. Yuck. And you wonder sometimes, where these breakouts come from?! And the dirt that builds up also flattens the hairs on these brushes, limiting their ability to give the coverage they were designed for.

We will show you how to clean makeup brushes the right way. You have a few options to choose from:

1. Professional Brush Cleanser. Good ones to try are MAC ($11) and Japonesque. These cleansers clean, disinfect, and condition the brush hairs or fibers, and that means a longer lasting makeup brush. The solution also cuts down drying time.

Fill a small bowl with an inch of Mac Brush Cleanser and submerge brush hairs into the solution. Let brushes soak for 15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water. And dry brushes on paper towels.

2. Shampoo. Baby shampoo is even better, because it's very gentle. This is how we clean our makeup brushes. Fill up your sink with water and enough shampoo to build a nice lather and submerge your brushes. Massage brush fibers and watch the grimey buildup wash away. Rinse throughly and dry on paper towels.

3. Liquid dishwashing soap. Some makeup artists swear by this stuff. You can try Dawn. This one is really tough on grease, and it can also get busy lifting away impurities off your makeup brushes. Just fill a small bowl of dishwashing soap. Submerge the brush hairs in and swish around. Rinse with warm water, and again, dry on paper towels.

4. Gentle Facial Cleanser. We have a friend who uses Philosophy's Purity Face Wash. Contains no dyes or perfumes. It's gentle on skin, and therefore, kind to makeup brushes. And just a little dab massaged into brushes and then rinsed, will do the job.

By the way, if you can't find the time to clean makeup brushes once a week, then every other week is fine. Just remember to clean brushes. It's the only way to extend the life of your makeup accessories and important to keep the face bacteria-free.

Are You 'Ready For Jenny?' Sara Rue Is On The Diet

Jenny Craig has a new celebrity on their famous diet plan:

Meet actress Sara Rue from television's Eastwick.

Sara hopes to shed 30 lbs. on the weight loss program, and become another Jenny Craig celebrity success story. Look at 40-something Valerie Bertinelli. She lost 40 lbs. on the 2-phase diet plan, and is proudly maintaining her slender, healthy shape.

The 31-year-old Sara Rue explains why she has become Jenny Craig's newest spokesperson:
"My weight has fluctuated my whole life, and because I've been on TV since I was 11 years old, everyone has seen it. Like so many women in this country I have a problem controlling what I eat based on my emotional health."

Most people are somewhat familiar with the Jenny Craig diet plan. According to their website, dieticians plan the menu which consists of
Jenny's Cuisine™. These pre-portioned meals serve as "the foundation of the menu and a model for balance, variety and moderation in food choices. Clients will supplement these foods with their own fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, reduced fat dairy and heart-healthy fats. When clients are halfway to their goal weight they will be transitioned to a meal plan that includes more of their own foods."

The way we understand it, the Jenny plan breaks down to 6 small meals throughout the day. And the diet includes Phase 1 and Phase 2 (half way to your goal weight), and Maintenance. Exercise is encouraged along with a healthy lifestyle. And clients get a personalized calorie level designed to promote a weekly weight loss of 1-2 lbs or 1% or current weight.

There's a big menu of foods to choose from.....pancakes, french toast, spinach tortellini, macaroni and cheese, and even snacks like Jenny's cheese curls.

Sara Rue looks curvy and pretty. Some are arguing that she doesn't even need to lose any weight. But the auburn-haired actress in already on the Jenny Craig diet plan, and hopes to follow in Valerie Bertinelli's lighter footsteps.

By the way, Sara Rue will start appearing in Jenny Craig's new advertising campaign in January 2010.

"We're very excited to have Sara join the Jenny Craig family," says Patti Larchet, CEO for Jenny Craig. "She has embraced our program wholeheartedly and is very optimistic about this new challenge in her life. Sara will relate to women and men from all walks of life that have struggled with their weight and are now looking to get healthier."

For more information, visit: Jenny Craig. Or call 1-800-JennyCare.

New Maybelline Foundation Claims Color Stay All Day

Foundation is one of those love/hate makeup products. And yet, foundation really is an essential building block to one's makeup routine.

You say you don't need foundation? Think again. Professional makeup artists use it all the time to create beautiful faces for magazine covers and television appearances.

If you can claim perfect skin, which most of us on the planet do not have, then all you need is sunscreen, a little concealer under the eyes, a swipe of blush, and off you go.

But for the rest of the vast population, ladies, you need the coverage. Foundation provides balance to skin tone. Hides imperfections like shadows, redness, and pimples. Gives a little warmth to the complexion. Provides a shield against the harsh elements, especially if it is made with an SPF. And foundation is the smooth canvas on which to layer concealer, blush, shadow, liner, powder, and so on.

Today, we are taking a closer look at a new Maybelline product: Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour Foundation ($9.99, at drugstores).

Maybelline is trying to rival Revlon's classic and popular favorite, ColorStay Foundation. ColorStay has been around for a number of years now. Many of you might recall model Cindy Crawford doing the television ads for the liquid foundation, wearing a white shirt and bragging how Revlon ColorStay lasts and lasts and never rubs off.

ColorStay is a great liquid foundation, and Maybelline hopes you think the same about their SuperStay Foundation.

We can tell you that Maybelline's SuperStay comes in a similar formula as ColorStay:

Micro-Flex formula provides 24-hour wear and No Transfer.

Withstands heat, sweat and humidity.

Oil-free, dermatogolist tested, fragrance-free.

Suitable for all skin types.

SuperStay also comes in 5 light, 5 medium, and 2 dark shades.

And that's always the big challenge---matching foundation to your face. Not easy and never perfect. Choosing the right shade of foundation seems nearly impossible, but professional makeup artist Sandy Linter says you can get close. “I apply a swipe of color near the neck. On the face under the cheekbone. It has to blend into the skin, not exactly match it. But it should cover. Apply it on broken capillaries or something you need to tone down, like ruddy cheeks. See how the foundation sits on the skin.”

For more super tips on foundation, take a look at an interview we did with the famous celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter.

Bravura London Has Coolest Gel Cleanser For Detoxifying Experience

We've spoken several times here at Beauty Tip Today about Glycolic Acid. And we're not done talking about this popular alpha hydroxy acid. Here we go again.

Last October, we introduced you to the Bravura London skin care company. We had stumbled across their website and found an amazing 15% Glycolic Acid Night Treatment. And sure, it might be a little slower in coming by Royal mail across our shores, but the Bravura London beauty products are worth the extended journey. And here's why:

Glycolic Acid is important for the health of your skin. You've heard of Jan Marini, a well-respected product researcher. She's been a pioneer in the beauty science of Glycolic Acid, as her own website states. "Well before the technology was available to the mass market, Jan Marini pioneered the use of Glycolic Acid to improve the skin's appearance and texture. She was also the first to market a stable topical Vitamin C technology to promote healthier skin."

And the folks at Bravura London feel the same way. Here is how they break down the value of Glycolic Acid:

"While there were many skin care breakthroughs at the end of the last century, certainly one of the greatest was the discovery and application of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). Alpha-hydroxy acids are naturally occurring acids, derived from the sugars of selected plants and fruits such as Sugar Cane, Grapes, Citrus Fruits, Apples and Bitter Almonds. These acids perform at the base of the stratum corneum, dissolving the cement that holds dead skin cells together. Because this increases cell turnover, this results in skin that is more flexible, smoother, and more even in tone."

Today we are looking at Bravura London's Detoxifying Gel Cleanser(10% Glycolic Acid) ($13.96). We have to say, it's a heady experience using this cleanser. We have seen nothing else like it! First of all, it smells like a delicious sweet/tart lemon lollipop. It's a pale yellow, jello-looking cleanser that has these tiny citrus-y beads that scrub away at dirt and impurities.

You apply the Detoxifying Cleansing Gel on to dry skin. Massage in with fingertips and then add water to fingertips, and work through again, building up a nice, creamy lather. Rinse well with lukewarm water.

This product really makes your skin feel super clean, soft, and cool. It is suitable for oily or problem skin. It effectively helps to fight bacteria and increases the rate of exfoliation.

"The 10% concentration of glycolic acid works to loosen dead skin and unblock your pores, it also contains a mixture of botanicals, essential oils and dead see minerals drawn from the mineral salts and mud of the Dead Sea. The effects are cosmetic and therapeutic, purifying, reviving, toning, and healing. Due to the natural ingredients and essential oils, this product has a very fresh but not overpowering smell, and so it stimulates your senses as well as your skin."

For more information, visit Bravura London.

QVC Welcomes Isaac Mizrahi New Lifestyle Line And TV Show Dec. 4

Who doesn't adore designer Isaac Mizrahi?!

He's got great style, high energy, a wicked sense of humor, and now----a whole new line of, well, cheesecakes to sequin tees to studded berets. Simply fabulous!!

The new line is called, Isaac Mizrahi Live, and cable shopping network QVC welcomes the celebrated designer on Friday, December 4th. All of the items will retail from $32 to $300, says QVC.

It's a lifestyle collection of clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, home decor and kitchen accessories. And Isaac likes to think of lifestyle powerhouse Martha Stewart, and the wonderful empire she has carefully constructed:

"As I build my brand, I think about Martha Stewart and her very upward trajectory. She has always been a great inspiration to me,"says the 47-year-old designer.

And in case you are wondering, QVC reaches nearly 166 million homes. Wow, not too shabby.

We have learned in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that this QVC show will also be a sort of talk show, airing 8 hours a month. Isaac Mizrahi will take questions from viewers about his personal life. And the show is actually going to be filmed on a pricey television set built right within Mizrahi's New York studio, and be the first ever shot in high-definition. Pretty high-tech.

Isaac certainly has a gift for gab and a sharp fashion sense, so we believe this could be a huge success for him, in his continuing record of fashionable and fabulous achievements.

And his timing couldn't be more perfect with Hanukkah and Christmas on the way. Believe it or not, the chatty Isaac told WSJ.com, that is favorite part of the new show is his attention to the yummy foods he will be selling.

At 10, he says he was browsing through recipes and became intrigued by the word “sauté.” “I liked the way it sounded—sauté, sauté, sauté!” says Mr. Mizrahi, who says he used to spend weekends cooking peppers and mushrooms in a pan until they were mushy. “Call my mother. This is what I did on Saturday mornings.”

For further details on Isaac Mizrahi Live, visit QVC.com

Conditioners Keep Hair Soft And Sleek In Cold Winter Air

Hair can be high maintenance in the cold winter air. Dry air and heated air indoors can cause frizzy, dull, flat, static electricity fly away locks.

No. You don't have to surrender your flat iron or blow dryer in the winter days approaching our doorsteps. But you do need to give hair some TLC. And we're talking about conditoners.

Your hair is crying out for moisture this time of year. And if you consider all the crazy things we do to our hair, like perming, straightening, blow drying, flat ironing, coloring, highlighting, bleaching, curling ironing, styling products applied, etc., then you can see how quickly and continuously we rob our hair of its shiny, natural oils.

Here are some excellent conditioners to keep your hair soft and shiny all season long:

1. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask ($50, 16.9 oz., free shipping). Salma Hayek and Cindy Crawford are just two beautiful-haired celebrities who swear by this brand. There are so many fans of Moroccanoil hair products. You'll love this hair mask. It's rich and creamy and works within 5 minutes for all hair types, restoring elasticity and shine to locks. You can buy Moroccanoil products at many online beauty stores like Skin-One.

2. Pantene Beautiful Lengths Conditioner ($7, 12.6 oz., at drugstores). In Style magazine named this one its best inexpensive conditioner for normal hair in 2009. A conditioner that hydrates without heaviness —at a serious bargain price. Makes hair "strong, shiny and bouncy," says N.Y.C. stylist David Cruz, who works with Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively.

3. David Babaii for Wildaid Conditioner ($10, 13.5 oz., http://www.db4wildaid.com/). This green-conscious hair care line was developed by stylist David Babaii with his client and friend Kate Hudson. It's free of harsh detergents, artificial fragrances and parabens. Instead, you're getting natural ingredients from the South Pacific----hydrating kiwifruit and mineral-rich volcanic ash. Your hair gets back lots of bounce and healthy texture.

Hollywood Women Still Using Frownies To Smooth Out Wrinkles

Maybe your mother or grandmother, or even great-grandmother had a box of Frownies at their vanity table.

Frownies have been around for a very long time. In fact, according to their website, these all natural wrinkle smoothers worn while you sleep, were created in 1889. And what a wonderful story:

"Frownies were created in 1889 after Margaret Kroesen discovered that her daughter Alice, a concert pianist, had developed unsightly wrinkles and frown lines. With a desire to maintain her youthful beauty and stage presence, Mrs. Kroesen created Wrinkle Eradicators (as they were first called) by employing the basic principle of fitness to the muscles of the face. At the time, there was no thought of producing them for anyone else but herself and her daughter. But Alice, after using her mother's amazing invention, was a living testimony, and it became clear that women and men everywhere could benefit from these Wrinkle Eradicators."

And as the saying goes....the rest is history.

Today's Hollywood beauties still love using Frownies in a natural way to smooth out wrinkles. Rene Russo and Rashida Jones are big fans of Frownies. And before these two modern actresses raved about the product, there were legendary screen actresses like Olivia de Havilland and Gloria Swanson ordering Frownies.

So we thought we would take a look at the company and what these curious-looking, beige little facial pads are all about.

First of all, Frownies are made of all natural ingredients: vegetable-based adhesive on unbleached paper . The pads target the areas of the face where expression lines and wrinkles like to set up house--on the forehead and between the eyes. And at the corners of the eyes and mouth.

What Frownies ($19.99, box of 144, FREE shipping) do is train the underlying facial muscles to relax, while you are asleep. And what the product eventually delivers is smooth skin and softened deep lines.

But you must wear Frownies in your nighttime routine. According to Frownies.com, Frownies should be worn every day for 30 days to effectively retrain the facial muscles. After the 30 day period, continue to use Frownies four or more times per week to maintain your more youthful appearance. Frownies are applied by wetting them first:

Moisten the shiny side of Frownies with Frownies Hydrator Spray or water to activate the vegetable-based adhesive.
Using two fingers of one hand, smooth your skin while pressing Frownies with the fingers of your other hand. Hold in place until pad adheres. Leave on for a minimum of three hours, but preferably overnight.
To remove, thoroughly soak pads to release adhesive.

And the company has really branched out through the decades. In addition to Frownies Facial Pads, there is also Frownies Hydrator Spray (as mentioned above), Immune Perfect Wrinkle Cream, Under Eye Treatment Patch (New!), Immune Shield Serum, and ph Balancing Complexion Wash.

We like that there is a money back gurantee and a Frownies Video Tutorial on how to use the Hollywood wrinkle smoother at their website.

Black Friday Beauty Shopping: Deals At Your Fingertips!

We understand.....you can't get out and brave the crowds on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. Too many things going on inside the house...the in-laws are still here...traffic is jammed for miles.....the baby's collicky.....little gas in the car, no time....,etc.

Now you can pick up beauty deals right at your fingertips. Here are some super online beauty things that would make great stocking stuffers.

And don't forget: Cyber Monday, the biggest shopping day of the year online, gets underway next Monday, November 30th.

Until then, let's get down to some beauty business on this Black Friday 2009:

Philosophy Cosmetics Black Friday Deals. Up to 40% off selected products + Free Shipping at Philosophy. You know the brand and the wonderful skin care and body products. Always a crowd pleaser.

Victoria's Secret Black Friday Deals. Receive a FREE runway tote packed with goodies with any purchase over $60. Enter VSFRIDAY at Victoria's Secret checkout. Big VS red tote with parfum, splash, and cherry bomb lip gloss! The undies and clothes are sexy, and so is this tote.

ShoeSteal Black Friday Deals. You can't beat this---25% off any purchase. Just type in code Turkey25 at ShoeSteal website. Brands like Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, BrunoMagli, and more.

Platinum Skin Care Black Friday Deals. We adore this site for all its effective chemical peels, emu oil, glycolic cleansers, and many other face-saving products. Save $5 off any order of $50 or more with code: SAVE5. Or save $10 of any order of $100 or more by using code: SAVE10 at Platinum Skin Care.

e.l.f. Cosmetics. Let's be honest here. You already save by shopping at e.l.f. But the makeup elves there are being super generous. Here's just one of their Deals: Receive 25% off e.l.f. mineral makeup by entering the code NATURE at e.l.f. checkout.

Body Shop. Who can resist the aroma of this place? The products are so luscious. And so is the shipping-- $2 flat rate shipping on all orders placed today through Sunday, Nov. 29th. There are many Buy 1, Get 1 Free deals going on there, too. And don't forget Cyber Monday with 20% off all orders and a choice of a free product at Body Shop.

Happy shopping....right at your nimble fingertips!!

Roast Turkey Still Great Holiday Diet Choice

Turkey is actually an excellent dietary choice----good protein with very little fat. And if roasted, low in sodium.

And by the way, turkey contains more protein than the same size serving of chicken or beefsteak.

So, you want the breakdown, here we go. We got this information from dietbites.com:

Roasted Turkey - 6 Ounces Dark + White Meat, Untrimmed450 Calories
Roasted Turkey - 3 Ounces White Meat - Trimmed (no skin, no fat). White meat contains a little less calories than dark. Add 30 more calories if you prefer dark meat.130 Calories

1 Cup of homemade stuffing400 Calories
1/2 Cup of boxed stuffing prepared with no calorie refrigerated butter spray.
110 Calories
1 Cup of Giblet Gravy300 Calories
1/3 Cup of Giblet Gravy100 Calories

1 Cup of Mashed Potatoes350 Calories
1/2 Cup of Mashed Potatoes prepared with skimmed milk, no calorie refrigerated butter spray100

CaloriesStuffed Celery - 1 stick100 Calories
1 Stick of stuffed celery prepared with reduced fat cream cheese.40 Calories
2 Sweet Pickles, 10 Black/Green Olives125 Calories
2 Black Olives, 2 Green Olives25 Calories

1 Cup of Candied Sweet Potatoes400 Calories
1/2 Baked Sweet Potato w/ small pat of butter, dash of cinnamon, a couple of packs of no calorie sweetener.

100 Calories1/2 Cup of Cranberry Sauce200 Calories
1/6 Can of Cranberry Sauce - Jelled or Whole Cranberries100 Calories
2 Rolls With Butter300 Calories
1 Roll With 1/2 Pat of Butter125 Calories

1 Cup of English Peas with Butter150 Calories

2 Glasses Sweetened Tea, Wine, Punch or Cider300 Calories

1 Slice of Pumpkin Pie With Topping450 Calories
1 Slice of Pecan Pie650 Calories
1 Cup of Fruit Salad100 Calories
1 Cup of Egg Nog400 Calories

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

How To Keep Beautiful Eyebrows In Place With Just One Product

We all know that beautiful eyebrows create a perfect frame for the eyes. But not all of us were born with thick, wonderfully arched or shaped brows.

For most of us, we want to stick our eyebrows in place. In other words, we want to keep the arch and keep the little brow hairs brushed up. But we don't want to accomplish that with a sticky, goey, visible mess.

Sure, we've heard that regular hairspray will keep our brows in place. Hmmm. Tried that, it doesn't really work. Then we learned that the legend herself, Sophia Loren, BeautyTipToday's cover girl, supposedly used some kind of special, secret adhesive to keep her brows perfectly arched and in place. Just look at our cover shot of the movie star. She has incredible eyebrows, with of course, incredible bone structure. But Sophia has never revealed her eyebrow tips, unfortunately.

Then there is moustache wax. Try it in clear. It's an old Hollywood beauty tip and it does keep eyebrows in place for most of the day. But it feels kind of sticky and stiff and can leave a glue-like look to the brows, if you go overboard in applying it.

Your best bet are clear eyebrow gels. You will get the most natural look from a gel. It's quick and simple to apply, because it comes in a mascara tube with a spiral mascara wand. And the gel also gives the illusion of thicker, more polished brows.

You want a brow gel that delivers. And we've found two that really keep eyebrows in place all day long:

1. Dior Brow Gel ($17.50, at sephora.com and fine dept. stores). This product delivers! It's water-proof, clear, and can be used right after brow pencil. Brows look perfectly groomed. No flaky, stiff appearance. And it lasts and lasts.

2. M.A.C. Brow Set ($28, at maccosmetics.com). Another clear eyebrow gel that really works, and keeps brows in place all day. For a nice, natural look, you can stroke over brow pencil. This MAC gives brows shine and slicks them into place.

By the way, you don't have to use a brow pencil. We find the clear brow gel gives a healthy, thicker, more groomed look to the eyebrows, all on its own.