Thursday, September 23, 2010

Serena Williams Loves OPI And Essie Nail Polishes




Serena Williams, the number 1 tennis player in the world, has a super backhand. But have you ever noticed her super nails?!

We had no idea, that Serena was so into nails. In fact, the tennis great is almost a certified nail technician in the state of Florida. No kidding.

In her Global Grind blog, Serena wrote all about her passion for nails:
...."No one likes getting their nails done more than I do. As a matter of fact I go every four days to get a manicure and every seven days for a pedicure. So, I had a brilliant idea to get certified to be a nail tech."

"Besides the fact that I am coming out with a nail collection from a company called HairTech, I thought 'Serena, this is a no-brainer'. Immediately after I came home from the Australian Open I researched some schools and enrolled in a course that allowed me to complete 240 hours... The night before my class I made sure I had all my tools, books and gear organized."

Don't think it's so easy becoming a nail tech, especially when you play tennis for a living and don't have a lot of time to spare. Serena has had to paint plenty of nails. "You need to do 240 hours---25 manicures, 40 acrylics, 20 pedicures," she explains in the August issue of Vogue magazine.

Here are Serena Williams' top ranked nail polish shades:
1. O.P.I. Vodka & Caviar. An elegant, rich crimson shade.
2. Essie Russian Roulette. A classic bright red with orange undertones.

The only nail shade Serena won't wear is blue, not flattering on her skin, she says.

Congrats to the world's most famous nail tech!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

NY Fashion Week Trend: Gap-Toothed Smiles Were Center Stage

Model Lauren Hutton made gap-toothed smiles a rare and striking look back in the 1970s. And apparently, the hot trend at the moment, is a not-so-perfect smile, recently noted at NY Fashion Week.

Yes, this is for real. In fact, designers were seeking the space-between-the-teeth as a most coveted attribute for the runway. Even the well-respected and serious Wall Street Journal devoted an entire article on the glory of the gap:

"I think people want to see something different, something off," says casting director Natalie Joos, who chose such models for the runway shows of Lacoste and Cynthia Steffe this season.

And gap-toothed beauties, like curvy model Lara Stone are also hitting the fashion mags. Take a look at Lara, her ample bosom, and her signature smile on the stunning October cover of French Vogue's 90th anniversay issue. OMG!

In addition, Lara Stone at the young age of 26, is the face of Calvin Klein and was labeled "girl of the year" by Vogue U.K in 2009. And take a peek in this year's September issue---there's Lara beaming with her imperfect smile, in a 12-page editorial spread, her gapped front teeth on display in every single photo.

Celebrities like Madonna, Lauren Hutton, Vanessa Paradis, and Anna Paquin, are just a few lovely ladies who also refuse to fill up that natural space, that trendy gap.

We have to wonder, has the often snobby world of fashion and beauty, done an about-face, so to speak, and signaled to the masses, that absolute perfection is out of style?

We hope so. At the moment, anyway, a natural, physical flaw can seem like a good thing. "It's a love for the imperfect, and the authentic," says Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W magazine tells WSJ. "These are values that are more and more important for younger generations. Originality, authenticity…in a world that is more and more digitally enhanced."

And we thought that Invisalign braces were such a cool invention. You can kiss the orthodontist goodbye, for now.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Stephanie Seymour's Supermodel Beauty Tip: Epsom Salt


Stephanie Seymour. Her name and face have been in the news these days, so we thought we would take a look at the former supermodel and her super beauty tip involving Epsom salt.

We say, "Don't knock it, 'til you've tried it."

If anyone needs a long, hot bath, to soothe frazzled nerves and muscles, well, it's probably Stephanie Seymour. What was expected to feature a nasty, ugly divorce court battle with three children and $500 million at stake, has apparently, disappeared. In other words, Stephanie Seymour and billionaire husband Peter Brant have decided to stay together. The bitter divorce battle has been called off.

So, let's get down to beauty talk. The 41-year-old sexy mom and former Sports Illustrated hottie still looks fab in a bikini. That's she in a yellow one last March in St. Bart's.

Here's an interesting and inexpensive beauty tip today by Stephanie Seymour:

"Always keep at least two half-gallon containers of Epsom Salts in the house. They're only a couple of dollars each, and they're great to pour in the tub when our muscles ache. Or use the stuff the way the great spas do -- for exfoliation. Just take big handfuls and scrub your body," Stephanie told Cosmopolitan magazine.

Yeah. No kidding. Now, what exactly is Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound in crystal form, containing magnesium and sulfate. The crystals are formed from evaporated brine pools in the earths crust.

And Epsom salt really does a body good, according to the Epsom Salt Industry Council. Yes, there really is such an organization:

You can soak in it to soften skin and use it as a scrub to exfoliate rough patches. You can also soak in it to reduce the swelling and inflammation of body aches and pains.

"Soaking in warm water and two cups of Epsom Salt is all you need after a tough workout or a hard day," says Lori Katz, President of the non-profit Epsom Salt Industry Council based in Nutley and East Rutherford, N. J.
"Super- model Stephanie Seymour can use anything in the world for exfoliation and aches, yet she sticks with the basics and uses Epsom Salt."

Check out the Epsom Salt Industry Council for more super beauty recipes for healthy skin.

Monday, September 20, 2010

New Study Proves Moisturizer Alone Can Slow-www Down Wrinkles

Ladies, one simple step in your skin care routine can save your face in the long run. Moisturizer. Yes. A simple moisturizer can prevent wrinkles.

Don't believe us? Well, maybe you will be impressed by this---an 8-year study by the respected British Journal of Dermatology did the research. In the study, photos of more than 100 hundred women's faces, between the ages of 10 and 72, were taken. And more importantly, the moisture of their skin was measured at the beginning and end of the 8-year study. The findings were recently published in the journal.

The results found that women with the highest levels of moisture, developed 30% fewer wrinkles than those with a drier complexion.

That's quite amazing to us. But those with dry skin, should especially heed the information coming from the research. Dry skin is more fragile than that of oily skin. A parched complexion has a tougher time trying to 'rebound' from repetitive facial expressions, experts says. So, this skin type needs extra TLC.

In other words, under the normal aging process, dry skin more than doubles the speed at which wrinkles develop, the study claims.

A typical 28-year-old woman with dry skin will have 52 percent more lines by the time she reaches 36. But if her skin is well hydrated the wrinkles would increase by just 22 percent at age 36, researchers

Let's face it....we all age, and yes, we all sag and wrinkle over time. But if applying a simple moisturizer with an SPF in the morning, and again at night, can give you less wrinkles, then why wouldn't you just do it?!

Our Beauty Tip Today: Daily use of a moisturizer can help cut wrinkles significantly.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Women Need More Protein In Diet To Stay Skinny




It's a simple known fact: Women don't get enough protein in their diets.

And for those of you counting calories, day in and day out, you know that most proteins pack on a few more calories than fruits and veggies will. So.......many women drop the protein because they think it's more fattening.

But today, we're telling you to enjoy some protein, because the experts tells us, you need it in your diet to stay skinny.

We saw a great article in the October issue of Women's Health magazine. And we have learned that protein = weight loss and your key to staying skinny:

"The moment it leaves your fork, protein starts winnowing your waistline. High protein foods take more work to digest, metabolize, and use, which means you burn more calories processing them."

And when you consume protein foods, they take a longer time to leave your belly, so you feel full sooner, and for a longer time.

Women's Health gave a great list of Protein to Go!. These are super portable options:
1. Jerky. 1 ounce = 9.4 grams. Try beef or turkey.
2. Roasted Soy Nuts. 1/4 cup = 9.4 grams.
3. Protein Powder. 4 1/2 Tbsp. scoop = 16 grams. Mix with water.
4. Energy Bars. 1 bar = 10-12 grams.
5. Hard-boiled Eggs. 1 egg = 6 grams.
6. String Cheese. 1 stick = 8 grams.

These are all yummy snacks, and should hold you over until your next meal.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen Getting Dissed For Style And Attitude




Some people think that Taylor Momsen, one of the stars of television's Gossip Girl, dresses trashy. Her trademark heavily-rimmed raccoon eyes, visible garter straps and sheer black thigh highs are part of her uniform naughty girl look.

The E! channel's Joan Rivers and company recently laughed at Taylor's ensemble in an episode of its new weekly Fashion Police show, remarking that one couldn't tell the difference between the outfit of a prostitute and one worn by Taylor Momsen. Ouch!!

So what?! Taylor Momsen doesn't care what you really think. The blonde-haired beauty admits that ,"I dress like a 'high-class hooker.' That's what she recently told Spin magazine.

"I dress for myself," Taylor explains. "Clearly, it's provocative, but it makes me feel good. And if the only reason it makes someone uncomfortable is because I'm 17, then that person's a scumbag because it shouldn't matter."

She also blasted the rock-and-roll look, remarking, "People think pop is rock, and the lines are getting blurred. Now Rihanna's wearing f...in' leather jackets, and it's really annoying." The Gossip Girl actress also fronts a band.

Project Runway's Tim Gunn recently shot a guest spot as himself on the fourth episode of this season's Gossip Girl. And he found 17-year-old actress Taylor Momsen to be "sad" and "pathetic." Thank goodness that Tim Gunn didn't pick on Taylor's style. We're sure, he would not be at a loss for words. Instead, he spoke about the actress' attitude.

"What a diva!" he told E! News. "She was pathetic, she couldn't remember her lines, and she didn't even have that many. I thought to myself 'why are we all being held hostage by this brat?"

Call her what you will, but young Taylor Momsen is laughing all the way to the bank. Madonna is happy to have Taylor as the face of her daughter Lourdes' new fashion line, 'Material Girl.'

And it doesn't stop there. Oh, no! Taylor Momsen has also been named as the face of John Galliano's new perfume, Women's Wear Daily reports. The scent is sent to launch this fall.

Does girlfriend need a stylist, and fast? Is it hooker chic or hooker shriek? Or are folks just too harsh on the young, attractive actress?

What do you think?

Friday, September 17, 2010

Snooki Ditches Pouf For Big Girl Bangs: Beauty Trend For Fall 2010


























Even the Jersey Shore's pint-sized cutie is riding the beauty trend for fall 2010:

Blunt bangs. And Snooki's got some, too. The reality star flattened her trademark pouf for a new sleek style with some pretty blunt bangs. Yes, bangs are still hot and rockin' for fall 2010. Blunt bangs were on the runway at Lanvin. And celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Lea Michele, and Kim Kardashian have been toying with bangs, as of late. Kim says hers are clip-ons. And we know that Snooki's bangs are the real deal.

Snooki's stylist Antonio Rosa, owner of Senses New York Salon & Spa tells UsMagazine.com, that the dark-haired MTV-star was a bit hesitant at first:

"She hadn't done bangs since she was a child," says Rosa. "She was very, very nervous, but she loved them. She said she hoped she could get used to it. We changed her color to her natural color and added some blonde highlights on the side. She actually has amazing hair, and we used all organic coloring. It took about five hours.".

We think Snooki looks chic and modern, and all-grown-up, which was the main reason to ditch the pouf, at least for a while:

"It’s definitely a new look, but I think it’s a good look that suits me," Snooki tells People magazine. "I want to look more mature. The pouf—I’ve been wearing it since I was 16, so why not switch it up?"

Who else will join the blunt bang bandwagon this fall 2010?!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Jewel Sings On AGT Last Night With New Brighter Straighter Smile


Jewel sang a duet with 'America's Got Talent' newly crowned winner Michael Grimm at last night's finale. The singer looked and sounded quite beautiful. And did anyone else notice this----Jewel has a new, brighter, straighter smile!

Does Jewel have lumineers? Did she wear invisible braces a year ago? Did she have her teeth capped? Did she simply have her smile cosmetically whitened?

Hard to tell. Take a look at the wonderful duet here on YouTube. What do you think? All we know, is that your smile and teeth do matter.

Jewel has always been recognized for her good looks and natural beauty. But the pretty blonde talent had also been criticized for years, for not fixing her snaggle tooth and not getting the typical Hollywood set of perfect, fake, dazzling white teeth.

The so-called snaggle tooth is located in the upper right mouth, third tooth in.

Her smile today, looks so much lovelier. And according to the research we dug up, Jewel actually did a couple of small, conservative procedures to her teeth:

This from In Your Face by the Orange County Register:
"Cosmetic dentist Dr. Veda Faith Afsahi of Fountain Valley says Jewel did not actually straighten her teeth. Instead, Afsahi said, she apparently had a “very conservative treatment” that makes the teeth look straighter.

Here’s what Afsahi thinks Jewel has done:
She definitely whitened her teeth and placed a porcelain veneer/crown over the very crooked tooth on the left of the picture. She then “cosmetically contoured” (shaped the edges) of the other surrounding teeth."

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Fishtail Braids Fab At NY Fashion Week And We Show You How

Fishtail braids are one of the top new trends. We saw plenty of braided beauties on the runway at NY Fashion Week for Spring 2011.

The photo we have here, shows a soft fishtail side braid by stylist Nicholas K.. It looks like herringbone, which we have seen on many a fabric. And it is very 'mermaid'-shaped in its design at the bottom.

And celebrities like Leona Lewis were already showing off messy, loose, sexy fishtails late this summer.

Fishtail braids are a bit different from the 'regular' braids we have all come to love. Instead of dividing the ponytail into 3 sections, the fishtail braid is made with 2 sections of hair.

We know......fishtail braiding looks difficult and very intricate, but you don't have to be a pro to make one.

Don't worry! We've hunted down a good 'how to fishtail braid' on YouTube.

We also found a simple fishtail braid how-to written description with good illustrations here.

All you need is length in hair, and if you don't have that, you can always try extensions. The fishtail braid can be done to curly hair, too, as the YouTube demo clearly shows.

We like fishtail braids, and we are a decent french braid plaiter, so we think we could master this new trend in no time.

What do you think? Would you wear fishtail braids?

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

How To Wear Shorts In Fall And Steal The Look For Less














Denim cut-offs with black tights. That is the hot fall trend, now that cooler temps are in the air.

You've seen lots of celebrities enjoying this sexy look, like Katie Holmes and Nicole Richie.

Now you can show off your legs without wearing a skirt. It's a fun look and one that you can steal for less! For much less, ladies. Just look at the denim shorts we found for you at Forever21.com.

You can wear cut-offs or cuffed denim shorts and the look is modern and edgy.

1. Lina Cuffed Denim Shorts at Forever 21 ($19.80).
2. Denim Braided Cut-offs at Forever 21 (on sale now $9.99).
3. Cuffed Premium Denim Shorts at Forever 21 ($14.80).

All you need to finish the look, is a pair of black tights or patterned ones or sheer black tights. Pair those with a boyfriend blazer and black high-heeled booties, and you're good to go this fall!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Is Botox Ever Okay Before Age 30: Kim Kardashian Does It

There is Kim Kardashian getting Botox injections on last night's episode of 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians.'

The reality star beauty is just shy of age 30. Kim celebrates her birthday on October 21.

Kim lay still, as the sting of the Botox needle sprinkled shots around her barely-there crow's feet. Younger sister, Khloe watched and winced as Kim remained calm and scolded her sister that she could take the discomfort:

"I can handle it, I have a high threshold of pain," Kim says. “All of my friends do it with no numbing cream."

Really? All her girlfriends already submitting to the needle? We think Kim Kardashian is probably no stranger to the number one cosmetic injectable, and this season's reality television show appears heavily scripted.

Botox cosmetic before age 30? Sure. There is nothing outrageous about that. And some young women really could use some of the temporary wrinkle smoother after damaging their skin from too much sun, tanning beds, excessive smoking and drinking.

Most decent and honorable dermatologists would not inject Botox into the faces of women under 20, except in special cases.

Looking at Kim Kardashian, she doesn't appear to need any Botox at age 29. And during Sunday evening's episode, we noticed the derm was only injecting into the crow's feet, and not the forehead.

So, is Botox ever okay before age 30? Yes. It can be used as a preventative measure. And to be fair.....Kim K. is almost 30, about a month away.

We dug up a little research from one derm:

"Generally the 30s is when you start to see things forming," says Dr. Ian Landells, Director of The Landells Clinic of Cosmetic Dermatology in St. John's, Newfoundland.
"You get a little bit of pigmentation, you get fine lines...you start to develop dark circles under your lower lids." This is the best time to start thinking about wrinkle prevention.
.

And we found another derm who explains the value of 'early' Botox injections:

"Botox is a preventative treatment, says Dr. Paul Cohen, consultant dermatologist at Toronto's Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre. "It works very well on young women (by preventing) repeated muscle contractions that lead to wrinkles."

And get this: we also read in a People magazine article that, "Celebrity doctors in Los Angeles and New York City estimate that, based on their experience, as many as 75 percent of stars over the age of 35 get (Botox) injected.

The pressure to stay beautiful and wrinkle-free, especially in Hollywood, means getting a little help from the sting of the Botox needle. And younger celebrities like Kim Kardashian feel the pressure to be perfect, so much stronger these days.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Size 12 Crystal Renn Walks Runway For Zac Posen And Wows Crowd


Crystal Renn, a plus-size model wearing a 12, made important beauty/fashion news last night:

The curvy brunette at 23-years-old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, bra 38C, waist 30, hips 42, and eyes brown, walked the NYC runway for designer Zac Posen’s Z Spoke line.

Crystal Renn has scored a major victory, not only for plus-size models in the business, but for plus-size women everywhere. Think about it....the average woman wears a size 14.

Last night, designer Zac Posen showed the world another image---that beautiful women can wear beautiful fashion. Look at Crystal in Posen's flirty yellow number.

Crystal Renn is on cloud 9 following last evening's runway show. She spoke with People magazine:

"I’m freaking out. Zac is one of the ones you want. Zac, Calvin and Marc are the big three. I booked one of my three."

The young designer dresses lots of Hollywood beauties for the red carpet, including the very curvy Christina Hendricks of 'Mad Men.'.

"I got to know [Zac] and to hear him talk about it he gets a woman," Crystal Renn says. "He wants women to be able to fit [into] them and to be able to buy them. They’re making the clothes for my size and everything. This is how fashion should be.".

The plus-size model used to starve herself a few years ago, when she started out as a 'normal-size' model. According to an article in the New York Times...." It was not until Ms. Renn acknowledged an eating disorder six years ago and began to eat normally that her career took off as a plus-size model. While she embraces that label, she also sees it as a means of changing expectations among designers and magazines — and even the public — that models have to look a certain way."

It will be interesting to see how many designers follow suit, by including more plus-size models in their runway shows. In the world of high fashion, gaining a few pounds has always been a big no-no. Crystal Renn is hoping to change all that, one runway show at a time.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Madonna, Naomi, and Eva Longoria All Adore Oxygen Skin Treatments

We suppose you could call this hot celebrity beauty treatment, oyygen therapy.
And this little bottle of magic from Australia is called, Intraceuticals Opulence Brightening Serum(the newest product in the line-up). The 'Big O' is involved. No, not that one. We're talking about oxygen for the skin
.
Madonna, Naomi, Eva Longoria Parker, along with a bunch of models and celebrities, all adore this skin care treatment. And Gina Brooke should know. The makeup artist to the stars turned these lovely ladies on to Intraceuticals Oxygen Skin Treatments.

According to what we learned, the makeup artist believes in skin preparation for a good reason, as she tells style.com:

"No matter how expensive your makeup is, if you don't prep your skin properly, it's not going to look good," Gina Brooke says.

That is why she uses Intraceuticals Oxygen Skin Treatments on her celebrity clients before she blends in foundation and other makeup. It makes a difference and her A-list clients have fallen in love with the treatments.

So, what's in a bottle of Intraceuticals? Lots of fine ingredients blended with aloe, green tea extract, Vitamins A, C, and E, and hyaluronic acid infused with oxygen. The oxygen is designed to allow the treatment to penetrate deeply into the skin.

To learn more, visit the Intraceuticals website here.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Two Better Nail Polish Removers That Take It All Off

Maybe that bright pink polish your toes have been rockin' for the last days of summer has to go. Or maybe like one of our girlfriends, you change your nail polish at least two times a week, because you can't wait to try all the new nail shades that have just come out. Either way, you want to get rid of the old polish quickly and effortlessly.

You're tired of removers that bleed the old nail polish all over your fingers as you attempt to rub it off. Or the kind that leave you with stinky, dry, brittle nails.

We have another way.....We have found two better nail polish removers to try. And these two babies, 'take it all off.'. One is cheap, and the other is more expensive:The Stripper by Deborah Lippmann ($16, at fine dept. stores like Nordstrom's). Wonderfully lavender-scented. Finally, a nail polish remover that doesn't reek of awful chemical fumes. And The Stripper is kind and gentle to your nails. It's blended with nourishing ingredients like aloe. And it takes the old pink toe nail polish off in a flash, ladies. Cuticles are left soft and healthy.

Sephora Nails Nail Polish Remover ($4, at Sephora.com). Inexpensive, but it, too, attacks even the most stubborn nail polish and removes it quickly. Nails is made with a hydrating formula in Vitamin E and Macadamia oil. Plus, it's acetone-free, and helps to strengthen nails.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Gisele Bundchen Back On NYC Runway In Fashion's Night Out Show


Great to have Gisele Bundchen back on the runway, leading the pack at New York City's 'Fashion Night Out.' outside beautiful Lincoln Center.

Last night marked the largest public runway show in NYC history! What an evening for the fans and fashionistas. Supermodels like Naomi and Adriana joined Gisele and lots of other models for a gorgeous parade of fashion with more than 170 looks.

The 30-year-old Gisele was back in supermodel form, which usually means a very slender size 4 on top of skyscraper legs. The new mom, whose baby boy, Benjamin just turned 9 months, was elated to be back out on the runway in front of so many cheering fans.

So, who was there? Plenty of famous designers and celebrities, of course: Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Bar Refaeli, Vera Wang, Roger Federer, Leighton Meester, Diane Von Furstenberg, Karolina Kurkova, Alessandra Ambrosio, Serena Williams, Ashley Tisdale, Blake Lively, and many others in a sea of some 1,500 spectators.

The much-publicized event was staged to get folks out everywhere, to go shopping in an otherwise, lukewarm economy. Last evening's runway extravaganza was a prelude to the Second Annual Fashion's Night Out which takes place tomorrow, September 10th in NYC. More than 100 events are scheduled to show off fall's fashion trends, and to spur shopping and tourism.

Fashion’s Night Out will extend to NYC's 5 boroughs and far beyond, and include international cities like London, Paris, Milan, Moscow, Berlin, Madrid, Athens, São Paolo, New Delhi, Taipei, Tokyo and Beijing.

To learn more, click here.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Our Beauty Tip Today From Celebrity Makeup Artist Kristofer Buckle

Our Beauty Tip Today is a simple one. Powder.

We could all use a good one. And celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle has the perfect loose face powder. And oh yeah.....it's a drugstore find.

Kristofer Buckle is a super makeup artist. He has worked with many A-list beauties---like Christina Aguilera. Mariah. Madonna. Blake Lively. Mary J. Blige. And the famous list goes on and on.Kristopher's favorite: Coty Airspun Face Powder in Translucent ($7.19, at local drugstores).

What's so wonderful about Coty's powder?

"It goes on incredibly evenly and easily; it's always been one of the best-textured translucent powders on the market," Kristofer Buckle tells Good Housekeeping in the Sept. 2010 issue).

And we believe him. If the powder is good enough for Christina and Mariah and all his girls, then it's a great beauty find!

Do you really need a loose face powder? Yes. It completes the steps to your makeup routine. It 'sets' your foundation. It knocks down an oily complexion and shine that can build up during the day. And it allows your skin to appear polished and flawless.

Thanks for our Beauty Tip Today, Kristofer Buckle.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Good Housekeeping Tests 90 Products For Best Anti-Aging Awards







Thank you, Good Housekeeping.
The popular women's magazine has just come out with its first (2010) annual Anti-Aging Awards. And it's a great list of beauty products that actually do what they claim they are going to do.

For instance...if you need firmer skin, a nourishing moisturizer, or an eye product that hides fine lines and wrinkles, these beauty products will target the problem. And most can be found in your drugstore aisle.

We applaud Good Housekeeping for doing all the heavy lifting, so to speak. The magazine's Best Anti-Aging Awards were featured in a segment today on Good Morning America. We learned that the project took 18 months of research and included the testing of 90 beauty products, 820 volunteers, more than 3,000 lab tests, and the tallying of 1,800+ questionnaires to find the 26 best anti-aging beauty products.

So here are just a few GH Anti-Aging winners:
1. BEST NIGHT CREAM.
There's a tie. There are 2 winners.
L'Oréal Paris Advanced RevitaLift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair Night Creme ($20, drugstores) and Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Night ($42, CVS) shared top billing.
2. BEST EYE CREAM.
Olay Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex ($42, drugstores).
3. BEST ANTI-AGING SERUM.
Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum ($23, Target)
4. BEST FACIAL FIRMER.
Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Growth Factor Extreme Neuropeptide Serum ($150, Sephora).

We are just scratching the surface here. Check out the rest of Good Housekeeping's First Annual Best Anti-Aging Awards list here. The magazine details each winner and runner-up, and why these beauty products deserve an award.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Julia Roberts Really Does Exercise To Stay Fit And Sexy At 42


Julia Roberts graces the cover of September's 2010 Elle magazine. She is also featured in a wonderful photo lay-out in the fashion mag. Here are two pics from that shoot. And looking fab at 42!

How does the star of the summer hit movie, Eat, Pray, Love always look so together and svelte? And still stay that way after having 3 kids?

Seriously, we never thought that Julia Roberts did any exercise at all. We just assumed that the movie star was really pretty, naturally slender, and gifted with a tall, legs-up-to-her-neck kind of figure.

Boy, were we wrong! Julia Roberts has had the same trainer for almost 15 years now. She is celebrity favorite--Kathy Kaehler. And according to Kathy, Julia loves step aerobics and spends about 1 hour, 3-4 times a week with her, working out:

"Eat Pray Love took her all over the world but when she got back [to California] I helped her get ready for the press tour," Kathy Kaehler tells Elle. "We currently do 20 to 40 minutes of step aerobics and up to 40 minutes of body work—lunges, crunches, planks, push-ups—after.".

And Julia admits she isn't wild about exercising, but likes the strength and rewards from a work-out routine:

"Sure, there are days when she doesn't feel like stepping, but once she starts, she loves every minute and feels refreshed after," Kathy explains.

Julia Roberts admitted that she gained about 10 pounds while filming Eat, Pray, Love in Italy, but those lbs. melted away by the time she strolled the red carpet to promote the movie.

According to her trainer, she got back to eating sensibly and the good habits that go with a sound diet. "She is a great cook and uses only organic or home-grown foods for her family," Kathy Kaehler says.

So there. A little step, a good life, and some healthy organic stuff tossed in, and you get the secrets to Julia Roberts' staying fit and sexy at 42

Saturday, September 4, 2010

E.L.F. Nail Polish In Smoky Brown Hot Runway Color For Fall

Smoky brown. One of the hottest nail shades all over the Fall 2010 runways.

How can we define this color? A creamy, brownish-greige-y taupe. And e.l.f. has their own sexy, Smoky Brown nail polish. Only a dollar a bottle. As we like to say, You certainly get a bang for your buck with e.l.f.!'

Designer Marc Jacobs featured brown/greige nails at his shows. So this shade is perfect for those autumn days ahead.

If you love Chanel's Particuliere ($23), then you will adore e.l.f.'s Smoky Brown. It's almost a dead ringer for the Particuliere. Look at the photo, and you decide. And if you're on a budget, well, it's a no-brainer to us.

e.l.f. nail polish is inexpensive but the quality is there-----"color-lock formula with chip resistant shield gives long lasting nail color with high shine."

It's great to be in on the latest beauty trends, and when you can do it on the cheap and still bring home the quality, then you'd be a fool not to try e.l.f. cosmetics.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Painless Botox At Home In Cream Form Could Be Here In 2011

No-needle Botox? In cream form, right in the privacy of your own home? For real?

Yes, indeed. In fact, hopefully, sometime next year, in 2011, the amazing wrinkle smoother will be available in a topical cream called Revance.

Say goodbye to the sting of the Botox needle and hello to a simple and painless rub-in cream.

Genius, we say. Botox already enjoys a huge following. It is THE most popular cosmetic injectable. And the company that brings you Botox cosmetic, Allergan, is singing a happy tune these days. According to Allergan's Chairman, David Pyott, sales are up. "On a global basis, we estimate that Botox enjoyed 80 percent market share [during January-March] in a market that grew 15 percent year-over-year worldwide."

Meantime, Revance Therapeutics, is still working on the new topical toxin, Revance, and is very pleased with the latest phase 2 clinical trials. Check this out:

"The benefits of RT001(Revance) are clear; patients achieve meaningful aesthetic results with a simple, painless procedure" said Richard Glogau, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at University of California, San Francisco and principal investigator for the study,

"The superficial muscles in the crow's feet area can be relatively difficult to inject; this treatment will allow physicians to obtain a more consistent result while maintaining patients' natural expressions".

Fredric Brandt, MD, who also participated in the study agrees, "RT001 represents a natural evolution in the treatment regimen which will appeal to a whole new segment of patients who want the cosmetic benefit but are unwilling to tolerate the discomfort and bruising caused by multiple injections".

This is quite a beauty breakthrough, ladies and gents! Revance has been shown to be very effective for those pesky crow's feet, which is welcome news by many. But if you really want to erase those deeper 'elevens', the lines between the eyebrows, and those on the forehead, Botox by needle is still the only way to go. Ouch.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Menswear Look Hot For Fall And Norma Kamali Does It At Walmart For Less

Ladies...the menswear look is hot for Fall 2010! And if you're looking for a great classic,button-down vest, one of the most important must-have pieces for your autumn/winter wardrobe, look no further.

Check out the latest Norma Kamali for Walmart collection. The vest is only $15. Yes, we said, $15. You can't beat that! By the way, everything is under $25, in the newNorma Kamali collection. Good news for the fashionista-on-a-budget.

A cute tweed vest in a poly/rayon/stretch blend. Very good quality. In sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. Online, the vest is currently only available in XS. All the other sizes have been sold out. Best to check your neighborhood Walmart store in person, for your size.

We also like Norma Kamali's Sheer Ruffle Shirt in XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. Again, only $15. In black or gray, featuring a sheer georgette, short sleeves with a round collar, and ruffle front and hem. This delicate blouse adds feminine appeal to the hard guy style, that is so in for Fall 2010.

When hunting for menswear style, look for wide-leg pants, as well as those with pleats, a boyfriend jacket, lace-up shoes, and window-pane checks design.

Take a look at the Norma Kamali for Walmart collection here.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Liquid Smile: Paint On Whiter Teeth In Just Two Weeks


Whiter teeth. A brilliant, mega-watt smile. Who doesn't want that?

But you want it fast, and without the mess and painful sensitivity to your mouth. So, we found a super alternative--- a professional whitening pen called, Liquid Smile.

And it looks simple and effective. Liquid Smile is actually a strong, paint-on gel, containing 12% hydrogen peroxide, which earns the product, 'the most powerful paint-on formulation on the market.'

When you figure that most over-the-counter whitening systems only contain between 2 and 6% hydrogen peroxide, well, that's quite a difference. Liquid Smile is 3x stronger and 4X faster that store-bought whiteners.

Liquid Smile promises you a brighter smile, with up to 5 shades of whitening. Just follow these easy steps, every night for 2 weeks before bedtime:

1. Brush and floss teeth. Dry with tissue.
2. Twist Liquid Smile pen to activate gel onto brush.
3. Smile wide, keeping lips away from teeth.
4. And paint a thin layer on to teeth, to the front surface.

And get this...Liquid Smile comes in 4 yummy flavors: Cola. Mint. Rootbeer. And Lemon-Lime

No strips. No trays. And dazzling results typically show up after the 2nd or 3rd application.
Liquid Smile ($129.95) is available through plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and dentists. Ask them for details. Or click here.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Kardashian Cuties Launch K-Dash Affordable Clothing Line For QVC

Can you 'keep up with the Kardashians?!'

We think not. Here we go again........Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, and mom Kris are teaming up with the QVC channel and designer Ginny Hilfiger (Tommy's sis) to launch a stylish, affordable clothing line called, K-Dash. The collection starts at just $20. Every item is between $20 and $240. And that includes...dresses, jackets, tops, pants, belts, handbags, and more.

We like that fur-trimmed tunic vest Kim K is rocking in the courtesy photo. Faux fur, of course.

Yes, the Kardashian brand is just about everywhere these days....from a skin care line to a jewelry collection to fragrance and so much more.

K-Dash by Kardashian launches on the QVC channel as part of Fashion’s Night Out, live from New York’s Rockefeller Center on Friday, September 10th at 9PM. And yes, the Kardashian cuties will be definitely be on hand.

The K-sisters and mom Kris are very business savvy women. They know how to strike when the iron is hot, so to speak. Are they over-exposed? Maybe. But the demand for everything Kardashian continues, so they keep rolling with it. Can't really blame 'em.

Would you buy a piece from the new K-Dash for QVC clothing line?

Monday, August 30, 2010

Ole Henriksen Launches New Chemical Peel For Delicate Eye Area

If you've ever had a chemical peel, then you know why this beauty product is generally not used around the eyes. It stings like crazy!! And yet, it is around the eyes that we show aging first. So, how does one attack the wrinkles there?

Ole Henriksen, skin expert to the stars has launched a revolutionary new chemical peel specifically for the eye area. It's called, 'Truth is in the Eyes' ($65). And this one is strong, but also very gentle to the skin around the eyes. The before + after' photos tell the story.

A typical chemical peel, for instance, helps the skin to renew itself. In a sense, you are peeling away the old layers, like those unattractive dead skin cells, and revealing, smoother, younger-looking skin.

A glycolic peel is a favorite of many dermatologists, because its molecule size is able to offer the deepest penetration available. And Ole Henriksen's 'Truth is in the Eyes' peel contains glycolic acid along with another Alpha Hydroxy Acid, called, lactic acid. Together, the two effectively exfoliate the skin.

It's not easy trying to repair the aging eye area. The skin there is dry, thin, and very delicate
. But Ole Henriksen believes his product is a first, and a real winner.

A chemical peel process involves a few simple steps: 1. Wash your face and dry. 2. Apply the glycolic solution on a cotton pad and wipe it across your face. 3. Leave it for a few minutes. 4. Rinse off with cold water.

'Truth is in the Eyes,' is even simpler. It's cream-based. You do not wash anything off.

1. Apply a thin layer around the eye area nightly* avoiding the lid, extend toward the temple area. 2. Leave to absorb, before applying your favorite OLEHENRIKSEN eye creme.***You may choose to use product in the am, but should not be worn under extended exposure to sunlight. An SPF is strongly recommended for day use.

There you have it. Very easy. We think it's worth a try, especially following this long, very hot, very sunny summer.

For more information, click here.