It's All About The Straw When It Comes To Beautiful Beach Bags

Beach bags. When it comes to packing up all your stuff for those hot, fun days in the sun, you'll want the right bag to bring down to the sand.

No. You wouldn't tote along a leather bag, now would you?! Of course not. We think straw is the best material for your summer beach bags.

Why? Straw looks like summer It's beach-ready. Plus, it's light and yet, very durable.

Here are 3 favorite straw beach bags we found:

1. Old Navy Multi-colored Straw Tote ($19.50). Top photo. This adorable and big, roomy straw bag, at 17"L x 7"W x 13"H with a 7" strap drop, is constructed well. We like the double straps and lined interior. The bag comes in 3 shades. We chose to show you the neutral, because, some women don't always want a bold block of color. But for those who want to shake things up, this straw tote also comes in gorgeous Warm Floral and Cool. Take a look here.

2. Newport News also features an array of vibrant straw beach bags at very affordable prices. We chose this vibrant Colorblocked Straw Tote Bag ($19.00). Photo 2. This medium-sized bag will get you noticed with its sassy colorblocked style. The straw tote bag has handy, cutout silvertone metal handles. One inside slip pocket. Fully lined. It also comes in Blue multi. And Newport News also offers more straw tote bags in different styles.

3. We also adore this cute, preppy style Straw Tote Bag by Straw Studios ($54, Free shipping). Photo 3. We are loving the nautical look, which is really hot this summer. Very beautifully made in woven straw with colorful topstitch-accented trim, rope handles, and an adorable anchor embroidered on the front. Its zippered entry provides added security. Dimensions: 12" high
21" wide. 7.75" deep. And a 6.25" shoulder drop. Check out more styles at their website.

Let's face it, ladies......We know you need to stuff the right stuff into your beach bags...like sunscreen, bottles of water, a compact, tinted moisturizer, lip balm, and more. But you also want to tote around a fine-looking summer straw beach bag. So let's walk around in style!

Wendy's Launches New Salad Line Today With Dressing Maker Marzetti

Wendy's wants you to know, that their brand new salad line is a lot more than some crispy iceburg lettuce.

Starting today, you can pick up a new Wendy's salad for $5.99. There are four delicious ones to try......from a BLT Cobb to an Apple Pecan Chicken. And nestled in among the iceburg, you will find these nutritious 'green's: spinach, red and green chard, and red and green romaine..

And what tops this new salad in a very tasty way, is the addition of the special salad dressing. Wendy's has teamed up with well-known dressing maker Marzetti.. New flavors like: avocado ranch and pomegranate vinaigrette. Yummy!

Here are the 4 totally re-invented salads from the Wendy's Garden Sensations line:

1. Apple Pecan Chicken Salad.....with tender grilled chicken and real blue cheese crumbles mixed with fresh, hand picked apples and sweet cranberries.

2. Baja Salad.....Wendy's famous meaty chili on a bed of 11 greens served with spicy guacamole and a red jalapeno dressing with seasoned tortilla strips.

3. Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad.....Classic Caesar with a zing, including grape tomatoes, shaved asiago cheese, and a natural lemon-garlic dressing over French bread croutons.

4. BLT Cobb Salad.....flavored with applewood smoked bacon with blue cheese and tender, center-cut chicken served with a Marzetti avocado ranch dressing.

Wendy's has not yet provided the caloric information on these new salads at their website. We could only find the stats for their previous Garden Sensations line.

But we really approve of the size and depth of these new salads. These are not side dishes, but full meals. And we give salads the thumbs up, because you can watch calories, but still enjoy a delicious meal.

And sure, you can probably make a much better salad entree at home, but for a quick, fast-food meal on-the-go, you shouldn't overlook Wendy's new salad line.

Forever 21 Fashions And Accessories For Summer Fashionista Fun

Forever 21. We've talked about this store before, and now we're doing it again.

What's the big deal? Well. it's rather simple......there are tons of bargains at Forever 21 stores and here online. For the fashionista on a budget, the store has a lot to offer.

We wish we could find the quote Eva Longoria Parker once gave to InStyle magazine, when she said that shopping at Forever 21 was, " a guilty pleasure." Every gal loves a bargain, and Miss Eva is no exception. Lots of celebrities enjoy picking up inexpensive fashions at Forever 21. From sunglasses to tops, shorts, swimwear, jewelry, to pocketbooks and hats, and so much more.

Look at the pretty pieces we found, in just a few minutes as we stopped by Forever21.com:

1. Navy Beaded Mock Wrap Top ($16.90).

2. Sweet Ruffle Trim Fedora ($9.80).

3. Suedette Interlocked Sandals ($16.80).

4. Ball Fringe Lace Scarf ($6.80).

5. Sunglasses ($5.80).

Tips To Avoid Makeup Melt-down In Hazy Hot Humid Weather

Makeup melt-down. If it hasn't happened to you yet, consider yourself lucky.

But for the rest of us, who have opened up our makeup bags on a hazy, hot, and humid day only to find melted eye pencils, gooey mascara, and mushy lipstick, it isn't a pretty scene.

Since a major part of the country is sweltering in 95-100 degree muggy temps for the rest of the week, we thought we would share a few key beauty tips to avoid makeup melt-down.

Ladies....the refrigerator is your new makeup BFF. Oh, yeah. You can store your foundations, eye makeup, lipsticks, glosses, and balms in the fridge. The best way, is to take a Ziploc bag and dump your makeup in one, and then place in the cool refrigerator, or even the freezer, if you need your beauty essentials firm and ready for application in a few minutes.

Here's an example.....we took out our brow and eye pencils this morning, and tried to sharpen them for use. Well, duh...it's was already 85 degrees when we were starting to put on our makeup. The pencils melted and 'smooshed' inside our eye pencil sharpener Yuck....when you need to be somewhere and your makeup isn't co-operating.

We ran downstairs and popped the brow and eye pencils into the freezer for 10 minutes. Went back up and the pencils were firm enough for sharpening and application.

We should have kept all the makeup in the fridge overnight, and we wouldn't have had a makeup meltdown.

You get a nice, cool sensation, applying makeup that has just come out of the fridge. Foundation glides on smoothly. And lip balms and lipsticks feel so refreshing on a hazy, hot, and humid day.

1. DON'T wear heavy eyeshadows on sweltering summer days, unless you apply a powder underneath or a good primer. Creases can develop quickly on triple H days.

2. DON'T leave makeup in the car on very hot days. You'll ruin a bag of your go-to beauty essentials, because they will melt, and very rapidly.

3. GO EASY on the makeup when you're spending a day in the sun. A decent tinted moisturizer looks polished and pretty, along with a lip balm with an SPF. And don't ever forget the sunscreen to layer on top.

4. WATERPROOF makeup can really help, too, especially, if your fun involves pools, lakes, beaches, and swimming. Waterproof mascara really works!

5. SPLASH on a fragrant body spray when you need a super, cool pick-me-up. Keep ready in the fridge at all times. We wouldn't chance a pricey fragrance sitting in the fridge, but an inexpensive body spray will work just as well.

6. POWDER...it does a girl good. Mineral makeup is a wise choice if you really want to keep away from heavier foundations and blushes. Powder your nose and try oil-blotting sheets to keep the greasies away.

Girls Go Goo-Goo Over Lady Gaga Circle Contact Lenses

Goo-goo over Gaga. We knew this would happen sooner or later.

Actually, we love what this bizarre beauty trend does to make eyes look enormous and pretty, but at what cost?

The trend has been popular for several months now, and has generated even more major buzz with Lady Gaga's new 'Bad Romance' music video. And her wide-eyed look there, might have been computer-enhanced, rather than the result of wearing circle contact lenses. (See Gaga photo).

The trend did not originate here. Wearing circle contacts is popular in Japanese anime and in high schools across South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Circle lenses are unique, in that they make the eyes appear bigger because they cover not just the iris, as regular contact lenses do, but also part of the whites.

Teenage girls and college students have been able to easily buy a batch of these colored circle contacts all over the internet illegally, for about $20-$30 a pair. This has eye experts seeing red, so to speak. And popular YouTube videos are showing up everywhere with demos on how to put these circle contacts in. Makeup artist Michelle Phan has a super how-to get the doll-like Lady Gaga look. Click here. By the way, Michelle's YouTube video has had more than 9.6 million views.

Here in the United States, it is illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription, and no major maker of contact lenses in the U.S., at the moment, is selling circle contact lenses. Doctors fear, that girls are buying lenses that have not been fitted properly, and risk eye infection, along with damaged corneas.

Are you going goo-goo over Gaga's bizarre beauty trend?? If so, please be very careful where you buy these circle contact lenses. We're not sure the doll-like look is worth the risk of injury, infection, or in some cases, blindness.

Pop These Five Pills And Stay Young Forever, Well, At Least Increase Your Odds

We know a few folks who pop lots of healthy pills each day. We are also friends with some, who only take a multi-vitamin with their orange juice. And even several others, who don't pop any pills. And we're talking about vitamins and supplements.

So who's following the correct procedure to stay beautiful on the inside?

Let's be honest.....those who are popping tons of supplements don't really look any healthier to us, than those popping zero pills.

But if you really want to replenish the beauty from inside, then here are 5 'magic' pills that will help you stay young forever. Or for a really long time.

Dr. Michael Roizen, co-author of the popular book, You: Staying Young, has the daily dose for a more beautiful you:

1. One multi-vitamin. And for maximum absorption, take half of this pill at breakfast, and the other half at dinner.

2. 600 mg. of DHA/omega-3 fatty acid, better known as a fish oil pill. Great for brain function.

3. 1,000 units of Vitamin D for bone health and a healthy heart.

4. 600 mg. of calcium for bones. Fight back against osteoporosis!

5. And 200 mg. of magnesium to get rid of the bloat and constipation that can result in taking the calcium pill.

There you go. Does it really work? Well, we know a lovely women who just turned 88-years-old. She looks darn good and she takes 4 of the pills, except for the magnesium. She's not worried about the bloating problem. And her doctor says she's in tip-top shape.

Laura Linney Shows Off Super Toned Arms And Shows You How To Get Them

Laura Linney. Not only is she a wonderful actress, but take a look at her super toned arms. Ladies, Laura Linney is 46-years-old! And there she is on the August cover of Prevention magazine.

So, how does the 3-time emmy winning beauty keep that fab, show-off, sleeveless baring body?

Through a sensible diet that does not include too much meat and a solid exercise program, Laura has been able to stay fit and show off those fab arms.

Laura explains her easy fitness tips to Prevention magazine:

1. Push-Ups. After 2 months, Laura was adding this basic and effective routine to her work-outs. And she can now do three or four sets of 12-to-15 push-ups easily.

2. Plank Pose (Yoga). We didn't even know what this one was, but check out the photo above. No, you don't have to bend your body like a pretzel to achieve this pose. Hold each plank for 30 seconds. This one targets your core muscles.

1. Begin on your hands and knees, with hands directly under shoulders, keep knees under hips. 2. Move feet back until the legs are straight and you’re balancing on your toes, feet together. 3. Keep the shoulders pulled back and down, with arms straight. 4. Don't let belly sag--contract muscles. This is the Plank Pose.

We like these 2 simple exercises. You don't need a fancy gym or expensive equipment. Patience and hard work will get you there. And your arms will thank you.

From Copper To Cherry To Auburn--Red Hair Is Celebrity Hot

Red hair. It is so beautiful and can turn all heads in a crowded room.

But here's an important Beauty Tip Today, from master colorist and celebrity stylist, Kim Vo. We asked him this:

Which head of hair poses the biggest challenges for coloring---blonde, brunette, black, or red?

Kim Vo: "The biggest challenge are reds. The red color molecule is the smallest of all colors. It's like a tropical rainstorm. It's tempest and dramatic at first and then quickly fades."

But the beautiful hair risks don't seem to be stopping sexy celebs like: Rihanna. Eva Longoria. Kristen Stewart. Christina Aguilera. They've all headed into the red zone.

And some are much bolder than the rest. Just look at beauty chameleon Rihanna. She's lovin' her cherry red do. Ah, we're not liking it, but the singer is always changing it up, is fearless when it comes to bizarre beauty trends, and she's very young. Although it hurts to do it....we are giving Rihanna the thumbs up! We can only imagine the endless trips to the salon to keep the scarlett shade fresh and strong.

Eva Longoria surprised us, when she showed up to debut a new line of refrigerators. Yeah, that's right. The Desperate Housewives star wowed her fans in a plum-colored dress with wavy auburn locks, as she launched the new LG combi fridge at the San Miguel market in Madrid, Spain.

And then there's Kristen Stewart. We're all used to seeing the young actress with raven hair. But not any longer. Kristen lightened up her hair and softened her looks, by adding some pretty copper highlights. And just in time for the important premiere for the brand new Twilight Eclipse movie in New York City last Monday night.

Always blonde Christina Aguilera, has also gone the strawberry/copper route. Not sure if hers include hair extensions. She has been busy filming Burlesque with Cher and Stanley Tucci, so it might be for her movie role.

Red hair is lots of fun and gets you tons of attention. The maintenance isn't easy, that's why your stylist will become your new BFF. Just remember, that skin tone means everything:

Kim Vo: "Skin tone is the most important factor in deciding your perfect color. It takes a professional eye to determine, but for a simple read, use the veins on your wrist. If your veins are blue, warm tones like chestnut and auburn tones are for you. If your veins are more green, caramel and golden hues will compliment you. If your veins are blue/green, then warm and cool tones can be added seamlessly. "

Everyone Smacking Lips Over New Glaceau Vitamin Schtick Lip Balm

Glaceau(the Vitamin Water drink folks) and Bonne Belle(of Lip Smacker fame) have come up with a very clever and useful little beauty product. In fact, some friends we know, are already addicted to this little tube of lip balm.

So what's the big deal about the Glaceau Vitamin Schtick Lip Balm?!

This one's got an SPF of 20, and is formulated with Vitamin E and other good stuff. So you get very nice sun protection for your lips in a yummy-scented moisturizing balm. The balm consistency is more like a gel, and thicker than your average balm. The appealing scents last on your lips, but there really isn't a flavor included, which is unfortunate.

Only $2.99 at drugstores like Walgreens. Even Urban Outfitters sells them by the register. And the Glaceau Vitamin Schtick Lip Balm comes in scents like:Kiwi Strawberry. Lemonade. Dragonfruit. Acai Blueberry Pomegranate. And Fruit Punch. How could you not want to sample a few and toss them into your makeup bag or purse?!

We all want soft, kissable lips. And believe it or not, the sun can do a number on them. Lips don't have enough melanin to protect us from the searing heat. Melanin is the natural skin pigment that filters out the strong and damaging UV rays. Lips are also thinner in skin structure, very sensitive, and lack protective oil glands. That is why you need to have a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15. An SPF of 20-30 would be best. So, Glaceau's Vitmain Schtick Lip Balm is a good one to wear while you play out in the sun

And we've talked about this before. Dermatologists are now warning women about the dangers of wearing lip gloss in the sun. Sounds crazy, but this can maybe cause skin cancer.

According to NYC dermatologist, Dr. Bruce Robinson, it's the moisture in the gloss that attracts the sun's harmful rays. "Take a magifying glass and put it over your lips." When you apply shiny lip gloss and go out into the sun, "that's essentially what you're doing."

Just don't go out under the sun with bare, naked lips. Always wear a conditioning balm. And save the gloss for after sunning.

Summer Safety: Go Easy In The Sun And Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning. We all do it, or have done it, and/or continue to do it.

And for those who really want that golden glow year round, there's the tanning bed. Unfortunately, that's where the extreme danger lies, so to speak.

We saw a very sad story today, about a lovely young woman from Texas, Jaime Regen Rea. Jaime spent her high school lunch hours at a tanning salon. She wanted to always look tanned and pretty. Her mother says Jaime spent a lot of time in the sun, but really became addicted to the tanning bed.

At age 20, she was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. And Jaime Regen Rea was dead, just 3 weeks before her 30th birthday.

Her heartbroken family has decided to honor Jaime's memory by joining in the American Academy of Dermatology's new TV and print public service advertisements. These ads aim to educate the public about the increased risk of melanoma from tanning beds and sun exposure..

This story isn't a rare one. We have spoken several times, here at Beauty Tip Today, about the dangers of too much sun exposure and the alarming statistics of young people using tanning beds.

No one needs a long lecture here, but... researchers have found that deadly skin cancer is on the rise for younger women, but not for younger men. Cases of melanoma among women have jumped some 50%, according to a study published back on July 10, 2008 by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

"It's worrying," said Mark Purdue, a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute, who led the analysis published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. "What we are seeing in young adults right now could foretell a much larger number of melanoma cases in older women." .

Have fun in the sun, but remember to do it in moderation and arm yourself with plenty of sunscreen. As far as tanning beds go, well, the statistics alone, should have you thinking twice before lying down on one.

It's best to use a self-tanning lotion. You can fake a pretty decent tan. Lindsay Lohan has a nice product she put out last year, called Sevin Nyne ($35, at Sephora). LiLo developed the unique faux tan styling mist with Lorit, an expert celebrity airbrush tanner. The product is chemical-free and smells delicious. And its made with natural products like---goji berry, chardonnay extracts, caramel, and a sugar coconut base.

Kardashian Sisters New PerfectSkin Care Line Debuts---But Do They Really Use It?!

The Kardashian sisters. Kourtney. Kim. Khloe.

Love 'em or hate 'em...the girls are running all the way to the bank. And for the fools who say the Kardashians are lazy, trust-fund babies, we have to disagree.

Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe, are three of the most financially savvy celebrity darlings we have seen in a long time.

With 2 hit reality TV shows on E, and selling products with the famous Kardashian name on them, like self-tanning lotion, diet products, fitness tapes, fragrance, jewelry, and so much more, it would make sense to eventually sell a skin care line. And that my dears, is what these three pretty sisters have now launched.

PerfectSkin is a 30-day 3-step solution for more beautiful skin. And it includes these key steps: Cleanse. Tone. Repair & Protect. And for $29.95, you, too, can have clear, healthy skin like Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe.

But do the Kardashian sisters really, truly, even use PerfectSkin on their faces?

We assume they do. At least that is what all three claimed on their recent infomercial. But just last year, Kim and Kourtney gave out some of their favorite and expensive skin care lines. And we wonder if they have since abandoned these rich girl beauty products.

Kim's fave eye cream just happens to be Creme de la Mer Concentrate, at $350 for 1.7 oz.
And Kourtney claims she doesn't really follow a strict skin care routine, but does, however, "love Peter Thomas Roth eye cream and Peter Thomas Unwrinkle Peel Pads". Both cost about $100 each.

Well, sometimes, beauty isn't cheap.

Better Make Sure Gel Manicure You're Getting Is Safe

Gel manicures.

They sure are ultra shiny and lovely. And one of our BFFs, delights in reminding us that gel manicures last longer than all the others.

No...we haven't had a gel manicure yet, and now, we're not so sure.

Our rule of thumb, so to speak:
You better make sure the gel manicure you are getting is safe.

We caught a segment this morning on Good Morning America about the safety of gel manicures and the possibility of nerve damage when things don't go right.

Gel manicures are hot and everyone seems to be requesting them in nail salons.

This is how a gel manicure is created:
"First, the technician lightly roughens your nails with a file.
Then an all-in-one gel is brushed onto your nails only, not the skin around them.
Next, the gel hardens under a UV lamp.
And the final step is simple. The technician removes any residue with a cleanser."

So, what's the big, harmful deal?

The subject in the GMA piece, Jane Ubell-Meyer, received what she thought was a real gel manicure> And what she ended up with was an excruciating pain that began at her thumb.

"Anything that touched my thumb caused an electric shock, whether it was air or water or just touching very gently. I would get an electric charge that went up my thumb, through my elbow and up to my shoulder," she says.

Jane found a neurologist who was also familiar with getting gel manicures. And Dr. Orly Avitzur figured out the problems that developed. "The two major hazards are the actual filing down process of the nail and then subsequently what the chemicals are we often don't know," she says.

More from the GMA news segment:
"Jane Ubell-Meyer said that during her manicure, the electric file slipped and scuffed up her skin. Then the technician dipped her damaged fingers in to a pot of powdered chemicals.
"And that allows the chemicals to actually seep in -- in a way that wouldn't if the skin served as a protective barrier," the doctor notes.

Avitzur said she believes that the chemicals got into the abrasion and migrated, causing nerve damage. What's worse, she said, she doesn't even know what the chemicals were, because what Ubell-Meyer got wasn't a true gel manicure.

The lesson here: Ask a lot of questions BEFORE getting a gel manicure, because this is scary stuff.

Cool Crochet Celebrity Summer Trend Adds Sexy Touch

Crochet. No...this ain't your grammy's doilies. Far from it!

Crochet is back in a big way, and now you can add some cool crochetpieces for that sexy celebrity summer trend. Check out Kate Bosworth in a TopShop Knitted Crochet Dress ($110, at topshop.com), at the Coachella Music Festival recently.

And there's Alexa Chung, very casual in an ivory crochet top with denim cut-off shorts, and a Chanel bag, which of course, catapults a very low-key ensemble into the stratosphere.

Speaking of Chanel, the design house, along with Issey Miyake showcased lots of pretty crochet fashions in their spring/summer 2010 collections.

You don't have to spend Chanel dollars for a sexy, feminine crochet style. You can add a few smart pieces to your summerwardrobe and still save $$$. Look at this cute, nautical blue/white Striped Crochet Sweater Cardigan by Forever 21 ($17.80, at stores and here.)

If you're hesitant about crochet, just remember, not to wear too much crochet all at once. And beware of big 'holes' in your crochet pieces. It might look too doily. It's best to add a crochet belt or bag as a lovely accessory to your summer style of light linens and cottons.

We think this Button Snapped Crochet Belt by Charlotte Russe is a simple, yet elegant piece, and at only $9.50, it's a steal!

We also adore this beautiful Elizabeth and James Gypsy T-strap Knit Sandal. Okay, it's a splurge, but every gal deserves a new pair of shoes! And these come in black or sand. The crochet cuties feature a fabric and suede upper, leather footbed, and leather sole. Zips up in back. Available at fine stores like Bloomingdales.Orig $225.00. On Sale $157.50.

Even Skinny Supermodels Have To Exercise And Diet After Babies

Adriana Lima. Gisele Bundchen. Even these supermodels and what you might call, genetically-gifted women, have to exercise and diet after having babies.

Sure, they are tall and slender and in their late 20's to begin with, but let's face it......no one can just sit still and watch the baby weight melt away, after giving birth. Not even Adriana and Gisele.

So, how did these two supermodels get back to 'fighting weight?' With a little this and a little that.

Let's get the beauty low-down.

Adriana, a Brazilian beauty like Gisele, says she still has 10 lbs to shed, but the new mom to a baby girl, just 7 months ago, is back modeling covers.

And even Adriana Lima is blown away by Gisele Bundchen's incredible after-baby body. "Amazing! I think she’s amazing," Adrian told People magazine. "I wish my body was in shape right away like her! I’m still not where I want to be right now but I’m working on it."

Meantime, the 28-year-old model is busy watching what she eats, and that includes an 'all-protein diet, followed by a detox diet and salads'.

"I want to lose 4 kg (about 10 lbs.)," she says. "Not because of work or not because of nothing [else] but because I want to. Also, I will continue with my workouts because I like a toned body. I like everything to be hard."

And the lady loves to box That's right. Adriana Lima keeps moving to melt away those post-baby pounds. Three times a week, Adriana got into the ring with Aerospace co-founder and former professional boxer — Michael Olajide, Jr.— to get skinny and tone up. You can check out her video here.

As far as Gisele goes, well, the photo snapped of her back to modeling, just 2 months after delivering a baby boy, tells the story. Look at the supermodel in a tiny bikini in a photo shoot for Calzedonia(above). Incredibly toned and slender! And probably back to her size 4 figure.

But Gisele Bundchen was very active before, during, and now after her first pregnancy.

Her secret? Water resistance. Working out in a pool. It's called the Brazilian Body Surf program, and Gisele was reportedly doing the surf during her pregnancy.

According to the website Equinox, it's a combination of cardiovascular and muscle conditioning drills taught using water resistance.

Gisele's personal trainer is Leandro Carvalho. And he told the Boston Herald, that Gisele was active to begin with, which can only help a woman's body bounce back from pregnancy. She was in "very, very" good shape throughout her pregnancy, in part due to the "very athletic" workouts, which he believes are super for muscle tone.

The supermodel also does yoga and meditation, which served her well during the labor and birthing process.

Poor Kate Plus Eight Criticized For Botox Gone Bad

Kate Gosselin, the mom to 8 adorable children, just can't seem to buy a break.

Take a look at the photos provided by Us magazine. That's old Kate on the left, with her signature, much-hated hair-do. On the right, there's new Kate with pretty blonde hair extensions, much smoother skin, and oh yeah, some alleged Botox gone bad!

Shame on Us magazine for dishing on the reality television star, when so many, many actresses all submit to the stings of a Botox needle to arrest a few lines, crow's feet, and wrinkles.

Us magazine brought in some big guns, or experts, to tattle-tale on the poor woman's alleged Botox results. Believe us, Kate Gosselin wouldn't be the first TV persona to get a make-over with Botox, and certainly won't be the last. There are quite a number of actresses who sometimes don't get the Botox injections perfectly mapped out across their foreheads. Hmmm. Does the name Nicole Kidman ring a Botox bell?! Or The Nightly News' Katie Couric?!

Big deal. Botox doesn't last forever. It irons out lines and wrinkles for about 3-4 months. And it gradually relaxes, so Kate Gosselin doesn't have to worry, and she can always return to a dermatologist to balance out the Dr. Spock raised eyebrows if she wants.

Here's what Us magazine caused such an uproar about:

"Kate Gosselin had oddly spiked eyebrows and a noticeably smoother face as she ran errands in Pennsylvania on Monday.The reason? After comparing before and after photos (left), plastic surgeons tell UsMagazine.com. the reality mom, 35, had botox treatments gone wrong.

"She looked much better in the earlier photo: great hair, nice smile and a normal brow position," says Dr. Michael Olding, the chief of The George Washington University's division of plastic surgery. In the "after" photo, she "has the typical appearance of Dysport or Botox poorly placed in the space between the brows where frown lines occur," adds Olding. But because Gosselin didn't have any injectables put in her forehead, "the lateral part of her brow is elevated in an abnormally high position, which my patients refer to as McDonald's arches!"

Maybe so, but why are the tabloids cutting the woman down every chance they can?! We think Kate Gosselin was a good candidate for a little Botox treatment. She had deep 11 (eleven) marks between her eyebrows. And we think her skin looks smooth and clear now.

Botox cosmetic still remains the number 1 injectable in the country. And celebrity super derm Frederick Brandt, says it's great stuff:
“Botox cosmetic has revolutionized our field,” Dr. Brandt says. “Botox is easy to administer, safe and effective, and not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but also has the effect of preventing the future formation of wrinkles and fine lines if used appropriately.”

Get Skin To Sparkle Again With Microdermabrasion Polishing Cream

Beautiful skin. If you think you can just splash water on your face every day and keep your complexion clear and healthy, well, you are mistaken.

And as you get older, your skin needs to keep moving, so to speak. And that is where exoliation or scrubbing away the old, dead skin cells, becomes a key step in your daily beauty routine.

Today, we are looking at microdermabrasion cream, and how a little scrubbing action gets your skin to sparkle again! Yes, it feels like you are almost washing your face with liquid sandpaper, but in a luxurious way.

Sure, microdermabrasion done in an office by a dermatologist, can cost you hundreds, and you'll walk away with very smooth and radiant skin. But you can also mimic a visit to the derm, by picking up some microdermabrasion creams to use at home to achieve similar flawless results.

We have two great polishing creams for you to try. One is high end, Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion at $75 for 1.7 oz. You will love this exfoliating face cream by this celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Brandt.

His microdermabrasion cream is made with,"pharmaceutical grade magnesium oxide crystals and lactic acid polishes away dead skin cells and revives dull skin. It softens and visibly smoothes skin's texture leaving your skin radiant. It also increases the penetration of other treatment products and treats keratosis pilaris (tiny red bumps in back of arms).

On the budget-saving end, we also have a wonderful product by Platinum Skin Care, called Diamond Dermabrasion Polishing Cream at $21.95 for a 2 0z. jar.

This exfoliating cream is also formulated with lactic acid for hydrating the skin. And it contains, "a high % of multiple sized quartz and diamond crystals for exceptional exfoliating. It is excellent for all skin types......This product will keep the skin smooth and radiant. Ideal for the face, neck, hands and body. The results are great and can be seen immediately."

Simply wet your face. Apply a small amount of polishing cream to a clean face. Massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Avoid eye area. Rinse thoroughly and apply moisturizer sunscreen.

Trust us. You face will feel as soft as a baby's behind and give off a pink, healthy glow. The benefits are worth it.

Do Homework Before Choosing Doctor For Laser Hair Removal

A laser can do remarkable things for your skin. The high technology today, can zap wrinkles, acne scars, facial lines, age spots, sun damage, and more.

And since it's now summer, there is also popular laser hair removal. Women get so tired of shaving, waxing, threading, plucking, and using depilatories to get rid of unwanted hair in unwanted places.

Today, we are looking at armpits. Not the most pleasant subject to bring up, but from the research we've been doing for the past couple of days, the Beauty Tip Today is this:

Do your homework BEFORE choosing a doctor for laser hair removal.

Why? Very simple. Take a look at the photo of Monica Jimenez of Miami. She has hired an attorney to handle a case involving second and third degree burns received during a recent laser hair removal procedure.

It's almost painful to see the skin damage done to this woman's armpits.

"Ms. Jimenez says she experienced a burning sensation instantly during the laser hair removal process," says her attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, in a press release. "It's clear Dr. Cabrera didn't ensure protocol was followed and did not provide an acceptable standard level of care -- something all health care providers are required to do."

Attorney Aronfeld goes on to claim that neither Dr. Cabrera nor the person performing the laser procedure recognized the fact that the laser was burning the patient's skin continuously, and that she needed immediate medical attention.

We can't imagine the pain in such a sensitive area like one's armpits. But Monica Jimenez can tell you what it felt like:
"It felt literally like fire was under my armpits," Jimenez declares in a YouTube video. "Somebody got a torch and lit fire."

In her medical negligence lawsuit, Miss Jimenez is seeking personal injury damages totaling more than $15,000. It now appears that the person who performed the laser procedure might not have been licensed.

So here's the lesson: Make sure the dermatologist and the technician are licensed to do so. And if you feel burning during a laser hair removal procedure, stop, and head to an emergency room.

Lasers often feel like someone is snapping your skin with a rubber band. The discomfort should not feel like a burning.

British Blast Megan Fox For Alleged Overdone Plastic Surgery at Jonah Hex Premiere

Megan Fox. She is considered by many, to be one of Hollywood's hottest beauties. But at the young age of 24, has the sexy starlet

OD'ed on plastic surgery?!

Megan Fox appeared in London last Thursday, for the premiere of the new movie, Jonah Hex.

We think she looks amazing, but boy oh boy, the British press had a field day, knocking the dark-haired actress.

BumpShack.com noted that Megan Fox “looked like a complete Botox-ed mess.” It added: What the heck did Megan do to her face?

Megan had a robot expression. She could barely smile and her face was smooth and completely disfigured. Megan is a beautiful girl, so why would she disfigure her face at the tender age of 24?”

Britain’s The Sun said Fox showed cosmetic signs of Botox, fillers and breast implants. She had “utterly smooth, mask-like features. The 24-year-old’s appearance sparked speculation she has had Botox, while a slight trout pout suggested collagen lip jabs. … Fans were also stunned as the once-curvy natural beauty’s plunging neckline showed off a rigid, gravity-defying bust.”

The only thing we see unnatural about Megan Fox are her allegedly, overly-inflated lips. We don't believe that's simply lots of collagen, although we hope it is. We think that is possibly the result of lip implant surgery, where the lips are cut and a synthetic lip implant strip is inserted before the cuts are stitched together.

So, what plastic surgery procedures has young Megan Fox undergone?

The experts have concluded, although they are only guessing, that Megan has had a nose job and lip enlargements, and perhaps cheek and breast implants, too.

If this were true, at age 24, are all these procedures necessary, even for a Hollywood starlet who is constantly pressured to appear perfect?!

Pink Lady by Milani Painting Nails Pretty For Summer

Pink. You either love it or you hate it. And when it comes to hazy, lazy summer days ahead, it's the go-to shade for making pretty nails and toe nails.

Today is the first day of summer 2010. Finally!

And we thought we'd talk a closer look at Milani's Pink Lady (#08). We love this nail polish and it's only $4.49 a bottle. And it wears well.

Ladies, you can have your Chanel Jades and your Avatar blue/green nails and any other neon orange shade tossed in there, but when it comes to classics, well, you can't beat a simple, soft pink pair of colored nails or toe nails.

Milani's Pink Lady nail lacquer is also described as Cotton Candy Pink. However, this is not a tacky, carnival pink shade, as you might assume. This is soft, glossy, and a classic pink nail color. And the shade works well with all skin tones, we might add.

As you can tell by the photo, we are no photographer. Sometimes, we can 'nail' the shot, so to speak, but you get the idea here. It looks like a strawberry shake.

Sexy Summer Celebrity Trend: Fedora Once Again Hat Of Choice

Fedora. It never seems to go out of style. And once again, it is the sexy, summer celebrity trend. Check out gorgeous 'Dancing with the Stars' champion Nicole Scherzinger wearing the fedora so beautifully in natural.

And she's not the only Hollywood hottie donning this classic hat. There are a string of them: Katherine Heigl in plaid (photo3), Hayden Panettiere in black (photo4). And we've also seen the fedora recently on Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus, Ashlee Simpson, Katy Perry, Lindsay Lohan, and Rachel Bilson, just to name a few.

The fedora looks glamorous on everyone. Although, usually for celebrities, the hat is also a clever cover-up. Toss on a pair of big sunglasses, and, well, you're almost going incognito. You can dress the fedora up or down, and it always looks right.

And forget about spending hundreds for such a cool hat. we found a super cute fedora from the 15dollarstore. It's gorgeous and really rich-looking. And for $15, you can't beat it! Check it out in our top photo!

We are attracted to the Dorfman Pacific Co. woven fedora in natural. It looks similar to the one Nicole Scherzinger's wearing. The hat is made with a breathable woven paper. The crown is trimmed with a tie-like band with contrast stitching. There is a 1 1/2” stingy brim. The inner crown is lined with a solid matching tie ribbon. Retails for $42. And also comes in black and sand.

Don't be afraid to try on the fedora. As you can see, it looks sexy and classic on all face shapes and hairstyles. And if you're having a bad hair day, well, the fedora makes a great cover-up, even for a non-celebrity.

Mariah Expands Fragrance Collection With New Lollipop Bling Trio

Lollipop Bling. We like it already, Miss Mariah.

The 40-year-old songstress has just announced a trio of new fragrances to add to her already very popular line of scents. And why the name, Lollipop Bling??

Mariah says it all has to do with the way her engagement with Nick Cannon went down. "The inspiration for Lollipop Bling was Nick’s marriage proposal to me," she says in a press release. "He first surprised me with a ring-pop — romantic, fun and young-at-heart — like me!"

We love it! And clever Nick Cannon even sugar-coated the deal on the couple’s second anniversary last month, by presenting his sexy bride with a custom-designed ring-pop sparkler encrusted with white diamonds and pink sapphires. OMG!!

The ever-so-sweet Lollipop Bling trio will be introduced in July through a partnership with Elizabeth Arden and Topps Candy Company.

We love M by Mariah, one of her older scents in the purple bottle. It's sweet like cotton candy but in a subtle, light way. We are really curious what her new trio of scents will smell like. But how could you miss with these from her Lollipop Bling collection?! Honey, a tropical pineapple infusion. Ribbon, Blue raspberry. And Mine Again, including notes of chocolate and raspberry. Yum!!

Mariah Carey will also continue her signature fragrance bottles with the butterfly tops. Each new Lollipop Bling fragrance will sell for $35, 1 oz.

Meantime, Mariah and Nick are a fun, loving couple. And we hear that twins are on the way for the talented two. The National Enquirer rarely gets it wrong. So, we wish them all the best with their double bundle of joy!!

Beauty Shopping For Drugstore Deals: One Day Left!

Beauty shopping. Makeup. Skin care. Hair styling products, and more. You know exactly what you want. And you also know how high these essential beauty items can cost.

We're all looking to save a few $$bucks$$ here and there. And if you're hunting for that certain L'Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline brand and so forth, well, you have through tomorrow, June 19th, to still pick up these super beauty deals, all at your local drug and department stores!!!

So let's shop, beauties:

CVS. L'Oreal: 30% off on foundation, powder, concealer , or blush with CVS card.

Olay: Extra CVS $6 savings when you purchase Olay Regenerist anti-aging eye roller. Get out your handy CVS card.

Nivea: $3 extra CVS bucks when you buy Sun Kissed Beautiful legs or moisturizer with CVS card. Love this subtle tinted moisturizer.

Rite Aid. Almay: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all cosmetics

Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all cosmetics. Double your fun! So many products to choose from.

Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all Natural Beauty makeup, lip products, or Sally beauty tools with your Rite Aid card.

Walgreens. CoverGirl: Blast cosmetics on sale at $7.49. Gotta love the Blast, baby.
Neutrogena: 25% off skin care.

Target: TRESemme: 11 oz. Extra Hold hair spray aerosol can now at $3.34. Two friends of ours swear by this hairspray.

Happy shopping!