Hollywood Stylist Ken Paves Creates Quick Clip-In Bangs

Bangs. Fun to wear, but they grow out so-oooooo quickly. Bangs are great because they do lots of wonderful thing: Make you look younger. Hide too-thin eyebrows. Cover up forehead lines. Show off your eyes.

But bangs can also be a pain-in-the neck: They might not look good on you. You have to have them trimmed about every two weeks. You might tire of them in a month, and you're stuck with them.

But super Hollywood stylist Ken Paves wants you to start your summer with a bang!!! And he has created a limited edition of clip-in bangs. These quick clip-ins were inspired by his blonde client Jessica Simpson. Funny, we've never seen the glam Jess ever wear bangs, except for this photo lay-out. But she's really rockin' them. We think it's a lovely look for her.

Ken Paves explains how you work them in your real tresses:

Made with Tru2Life Heat-Friendly Synthetic Fiber so you can curl, cut and style - just like your own hair. Don't cut it - clip in! Now you can have super chic blunt bangs without the commitment of cutting your own hair. This fabulous fringe looks real, feels real and stays put! Just clip in and go.

1. Brush your hair away from your face.

2. Starting with your center clip, slide into hair about 1/4" from your hairline, then secure side clips.

3. Style, straighten, curl or brow dry - just as you would your own hair. Tru2Life fiber is heat friendly up to 350 degrees.

More hair tips from Ken Paves about his clip-in bangs:

Hair tools are an essential part of making your bangs blend with your own hair. You may wish to use a flat iron or curling iron on your bangs prior to application, depending on your style preference. For optimal results, we recommend shampooing and conditioning before wearing.

Get more than one set. Have them cut into your favorite bang style - long, blunt, wispy, asymmetrical. The choice is yours!

For $28.95, this is a good and cheap hair investment. Bangs are versatile, and you could make several different looks with this 'faux' hair. Ken even includes a how-to video with your bangs. You can buy them in 9 shades. And Ken swears, this is easy for a beginner. So we will trust him there.

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

5 Beach Bag Beauty Items To Toss In And Go

It's summertime and it's hard to completely avoid the strong, harmful rays of the sun. So we are not going to preach about limiting your play time. Beach and summer go hand-in-hand. So we've put together a small list of 5 beach bag beauty items to toss in and go!!!!!

1. Let's protect our precious and delicate lips. We found an unique medicated lip balm called Aloe Gator. It includes an SPF30. Paba-free and flavored in yummy Pina Colada. And only $1.99, http://www.rei.com/. This little balm glides on smoothly and is the 'ultimate defense for lips against sun, wind, and cold.'


2. One of our faves forever: Bazooka Bubble Gum. Classic and fun, delicious to chew. Get a box cheap....only for a dollar at the Dollar Tree store. Chewing gum actually burns calories, and it's better than chomping down on a calorie-laden snack.



3. We discovered this wonderful and smart beachtime must-have last year. It's called Surfer's Secrets. It's quite simply, a sand eliminator. A 6 oz. bottle, just $7, http://www.surferssecrets.com/. Made from natural stuff like grapeseed oil and aloe vera. It removes the sand sticking to your skin. Just squeeze out a dollop, about the size of a quarter and wipe away. Great for the whole family. No more sand in the bikini or all over your feet.

4. John Frieda's very popular Frizz-Ease, $7, drugstores. This tube is full of silky softness. If you've spent a day at the beach, then your dry locks will love you for smoothing on some of this hair TLC. Get rid of the nasty frizzies. This product is tried and true. Not greasy. Light and marvelous. If you have a curly perm, your hair will drink this up.

5. How about a sultry solid perfume by k hall designs. Egyptian Jasmine pictured here. On sale for $19.50. Made with absolute jasmine oil. Beautifully gift boxed and made with a blend of beeswax, jojoba oil, essential and/or fragrance oils, and vitamin E. This compact perfume travels well and is loaded with scent. A super idea after you get off the beach and want to embrace an intoxicating scent. And these solid perfumes come in a lovely variety:
Orange Amber. Fig. Peony. Sandlewood. Etc. Find them here at http://www.khalldesigns.com/.

These 5 beach bag beauty items and a great book are all you need for a day in the sun!

Arden B. Has Amazing Accessories At The Right Price

We love Arden B. stores and their online site, too. http://www.ardenb.com/.

And we especially 'heart' their accessories.

Just take a look at some of the beautiful and stylish items we found for you. Snake clutch. Zebra bustier. Twill fedora. And the prices won't overwhelm you. Arden B. believes in knocking down prices and we like that. So check back often for some really super summer deals.

This elegant Short honeycomb bib necklace caught our eye. Comes in gold or silver ($24). All the celebs are sporting bib necklaces.

We're hooked on this oversized mustard-colored Woven stripe tote. Nice and roomy with lurex and stud detail. 16"w x 11"h x 4.5" d ($58).

We so-ooo want these Enamel fan chandelier earrings ($24). Enamel finish with delicate pearl drops. Makes a lovely statement piece(s).

And don't you just love this Beaded hinge cuff? Quite ornate and pretty bold with striking stone and beaded detail. Final sale on this item ($28).

A beautiful accessory, be it a strong piece of jewelry, or hat, handbag, headband, or belt, can make all the difference. It can update your look instantly!

Heidi Klum Sans Makeup And Not Afraid To Show The World

We've always adored supermodel and Project Runway Host Heidi Klum.

She's a breath of fresh air and seems to have her stuff together---with a great family in husband Seal, three adorable kids, and another on the way.

Heidi Klum is 36-years-old and a beautiful model.

Please forgive us for showing these photos, but Heidi doesn't mind. She was snapped a few days ago at a Broadway show, The Lion King. And she happily smiled for the cameras.

We love these photos of gorgeous women sans makeup. Zippo. A naked face. We even zoomed in closer to Heidi's eyes, so you could see that even she, is only human. Yup. Even a supermodel over 35, can get fine lines and wrinkles.

Heidi Klum has said before, that she has not had work done, and is proud to grow older. Apparently, she is telling the truth.

Look how she explained it to Ocean Drive magazine in their April issue:

“Most people go to the doctor and do Botox, Restylane, and silicone. I’ve never done anything to my body or face. I want to grow old; I don’t want to change my appearance.” Heidi Klum tells the magazine. “Everyone has the right to do what they wish, but personally, I would rather use good products.”

We still think Heidi Klum looks radiant and healthy. And except for a few lines around the eyes, her skin looks bright, clear, pimple-free, and youthful.

Of course, we prefer to see Heidi Klum the supermodel all glammed up, but this was an interesting and honest new supermodel to see. And we respect that she's a confident woman and not ashamed to show the world that even she, gets a few lines and wrinkles.

4 Best Anti-Aging Products You Need Says Harper's Bazaar

We get a little suspicious when major beauty magazines give your their list of the best beauty products to buy. Granted, most of the items being featured are very good, and it's nice to be given a heads-up when the newest and latest beauty treatments arrive. But don't you sometimes wonder if these beauty magazines are talking only about their main advertisers, and hoping you, the reader, will be enticed into purchasing these creams and serums?

For instance, the May 2009 issue of Harper's Bazaar included their tiny list of the best anti-aging buys. Included are huge names in the skin care business: 1. Chanel 2. Oil of Olay 3. Lancome 4. Estee Lauder

We have much respect for Harper's Bazaar. We subscribe to the magazine, and have for years, so let's get that out there.

The 4 beauty products to fight the signs of aging, according to Harper's, includes a sunscreen, an eye cream, a glycolic-based moisturizer, and a wrinkle-reducing cream.

We believe that is excellent advice. As any dermatologist worth his or her skin would say, 'never leave home without putting on a decent sunscreen.'

And yes, an effective eye cream is also key. Since fine lines and wrinkles love to show up around the eye area, you need to protect this special skin because it is thinner, delicate and very dry.

As we age, we need a super moisturizer. Our cellular turnover is slow-wwwing down, and our skin texture is getting duller and rouigher. A good glycolic-acid base would really help improve the complexion.

And lastly, we would agree that an amazing wrinkle-reducing cream or serum couldn't hurt. It's nice when a cream can go in and soften those pesky lines, and help plump up the skin to make it appear more youthful.

Here are Harper's Bazaar magazine's Best Ant-Aging Buys, as pictured:

1. Chanel Precision UV Essential Protective UV Care SPF30 ($48, fine dept. stores)
2. Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex ($45, local drugstores)
3. Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate ($78, fine dept. stores)
4. Estee lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Creme SPF15 ($58, fine dept. stores)


If the beauty products you are using, are not any of the items Harper's Bazaar has listed, you are not alone. You might have 4 very similar beauty treatments that do the same job for your skin.

And if you are looking for another opinion on anti-aging, or merely want newer products to battle the signs of aging, then this list might just be perfect for you. In any case, Harper's makes intelligent beauty sense, with 4 products that target specific skin areas.

Rachel Weisz Hates Botox But Adores Photoshopping?

Yes, we can all see that British actress Rachel Weisz is a stunning woman at age 39.

But does she have to go on and on about the badness of Botox, as she discusses in the August 2009 issue of Harper's Bazaar UK?!

Rachel Weisz is the mysterious, sexy model gracing the cover of Harper's as you can see her here in black velvet. And this is what she was quoted as saying in the magazine interview:

“It should be banned for actors, as steroids are for sportsmen,” the Oscar-winning actress says of Botox. “Acting is all about expression; why would you want to iron out a frown?” As for fashion, Rachel says, “I love the way girls in London dress; it’s so different to the American ‘blow-dry and immaculate grooming’ thing.”

Tongues are wagging that the lovely actress was photoshopped like crazy, here for the magazine cover. Her waist and all-over silhouette appear much tinier. Which brings catty remarks from some women as to, how is Botox bad, but photoshopping is not? Why didn't she demand the editors keep her figure curvier, as we all know Rachel is blessed with?

Good point. It's okay not to use Botox. Actress Jennifer Aniston, who recently turned 40, claims that she, too, will not use the stuff. But to declare that a few needle pricks of Botox should be banned for all actors, is quite silly and bizarre.

Botox is not invasive surgery. It's not a facelift. It is a cosmetic procedure, one that most doctors would consider mild. It is known as an injectable. And Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles so that you can't make frowning expressions. As a result, wrinkles appear softer. Forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines all disappear, more or less, for about 3-4 months.

Sure, some people go overboard, where it seems almost mannequin-like. You can't readily tell if the person is happy, angry, or any emotion in between. But most women and men who receive Botox injections subtley erase deep frowns and look healthier and rested.

Botox has also been used under the arms to stop excessive sweating, and has been used for many years prior to its cosmetic value, as treatment for a number of neurological disorders.

Botox is actually a new kid on the block. It's only been 7 years since the FDA approved the injectable for cosmetic purposes.

What we can say, is that Botox is extremely popular and does plenty of good for women and men who want to temporarily erase some of the sun damage and natural aging process. In fact, Botox was the top non-surgical cosmetic procedure in 2008.

We cannot tell actress Rachel Weisz to be quiet and stick to acting. Er, well, of course we could, but we won't. We would like to check back with Ms. Weisz in 10 years when she turns 49, and see if she has changed her mind about this popular injectable, known as big bad Botox.

Get Bikini Beautiful By Zapping Ingrown Hairs

If you've never had an ingrown hair, congratulations! You are one of few.

And since it is bikini time, you'll want to zap those nasty ingrowns before you slip into your sexy swimsuit.

Ingrown hairs mainly come about through shaving. And since shaving is the quickest and cheapest way to remove hair, these little red and sometimes painful razor bumps are common to both men and women.

By the way, did you know that people with curly hair tend to have more ingrown hairs than do those with straight hair?!

An ingrown hair forms when a shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. And when it happens near the bikini line, it can be quite uncomfortable.

There is a simple and effective way to fight back----Bikini Bump Blaster by Completely Bare ($32, 60 pads, http://www.completelybare.com/). You can also find the Completely Bare line at many spas and salons.

Just wipe and go!

Bikini Bump Blaster Pads prevent and get rid of ingrown hairs. So-easy-to-use pads keep 'just waxed' skin super smooth. The magic ingredient is Glycolic acid, which clears away the dead skin cells that clog pores and hair follicles that cause ingrowns. Toss in some salicylic acid, which blocks bacteria buildup by reducing sebum production in pores. And zap those nasty ingrown hairs!

Meantime, here's some advice from Mayo Clinic Dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson:

Shave hair a little longer than you normally do
Avoid repeated razor strokes over the same area
Shave in the direction of hair growth
Use a moisturizer to soften the hair and make shaving easier

Organize Your Jewelry In Beautiful Jewelry Boxes

Let's be honest. Have you ever stored your jewelry all over your bedroom? In ashtrays? On the dresser? In the drawers? On the nightstand? In a closet? Etc.

Well, you are not alone. Sure, some gorgeous rings, chandelier earrings, and ornate gold bracelets might look pretty on display, but only if you carefully arrange them on pretty trays or crystal bowls. You get the idea.

We think the best way to look after your precious jewelry, is by simply buying a beautiful jewelry box.

You can go high-end or low-end. Trust us, there are some stunning jewelry boxes to be found. Take a look at the asian wooden jewelry box. This little antique is at a starting bid of $29.99 on Ebay.

There are tons of jewelry boxes on Ebay in so many styles and sizes. We have purchased a few there and these boxes are really attractive and so useful.

You can also buy jewelry boxes new with lined compartments to gently store your delicate and more expensive gems. Take a look at the lovely lacquered jewelry boxes by http://www.westelm.com/. This beauty features metal hardware and velvet lining. On sale now for $59.99.

Really examine all your precious pieces. And then organize your jewelry.

Separate the broken ones from the perfect ones. And do your jewelry maintenance. Learn how to clean your gems.

Read our article on keeping jewelry shiny and new on a budget.

There you will learn the different ways of keeping gold, silver, platinum, pearls, and other jewelry in tip-top shape, and nice and sparkly!http://www.beautytiptoday.com/2008/11/today-were-talking-about-jewelry.html

McDonald's Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait Healthy Choice at 160 Calories

We know you crave the chocolate triple thick shake, but if you're trying, and we mean really trying to stay healthy, then this quick snack will satisfy your hunger and your wallet:

McDonald's Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait. 160 Calories. Only a buck on the dollar menu!

And what's not to love? Blueberries and strawberries sitting in cool, creamy low fat yogurt with crunchy granola.

Healthy for the whole family. And it's made of good stuff, according to McDonald's:

McDonald’s works with the top dairy suppliers in the industry, such as Dannon® and General Mills®, to supply the low fat vanilla yogurt found in the Fruit ‘n Yogurt Parfait. Our yogurt uses only Grade A low fat milk, plus live active yogurt cultures.

And the 160 Calories in the Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait are not difficult to burn off. We did some research and found this nugget at the livestrong.com website:

You could burn off the 160 calories from this Fruit N Yogurt Parfait in a variety of ways: Stroller - pushing baby stroller for 59 minutes
Studying - sitting for 82 minutes
Lawn Care - raking for 34 minutes

We like the idea of burning off this snack by er, studying-sitting for 82 minutes, ha ha.

Here's the nutritional breakdown for this McDonald's healthy choice:

Nutrition FactsServing Size: 5.3 oz (149g)
Amount per Serving
Calories 160
Calories from Fat 20
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g
3%
Saturated Fat 1g
5%
Cholesterol 5mg
2%
Sodium 85mg
4%
Total Carbohydrate 30g
10%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Sugars 21g
Protein 4g
8%
Vitamin A
0%
Vitamin C
20%
Calcium
15%
Iron
4%
Est. Percent of Calories from:
Fat 11.2% Carbs 75.0%
Protein 10.0%

Hey, for only $1 and 2 total fat grams, this is a dieter's dream.

Celebs Love Dr. Siegal's Yummy Weight Loss Cookies

Love cookies?

How about yummy cookies in blueberry, oatmeal raisin, chocolate, and even banana!!

Now what if we told you, these cookies are high protein and low fat. And that these 'magic' cookies are actually weight loss cookies?!

Wow! What a yummy way to go.

Pretty celebs like Jennie Garth and Shannon Doherty from 90210 fame, both enjoy munching on Dr. Siegal's treats from the Cookie Diet Store in Beverly Hills. This is how these lovely ladies stay slender. The two were spotted buying cookies together at the Beverly Hills store.

And you can munch your way to skinny, too. A weekly supply of Dr. Siegal's cookies will run you about $59.

So how does piggin' out on yummy cookies work? We took a look at Dr. Sanford Siegal's website:

Dr. Siegal’s COOKIE DIET® is a proven, three-step plan that has helped more than a half million people lose weight since 1975. It’s a safe, fast, and affordable approach to weight loss and weight maintenance. To help you succeed, Dr. Siegal personally developed a suite of free, web-based calculators that eliminate the uncertainty of results inherent in nearly all diets. Dr. Siegal’s tools will help you set and reach an attainable goal weight.

During the weight loss phase, with your family doctor’s blessing, you’ll eat Dr. Siegal’s COOKIE DIET® hunger-controlling cookies and shakes during the day and a reasonable dinner at night. It’s that simple.

The Dr. Siegal’s COOKIE DIET® suggested daily caloric intake is 1,000 calories but your doctor may raise or lower the amount based on your medical history. (Always follow your doctor’s instructions). On 1,000 calories a day (or even 1,200), everybody loses weight. Therefore, your success is guaranteed if you follow the plan.

This might be a bit pricey, but it sounds like a delicious way to lose weight. For more information, visit: http://www.cookiediet.com/.

Luster: One Hour At-Home Tooth Whitening System

Who doesn't want a whiter, brighter smile?

And who wants to mess with goopy gels and trays, over and over again?

Not us. We have found a new at-home tooth whitening system called Luster. And for $39.99, you can effectively whiten your teeth up to 6 shades lighter. All in just one hour.

We haven't tried this yet, because we happened to get Zoom whitening treatments in the dentist's chair last fall. And we are happy with our current smile.

But if we could go another 6 shades lighter, we would try Luster, because it's developed from the same Zoom concept of a light-activated whitening system.

Here's how the simple 3-step Luster kit works:

1. Use accelerator mouth rinse for 10 seconds.
2. Brush on super whitening gel.
3. Shine super whitening light on teeth.
After 2 minutes the light automatically shuts off. Repeat process until desired whitening results, up to 20 times. Some people are done in 30 minutes, others use the full hour.

Luster 1 Hour White, Tooth Whitening Light System also promises zero sensitivity. And trust us, that is a key factor for many people who want to whiten and brighten their smiles. No one likes extreme pain in their mouths.

This tooth whitening kit works, because it involves light activation technology. Here's what the website says:

Luster's patented whitening light speeds up the process. It’s just like what’s used at dentist offices, but is safe enough for home use.

On average, Luster 1-Hour White gets teeth 5 shades lighter, though many people see their smiles whiten up by 6 shades. That’s like turning the clock back years, even decades.

You can buy Luster at your local drugstore, and at www.LusterWhitenUp.com. And there's a $5 off coupon code to enter at check-out online.

If you really don't want to get professional whitening from the dentist, but would like something stronger than dental whitening strips or whitening gels, why not give this one a try?

Two Fine Facial Sunscreens That Won't Clog Pores

Maybe you didn't know this---but not every sunscreen is meant to be used on both your body and face.

Most of us are guilty of swiping a gob of sunscreen everywhere we're exposing skin. Next thing you know, your face is full of pimples the next day.

Today, we will show you one sunscreen made just for the face. And another sunscreen that is labeled for both the face and body.

Let's be honest here....the skin on your face and the skin on your body have different needs.

The face can pose a range of issues---very oily, occasional breakouts, sensitive eye area, and a tendency to show wrinkles quicker.

And you don't want a very thick cream covering your face, but you do need the strong protection from the sun.

Try this one: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 ($18, 1.4 oz, fine dept. stores, and http://www.clinique.com/). We think this is a super facial sunscreen. It's oil-free and combines blockers with anti-oxidants. And it's nice and sheer with high-level broad-spectrum UVA/UVB daily sun protection.

"Lightweight formula helps wick away perspiration, absorb excess oil so makeup looks fresher, longer. Perfect alone, or as an invisible under-makeup primer. No chemical sunscreens. Appropriate for eye-area, sensitive skins."

And Allure magazine gave Clinique City Block Sheer the big thumbs up in their Best of Beauty 2007 award.

If you prefer to use just one sunscreen for the body and face, we've got you covered. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 40 ($30, 3.4 0z, http://www.anthelios.com/, or beauty sites like http://www.skincarerx.com/) makes a powerful yet sheer formula that tackles all the problems that come with the fun of lying in the sun. Plus, it won't clog your pores.

This 'high-tech' sunscreen contains an ingredient most others do not-----Mexoryl SX, an organic, photo-stable sun filter.

Mexoryl SX is unique because it does not break down in the sun, so your protection is that much stronger. Also present is Titanium Dioxide that blocks the damaging UVA and UVB rays.

And La-Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 40 makes the skin on both your face and body feel so soft and healthy, because the formula includes glycerin.

And we give this sunscreen the green light because it is suited for all skin types, especially mature and sensitive, and children, 6 months and older.

Livin' On A Budget With Style And NY&C Straw Clutch

How cute is this clutch?!

We fell in love with it after it appeared in the April 2009 issue of InStyle magazine.

New York & Company puts out this adorable City Style Straw Stone Detail Clutch (http://www.nyandcompany.com/).

And talk about 'livin' on a budget!' Back in April, the straw clutch was selling at the very inexpensive price of $19.95. It was a super bargain then.

And now, this bag is on sale for only $15.96! You can't beat it.

NY&C City Style Straw Stone Detail Clutch is roomy, too, with dimensions of 12-1/2 x 7 x 1-1/4 inches.

And the pretty, multi-colored stones, like turquoise and amber, add a rich touch to this straw clutch. The bag features a flap snap closure and side wrist strap. And an inside zip pocket with polyester lining throughout.

Straw bags are hot for summer 2009. And this one really keeps you 'livin' on a budget.'

Take a closer look at this straw clutch here-- http://tiny.cc/iKjJx

Growing Perfect Eyebrows And The Facts About Plucking

What do perfect eyebrows and the 4th of July have in common?

Nothing really. We were at a beachside gathering when a good friend of ours with excellent brows, asked us this, about her girlfriend's teenage daughter. At least, that is whom we can bet she was inquiring for:

"Is it true, that over-plucking can lead to really thin eyebrows?"

Yes, indeed, we told her. Her friend looked at us suspiciously.

Apparently, they haven't remembered the several articles we have written for BeautyTipToday.com about growing perfect eyebrows and the pitfalls of over-plucking.

The facts are there:
Overplucking or waxing the eyebrows can damage the follicles causing brow hair to thin."

Trust us...we have been there. We began plucking like a mad woman in college, because thinner brows were a big deal. Then we lightened them up a bit, because some makeup artists were saying that too dark a brow does not frame the eye well. It is too heavy. And so on and so on.

After 30, our own eyebrows were beginning to get thinner and sparser. We were frustrated and resorted to wearing bangs, which is a great way to hide less-than-perfect brows. And today, after months of practice, we have learned to fill in our brows with an eyebrow pencil, to achieve a thicker and more natural shape.

First, let's say, it's okay to pluck. But pluck very, very carefully. If your teenage daughter has very thick brows, or a uni-brow that is bothering her, by all means, remove a few stray hairs. Absolutely.

Our makeup legend friend, Sandy Linter, explains that thin brows are more aging on a women. She advises to use brow pencils.

"Kevin Aucoin has one that is perfect for any medium to dark brow and Lancome has perfect colors for the lighter blonde brows. Make sure your brow technician does not use any wax. If you think your brows are getting too thick, just use the tweezers. And don’t make the ends too short. It’s tricky, you don’t want the eyebrow to go down at the ends. This is where mistakes happen. Take off as little as possible. I try to get as much mileage from their natural shape that I can."

And if you have an eyebrow disaster, Linter advises to leave them alone. Be patient and allow them to grow back in. She believes it is best to learn to groom your eyebrows yourself, rather than go to an eyebrow technician, where many of them take off too much of the brow to try and make them perfect. Over-tweezing and snipping will leave you very little brows by the time you reach your 40s.

We would also like to suggest a wonderful beauty product for brows and lashes called FNS Nutrilash by Osmotics.

Last year, Marie Claire magazine called Osmotics' FNS Nutrilash, one of its top 12 beauty breakthroughs. The all-natural formula is scientifically proven to stimulate the growth of healthy, strong eyebrows and eyelashes.

Simply wonderful.A totally safe and effective product, FNS, stands for 'follicle nutrient system.' It's easy to use, too. Just brush or 'paint' on brows and lashes before retiring at night.

FNS Nutrilash is a good investment at $48 for a full month's supply.For more info, visit: http://www.osmotics.com/.

SunMaita Do-It-Yourself Threader For Baby Smooth Skin

Okay, we are definitely intrigued by this beauty DIY, or do-it-yourself threader.

Some of you are scratching your heads and asking, "What does a threader have to do with baby smooth skin?"

Plenty. Threading is actually an ancient practice that women from India, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and other Eastern cultures do to gently remove unwanted facial hair. It might look strange, but it is a smart technique using " a tightly looped piece of thread that gently glides on the surface of the skin while pulling hair of all lengths from the roots."

And now you don't need to visit a salon pro. SunMaita, Inc. has developed the only one-of-its-kind at-home threader kit ($150, http://www.threaderonline.com/).

Anita Sun and Sara Maita, both expert threaders, created this unique beauty product. Because as anyone familiar with threading knows, you cannot thread your own face. Someone has to do it for you. Until now. So, how wonderful is this SunMaita beauty product?!

Anita and Sara explain at their website, just how the SunMaita Threader works:

The Threader was carefully engineered to create the exact angles that master threadists use to ensure the most dramatic results by polishing off surface dead skin cells and removing facial hairs.
Threader is easy to use and gently and effectively rolls out all hairs, including the coarse, deep-rooted ones, as well as all the tiny “peach fuzz” from the follicle.

And here are the benefits for your skin:

Significantly minimizes hair follicle
Safe to use with skin treatments such as peels and retinol
Leaves skin silky smooth and radiant
Avoids harmful tugging of the skin
Helps prevent ingrown hairs
Lasts up to 4 weeks before hair re-growth
Ideal alternative for sensitive and problematic skin

The website also provides a detailed demonstration of the SunMaita Threader. It is a user-friendly beauty device, and not complicated to get the hang of it. You can also use the at-home threader for underarms and bikini area.

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

Woman Sues Avon Stretch Cream For Alleged Burns On Belly

Ladies, we can't prove that giant beauty company Avon was responsible for the burning and scarring alleged by a 30-year-old New York City woman, after rubbing Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother on her belly.

The fairly new Avon skin product, is one that has received rave reviews by many women for its excellent fading properties. It costs $25 for 5 fl.oz.

The ingredients boast about a 'patented technology.'

"Patented Trilaser technology formulated to help: Stimulate collagen to correct the look of stretch marks. Boost elastin to help prevent new stretch marks from forming. Plus, powered with Butea, a natural plant extract to help lighten & fade stretch marks. Apply AM and PM to stretch mark areas. For use on thighs, hips, arms and buttocks."

But Milka Betances claims she was burned by the cream, which she purchased from an Avon dealer on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx.

Betances filed a lawsuit against Avon Products Inc. in Bronx Supreme Court on Monday, charging that the product caused "severe damage" to her otherwise toned stomach. When she rubbed it on her belly, she felt immediate pain, and the burns were so strong that she sought hospital treatment, according to her lawsuit.

Some people are wondering if the Avon stretch cream the woman purchased, were a bootleg copy. In other words, not an authentic Avon item.

Meantime, we have done a few past articles about stretch marks, and how you can never erase them completely.

Dr. Amy Derick, a dermatologist in Barrington, Illinois, says you should try and diminish their appearance. And act sooner, than later.“There’s really not any data regarding creams,” she told the NY Times. “But you can do laser treatments or Retin-A after the fact, especially early on when the lines are red and purple.” Studies have found that topical tretinoin can lighten stretch marks as well as reduce their size. And she is certainly not opposed to pregnant women massaging their bellies with moisturizing oils and creams. “It makes them feel like they’re being pro-active, and if it feels good, why not?” she said. “It can’t hurt.”

Check out the reviews at Avon's website, and then decide if you want to try Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother.

http://www.avon.com/1/1/3949-anew-clinical-professional-stretch-mark-smoother.html

Cherry Culture Fun Online Site To Shop For Makeup

It's raining. It's poring. This weather's really boring. We thought it would be a nice time to go shopping for makeup indoors.

We're all trying to save a few bucks here and there these days, especially when it comes to looking pretty.

Remember this name: Cherry Culture.

This is a super site for online makeup at a discount.... http://www.cherryculture.com/.

The site is barely three years old, and what we adore about it, is makeup galore!!. About 40 brands to choose from. Princessa. NYX. Milani. Lucky Chick. Lulu Beauty. Sugar. LA Girl. etc.


Cherry Culture explains it like this:

"Cherry Culture is a "must shop" place for makeup lovers in the world. Cherry Culture is a place where makeup lovers can unleash their inner beauty without sacrificing their budget.
With hundreds of colors to choose from, you are never going to run out of options to create your next look. Our Featured, Top Sellers, New Items and Sale tabs direct you to where you can see the latest products at a glance."

We heart discount cosmetics! Really, who doesn't? And okay, the makeup at CherryCulture.com might not be the snob quality of a Nars or Mac, but who cares? You can find some lovely cosmetics here, and the stuff is quite good.

Have a young daughter ready to explore the fun times of putting on makeup? Don't worry. Cherry Culture has plenty of tween and teen-friendly brands to choose from, like Blah Blah and Wild and Crazy.

There are tons of makeups on sale, too. Many items as low as $1.00. Can't beat it.

Why not head over to CherryCulture.com? The cosmetic pickin' is great.

Neck Slimmer Looks Like Pogo Stick And Probably Won't Make You Look Younger

In the two photos above, please meet Anna. The top photo shows a firmer and tauter neck and jawline. The second, or before photo, shows a sagging, looser neck and jawline.

According to the website, http://www.skinnyneck.com/, Anna is 42-years-old, and the happy customer of the Neckline Slimmer beauty gadget ($19.99, plus $7.95 s&h).

The last photo shows you just what you get for your money---an odd-looking contraption with 3 resistance springs, and a CD to instuct you along the way with this small pogo stick for the neck.

We are certainly not here to judge, but seriously, folks, do you really believe that the Neckline Slimmer can actually "firm your chin and neck to look younger, and reduce facial sagging and re-define your profile, as the website's inventor claims?

The genius behind the new Neck Slimmer is a gentleman by the name of Paul Younane.

No, Paul Younane is not a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or doctor of any kind. He is a former Rugby player and physiotherapist, a fitness trainer.

So how does his beauty gadget work?

"The Neckline Slimmer targets and tones the underlying muscles of your neck, chin and cheek area by applying gentle resistance. Just like every other muscle in your body – whether it be your abs, butt or thighs – your facial muscles need exercise. We all know the benefits of resistance exercises like crunches and curls. Think of the Neckline Slimmer in exactly the same way, only easier."

Any fine plastic surgeon would tell you, that the only way to firm up older, sagging, and loose skin in the face and neck, is through surgery. In other words, cutting. We found this little nugget here-- http://www.docshop.com/.

"Most face lifts can dramatically refresh and invigorate the lower two-thirds of the face. By removing excess fat and reshaping loose muscles and facial tissue, cosmetic surgeons reduce sagging in the cheeks and around the jaw. While this usually makes patients look younger and less tired than before surgery, a face lift will not eliminate all common signs of aging. For patients with wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, BOTOX® injections, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing may be able to help. Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, can resolve drooping eyelids, and brow lifts often minimize a sagging forehead area."

If you have had great success using the Neck Slimmer, please leave us your comments below.

To learn more about this beauty gadget, visit: http://www.necklineslimmer.com/.

New Kiehl's Sunflower Recovery Pak For Keeping Highlights Bright

We could probably all use a jar of Kiehl's newest product for color-treated hair, especially those with sunny, blonde highlights, who want to keep them bright all summer long.

This generous jar of hair nourishment is called Kiehl's Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak ($25, 8 fl.oz.).

Apricot kernel oil and sunflower oil. These two ingredients make all the difference, and help keep color-treated and highlighted hair from fading in the hot, summer sun. And these anti-oxidant rich oils also help hydrate locks.

Easy to use, too:

Shampoo hair with Kiehl’s Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo ($18, 8.4 fl.oz). Then rinse and towel-dry.

Apply a liberal amount of the pak to damp hair evenly, concentrating on hair ends.

Let the formula remain on hair for at least three minutes. (Allowing hair pak to remain on hair for longer periods of time will increase its efficacy).

Rinse well with lukewarm water until formula is thoroughly removed from hair.

Style as usual.

If you can't find a Kiehl's store near you, visit them online: http://www.kiehls.com/.

Dr. Mao's Beauty Health Tips For Women Over 35

A friend of ours emailed us, to talk about a new book by Dr. Mao.

You might say, now who is Dr. Mao? Dr. Maoshing Ni, to be exact.

Dr. Mao, known to viewers of HBO's Sex and the City as the doctor Charlotte consults on fertility, Ni (Secrets of Longevity) is a 38th-generation doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) who practices acupuncture in Southern California.

The new book, Second Spring by Dr. Mao, focuses on women over 35, and teaches them how to rejuvenate and recapture their youth with healthy, natural approaches

"Women don't need to be victims of their midlife changes, " Dr. Mao says. "Women can actually take control, take charge of their health and begin to rejuvenate and regenerate themselves."

The book is available at bookstores. And at http://www.amazon.com/ in the kindle book edition for only $9.99, including wireless delivery.

Here are some of Dr. Mao's beauty and health tips:

1. "Fuji pears -- or Asian pears -- were used by Chinese courtesans to get rid of dark circles under the eyes," says Dr. Mao. Fuji pears are abundant in vitamin C and copper, which can help protect the oh-so-delicate skin around the eye from free radical damage.

2. Use plain yogurt as a gentle facial peel for nice, smooth skin. Apply a thin layer to the face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. "It's got lactic acid, which is a weak acid that will help peel and renew the skin," says Dr. Mao. "People can do it every other day. It's perfectly safe, and it does not cause the same kind of redness from a chemical peel.".

3. Do-it-yourself Facial massages, morning and night. Dr. Mao's suggestions:

First raise the eyebrows as high as you can and then relax them. Then inflate your cheeks. Finally, open your mouth as wide as you can and stick your tongue out.
To massage the face, stroke the whole face with a circular motion until it's warm. Delicately pinch along your eyebrow line to help stimulate the muscles that keep the eyelids from falling. Finally, gently pat the cheeks with your fingers.

4. Lessen Age Spots with sardines or anchovies. Dr. Mao says these little fish have good value, as long as they are packed in water.

"Dimethyl-aminoethanol (DMAE) found in small fish promotes energy, focus, concentration and has been found to reverse age spots."

5. Get rid of Peri-Menopausal and Menopausal symptoms with this supplement, an herb known as chasteberry.

"500 to 1,000 mg of chasteberry, which can also relieve breast tenderness and prevent irregular menstruation. Chasteberry can actually stimulate your pituitary gland to get your body to produce a little more estrogen. It doesn't contain any estrogen, but it helps to stimulate hormonal function in the body," says Dr. Mao.

Mac A Rose Romance Makeup Petal Soft And Cool

Plums, pinks, and roses.

If these cooler makeup shades look lovely on you, then Mac Cosmetics new Mac A Rose Romance collection is right for you.

23 petal soft shades are in this collection. We especially love the Mac See Thru Lipcolours, like Tender Tryst and Secret Crush ($14, a tube). Just enough oomph of color wash to brighten your lips for summer. Like the stain left behind from a popsicle. In a sleek gel-like texture.

And the Mac eyeshadows ($14.50) in the line are whisper soft in hues of silver pearl, violet and pink golds.

This romantic collection is reminiscent of the pretty, cool tones that Elizabeth Taylor used to wear whenever we saw her in photos or on the red carpet years ago. With her pale skin and raven locks, the great actress had such a luminous glow, in colors that complemented her violet eyes.