Expert Hair Tips From The Uber Hair Experts Themselves

Hair. Between all the blow-drying, the chemicals, the sunning, the pinning, curling, and the tugging we do to our strands each day, it's a wonder we have any hair left.

So, today we take a look at some expert hair tips from the uber celebrity hair experts themselves: Kim Vo. Ken Paves. And Frederic Fekkai.

Let's be honest, ladies. We're going to keep coloring, perming, straightening, blow-drying, flat-ironing, adding extensions and so forth. So, let us at least, look at some basics.

Oh, yeah...we know some double-process ladies. They love to get a big, wild perm, especially in summer, and then color and highlight on top of those strong and damaging chemical hair procedures.

Is it ever okay to get a perm and get permanent color? Or, are both processes too harsh?

Master colorist Kim Vo: A perm and a permanent color in a same day process is like killing a fly with a shotgun. A perfect alternative is a semi/demi- permanent color. This will provide rich, shiny, longlasting color.

Ha ha. Love Kim Vo's delicious sense of humor.

We also had some curiosity about all the expensive styling tools that pros like Ken Paves use when tending to their clients' beautiful heads of hair. Ken's pick for a cheap, great hairbrush might surprise you:

DCNL Porcupine Cushion Hairbrush ($24.99, ULTA stores and at Ulta.com). He loves this good-looking brush with the bright red cushion and nylon bristles with boar bristles.

Ken Paves: Works just as well as other mixed-bristle brushes that are far more expensive.

How about coloring hair at home? Well, of course the experts would prefer you visit them for top-notch, healthy hair color, but even Manhattan-based Frederic Fekkai knows that a lot of women still want to tackle their own roots every once in a while. So he created his own brush-on permanent hair color

Frederic Fekkai: Fekkai Salon Color is the only at-home color kit that comes with a brush and bowl technique, just like one sees in a professional salon. Fekkai Salon Color comes in 20 delicious shades, and promises long-lasting color with gray coverage and a 40% increase in softness and shine.

And he's certainly not alone. Ken Paves has a big hit with his own line of clip-in hair extensions made famous with Jessica Simpson.

And Kim Vo raves about his own line of styling products:
Kim Vo: The Kim Vo product line is created from a colorist's point of view. It is for natural or chemically treated hair. If I were on an island with only two products, they would be my Moisturizing Masque and my Radiance Creme. Both are moisture packed and would make any stranded person style-savvy.

Whatever you do to your hair this summer, just remember, that a good trim in between all the hair madness, will always leave you with healthier-looking locks. Sometimes, a couple of inches lopped off, can save you from the harsh realities of peroxide, flat-irons, and sun-soaked days on end.

Nivea Best Beauty Budget Buy For Lip Balm Addicts

Lip balm addicts. We know several. For some, it's Burt's Bees all the way. For others, it's an old favorite, Carmex. And for some, it's the original Chapstick in the plain, black tube and white cap.

We tend to think that lip balm with a hint of color is even more brilliant an idea. And today, our Best Beauty Budget Buy comes from the good folks at Nivea. And it's just $2 a tube at your neighborhood Walmart store.

And best of all, your lips enjoy a fruity, tasty flavor. It's called, Nivea A Kiss of Flavor Tinted Lip Care. And it comes in Passion Fruit or Cherry. Yummy!

We are happy that Nivea has enriched these lip balms with almond oil and Vitamin E to help provide long-lasting moisturization.

Ladies, if you hate wearing and re-touching lip gloss or lipstick, but still need a spot of pretty color on your lips so you, at least, look alive, then give this Nivea lip balm a twist of the tube. Plus the formula gives you soft and supple lips. We think it's a great lip balm to take to the gym. That way, you don't look too made-up but can work out with a lovely hint of color.

Professional makeup artist Jeannia Robinette

is a big fan and tells InStyle magazine that it's a great little

lip balm. "Gives lips a non-shiny, natural berry tint. And it goes on super-smooth without caking in the corners."

Jeannia suggests wearing Nivea A Kiss of Flavor Tinted Lip Care in Passion Fruit, which gives off a soft rose tint to lips.

You can learn more here at Nivea.

Janet Jackson Goes Super Short With New Do And People Doing Double Takes

Janet Jackson goes super short, as she rocks a new do in London, while promoting her new movie, Why Did I get Married, Too?.

You're either going to love it or hate it, the hair, that is.

Well, we don't really like it, however, the ageless beauty has very nice bone structure, so we suppose she can rock any hairstyle, even this androgynous do.

Many people are speculating, that Janet Jackson merely had her weave removed, and that this is actually her real hair. Who knows. We admire her gustiness and confidence to walk out there with hardly any hair on her pretty head.

We thought Halle Berry had gone super short when she returned to her signature, sexy boyish crop a few months ago. But we have to say, Janet Jackson's new slicked back do goes even further.

A very short hairstyle exposes the neck and makes that area of your body a lovely attention-getter. The decollete really gets some added benefits with a cropped style.

The photo here of Janet, taken in March, shows her with a cascade of long, bouncy curls. Maybe she just wanted to change things up a bit. And she's certainly not alone. Hollywood beauties have followed suit with the cute pixie cut. It's a very Mia Farrow do.

Hayden Panettiere, Jessica Stroup, Renee Zellwegger, and Michelle Williams, are all enjoying the sun warm up their bare necks these days, letting the scissors do the talking.

Hollywood hair trends will come and go, but we'll be watching to see if this is just a summer hair fling.

Rimmel London's New The Max Mascara With 14X More Volume

Mascara. Ladies, don't be fooled. You need to wear it as part of your daily beauty routine, Nothing frames an eye as beautifully as black mascara. If you were stuck on an island, well, wouldn't a great mascara be one of your definite bring-alongs?!

And we love discovering new mascara that promises to fatten up your lashes. And this time, we are looking at Rimmel London, the UK's #1 mascara brand!

It's called, The Max Volume Flash Mascara. And it comes in a fat, hot pink tube with a big wand and formula full of collagen and keratin. Available at drug and beauty stores like Ulta for $7.29. We also hunted down a big pink tube of it at Walmart.com for only $5.47, but it's sold out online. Is the hot pink color supposed to mimic Maybelline's Great Lash? Who knows...but the packaging does catch your eye.

What's so special about Rimmel London's The Max Volume Flash Mascara? It's the volume, baby! 14X more volume:

"Our biggest brush ever with perfect-fit technology. Skinny to fat in 1 second flat; lashes pumped to max volume. Flexible hollow fibre bristles fit to the lash to coat each lash perfectly for maximum volume. Exclusive lash expand formula dries fast for mess-free, clump-free application.

A lot of women have been saying that the Rimmel The Max Mascara smells like play-doh. In a way it does, but so what. The collagen and keratin combo really gives your lashes fullness and attention. Just don't over-do the stuff. The consistency is a bit wet, and the volume builds quite rapidly with each stroke.

All in all, we think our UK neighbors have a good volumizing mascara in Rimmel London's newest, The Max Volume Flash Mascara.

GMA Shows Off Amazing Walmart $20 Little Black Dress By Norma Kamali

Little black dress. Every woman's closet probably has at least one. Well, now we've found you an amazing lbd by a famous designer for only $20, and 97 cents to ship it, if you want to buy it online!!

We'll be honest....it wasn't our find. We caught today's segment on GMA (Good Morning America) about dresses under $50.

And the one we fell in love with, was this one, pictured here. A simple but sexy and classic sleeveless shirred column jersey dress by Norma Kamali in her Summer Collection for Walmart. Check out the dress here in the zoom lens.

Now, you know why women are falling in love with this lbd.

Yes, ladies, Walmart. Think about it.....a great-fitting dress by a fit master herself, Norma Kamali. And we love this lbd because it hugs a woman's curves. The shirring is intelligently placed, both on side and back center seams. The style features a jewel neck and hits below the knee. And the sizing is right for any body shape--- XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.

After its crowd-pleasing debut on GMA this morning, we are certain that the Walmart $20 Little Black Dress by Norma Kamali will be sold out soon! The lbd looks expensive and hits the right tone for many a fashionista.

Teal Eyeshadow And Liner Not Tacky Anymore: Big Summer IT Color In 2010

Teal. It makes us think of the cool waters from the Atlantic Ocean. Or a hot, breezy summer night.

When it comes to teal makeup though, many of us have been afraid to go there----comments like tacky, unsophisticated or even, dated have been associated with the medium blue-green hue.

But that has all changed, because teal has become the big summer IT color of 2010.

So, you ask, how is teal really different from the teal of days gone by?

It's simple. You apply teal with a lighter touch, and we mean......'A little goes a long way, ladies.'

We stumbled onto beauty website called A Brilliant Brunette. And we were blown away by the color photos and makeup how-tos in Beauty by Jacqueline.

Check out the photo above of Jacqueline rockin' the teal eyeshadow. We hope she doesn't mind us sharing her pic here. And note how soft the rest of her makeup palette is.

That is the key when it comes to pulling off teal eyeshadow and liner. Allow your eyes to be the focus. By the way, teal and brown eyes look delicious together. But makeup pros agree that any eye color and skin tone can wear teal quite beautifully.

We found some lovely teal eye makeup for you to try:

1. NARS Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Burn it Blue from the Summer Collection ($32).

2. M.A.C. Eye Kohl Pencil in Float on By from the MAC To the Beach Collection ($14.50).

3. Lancome Ink Artliner in Teal Delight from the Spring 2010 Collection (gel liner) ($23.50).

Teal looks very pretty with warm neutrals like caramel, peach, and camel.

Don't be afraid to try a tiny bit of teal these days because it is the big summer IT color in 2010.

Goody Spin Pin Promises To Create Chic Messy Ballerina Bun In Seconds

A chic, messy ballerina bun. It's definitely a hot look, but not easy to imitate, unless you're an incredible stylist like Ted Gibson.

The days are getting warmer, and you really want to fashion yourself a sexy, messy bun. But you're all thumbs. Well, it doesn't matter anymore, because you can try the Goody Spin Pin. For just $6.49, you can buy a pair of Spin Pins, and casually, and effortlessly, create the runway look of the chic, messy ballerina bun. And the Goody Spin Pin(s) come in 2 colors, brunette and blonde. No other tools are needed......no elastics or tons of bobby pins. Even if your hair is layered, the Spin Pins keep strands tucked in.

And it's simple:

If you can make a ponytail, well, you're on your way!

1. So, put your hair in a ponytail.

2. Wrap the ponytail around into a bun.

3. Then twist two of the Spin Pins in a criss-cross manner into the bun.

4. Congratulations! You now have a chic, messy ballerina bun

.

Still too afraid to try the Goody Spin Pin(s) on your own. Still need to see some proof?

We hear you. Check out this YouTube video. It's a good one!

Happy 50th Birthday: Loving The Laser For Making Skin More Beautiful

The laser has been around for 50 years now?! Wow. And what a remarkable invention it has been, especially in the world of beauty. Happy Birthday, dear Laser.

We take a lot for granted when it comes to technology. And yet, without all these amazing discoveries, where would we be without them? Let's face it.....the laser makes skin more beautiful.

From what we have learned, it was Albert Enistein who actually came up with the idea back in 1917, building on his earlier calculation, that light was made up of tiny particles called photons.

Moving ahead to May 16th, 1960 (50 yrs ago yesterday), a not well-known scientist working in an underfunded lab in California set off a technological and scientific revolution! "Theodore Maiman and his assistant Irnee d’Haenens succeeded in coaxing a beam of coherent light out of a flashlamp-pumped crystal of pink ruby. The laser had arrived."

Of course, the rest is history. Today, lasers are used everywhere, everyday. From supermarket checkouts to dentists' offices, and so on.

We are loving the laser for how it's changed the skin we live in. It's marked a huge advancement in the war on aging. Today, there's a new set of aesthetic lasers designed to quickly, safely, and gently repair wrinkles, sagging skin, acne, uneven texture, broken capillaries, age spots, and sun damage.

And sometimes, lasers are even better than certain plastic surgery procedures. Let us explain:

A 2009 November article in the NY Times Fashion & Style section said that, when it comes to treating aging skin around the eyes, your best bet is laser resurfacing. It's even better than surgery.

Dr. Michael McGuire, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon and president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons told the NY Times this: "If the skin is mildly wrinkled and/or pigmented, the laser can be a good option," he said, adding that he frequently gives laser treatments to patients in their 40s to defer face-lifts.

There are a number of different lasers available, all developed to perform unique improvements to the skin. Your dermatologist can help you seek the right laser treatment.

By the way, laser sessions are not cheap. The price can run anywhere from $400 to $8,000, and beyond, depending on what skin problem(s) you are trying to zap. But the results last a long time.

So, Happy 50th birthday to the laser.....and many more!

Perfect Anti-Perspirant That Really Stops Underarm Wetness

Underarm wetness. Sweating. Excessive perspiration.

Not pleasant to talk about, but many of us do suffer through this problem daily. Anti-perspirant after anti-perspirant. Somehow, none of them really work. And it's not easy trying to raise your arms when everyone will see the shadow of wetness under your sleeves.

We can tell you, through personal experience, we have found the perfect anti-perspirant. No more sweating, we promise. 72 hour protection, according to the company.

It's called Certain Dri, and it's been around for a number of years. It really works! And thankfully, it's available at your favorite drugstore ($5.50). Years ago, you had to send for it by mail.

Plus, there's a new Solid CertainDri out. Instead of the usual Certain Dri Roll-On, there is the solid, which works just as superbly.

Applying Certain Dri includes a bizarre method, if you will. You put it on at night, before going to sleep. That's how it works, shrinking your pores to stop excessive perspiration. And you don't need to put on a lot. Use it sparingly for several nights a week. And no fear---it will not wash off after bathing or showering. How cool is that?!

We've always been a fan of the Certain Dri Roll-On, because it feels like you're merely applying water to your underarms. It's colorless and odorless, and by the way, Certain Dri is actually water-based (vs. alcohol-based like its prescription competitors) and available without a doctor’s prescription.

There is also another fine Certain Dri product in their lineup---this one you use during the day, Certain Dri A.M. ($5.50), which provides more of a deodorant action. This little bottle stops odor.

It's an effective 2-step system in the war on sweating. And it works. Period.

For more information, take a look at these testimonials from happy users at Certain Dri.

Big Beauty Breakthrough: Asclera Injections Zap Spider Veins And Small Varicose Veins

Spider veins. And the larger varicose veins. These unattractive red and purple squiggly lines on your face or legs cause embarrassment and frustration. But now there is hope, thanks to the FDA making way for Asclera just in time for summer! Look for a huge ad blitz beginning in June or July.

Yes. This is a big beauty breakthrough! And Asclera sounds like another wonderful and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, because it is an injectable. Quick, painless, and you're good to go with new, attractive unblemished legs.

Asclera

is the first sclerosant to be approved here in the United States in over 60 years. In Europe, the vein injectable has enjoyed a fine reputation now for a number of years.

Here's how it works, ladies: Once injected, Asclera™ acts by damaging the cell lining of blood vessels, causing them to close and eventually be replaced by other types of tissue. Asclera™ is safe and effective when used as directed.

Asclera will zap tiny, uncomplicated spider veins to larger, uncomplicated varicose veins up to 3 mm in diameter. Merz Aesthetics is the company unveiling the new Asclera treatment to women here.

We are excited that something that can be done with a needle to get quick and great results.

"Spider and reticular veins are a common, often embarrassing condition that can be treated safely and effectively," says Robert A. Weiss, M.D., director of the Maryland Laser, Skin, and Vein Institute and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. "Asclera™ is a minimally-invasive option for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their legs."

We have not been able to find a price tag yet, for one treatment session of Asclera. That information isn't avaliable at the moment. But we can say, this is big beauty news!

Why The Backlash Against Almay's Newest Beauty Ambassador Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson. The golden-haired actress seems to get a lot of buzz these days, and especially now that cosmetics giant Almay has crowned the talented star to be their new beauty ambassador.

The announcement was made yesterday.

Already, bloggers galore, are bashing the choice all over the internet, calling Kate Hudson too plain, a wannabe star, not pretty enough, and so on.

Let the haters hate, Kate. We think Almay made an excellent choice, and the daughter of Goldie Hawn brings a natural, girl-next-door beauty to the Revlon-owned company.

In her new role as Almay's Global Brand Ambassador, Kate will appear in television, print and internet ads all over the world. And her first campaign for Almay is scheduled to debut later this year. “Almay is known for its fresh, effortless approach to beauty,” Kate says in the official release. “At the end of the day we all want to have fun and feel beautiful– that’s what Almay is all about.”

Almay released a photo (top) of the 30-something actress, all dolled up and wearing the company's makeup. We think Kate looks gorgeous, and trust us, most any woman would enjoy a huge cosmetics contract if given the choice.

As the Global Brand Ambassador, Kate will also represent the brand’s many philanthropic efforts. Her first appearance was last evening at the Almay Rainforest Concert in New York City.

We don't understand the Kate Hudson backlash. Why do so many women not seem to like her? There was an uproar just a few weeks ago, when Kate appeared in public with a supposedly, new enhanced bosom. So what? Even if the actress got bigger breasts through plastic surgery, she isn't the first and last celebrity to go there.

Kate looks great. And we will be curious to see her new ads for Almay and the kind of shopper her image attracts to the popular drugstore makeup brand.

We say, 'Why not, Kate?!'

Clever Adhesive Snap Hem Solution For Too Long Jeans

Can you hem, ladies?

Maybe those jeans were perfect with your Louboutins last evening, but now you need those same jeans with your classic ballet flats ASAP!

It's okay if you can't sew on a hem, because we're loving this clever no-sew solution.

We just caught the product being demonstrated on Good Morning America earlier today. It's called HemmingMyWay. Cute title. Hey..... no pins......no tape......no alterations. So easy to use.

Very clever.....'why didn't we think of that' type of invention. According to their website, just snap and go!

"HemmingMyWay: the first snap hem with a revolutionary adhesive backing that allows you to snap under your long hem for flats (and here's the kicker) unsnap to slip back into heels! Snap - Unsnap - Snap - Unsnap... Two hems at the same time....genius!

Finally...we can say no to expensive habits of buying two pairs of jeans with different hem lengths, no to pricey trips to the tailor, no to long hems dragging on the ground, and yes to running around town in stylish flats, before slipping back into stilettos for dinner."

We found HemmingMyWay at drugstore.com for $19.99 and free shipping. In a package of HemmingMyWay you get 6 pieces - 2 long pieces and 4 short pieces. And these adhesive snap hems are removable & reusable eight or more times.

Remember, ladies: Make your jeans work with every shoe in your closet!

Actually, a really clever solution, we think.

Let's Hear It For Healthy Sporty Model Hilary Rhoda

Hilary Rhoda. Most of you know her from her wonderful Estee Lauder cover girl ads. And of course, most men know about Hilary Rhoda from her sexy Sports Illustrated lay-outs. (S.I. 2010, above).

We are celebrating Hilary Rhoda today, because she represents a healthy, sporty model. Okay, sure she is still slender, but certainly not in an emaciated way. Hilary, believe it or not, wears a size 4-6 in the modeling world, with measurements of 34-26-36.5.

She is quite tall at 5' 11" And she has a strong jaw and bold, dark eyebrows. But the 22-year-old model is also muscular and strong, and not going to apologize for it.

"I'm athletic," Hilary Rhoda told one magazine. "I did ballet for a long time growing up. I played lacrosse and field hockey....from the beginning, I knew I wasn't going to change into some emaciated look. Playing sports is my background. I have an athletic build—you can take it or leave it."

Love this girl!

She goes on to give another quote about keeping active:

"Exercise has always been a part of my life from playing tons of sports growing up to now working with a trainer most days of the week. Some people dread going to the gym but I look forward to it every day." Hilary Rhoda says. She went to an all-girls Catholic school, Academy of the Holy Cross, in Kensington, Maryland, where Hilary was quite an athlete, playing basketball and soccer, and was on her school's lacrosse, swimming, and hockey teams.

And even though she is considered one of the rare, 'heavier' models, Hilary Rhoda has walked many a runway. According to her website, it's an impressive list: Designers such as, Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Hermes, John Galliano, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren.

We're just happy to see a muscular model doing so well in a sea of super slender runway models.

Can Coenzyme Q10 And Other Supplements Give You Great Skin?

Great skin. It is something to treasure, indeed. Some of us are blessed with what seems like perfect skin. But most of us have to work very hard to keep it looking smooth, firm, and wrinkle-free.

Many of us take supplements and vitamins on a daily basis, to keep our bodies healthy and nourished. But the majority probably do not take supplements and vitamins for their complexion.

So, the question begs.......Can Coenzyme Q10 and other pills give you great skin?

Some experts say, "You betcha!"

One of the skin pioneers big on the power of anti-oxidants is Dr. Nicholas Perricone, an anti-aging expert. He says you can revitalize your skin from the outside and inside. Remember Dr. Perricone's NY Times bestseller, The Wrinkle Cure?

And Miami beach dermatologist Leslie Baumann seems to agree. Both skin experts love Coenzyme Q10. You've seen that special ingredient blended into lots of skin creams. And with good reason.

According to Dr. Baumann, it's her favorite anti-oxidant. "It protects the skin from oxidative stress and helps give cells the energy they need to repair themselves."

And Dr. Perricone writes at length about CoQ10 in The Wrinkle Cure, saying that, "CoQ10 is fat-soluble and therefore concentrates in the skin plasma membrane, providing protection against free-radical damage, which is why it's such a powerful anti-oxidant". He says there are no toxic effects, and advises taking the oral supplement at doses of 30-100 mg. daily under age 40, and 100 mg. daily over 40.

Dr. Perricone. suggests dividing the doses at breakfast and lunch. And do consult your doctor about dosages related to heart disease.

More good beauty supplements for great skin include:

Vitamin C. This super pill helps your body produce collagen.

Evening Primrose oil. This omega-6 fatty acid helps improve firmness in skin.

Fish or Flaxseed oil. Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation in the body. Omega-3s also help strengthen the skin's barrier, which means moisture locks in, and bad stuff like irritants are blocked out.

Do your research. There is a pill for great skin. And you can tailor a plan that suits your specific skin care needs.

Pump Up The Volume: Big Hair Is Back For Spring/Summer 2010

Volume. Big hair. Lots of locks.

Here at Beauty Tip Today, you know by now, that we are obsessed with big hair. And we love talking about hair and more hair.

Yes, we have lots of hair, of fine to medium thickness. And without any product to help us give our locks some structure, we basically have shapeless volume. That's why we love volumizers. Okay, that really isn't a word, but in the hair biz, it has become an accepted part of language. Ask most women, and they know exactly what a hair volumizer is, and what it does.

BIG Hair is, well, BIG in spring/summer 2010! The runways showed off masses of hair on the models, some of it teased sky-high, a lot with huge curly dos, and some with endless big waves. Designers like Rachel Comey and Luca Luca made sure their models had hair had to remember. And look at Canadian model Jessica Stam's big blonde head of hair in a photo from the NY Times, Now that's some sexy, bad girl big hair!

And celebrities like Beyonce have been walking the red carpet with glamorous volume.

So, how do you get there fast? With a great hair volumizer. After showering, just spritz and spritz, and blow-dry your hair, with your head upside down.

And try this little number by the hair folks at AG Hair Cosmetics.....Bigwigg Root Volumizer ($24, 10 oz., at authorized AG Salons across the country, and online at sites like amazon.com.

Bigwigg Root Volumizer does a super job:

1. Has a Volume hold factor 4 of 5 (Volume hold factors are from 1 for softest volume to 5 for most volume)

2. Perfect for hair requiring lift at the roots and additional volume.

3. For incredible volume spray directly at roots and then through clean, damp hair and blow dry as normal.

4. Delivers volume directly to the roots of lifeless hair breathing life back into dull, flat hair.

How To Tips For Applying Sunscreen With Other Beauty Treatments

Sunscreen Hate putting it on? The latest science has shown the heavy damage left behind after years of enjoying the sun. There really is no excuse anymore. Sunscreen is a must do in your daily beauty routine.

But if you are like us, you apply all sorts of beauty products to your face, neck, and body every day. So, how and where does the sunscreen step fall in the order of your beauty routine? First, last, or middle?!

Don't laugh. It's a tricky question. We thought we had the correct order for all our beauty products, but we were wrong in a couple of steps. So, here are some tips on how to correctly apply sunscreen with other beauty treatments. This information is coming from a source that knows a lot---The Skin Cancer Foundation:

Let's say you do obey the rules, and always slap on the sunscreen. But you also are loyal to your topical medications like Retin-A, for instance, or acne prescriptions?. What is the proper order?

Bradford R. Katchen, MD, associate professor of dermatology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City, had this suggestion. "If sunscreen is applied first, it might interfere with the medication’s penetration and might inactivate the active ingredient. For that reason, medication should always be the first product applied to a clean, washed face."

Fine. But what if you layer other beauty products like moisturizers and then foundations and more makeup?

Follow this routine. "If you’re also using a moisturizer, it should go on after the medication and before the sunscreen," adds Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, attending physician, Beth Israel Medical Center and clinical instructor, Mount Sinai Medical Center. "Applying a moisturizer after the medication could actually enhance penetration of the medication,” she notes. “If the moisturizer does not contain an SPF, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher next. Finally, apply foundation, powder, blush and any other colored cosmetics."

Still somewhat confused? Don't be. The Skin Cancer Foundation lays out the layering order like so:

Medication, moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation, powder and lastly, blush.

And don't forget that sunscreens wear off while you're sweating or just sitting there doing nothing in the sun. So, re-apply every two hours, experts say.

Dr. Rachel Herschenfeld, a Harvard-educated dermatologist, suggests these excellent sunscreens. "One great brand is LaRoche Posay which makes the Anthelios line of sunscreens. The FDA did approve another stabilized form of avobenzone, called Helioplex, which is found in Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer SPF 55- great product available at many pharmacies.

In our research for this information, we stumbled onto a 2006 Washington Post article featuring Dr. Herschenfeld with more wonderful sunscreen tips. Check it out here.

Serums More Powerful Than Creams For Younger Looking Skin

Serums or creams?

Excellent beauty and skin care question.

Usually, women with oily skin, select the face serum, because it is lighter and won't clog pores. Those with dry skin, pick the face cream because it's heavier and provides moisturizing effects. But not always....

If you want to battle the signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin, always opt for the serum.

Says who? New York City dermatologist, David J. Goldberg. He explains that face serums are more potent. "Creams usually contain less than 10 percent of active ingredients; serums have up to 70 percent," he says. So, in other words, you are getting more bang for your buck, with a serum.

Now, that's good to know. Of course, that is just one dermatologist's view, and we're sure that other professionals might disagree. But for the moment, let's assume that Dr. Goldberg is correct, that serums are more powerful than creams when it comes to beautiful skin.

Okay, now what type of serum do we choose? Another very smart beauty question.

Here are 3 excellent serums for younger-looking skin, with 3 different, but all very high-tech formulas:

1. Skin Biology Super CP Serum( 1 oz, $24.95, at Skin Biology).
Skin Biology's Super CP is a strong skin remodeling face serum made with its patented copper peptides. Just a few tiny drops smoothed over the face in the morning, followed by an hydroxy acid at night. Skin will tighten up and complexion will brighten after a few weeks of usage.

2. Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum(1 oz, $60, at NeoStrata).

Exuviance's Vespera Bionic Serum is another potent skin treatment formulated with (AHA) Mandelic Acid, and (PHAs) Lactobionic Acid and Gluconolactone
Multi-Antioxidant protection from Pro-Vitamins A, C and E. And also blended with a marine botanical to help smooth stressed skin. Clinical studies indicate that after 6 weeks of use:
212% improvement in clarity
89% of users claimed a significant improvement in skin texture and smoothness.

3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum(1 oz, $19.99, at drugstores).
A highly concentrated formula with a good amount of Retinol combined with anti-oxidant multi vitamins. After four weeks, you should notice a healthier glow with smoother skin, and wrinkles appear less noticeable.

Sold Out Ann Taylor Floral Dress Pops Up On Ebay In Fashion Frenzy

Ann Taylor. We love the style-----classic, modern, and feminine. And now the sleeveless dress everyone wants.

The really lovely Vintage Floral Lace Dress ($198) from Ann Taylor's Spring-Summer 2010 line. The only problem being.....the dress is SOLD OUT at all Ann Taylor stores and online at their website.

But there has been a fashion frenzy brewing for a few days now on Ebay. It's the only place we know, where you can try, and we mean try, to get your hands on this timeless sheath. But you better expect to pay a lot more for the Ann Taylor dress.

At the moment, there is one Vintage Floral Lace Dress up for bid on Ebay going for $316.99, at this writing. And it's in a teeny size 2. There are just a little over 4 hours left in this auction. There are 8 bids so far. Shipping, by the way, will cost you $14.50.

Don't worry, Ebay has more of these impossible-to-find Ann Taylor Vintage Floral Lace Sheathes. We counted a total of 16 SOLD OUT dresses.

Here's the breakdown on Ebay:

two up for auction in size 8
three up for auction in size 0
two up for auction in size 0P
one up for auction in size 00P
three up for auction in size 2
one up for auction in size 4
one up for auction in size 4P
one up for auction in size 2P
one up for auction in size 6
one up for auction in size 10.

Good luck, ladies. We're not sure exactly how this SOLD OUT fashion frenzy began. Some speculate it was all because of model Milla Jovovich, who appears in the new Ann Taylor spring/summer ads, and dang, she's wearing that Vintage Floral Lace Dress.

The photo we display here, however, is not that of Milla Jovovich. But you can easily see, the dress is a knock-out!

Ann Taylor stores

will be stocking another 100 more of these lovely dresses sometime, somewhere next week in a flash sale. We hope to keep you posted.

Would You Stick On Lady-Like Chanel Transfer Tattoos

Transfer tattoos. This is a big trend for 2010 in body art. And Chanel is making it all very lady-like with some elegant, tres chic beads and floral prints.

No....it's not real ink, but you have to admit, these temporary tatts are quite pretty.

It all began with designer Karl Lagerfeld and his runway show. His models' arms and legs were adorned with delicate-looking tattoos at the country-inspired Chanel spring/summer 2010 catwalk showback in September. Hay was strewn along the runway to give a bucolic touch to his designs. But it was the cool tattoos like the sexy chain-link ones, that everyone's been talking about. The Chanel models had each been hand-painted for the show by make-up artist Peter Philips.

And now, these Chanel Transfer Tattoos are available in Chanel Boutiques to non-models, too, in an easy, quick transfer tattoo method. We're told that a set of 55 individual Chanel tatts will cost you about $70.

Would you stick on a few? We especially adore the wrist bracelet tattoos. We think those are sexy.

And for those of you who own real tattoos, some of you might want to take the fake Chanels and have real ink ones designed for you. We think it's a clever trend in body art, and are curious to see how many permanent tatts emerge from the delicate, lady-like Chanel transfers.

Gaia Geddes, executive fashion and jewelry editor of Harper’s Bazaar in the UK, explains the new trend this way. “The tattoo has long lost its tacky associations. Wearing a fashion tattoo is the ultimate fix for label-lovers: they can literally brand themselves in double Cs. It’s a sort of extreme, conspicuous consumption – tongue-in-cheek, of course. Karl Lagerfeld is the master of the quirky must-have and he’s managed to make the tattoo look cool in a way that makes the label accessible. Coco probably wouldn’t approve – but, then, isn’t that the point?”.

So, er, for the stick-on tattoo novice, how do you put the transfers on?

Duh. “Dunk them in water until saturated. Wait a bit. Then press on really hard.”

Kim Kardashian's Best Makeup Pal Is MAC And More MAC

Kim Kardashian and makeup. The two go hand-in-hand. In fact, Kim K loves MAC makeup, and lots of it!

Everyone's been talking about a recent photo of the sexy Hollywood reality TV star, showing the Armenian beauty bare-faced. Kim was snapped in a grocery store. So what? We think she still looks darn good because of excellent bone structure.

Does Kim Kardashian look better with makeup? Well, of course, silly. Every woman looks better with a little foundation, blush, concealer, gloss, and mascara.

So, let's take a long look inside Kim K's makeup bag. These products come straight from her website and fan site.

We interviewed Kim Kardashian about 2 years ago at Beauty Tip Today. Back then, she was gracious to give us her favorite makeup products. And MAC cosmetics made up a large percentage of her beauty repertoire.

And still today, MAC rules in Kim's world:

STEP 1: I always start with a clean face. Then I put on Intuit 'Photo Shoot.' Intuit is a great company and I love the names of their products. Photo Shoot is a make up primer. I put it .. my moisturizer, which basically is like a moisturizer that will fill the pours on your face which will help set the foundation so it will last longer.

STEP 2: I use Cle De Peau concealer stick (it's super expensive, but works for me). It comes in two colors, I use Ocre, which is the darker of the two. I also use M.A.C. concealer (which comes in a little pot) if I run out of Cle de Peau. Everyone's color is different but I use NW25. I put the concealer under my eyes because I absolutely hate dark circles! I also use concealer to cover up blemishes!

STEP 3: After I put the concealer on I put on Make Up Forever liquid foundation. I mix one pump of No. 5 and two pumps of No. 4. I also have No. 3 for the winter time when I am really pale. I mix the foundations to get the perfect color. I blend them with the coolest make up brush. Its the M.A.C. brush No. 180.

STEP 4: Since I hate dark circles, after the foundation, I put on a little more concealer just under my eyes since the foundation makes it darker under my eyes. I use a lighter concealer from M.A.C. NW30 in a little lipstick tube-looking container and I select 'moisture cover.'

STEP 5: To set the foundation I lightly brush on with a big powder brush M.A.C. Select Sheer Pressed Powder NC 30, then to make me a little tanner I lightly brush on M.A.C. Powder NW 45.

STEP 6: Now its blush time! I'm obsessed with blush! I use a color called Gingerly to warm me up and give me a little color and then add a pink color called Cheek to give me rosey cheeks. I just started getting into cream blush and find it works a lot better and lasts a lost longer.

STEP 7: Time for the eyes! My favorite part! I first put down a M.A.C. PaintPainterly. I just use my finder and put enough onto cover the lid. This creamy shadow makes it so that the powder eye shadow does not crease. Like, if you wear make up all day you will see that the eye shadow begins to crease and get oily, but if you put this paint color down first it won't! I love cream shadow and use the color cream pots too! I love colored shadow; so it depends on the color depend of shadow I plan to wear: If it's black smokey I use Carbon by M.A.C.; if its grey smokey I use Knight Divine or Print; if it's brown smokey I use Embark by M.A.C. I love a fresh shimmery look as well and use M.A.C. Pigment called Tan. Its so pretty! I love bright colors for eye make up! I absolutely love Make Up Forever and don't think anyone does pigment colors better than them. So again, depending on what color you feel like wearing, go look at Make Up Forever's colors to choose from.

STEP 8: I always use black pencil eyeliner. My favorite is Stilla black pencil.
STEP 9: Now its mascara time! Putting on mascara completes the look, but I hate it when I mess up and get it on my eye lid and mess up the eye shadow. I used to use Lancome Hypnose, and still do, but I recently started to use M.A.C. Zoom mascara -- which is amazing! I take my time and put coat after coat. I love to layer mascaras so I will probably start with the M.A.C. Zoom and then put Lancome Hypnose on top. I always use a separater brush to separate my lashes. I am completely clueless on how to put false lashes on, so I only wear them for photo shoots sometimes.

STEP 10: The final touch is putting on lipstick! I usually use M.A.C. LiplinerStripdown (I use it very lightly) and a lipstick called Angel and put Nars Turkish Delight lipgloss on top. Or for my very nude matte lip I wear Nars Belle De Jour and I line my lips first with M.A.C. Subculture lipliner.

Wow! We are exhausted. Too much makeup for a 29-year-old woman? Maybe. What do you think?

You Don't Have To Spend Hundreds For Sexy Pair Of Shorts

Shorts. They never really go out of style. But the hot trend for spring and summer are shorts.....in denim and city style. You'll be seeing shorts everywhere, and for every price. The good thing to know in this still-tough economy, is that you don't have to spend $$hundreds$$ for a sexy pair of shorts. Cheap end is alright for the budget fashionista.

Yesterday, we talked about getting our legs in shape for the long, hot days ahead, when major skin is exposed. So, if you've begun your jump-roping routine to sculpt and firm, good for you. Now, let's look at some shorts. The high end shorts are photos 1 and 2. The cheap end shorts are photos 3 and 4.

High end. We hunted down a pair of Chloe High-Waisted Linen Shorts ($1,205, at net-a-porter).

These light brown linen city shorts are gorgeous and come with a detachable tan leather belt. Sold Out, by the way, in sizes 2, 4, and 6.

We also found these cute Medium Blue Wash Jeansshorts by True Religion ($215, at stylebop. These are sexy, classic jeans cut with broad waistband, loops and lateral pockets, featuring very short roll-up legs in moderate width. The bad news----most of the sizes are on back-order.

Cheap end. Don't laugh. We saw these Kmart Khaki City Shorts by Route 66 ($17.99) in Vogue magazine. Yeah, that's right, in a Kmart ad in the famous fashion bible.

These Women's Roll Cuff Twill Shorts are also on sale at the moment, marked down to $13.49 a pair. A great deal. We want a pair.

And then, of course, there's Old Navy. And we found this hot pair of Distressed Cuffed Denim Shorts with the fading, abrading, and paint stains for just $19.50. Gotta love that from Old Navy. Yeah, we'll take a pair, too.

The lesson learned here----you can hunt down the spring and summer fashion trends for a much cheaper price. And we won't tell, if you don't tell.

How To Get Lovely Legs Ready For Spring Summer Bareness

Lots of leg. On the runway. Red carpet. And it translates to the street.

Legs are on display this spring and summer, as fashion trends dictate. From sexy city shorts to classic dresses, it's time to get our legs in shape.

And there are 3 ways to get lovely legs:
1. Exercise
2. Faking Smooth Skin
3. Cosmetic Surgery

First, let's look at the simplest way to develop a great pair of legs. It's called a jump rope, ladies. And it's one of the best methods to define the shape. Yes, you can sculpt a better pair.

We have written about jumping rope here at Beauty Tip Today in several previous articles.

Jumping rope isn't just for kids. It works every muscle in your body And it's actually an excellent cardio movement for adults, for 3 reasons:
1. Firms legs nicely
2. A super fat burner
3. An overall body exercise

Next, you can fake smooth skin. No more lumps and bumps and pale-looking legs. Yes, a tanned leg is a healthier-looking leg. And you can achieve that without lying in the sun for hours and hours. You can use a self-tanner. And exfoliate the skin before you apply the faux tan, because it goes on smoother and looks more even.

This little trick from Victoria Secret makeup artist Meredith Baraf:
If you have only minutes to get ready for lean and lovely legs, use a fast-drying body lotion bronzer. "This will make legs appear less pastey and blotchy," Meredith notes.

Try Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil ($52, at Sephora, for that healthy, sexy glow.

And lastly, there is always cosmetic surgery to improve the legs, when exercise and cover-up just aren't enough.

We all know about liposuction. It's been around for many years. And it serves a purpose. You can actually shape a better pair of legs, and not just the thighs. Plastic surgeons can slim down the calves and ankles.

Then there are laser treatments for legs, to zap away unattractive spider veins. And the technology here keeps getting better and better each year.

Medical options certainly are not cheap, but can effectively change a woman's legs quickly and with long-lasting results.

There are several more weeks before bikini baring begins. It's time to get our lovely legs on!

Plump And Smooth Out Lines With Estee Lauder's Newest Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Filler

Lines and wrinkles. We all end up with a few of them as the years go by. Some women take charge and fight them 'til the end. Others do nothing and accept the 'years of experience.'

But why sit by and just do nothing?! Estee Lauder has the right stuff to plump up and smooth out lines and wrinkles. It's called Perfectionist CP+ Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler ($39.50 at Estee Lauder), and it's the newest beauty weapon in Estee Lauder's Perfectionist skin care line.

Yes, you can fill in the wrinkles. You might not wake up looking like longtime Estee Lauder cover girl Elizabeth Hurley, but your face will thank you. The lines will not disappear, but over time, the Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler will improve the look of wrinkles in just 4 weeks.

Go ahead! Throw your worst deepest wrinkles at the newest Perfectionist CP+ treatment. Laugh lines. Frown lines. Brow lines. Crow's feet. Lip lines. This concentrated formula can soften your worst facial enemies. And we like the way this one targets those pesky lines--it comes in a 15 ml. polymer-tip tube with a precision-tip applicator that provides fool-proof, accurate dispensing.

Just zero in on your wrinkle, and 'fill it in.' Your skin bounces back. The 'filler' instantly plumps and smooths out lines and wrinkles. In fact, the Estee Lauder company says that "100% of women tested, showed an instant reduction."

So, exactly what's in this tiny tube of anti-aging magic? Yes, the tube is small, like a lipstick, but it is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Estee Lauder explains it like so:
exclusive Wrinkle Lift Restructuring Peptides™ to the depth of every wrinkle -— helping skin amplify its natural production of redensifying collagen. Over time, deep wrinkles appear pushed up from within for a younger, smoother, more lineless look.

Okay, so it isn't Botox. But it's instant and does the job. And it costs a lot cheaper.

Eco-Friendly Flip-Flops Fine For Vacation Get-Aways

Flip-Flops. We all love them. And maybe you have several pairs. But do you own a pair of bio-degradable Flip-Flops by Sanuk?

We fell in love with these Rasta Mystic Flip-Flops ($38). They're not only super cute, but eco-friendly, yes, kind to the environment. And after the passing of Earth Day a week ago, we felt it was time to stay in the eco-friendly spirit and shop for something 'green' and stylish.

Let's take a look at the 'ingredients' in this Sanuk flip-flop sandal:

Ultra-Soft, High Rebound Fashion EVA Footbed
Sustainable, Fashionable Strap Design featuring a Hand Woven Upper
Handmade Organic Cotton Rope Upper with Hemp Footbed
Recycled PET Liner
Sustainable Rubber and Cork Outsole
Vegan and Vegetarian

Don't be fooled....this is a strong and very comfortable pair. Great for those vacation get-aways or just hanging out in town.

The Rasta Mystic comes in beige or black, and sizes 5-11. You can buy them here and at dealers like Eastern Mountain Sports.

Sanuk (pronounced sa -nook') makes lots of other cool and globally-kind products. By the way, the company says that Sanük, "is the Thai word for FUN, our name is also our mantra.
Our goal is to provide creatively inspired yet thoughtfully designed products for the global outdoor community…mostly because we’re part of it."