How To Quickly Tighten Sagging Neck With 3-Step Routine

The neck is a delicate area of skin. It receives its share of sun damage through the years. And it can show quite a bit of aging in the way of loose skin, neck creases, and general sagging.

The neck needs lots of tender loving care, and many of us ignore this region to concentrate on our faces. And that is where we lose the ball. In other words, we should all develop a neck skin care routine when we are young. Yes, in your 20s would be a good time to begin. And even if you are in your 70s, it is never too late to stop further damage from the sun, or just general aging.

So we are suggesting a simple and effective 3-step routine for the neck. Just 3 products, used daily, can help tighten this beautiful area of your body. And the experts at SkinBiology.com can help you get there.

Dr. Loren Pickart, a skin pioneer and biochemist, has developed these wonderful beauty products that are available at his website, http://www.skinbiology.com/. And he assures you, that you can smooth and tighten your neck.

1. Super GHK Copper Cream or Copper Peptide Serum ($33.95).

Apply a light amount to the neck skin in the morning.

2. Emu Oil S ($29.95).
Apply a thin layer on top of the copper peptides for moisture and a tightening effect

3. Exfol Cream ($14.95)

Apply the exfoliator at night.

As Dr. Pickart explains at his website, this small 3-step routine:

"Smooth and tighten neck skin while diminishing creases with the use of strong skin remodeling copper peptide products, such as CP Serum, TriReduction Cream, or Protect & Restore BND Cream.

It is also important to follow up with the consistent use of a reasonably strong hydroxy acid, such as Exfol Cream or LacSal Cream, for exfoliation.

Copper peptides help trigger the signal for repair in the skin which makes our products especially successful for reducing hyperpigmented neck lines or neck creases, tightening sagging neck skin, and improving overall elasticity in this very important, delicate skin area. Those with sensitive skin should always start off with Super GHK-Copper Cream first."

Want Big, Full Angelina Jolie Lips? Apply This And Grow!

Big, full Angelina Jolie lips. Sure, those lips are sexy. Are they 100% natural? Who knows.

We'd all be fools if we said we didn't want at least plumper lips than we have at the moment. And yet, how do we achieve them without the sharp pain from a collagen-filled needle?

Hmmm. That's the question: Is there a way to achieve bigger, fuller lips the natural way?

The makers of Cushy Lips, say, yes, you can!!

We haven't tried the product yet, but we are intrigued. The price isn't that bad, either, $19.95 for a full month's supply. Plus there is a 100% money back guarantee.

If you've tried lip plumpers, there are probably a gazillion on the market and many are highly priced. Some work well. Others do not and merely sting your lips with some bizarre synthetic formula. Others dry out your lips making them feel very uncomfortable.

What's so special about Cushy Lips?

According to the information we found, the product is made with natural ingredients. And what you get is a lip plumper and lip gloss-all-in-one.

The formula is safe and easily absorbable. It includes macadamia oil, castor oil, menthol, and vitamin E. Cushy Lips is a product that moisturizes and leaves lips very soft.

We learned more from writer Blake Allen
http://ezinearticles.com/?Cushy-Lips---Lip-Plumper-Superstar&id=1616471

"CushyLips will give both an immediate and lasting plumping effect to the lips. Women should use this lip plumper twice a day for maximum results, applying the lip-plumper first and then the lip gloss for added moisture and color. Within several weeks, they usually see an average increase of 1-3 mm to their lips. Another benefit to using CushyLips is that the plumper's increase of blood flow causes lips to appear pinker. With continued use, lips may appear so pink that women decide to discard their lipsticks."

We're not promising you huge lips, and we can't exactly give you 100% Angelina Jolie lips, but the product appears to give you fuller lips in a natural way. So it seems like a simpler, safer way to achieve a sexier set of lips.

For more information on Cushy Lips, visit their website: http://www.cushylips.com/.

LA Stylist To The Stars Ken Paves Knows A Cheap Great Hairbrush

His clients are A-listers. People like Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson. And it would be no surprise that a super stylist like Ken Paves would use only the best and most expensive styling tools to create the unforgettable manes of Hollywood.

But there have been times when Ken Paves has lost his luggage, or some of his hair essentials never made it to a photo shoot. And that is when he has had to pick some cheaper hair tools.

We have learned from InStyle magazine, that Ken Paves loves to visit beauty emporium ULTA, and stock up on some of the cheaper but great hairstyling needs.

Today, we are looking at one of the most important hair tools-----the hairbrush.

Let's be honest, a fine hairbrush is key to a beautiful head of hair. It adds body, shine, and strength to your hair. And the right hairbrush stimulates blood flow to the scalp which increases blood flow to the hair roots.

Ken Paves' pick for a cheap, great hairbrush:

DCNL Porcupine Cushion Hairbrush ($24.99, ULTA stores and at Ulta.com)
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2114612&productId=xlsImpprod620022&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat120074#details

He loves this good-looking brush with the bright red cushion. " Works just as well as other mixed-bristle brushes that are far more expensive," Ken Paves says.

The DCNL Porcupine Cushion Hairbrush features nylon bristles with boar bristles.

And right now, you can pick up the hairbrush at Ulta.com for only $19.99 with their 20% off promo code 27164.

Hairbrushes can be quite expensive. And this cute red-cushioned number closely resembles the famous Mason Pearson Boar Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush for $169. It might not be as durable as the Mason Pearson, but it can get the job done.

Times are tough these days, and we're all looking for beauty bargains. And if LA's Ken Paves says this is a very decent hairbrush, we believe him.

Maxim Men Like Megan Fox And Women Want Her Eyes

Actress Megan Fox is quite a stunning woman, and apparently most men would agree. The men's Maxim magazine has just revealed its Top 100 hot women for 2009. And we are not surprised that Megan Fox is on the very short top of the list. Actually, she placed 2nd, but who's counting?

Men love Megan Fox, and women want her sexy eyes.

We can't hand over her smoky eyes to you, but, we can give you some makeup brands she wears. And then you can create your own sexy eyes. Take a look at the first photo of Megan at the 2009 Golden Globes Awards show with her elegant and modern take on the french twist.

Here's the makeup her artist used:

Eyes: Diorshow mascara in Brown, Dior 2-Colour Eyeshadow in Nude Look, Dior Eye Show in #622, Dior Night Diamond as highlighter
Face: Dior Night Diamond to highlight Megan’s face; Dior Pro Cheeks in Hip Peach for blush
Lips: Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Nude Silhouette #214

Meantime, if that's just too much time in front of the mirror, you can get amazing, Megan Fox eyes, with one simple beauty product: a great kohl pencil. And of course, some mascara to further enhance the eye shape and show off those long, dark lashes.

And we have found a super eye pencil to get the job done. We discovered this cool kohl pencil from a beauty website called Ask a Makeup Guru. And it's a wonderful buy, according to Danica Jardien:

Stila Eye Kajal $18.00, at your local Ulta or Sephora or major department store.

According to Danica Jardien, this Stila pencil glides along the eyes smoothly and will give you those sexy, smoky Megan Fox eyes.

To learn more about Stila Eye Kajal, visit Danica's website:
http://askamakeupguru.com/blog/tag/megan-fox-eye-makeup/

Take Celeb Derm Dr. Brandt Home With You, Almost

He's a celebrity dermatologist. And he is rumored to have recently placed some Sculptra into the legendary face of Madonna, to enhance her striking features and add strategically-balanced volume to keep her forever youthful.

We're talking about Miami and New York City-based Dr. Fredric Brandt. He has the fine skills of an artist and can create quite a younger appearance by using Botox, Restylane, Sculptra, and other products for non-invasive procedures.

But if you can't get to this skin pioneer, you can "take the doctor home with you."

Dr. Brandt has some wonderful beauty treatments you can use to protect your skin and restore its youthful appearance. His website, http://www.drbrandtskincare.com/ is an excellent place to learn about your individual skin care needs. And what we like about Dr. Brandt is his integrity. He stands behind his products and he invites the customer to ask any questions he or she might have, and includes the phone number and address to his Miami practice.

His skin care lines might be a little high in cost, but the beauty treatments are very good and you see results that are real. In fact, Dr. Brandt's 'House Calls' products are quite popular, because these special items have been formulated to 'mimic' the very same office procedures he is famous for.

There are 5 House Calls treatments in this particular line:

1. Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Body ($45). A new, super exfoliating cream for the body.

2. Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion ($75). A very effective skin polisher for the face and neck.

3. Dr. Brandt Crease Release ($150), Made with GABA complex, helps to relax expression lines. Smooths over deep wrinkles. This is one of his celebrity favorites.

4. Dr. Brandt Contour Effects ($185). This is a nourishing cream that plumps and firms the skin, giving it a youthful buoyancy.

5. Dr. Brandt Laser-a-Peel System ($75). A 2-part treatment that tightens pores and improves the skin's elasticity. Made with lactic acid, glycolic acid and QuSome.

You Either Like the Kate 8 Hairdo Or You Hate It

Okay, we are going out on a limb here, to declare our love for the Kate Gosselin hairdo.

And we are finding, that you either like this bob hairstyle with the spikey, choppy back, or----you really, really hate it!

Kate Gosselin is the 34-year-old mother of 8. You know her from the television reality show Jon And Kate Plus Eight.

The cute couple has been in the news and tabloids for a few weeks now, ever since it was alleged that husband Jon was fooling around with another woman.

Today, we heard that the Gosselins are splitsville. It's a sad ending for a family of adorable twins and sextuplets. Let's hope the rumors are untrue.

This Kate Gosselin hairstyle has been getting lots of buzz, mainly from people who despise this bob. Critics call it out-dated, 'Brady Bunch mother do, 80's punk hair, unflattering striped hair coloring, etc.

It isn't the Rachel hairstyle from Friends. So what? Lots of young women and moms across the country have been asking for this haircut for a couple of years now. It is actually a very popular hairdo.

Meantime, Kate Gosselin has said to EW that she has heavy hair. And she says her Pennsylvania stylist gets many, many calls for the unique bob:

“It’s my attitude! Everybody wants it. It’s work. I have very, very thick hair, so it’s not going to work for everybody. I’ve seen people come through the book line with thin hair and it just won’t work. My hair stylist gets calls from all across the country.”

We believe that Kate Gosselin could care less if you like her hairstyle. She's workin' it. And she's in the headlines daily, more than the other former blonde bob queen, Victoria Beckham.

Do you like the Kate 8 hairdo, or do you hate it?

How White Vinegar Rinse Can Lock In Color Longer

We've had a number of women ask us to consult the beauty gods, and find a solution for hair color that fades too quickly. For gray hairs that pop up too fast following a bath in permanent dye. For bold red color that lightens much too soon after a visit to the salon. Etc.

We would certainly agree, that a professional hair salon is always your best bet when coloring your hair or lightening or darkening your locks several shades. But even then, many women complain that permanent hair color is not perfect, and doesn't maintain its shade and shine for too long.

Sorry, but we don't have a perfect answer, either. We have written a number of articles about dyeing hair, and coloring hair at home. A lot of women say they follow the steps strictly, and still, the color fades too fast.

We thought about this last night, and then we thought about a new pair of indigo jeans we had bought. We read somewhere, that tossing a little white vinegar into the wash with the new dark jeans would stop fading. So we tried it, and by golly, it worked. The dark jeans did not leave any colored water in the wash.

Hmmm. Could this work for newly colored hair, we wondered?!

So, we started digging around the internet. And apparently, a white vinegar rinse after coloring hair, is said to lock in the the new shade and keep the dye in for a longer time.

We have not tried this yet, but the next time we color our grays with a box of Excellence, we will let you know.

What's in white vinegar, you ask???

We were curious, and found this little item from some punk haircoloring dye-hards at http://www.mookychick.co.uk/style/hairdye_tips.php

"You can also keep the colour in there a little longer by rinsing your hair with white vinegar straight after colouring your hair. This raises the pH level of the hair color and gives it more permanence. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a cup (about half a cup of each) and rinse out your newly-coloured hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Then pour on the mix, comb it through and rinse it out. Huzzah!"

The white vinegar supposedly helps to close the cuticle and retain your color. Yes, the odor is strong, but disappears after rinsing well. Close your eyes, too, a shot of vinegar stings like mad.

We are not saying this vinegar rinse method is fool-proof, but it's worth a shot. Plus, you will add great shine to your hair, and tangled hair will be gone.

Sex & The City's Kristin Davis Stays Young Through AHAVA

As Sex and the City Fans anxiously await another movie from the gals, (it was made official last February that the cast had signed on to do a sequel), we were eager to learn about Kristin Davis, and how the 44-year-old, ageless beauty stays that way.

One word she has for her fans: AHAVA.

Kristin Davis is talking about the AHAVA skin care line she is an international spokesperson for.

We can say that the Time Line products of AHAVA all contain dead sea algae. The plant is said to be full of beta carotene and vitamins, ingredients that keep skin looking youthful.

All Night Nourishment, which Kristin Davis adores, was also developed with a patented 3D Complex, containing extracts from the Trigonella shrub and Jujube tree, both of which are supposed to nourish damaged skin. A jar retails for $56 for 1.7 oz.

Ahava, by the way, means 'love' in Hebrew. And according to the AHAVA skin care line, the secret is in the Dead sea.

"People from all over the world with very sensitive skin or even skin disorders come to the Dead Sea to immerse their bodies in its mineral-rich waters. Dead Sea minerals are approved and recommended by the world’s most renowned dermatologists, both as an excellent remedy for alleviating the symptoms of skin problems and as ongoing, daily care for maintaining healthy skin at optimal levels. The majority of AHAVA products are approved for sensitive skin."

And that is the beauty of the AHAVA mineral-rich skin care line. From face, to hands and body, to bath and hair, there is a special AHAVA beauty treatment for you.

You can purchase AHAVA products from these websites:
http://www.ahavaus.com/, ULTA, and Nordstrom

Carol Alt Keeping It Raw And Natural With New Skin Care Line

Model Carol Alt has had quite a successful career--- on magazine covers, in movies, on Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice show, as a published author, and the list goes on.

And now the beautiful brunette has a new skin care line, and it's all raw!

Carol Alt has been enjoying the healthy benefits of eating raw foods for quite some time now, and it just made sense, to extend that pure goodness to the products one uses on their face and body. That means:

100% raw active, natural and completely synthetic-free ingredients. That means no parabens, P.E.G.s, or lauryl sulfates. In fact, RAW ESSENTIALS is the only product line sold in the United States that is certified raw.

Carol Alt explains the value of raw skin care at her website, www.CarolAlt.com.

“Since the raw movement is relatively new, it was virtually impossible to find a cosmetics company with a truly pure line that I, myself, would feel safe using. My guidelines and demands on this subject are so stringent, and I am not willing to compromise on them, that it made it very difficult for any company to be able to afford to work with me. You have to understand that it is very expensive to use raw ingredients in anything. When I say ‘raw’, I mean as found in nature - unadulterated, unheated ingredients. That is basically why I had to create my own products, which has taken me quite a while to accomplish..."

Carol is very serious about the true ingredients found in her new skin care line.

“You know…I simply cannot imagine that putting something synthetic on your skin can possibly improve it. All you have to do is look around. No matter how much expensive goop people put on their faces, are they looking younger? No! Not at all. If all of the synthetic products really worked, would we need botox and plastic surgery to the degree they’re now being used? Think about it…!”

The HSN shopping website features a number of Carol Alt's Raw Essentials collection.

We recommend the RAW Essentials by Carol Alt Raw-gime 5-piece Face Kit
Item: 396-475. It sells for $68.50. Retail price: $103.25.

The kit includes:
4 oz. RAW Essentials Raw-covery Facial Revive Wash.
1.7 oz. RAW Essentials Raw-activate Daily Revitalizing Moisturizer.
.5 oz. RAW Essentials Raw-juvenate Eye Recoup.
4 oz. RAW Essentials Raw-fresh Facial Toner.
2 oz. RAW Essentials Raw-finish Rigorous Face Scrub.
Made in USA.

And by looking at the customer reviews, it's an excellent skin care introductory set. Sensitive skin will appreciate this line, and those with rosacea, have found Carol's products soothing and effective at toning down the redness.

Check out her Raw Essentials here:
http://beauty.hsn.com/raw-essentials-by-carol-alt-raw-gime-5-piece-face-kit_p-5385658_xp.aspx?webm_id=0&web_id=5385658&sf=bs&attr=6360&ocm=sekw&prev=hp!6360&ccm=bs6360

How To Make Bethenny's 90 Calorie Skinnygirl Margarita

Summer is fast approaching.....that means shorter skirts, shorter shorts, baring arms, dare we say a bikini, and so on.

We're all watching our waistlines, but we also want to have fun, and that means a sweet cocktail once in a while. And that brings us to the legendary, tropical margarita.

The average margarita has about, well, several hundred calories!!!! According to WikiAnswers.com, the number is frightening:

"Frozen: 180 calories (all carbs) for a 4 oz serving. Considering the average margarita glass holds 12 oz you're looking at 540 calories."

Wow. That's a ton of calories. And that's why, we are so looking forward to Bethenny Frankel's new line of Skinnygirl Margaritas coming out this June in a liquor store near you. The beauty of Bethenny's margarita is a dieter's dream---only 90 calories a drink. Or as The Real Housewives of New York star, Bethenny Frankel, likes to say: "The margarita you can trust."

And we have Bethenny's recipe for a Skinnygirl Margarita. You can also find the recipe at her website: http://www.bethenny.com/skinny_margarita.htm.

2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)
Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
Juice of 4 Fresh Lime Wedges
Splash of Grand Marnier or BOLS Triple Sec
Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice + garnish with a lime wedge. Makes one serving.


You can also check out Bethenny's step-by-step YouTube demo of how to make a Skinnygirl's Margarita. It's an excellent, easy-to-follow process:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHtrFXb1s40&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebethenny%2Ecom%2Fskinny%5Fmargarita%2Ehtm&feature=player_embedded

Yummy! Enjoy!

Coral Hot For 2009: Very Wearable From Lips To Hips

If you want to look hot for spring and summer 2009, then you need some coral in your life.

Coral always looks so glamorous and trendy, and it's a shade that is very wearable for everyone. The color adds warmth. Just a hint of coral can add a pretty punch to your makeup or your wardrobe. And when you pair up coral and turquoise, you're making one beautiful, bold statement.

From lips to hips, "coral-ize" your look.

If you like to wear coral-shaded lips, we suggest checking out Chanel's Spring 2009 collection. We like Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in Fuego ($27, fine dept. stores).

If you aren't comfortable with coral lip shades, then dress up your nails with OPI Nail Lacquer in Conga-Line Coral from the OPI South Beach Collection ($9, www.opi.com).

And you can always accessorize with some handsome coral-colored must-haves, like Michael Kors gorgeous bag or Christian Dior's Coral Necklace for Summer Resort 2009.

It's all coral-icious.

L'Oreal Pumps Up Curls With 2 New Glossy Style Products

You with the beautiful curls! Nothing beats a mane of bouncing curls.

Curls that spring!!! With gloss that shimmers!!!

And now L'Oreal is introducing 2 new Vive Pro. Glossy Style hair treatments to their excellent collection:

1. L'Oreal Vive Pro. Glossy Style Glossy Curls Mousse ($4.99, 6.8 oz., drugstores)

2. L'Oreal Vive Pro. Glossy Style Glossy Curls Spray Gel ($4.99, 8.5 oz., drugstores).


Both L'Oreal Vive Pro. hair treatments are designed to control frizz, lock in super, glossy shine, and keep curls and waves moisturized.

Actress Penelope Cruz is the L'Oreal spokesperson for these 2 new Vive Pro. products. And she has incredible hair. We also love the price......only $4.99, for each generously-sized bottle.



Both hair products contain special formulas with ceramide and conditioning protein technology to boost and contour curls with glossy shine while helping to control frizz.

These are 2 new and great products to try with the hot summer days approaching. And shape, style, and hold, are the keys to a super hairstyle.

Do Push-Ups And Get Rockin' Body Like Gwen Stefani

We're here to say, that working out gets results. And if there's one exercise that can reap you many benefits, it's the humble push-up. No equipment required.

Look at lean and mean, no-belly, flaxen-haired Gwen Stefani.

Need we say more?!

The 39-year-old mother of two, was jumping and bouncing all over the American Idol stage last night, in a performance of 'Just a Girl' with band No Doubt. With a lime green bra, whose straps were peeking out of her white tank, Gwen Stefani went on to amaze the audience with 5 push-ups behind the Idol judges' chairs.

Check out Gwen's fantastic performance here and those cool push-ups, not the girl push-ups, either:

http://www.doghousegallery.net/blog/no-doubt/video-just-a-girl-live-on-american-idol/

So, what's so great about doing push-ups?

It's an overall body strengthener. And this one, simple exercise works multiple parts of the body at the same time. And it is considered a resistance exercise, which means you get muscle strength, as well as bone-building results.

We found some great information about push-ups from the webmd. website:

If you're thinking the push-up is the best upper body exercise, many fitness experts agree. But, personal trainer Jessica Bottesch tells WebMD, the push-up benefits many muscle groups body-wide.

"The primary movers [the major muscle groups that produce the motion of a push-up] are the chest and tricep. However, if you look at the form your body takes during the perfect push-up, you're typically suspended from your toes all the way to your neck, so in reality, every muscle between your shoulders and your toes is engaged," says Bottesch, co-owner of Empower Personal Training in Durham, N.C.

This includes the all important core muscles of the trunk, as well as the abdominals, legs and hips, she says.

To learn how to do the proper push-up, visit the webmd site here, and get some super tips:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/doing-the-perfect-push-up?page=2

A Good Makeup Sponge Can Make All The Difference

The BeautyBlender Sponge(pink) and the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge(blue).

You could call it, "The Sponge Wars." And a good makeup sponge can make all the difference. Sure, some makeup artists prefer to apply foundation with fingertips only. And some won't touch a face without a makeup brush, like the trusty MAC 190 and MAC 187.

We're here to say, that the sponge is the way to go. And both makeup sponge applicators are excellent products. And as you can see by their interesting shapes, not the usual triangular sponge, both items have an easy form to hold on to, and are able to get into the little 'nooks and crannies' of one's facial features, to perfectly blend, blend, blend.

You end up with beautiful skin and a foundation makeup that appears air-brushed.

In these hard economic times, however, every smart recessionista is still on the hunt for a beauty product that costs less and performs with the very best. In this case, we will have to pick the blue sponge, or the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge. This little product can be purchased at Target, currently marked down to just $8.99. http://www.target.com/dp/B00149XKOY/ref=cm_reviews_pg1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=1T4PAHF3F33PJW3E9G3B&pf_rd_p=468561591&pf_rd_i=B00149XKOY&page=1&pf_rd_s=bottom-6&activetab=Reviews&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

And the Sonia Kashuk sponge is just as effective as its more expensive sister sponge, the BeautyBlender. One fallback, the Kashuk sponge has a funny odor to it.

Both blending sponges are best used when dampened with water. These sponges expand and get nice and fluffy and soft, and makeup glides across the face.

The famous BeautyBlender Sponge can be purchased online and at some makeup stores like Sephora's for $19.95. Some might say that's a bit pricey, but the sponge has a huge fan base, and many call the BeautyBlender, the ultimate makeup applicator. http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P228913&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5938

We're not sure how deep your pocketbook is these days, ladies, but you'd be wise to buy either the BeautyBlender Sponge or Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge. Both applicators are good investments and can give you the flawless complexion you dream of.

To learn how to use a unique makeup applicator like these, just click here, and watch celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic in action with the bright pink BeautyBlender and his client Kim Kardashian:
http://www.beautyblender.net/videos/mario01.html

Inhalable Chocolate New Way To Delicious No Calorie Fix

Has it really come down to this?!

We all love chocolate, but now we can't enjoy it the old-fashioned way. There's a new method of chocolate madness. It's called Le Whif. And this is so bizarre, it will knock your socks off.

Take a look at the picture below. No, ladies, that is not a tampon, ha ha. That is the new way to enjoy a piece of delicious and sinful chocolate. With no calories! That's right.......calorie-free. Zero. Nada.

Scientists have gone way beyond the boundaries, folks. Now you can actually taste chocolate without chewing. You inhale it! Breathe it in, baby! This ain't your mama's chocolate. And believe it or not, you feel satisfied with an inhalation using this chocolate gadget.

Hard to believe, but you can thank a Harvard professor for this sweet tooth apparatus. David Edwards calls it 'whiffing.' Okay, we like the concept.

"Over the centuries we've been eating smaller and smaller quantities at shorter and shorter intervals," Professor Edwards says.

"It seemed to us that eating was tending toward breathing, so, with a mix of culinary art and aerosol science, we've helped move eating habits to their logical conclusion."

And yes, the beautiful taste of real chocolate is in there. It's actually a chocolate powder placed in a small, plastic cylinder which users breathe from. It's safe and easy to use.

"It fills your mouth with almost pure chocolate - it tastes really good," says a member of Professor Edward's collaborators.

"It's zero calorie, so could also be used as a diet tool," one says.

"But chocolate is only the beginning - we're going to be unveiling more different types of food in the future."

The cost?

The dispensers can be bought separately (at $2.40) or in a box of 24 (at $53). But we could not locate an exact place just yet. Flavors come in raspberry, mango, mint, and plain chocolate.

Yum. But if I had my choice, I'd really love a big piece of chocolate to chew, even with the sinful calories.

What do you think?

People's Cover Girl Christina Applegate And Her Fav Beauty Things

We aren't surprised that actress Christina Applegate graces the cover of People magazine's annual 100 Most Beautiful People for 2009.

The 37-year-old stunning blonde and star of telelvision's Samantha Who? had been through a public battle with breast cancer. She was very open about undergoing a double mastectomy last July, and then following up with reconstructive breast surgery last November.

Christina Applegate has been an inspiration to many and a truly gutsy woman.

In the meantime, we were curious to see how this slender and all-American Hollywood beauty keeps looking so healthy and pretty.

We stumbled upon a beauty list she gave to InStyle magazine last summer. Let's put it this way, Christina Applegate has very luxurious taste:

1. La Mer Face Cream (starting at $125 and up, at fine dept. stores)

2. It's a 10 Leave-In Hair Conditioner ($18, at professional salons, and beauty online stores)

3. MAC Tinted Lip Conditioners ($14.50, at fine dept. stores, and beauty online stores)

4. Child Perfume Extremely Rich Body Creme ($86, at fine dept. stores).

That is some good stuff, Christina.

She also has a super nice boyfriend in musician Martyn Lenoble. And Christina Applegate says she's not a timid girl any longer:

"I used to be really shy but I started to come into my own in my late 20s and early 30s," Applegate, 37, tells PEOPLE in the cover interview for the annual Most Beautiful issue. "Now I'm not afraid to speak up in a room full of people and be a part of the conversation."

Move Over Green Tea: White Tea Can Make You Skinnier

Have you heard of white tea?

If you haven't, don't feel bad. There's been so much talk about the wonderful benefits of green tea for the past few years. Green tea had taken over as the beverage darling. But wait......drinking white tea has even greater anti-oxidants and can keep you skinnier.

And some new, encouraging research on white tea may make you forget all about the green.

So let's take a closer look at this no-calorie, healthy beverage.

We have just learned that there are compounds in white tea that are capable of breaking down fat cells and preventing new ones from developing. That is what German scientists said last Thursday.

Wow! That's a dieter's breakthrough.

"We've shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances," Marc Winnefeld says. And he led the team of researchers.

What we really like about white tea is its non-staining ingredients. Sure, white tea contains tannic acid, which can discolor teeth. But white tea is a very clear liquid, like white wine, and contains much lower amounts of tannic acid. So no worry there.

If you really want to take off the pounds, you should start drinking white tea:

1. White tea is a fat-buster. This tea has zero calories. So that means the body has to work harder to digest and metabolize it. So your body is expending more energy.

2. White tea has less caffeine. Also a great feature. You won't get the jitters, and you can enjoy cup after cup, all day. This in turn burns more fat, because if you keep your caffeine level up all day, experts say the body burns calories evenly for hours.

3. White tea takes away your sweet tooth cravings. This unique beverage acts like a natural appetite suppresant for a couple of hours after you drink it.

4. White tastes better than green tea. Of course, that's really a matter of opinion. But white tea has a lighter taste than most teas. Some describe it as similar to the fresh jasmine tea. Whereas green tea can have a grassy sort of taste.

5. White tea is full of healthy things. Like green tea, white tea undergoes very little processing and no fermentation. White tea is the first tea to be harvested in the spring. That means this tea is able to keep its nutrients in tact. And white tea is said to contain the most anti-oxidants, 3x greater than green tea. And scientists say white tea may help prevent cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

Hey, drinking white tea can't hurt. And if you're really concerned about staying skinny, why not try a cup?

Halle Likes New Revlon ColorStay Mineral Mousse Foundation

If you're a big fan of mineral-based makeup, there's a new addition to this sheer, natural-looking makeup.

Our friends at Revlon have just introduced to your local drugstore, ColorStay Mineral Mousse Foundation Liquid. It retails for $13.99. Gorgeous Revlon spokesperson Halle Berry, adores it, too. She's always photographed modeling the ColorStay Mineral Foundation collection.

This new mineral mousse foundation(pictured at left) is a bit different from Revlon's original and still popular liquid ColorStay foundation.

When you're working with mineral-based makeup, it's a whole new ballgame. And by that, we mean texture and coverage. But what many women are attracted to in mineral makeup, is its sheer look, naturalness, lighter coverage, and less-irritating formulas.

Revlon's new ColorStay Mineral Mousse Foundation Liquid offers women a medium coverage. It comes in 8 shades, at the moment. It goes on easy, not cakey like some mineral foundations. It's quite blendable and chases the 'greasies' away. It also offers an SPF20 for secondary sun protection. And Revlon swears their Mineral makeup lasts for hours and hours.

The new mousse consistency might be a better choice for those humid, very hot summer days ahead, when a full coverage liquid foundation might 'melt' away in the scorching temperatures.

You could also try Revlon's ColorStay Mineral Foundation(pictured with Halle Berry). This lightweight foundation comes with its own brush for a quick and easy application. And it features a 'loose powder' formula with an SPF10.

How Chewing Gum Can Actually Help You Lose Weight

We love chewing gum, much to the dismay of our dentist. And yet, we really believe, along with the folks at Wrigley's gum, that you can actually lose weight by chewing gum.

Wrigley's has a group of researchers that look into the merits of chewing gum. The organization is called WSI, or the Wrigley Science Institute. Yeah, for real. And they conducted a study in 2007, that revealed some amazing things:

Chewing gum significantly reduced caloric intake by 25 calories and specifically reduced sweet snack intake by 39 calories; salty snacks were decreased by 11 calories.

Hunger and desire to eat were significantly suppressed by chewing gum at one, two and three hour intervals after lunch.

Participants reported that chewing gum improved their mood by reducing anxiety and stress, and increasing contentment and relaxation.

We swear this activity or hobbie, ha ha, of chewing gum, can really help you lose weight.

Of course, the best kind of gum to chew, is sugarless. It helps protect your teeth from cavities and kills off bad breath. And studies have shown, that sugar-free gum containing sorbitol, can help you shed some 11 lbs. a year!!

That is according to results published in the New England Journal of Medicine, that showed people chewing sugar-free gum could burn off a considerable amount of weight each year.

The results from this study also indicated that chewing sugar-free gum at 100 chews per minute, will raise the metabolic rate by approximately 20%, and someone chewing gum all-day can burn off an equivalent of 11 pounds of a year.

But heck, that's a lot of gum chewing 365 days a year, for just about every waking hour.

We love Bazooka bubble gum!!!! You can blow bubbles when appropriate. It's just a fun gum to chew. And we also are addicted to Wrigley's Extra gum in spearmint. Yummy, and the flavor lasts a long-ggg time.

We're not saying you will be bikini-ready, just by chewing some gum, but let's be honest here, enjoying a few sticks of gum, are so much healthier than inhaling a slice of cheesecake.

Check out the Wrigley Science Institute here:
www.wrigleygumisgood.com/science_institute.html

Makeup A Breeze With Bobbi Brown's New Nautical Collection

We are falling in love with Bobbi Brown's new Summer 2009 Nautical Collection.

We are ready to set sail (excuse the pun) for the warmer days ahead, with a simple and sheer makeup plan.

"I love sheer colors for summer - they're wearable, easy and look good on everyone."- Bobbi Brown

And if you are even a bit shy about putting on makeup, don't be, not with these natural and sheer shades. You can't miss. There is nothing complicated. Just pretty and breezy. Here's how makeup legend Bobbi Brown describes her new Summer 2009 Nautical Collection:

Sheer Color Gloss

Our newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. The see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season's punchy shades. Available in four shades ($20).

Sheer Color Cheek Tint

Bobbi's NEW Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The

translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly onto skin. Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application. Available in six shades($22).

Perfectly Defined Mascara

Perfectly Defined Mascara makes the most of every lash. In one easy sweep, this ingenious mascara lengthens, separates and curls lashes for perfect definition. The secret? A unique multi-comb brush and equally innovative formula, working together to enhance each and every lash. The flexible, long-wearing formula resists flaking, doesn't smudge and stays in place all day. And best of all, it removes easily with warm water ($22).

To learn more about Bobbi Brown's new Summer 2009 Nautical Collection, just click here:

http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/popups/nautical.tmpl

Kim Kardashian Poses In Bikini Without Airbrushing

One great thing about Kim Kardashian, she isn't afraid of not fitting into the size zero and size 2 Hollywood mentality.

In fact, she actually embraces her curves. And now she's posing with cellulite and no airbrushing for the cover of Life & Style magazine, hitting newsstands today.

Let's be very honest, here. There's a lot of airbrushing going on. We don't care how stunning, and skinny or rich and famous the celebrity is, when that cover shot or lay-out is printed, all you see are perfect, slimmer lines, wrinkles gone, flab zapped. Even the whites of their eyes are as white as a sheet of paper. So not real.

What we love about Kim Kardashian, is her honest admission, that yeah, she has cellulite,
and as she has responded, "So what!"

"I love my body the way it is," Kim told Life & Style. "I'm not perfect. I have cellulite, so what ... I chose to do the shoot because I am so sick of people giving me a hard time for those photos that came out in Complex. I wanted to say, 'This is me, take it or leave it."

Kim is actually 5'3'' and petite. But because she is curvy, she appears much larger, when the truth is, she's not a big girl. She says these are her stats, and we will take her at her word:

"I'm 35-26-40. My dress size is a 4 or a 2/4. I wear a size 4 skirt and size 27 jeans."

Do you know how many women have cellulite?! Most women on the planet. Sadly, you can never get rid of cellulite permanently, but, you can halt its further progression and reduce its dimpled appearance.

Anushka of New York City, is the best cellulite pioneer that we know of. She has been studying this dimpled fat for decades now. She advises that women drink raspberry tea, to
help slim the silhouette and fight cellulite. (Read our article here:)
http://www.beautytiptoday.com/2008/03/anushkas-special-tea-fights-cellulite.html.

To read more of the Kim Kardashian interview in Life & Style, visit here:
http://dynamic.bauerpublishing.com/mt-search.fcgi?IncludeBlogs=2&tag=Kim%20Kardashian&limit=20&IncludeBlogs=2

Bye-Bye Back Fat! Newest Plastic Surgery Procedure

Ladies, if you often worry about the size of your rump, well, it might be time to look behind you, but in a different area of the body. We couldn't believe this when we stumbled onto an article at lemondrop.com.

The plastic surgery procedure takes about an hour. And it's actually called a bra-line back lift.

Can you imagine? We have come this far, and now, we are removing the "dreaded back fat rolls and lumps."

What's next? We're afraid to imagine. Apparently, society won't let women be human. Every extra inch of flesh has to be removed and the rest tightened, it seems, until the perfect, ideal silhouette has been artistically designed.

The ASPS, or, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is introducing this new plastic surgery procedure to the world. The surgery has been performed on 20 women for the past few years now, and studied closely, and has been deemed a safe and effective surgery.

According to the ASPS:

"The study concluded that the procedure is a safe and powerful method to contour the middle and upper back – literally removing all of the back rolls and folds. By placing the scar within the patient's bra-line, it is easily concealed even by a two-piece bathing suit, according to the study.

"This is an exciting new procedure that gives patients concerned about this area of their body a possible new option to discuss with their plastic surgeon," said James Wells, Chair of the ASPS Public Education Committee. "As with all new procedures that are not yet widely practiced, patients need to choose an ASPS Member Surgeon who has a comprehensive understanding of how bodies change over time, the impact of environment and lifestyle and the know-how to develop the best treatment plan for the best result."

Now, some would say to get off your rump and exercise away the back fat rolls and bulges. But it isn't that easy to firm up that particular part of the body:

"For many patients—even the very fit ones, such as an aerobics instructor—the upper to mid-line back where the rolls and bulges form was very frustrating," said senior author Joseph Hunstad, MD and ASPS Member Surgeon. "This redundancy of skin occurs generally from aging and cannot be exercised away. For those who desire to wear form-fitting outfits, this procedure eliminates the problem."

So there you have it: the new bra-line back lift.

To read the article at lemondrop, click here:
http://www.lemondrop.com/2008/09/12/plastic-surgery-for-your-back-fat/

America Ferrera: Ugly Betty's Beauty Favorites

Who doesn't adore Ugly Betty?

The beloved but frumpy fashion assistant character has won America Ferrera an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

At age 25, America Ferrera also has legions of fans, and many of them love her just as she is---not a size zero, or 2, or 4. America has a real body. She's petite and curvy, and naturally pretty.

We found out in the May issue of InStyle magazine, that Ugly Betty's America Ferrera loves to get glam for red carpet events, but when she's not working as an actress, America doesn't wear makeup. And she doesn't like to exercise, either.

"My workout situation is pretty grim at the moment," America tells InStyle. "But I do take my two dogs to the park."

We love her already!

Meantime, here are America Ferrera's beauty favorites:

1. Rodin Olio Lusso moisturizer ($135, http://www.store.nydg.com/, http://www.oliolusso.com/). This is a sinfully elegant liquid moisturizer, blended with 11 essential oils. Makes your skin soft and dewy. America says, "It's so luxurious."

2. YSL Golden gloss No.2 (Golden Prairie) ($29, fine dept. stores). This is a lovely golden neutral shimmering lip gloss. If you're addicted to gloss, YSL is one of the best.

3. Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil in Cruella ($24, http://www.narscosmetics.com/). This jumbo crayon in the bold Cruella shade is a must for America at her red carpet appearances. Provides a creamy, highly pigmented color that lasts and lasts. This shade allows America's pretty features to pop. And who doesn't love Nars makeup? Duh!!

How To Get Big Plump Angelina Jolie Lips...Well, Sort Of

She has one set of impressive lips. We are, of course, talking about Hollywood's own Angelina Jolie. And many women desire big, plump, sexy lips.

Are Angelina Jolie's lips artfully engineered? Who knows. Most beautiful women on the silver screen these days, have had at least one or two things done to look more stunning.

Well, now we have one, tiny thing you can do, to enhance the beauty of your lips. Okay, this beauty product won't give you a set of Jolie lips, but it will take your smacker to a whole new level.

It's by Physicians Formula. The makeup geniuses there, have developed a cool way to instantly grow some fuller, sexier lips, all in 60 seconds!!

Physicians Formula has recently introduced Plump Potion Needle-Free Plumping Cocktail ($9.75, at drugstores, like http://www.cvs/ and http://www.walgreens.com/).

We like the concept. And no needles, ladies. If you've ever felt the sting of a collagen-filled needle, slowly and deeply piercing the skin of your lips, well, this Physicians Formula lipstick plumper would be a very welcome procedure. Maybe not the perfect substitute, but surely, a natural and instant way to get big, plump Angelina Jolie lips, well, sort of.

This is how Physicians Formula describes their popular, new plumping cocktail:

"Lip plumping lacquer formulated with a high-tech cocktail of non-irritating ingredients to transform lip's appearance, contour, size and color so they look and feel fuller, smoother, sexier. 3x Plumping Effect:
1) Instant Plumping Effect
2) Instant Hydrating & Smoothing Effect
3) Younger, Smoother & Fuller Looking Lips with continued use."

For more information, visit:

http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/lips/02702.html

Clairol Adds 24 New Shades For Gorgeous At-Home Color

It's always best to visit a salon when it comes to coloring your hair, especially if you are making drastic changes or trying to maintain a complicated two-tone process.

However, at-home coloring is big business, and we know some women who do it very well, and their hair always looks so darn pretty and shiny.

Since we are all trying to be the best recessionista, that we can---- you know, a very stylish chick who can live within her budget, then at-home coloring can be just the perfect match for you. Whether you home-color in between your salon visits, just to touch up roots, or even to go glam with a new shade, dyeing hair can be a wonderful adventure.

And the folks at Clairol are adding new color to your life! 24 new shades of beautiful!!!!

That's right. Clairol is introducing 24 new shades this season. And you can find these pretty colors at your local drugstore. From permanent to semi-permanent to a quick root fix, there are even more shades to choose from.

Clairol Balsam haircolor has debuted a new Signature Browns Collection.

Clairol Natural Instincts has introduced its new Champagne Indulgence Collection.

And more shades have been added to Clairol's Perfect 10, Nice 'n Easy, and Root Touch-Up collections.

For more hair color information visit: www.clairol.com .

Countess Gives Advice: From Table Manners To Touching His Arm Lightly

We adore the Countess. She's bold, sassy, beautiful, and stands out.

We are talking about LuAnn deLesseps. And yes, she is a real Countess! If you have tuned into Bravo's reality show, The Real Housewives of New York City, then you certainly know the Countess.

And now there's plenty of buzz about her new book, "Class with the Countess": How to Live with Elegance and Flair. The book is now available at bookstores nationwide.

We thought we'd take a little peek into this modern book on manners and etiquette. If you head to her book website, http://www.classwiththecountess.com/, you will find lots of fascinating items, and Countess LuAnn's blog, where she talks about table manners to touching his arm lightly. Yeah, that's right. The Countess has strong opinions on how to act with class, and how to hold a man's interest.

We hope The Countess doesn't mind us quoting from her blog:

....."It is possible to be a strong, accomplished woman in matters of business, yet be soft in affairs of the heart. Men respond positively to women who dress like women (a flirty skirt and high heels might do the trick). Men love when women speak softly, listen intently, and act flirtatiously. A date should not be treated like a business meeting – it is a chance to be engaging, sexy and whimsical. It is by being elegantly provocative that a woman communicates her interest to a man.

Tip: Here a few ways to turn up the heat during your next encounter with a man who intrigues you:
• The gaze – look into his eyes a few beats longer.• Talk in a soft, low, provocative voice – you will both need to lean toward each other, drawing attention to your lips.• Keep up the banter – being light and playful keep the energy high.• Touch his arm lightly – only the briefest of touches and only above the belt unless you’re playing footsy!• Show him you’re interested in him without giving him your business card. If he wants your number he’ll ask for it. • Leave him wanting more."
posted by LuAnn deLesseps

Okay, maybe some of you are snickering, but we think the Countess has a lot of common sense. And there's nothing wrong with wanting to share what you've learned, especially for a woman who has traveled the globe, meeting royalty, and encountering many different social situations. She wants to show you how to be comfortable in the world, and this book is a wonderful guide.

Countess LuAnn deLesseps is the mother of two children, Victoria and Noel. Her 16 year marriage to the Count Alex deLesseps is over. The couple has been separated, and as of this writing, we are told the marriage is no more.

(website photo of The Countess and Count, in happier times)