How To Say Bye-Bye To Blackheads With Some Simple Steps

If you've never had an ugly blackhead, congratulations! You are not from this planet. But seriously, blackheads are a form of acne. And these tiny black dots that like to hang out on your nose, and even on the ears, chest, and back, can be stubborn follicle bumps that can ruin a complexion.

No need to worry, you can say bye-bye to blackheads. Whatever you do, please do not attempt to squeeze out a blackhead with your fingers. Forcing out a blackhead in this manner can cause infection, and yes, even scarring. You might make the situation even worse.

Blackheads are actually acne, in the form of comedones, which are a plug of sebaceous and dead skin material stuck in the opening of a hair follicle. The follicle may be open (blackhead) or almost closed (whitehead). Take a look at the diagram below to get a better idea of how the blackhead looks below the complexion surface.

We know, it ain't pretty, and it sure ain't pleasant to talk about, but---there are ways to improve this common acne problem.

A steamy shower or hot facial is great before blackhead extraction. You can also try a number of beauty treatments. Retin-A, which is prescription-based, stimulates fast cell turnover, helping to expel or get rid of plugged pores. There is also benzoyl peroxide lotion, which helps 'unplug' too, when the blackheads aren't too severe a problem.

You could also apply salicylic acid cream, which helps to exfoliate the skin, bringing blackheads closer to the surface to help in easier removal.

And there are also blackhead strips that you place on the black dots to gently 'lift' away these impurities. And many of you are familiar with a little, stainless steel tool or extractor that quickly and painlessly removes blackheads, designed with double cupped ends.

We also believe in trying all natural ingredients to say bye-bye to blackheads. We heard Dr. Oz talk about epsom salts today, as a great beauty tip to loosen the plugged follicles. So we found a few recipes you might want to try:

1. Make a solution of equal parts Epsom salts, iodine and warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to blackheads. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Exfoliate with a face scrub immediately to remove the blackheads loosened by the Epsom salt solution.

2. Mix equal amounts of baking soda and water to form a thick paste, and apply to affected blackhead areas. Gently rub your skin for several minutes and wash off with warm water. The baking soda is a good exfoliation remedy, removing blackheads.

3. Make a scrub of 4 tbsp. salt, 1 tsp. honey, and the juice from half a lemon. It should be the consistency of a thick paste. Scrub your face with this mixture for 5 minutes, using your fingers, and rinse and pat dry. Exfoliation is a good way to dislodge blackheads from the skin, and the honey is soothing, while the lemon acts as an astringent.

Award-Winning Detox Face Mask A Must For Both Women And Men

Beauty Products for both women and men?

If you think your better half has never opened a few of your anti-aging jars or taken a quick dollop of your expensive deep glycolic acid cleanser, well, we've got news for you. Boyfriends, husbands, lovers, brothers, etc., sometimes dip into women's beauty treatments.

Why do men secretly sample your beauty stuff? Either, a. because they've run out of their own zit cream. b. they're darn curious why your skin looks so good. c. they're too cheap to buy their own beauty products and have no clue what their skin needs. Or, d. all of the above.

Then of course, there are unisex beauty products. And we found a super detox face mask you can both enjoy together. Try this one at malinand goetz And it's simply called, Detox Face Mask ($40, 4 oz.). You can also find these wonderful unisex beauty items at Barneys New York stores, and a number of other beauty stores.

This Malin+Goetz detox face mask is a great product and one of the company's best sellers. It even won Allure magazine's Editor's Choice Best of Beauty Awards (2008)  Best Deep Cleansing Mask.

So, exactly what's in it? According to the bottle: Squalene, glycerin, and sodium pca to moisturize and hydrate; soy protein and panthenol to firm; green tea extract and vitamin e to work as antioxidants; vitamin c to smooth lines.

Don't worry...you and your better half don't have to sit there with some nasty goop on your face for 30 minutes. This is a nice, cool foaming gel mask that takes just 5 minutes to make a big difference in your skin.

Just apply to a clean face, and the detox face mask does all the work. "Oxygenating cleansing agents replace harsh detergents and drying clays to deep-pore-cleanse, lifting dirt, oil and make-up away from the skin without irritation, while creating a physical barrier to seal hydration. Complex amino acids and natural almond extract gently and effectively purify, clarify, balance and soothe. Stable Vitamin C, anti-oxidant Vitamin E and Soy Protein help firm and address concerns for aging".

Malin+Goetz Apothecary and Lab in New York City sells some effective skin care products for the both of you. And these guys love to send you free samples with every order. We love that!

For more details, visit malinandgoetz.

There's Only Botox When It Comes To Eliminating Wrinkles

Okay, we've had enough. Wrinkles.

We all get them and we all hate them, but once wrinkles 'set up house' across your face, it's almost impossible to get rid of them. And that is where Botox comes to the rescue. With the sting of a needle in some key wrinkle zones, and poof! Wrinkles are gone! Eliminated, at least for about 3 months.

That is why we get so upset when we see an ad at People.com, for example, one that is boasting about a very inexpensive no Botox solution.

Are you kidding us? Even prescription strength Retin-A cannot remove all wrinkles. We hope to believe that Retin-A helps soften the wrinkles you've already got, and most importantly, helps to prevent new wrinkles from forming. But trust us, there is no miracle beauty product that can make them disappear forever.

Ladies, don't believe the hype! If you catch an ad that promises a no Botox solution, just quickly turn the page, and have a good laugh. This is one we saw last evening:

Say "No" to Botox!

See how a mom combined 2 products & made her wrinkles vanish for $3!

When you arrive at the website, you are treated to a site that is pretending to be a real journalism site----Consumer Tips Weekly, with a so-called health & fitness reporter. And here's where they get you, with headlines like this:

Beauty & the Recession: A Mom's Secret to Eliminate Wrinkles for under $3*.

Then you are told a lengthy story about a mom named Rachel, who had the beauty science and smarts to discover a winning wrinkle eliminating combo:

"Rachel decided to change her life, and recently discovered a clever way of combining two beauty product trials from trusted companies, Bellanue & Cupuacu, to unlock the secrets of anti-aging. The results are comparable to what you might attain at local beauty salons and clinics for $1000 or more, using nothing but trial offers."

So, what's in these two wrinkle serums:

1. Matrixyl 3000 is a fast acting, skin firming peptide, that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 68%. It also happens to be one of the main active ingredients in Bellanue.

2. Cupuacu has a unique set of polyphenols that have never been seen before.This new revelation is causing a stir in scientific circles and has prompted many to call it a “Pharmacy In a Fruit”. Now there is NO more need for botox or expensive cosmetic surgery. Erasing Damage comes from the inside out with Cupuacu. Clinically Optimized for Results.

We are not saying that Matrixyl 3000 and Cupuacu don't possess some promising features for healthy, youthful skin, BUT-----to try and rope women into purchasing a duo of products that are better than Botox, well, that's when the beauty police have to step in and make a report.

Botox cosmetic, the number one injectable, is the best so far, ladies. And as celebrity dermatolgist Frederick Brandt has said:

“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.”

Just be cautious when you see an ad that promises so much for beauty, for as little as $3. If it's too good to be true, well, you know the rest of that saying.

Let's Look At Lace Camisoles For Valentine's Day Beauty

Lace is big in 2010!! From little black dresses to blouses and skirts, the delicate and very feminine look of lace is popping up everywhere. And if you would like to show a subtle bit of peek-a-boo lace, try it in a lace camisole for Valentine's Day.

Of course, you can go high end, low end, or anything in between, and still come out with a stylish look for 2010.

We went hunting and found lots of lace camisoles, and in lots of juicy colors. You can even wear sexy lace to the office, hiding under a jacket or inside a blouse. The look of lace is classic. And around the Valentine's Day holiday, wearing some, is a no-brainer.

Let's look at 3 favorites:

1. The Scarlett Cami by Frederick's of Hollywood ($20. Buy 2 or more, $18 each). Photo 1 shows this sexy lace camisole in 'pink passion.' We love this cami and own several. Hugs your curves in a microfiber stretch. Comes in lots of pretty shades. Take a look here.

2. Wacoal Lace Ahead Camisole ($40, BareNecessities.com, Nordstrom's). Who could resist a black lace camisole? We love this one, because the lace trim is wide and elegant and comes with stretch double front straps. Would look perfect in a peek-a-boo way under a blazer. Details here.

3. Josie Natori Obsession Lace Camisole ($118, SaksFifthAvenue.com). This is a stunning lace camisole in 'tiger's eye.' (Photo 3). A beautiful top with scalloped edges in a body-conscious fit with sheer floral lace panels. Need we say more. Take a look at Saks.

Since Valentine's Day isn't too far away, this is a wonderful excuse to go out and buy a lace camisole. There are so many styles and colors in just the right amount of lace for you. It's a classic look for any occasion.

Let's Shake Weight Our Way To Lean Sexy Arms For Summer

Lean, sexy arms, ladies! And if that is your mission in 2010, we can get you there by the summer. Maybe you can even Shake Weight your way. More about that later.

If we start now, those arms will be looking firmer and fitter in weeks. But exercise is a must. You cannot get away with lean, sexy arms by not doing strengthening workouts. Look at First Lady Michelle Obama, a year ago at her husband's inauguration party. Michelle Obama hits the gym every morning and the proof is in those trademark sleeveless fashions she wears.

If you want attractive, sculpted arms, you have to target certain muscles. We have written about this before, and it's all worth repeating:

Developing the triceps muscle is the key to a nicely toned arm. Where are the triceps located? We like to call that area the 'dingle-dangle.' Yep. That's the flabby part you can feel under the arm. One of the toughest places to firm up. When you go to raise your hand and wave good-bye, you can feel that muscle flapping in the breeze. Well, hopefully, not too much.
The triceps muscle can best be described this way by realwomensfitness.com:

"The triceps are probably the most important muscle to develop when you want to achieve firm toned arms. The reason for this is that the tricep muscle takes up 2/3 of the arm. If it is underdeveloped it looks wobbly and soft but when it is firm and lean it makes the whole arm look that way."

You can't just exercise your arms for two weeks and expect big changes. The triceps and biceps muscles need to engage in resistance exercises continuously. If you want toned arms with a little 'cut' in them, you're going to have to adopt this regimen as part of your life.

You can create lean, sexy arms by jumping rope, doing push-ups, jogging, boxing, and working out with small dumbbells (3-5 lbs. each).

Or you can try Shake Weight ($19.99) and "tone your entire upper body in just 6 minutes a day!"

Maybe you've seen the infomercials or heard about this new concept in workout technology, called dynamic inertia. An exercise physiologist explained it like this: "One of the reasons Shake Weight works, is that recent exercise research shows short bursts of faster movements can burn more fat than long slower movements. The muscle has to fire and then stop and then fire again."

The Shake Weight company says their little device, which weighs only 2 1/2 lbs and measures 13" long, "constantly engages your upper body muscles while you hold it. It ignites the muscles in your arms, shoulders and chest, so you will feel them tightening and toning instantly."

And according to the Shake Weight website, Scientific studies prove that the Shake Weight™ increases upper body muscle activity by more than 300% compared to traditional weights.

You can laugh all you want, but we will definitely try this one. It might look a little strange to 'shake weight', but the science appears to be promising!

The Beyonce Obsession: About Her Height, Size, And Weight

Beyonce is having a good year.....in fact, a very fine year, and 2010 has just begun.

Let's face it: There is the Beyonce obsession. What is that you say? People want to know everything about her. She is a superstar. And after taking home 6 awards (being nominated for 10 Grammys) Sunday night, you have to admit, Beyonce is a mega-star! She has shattered Grammy records, and she has done so in a most gracious way. She is a class act.

And there's no looking back. Beyonce was in NYC Tuesday night, promoting her debut signature fragrance, Beyonce Heat. The songstress looked beautiful in a sexy, red dress. Most importantly, Beyonce looks healthy and fit. And this is where the Beyonce obsession begins.

Take a look. There are tons of websites devoted to Beyonce's height, size, and weight. We were stunned by the theories and arguments over this young woman's stature.

For the record, Beyonce is a 'petite 5'3" tall.' That's according to a 2009 magazine interview with the singer in Ebony. And we trust the writers of Ebony magazine. If you take a look at tons of articles about her, Beyonce ranges in height from 5'3" to 5'7". And folks talk all day about her curves and possible weight. We haven't been able to get the facts about her time on the scale, but back in the Destiny's Child days, Beyonce herself, claimed she was 135 lbs.

As for her dress size, who knows? Articles have pegged her at a 6, 8, 10, 12, and beyond. All we know, is that Beyonce is a healthy skinny, and not a size zero, and probably not even a 2.

What you see in Hollywood, is often times, 'smoke and mirrors.' In other words, most celebrities are actually shorter than they claim. So, if a celebrity is listed at 5'9",chances are, she is more likely 5'7". Fudging the facts are common in Hollywood. And as far as weight goes, women have become tinier and tinier each year, so most actresses and singers are very slender in person.

Beyonce has been clever to fool her admirers by extending the length of her legs through killer heels. Check out the photo below. Beyonce loves high heels, and it's not unusual to see her walking around in 4-6 inch heels!

How else does Beyonce stay looking so gorgeous?

Beyonce once told In Style magazine that when she's hanging out at home, she keeps it real and simple. Just a little pink lip gloss and some black eyeliner. And we also learned that she is a big fan of moisturizers from Carol's Daughter.

And she keeps her shiny hair healthy with Kimble Hair Care Shape and Hold Spritz ($11, 8 fl. oz., dept. stores like Target).

Beyonce won't go anywhere without her eyes, so to speak. She adores L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara ($8, drugstores). "I never leave the house without mascara," Beyonce has been quoted.

Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Mission Takes Real Women To Higher Level

Makeup artist Bobbi Brown is on a new beauty mission this spring, and you can join in.

This time, the beloved artist has launched a new campaign 'Pretty Powerful' for her friends, and not the models she frequently applies makeup to. Bobbi Brown says her friends "are pretty to begin with, but with a few simple tweaks, they look their absolute most confident best---that's pretty powerful!"

Bobbi Brown isn't saying that women need makeup to be more powerful, but that cosmetics can take women to a higher level of self-assuredness and appeal.

"My mission has always been to give women the tools and skills to look and feel their absolute, most confident best. Which made me curious: How do YOU go from feeling pretty–to pretty powerful?"

"Enter my contest and show me your strongest makeup look and favorite beauty tips. Three of you will win a trip to New York City and get a personal makeup lesson from me. But right now, I want to learn from you. I can’t wait to see your video.”

The Pretty Powerful campaign features real women(top photo), or “Friends of Bobbi,” and their before/after photos, videos and testimonials as the main focus of the campaign, which you can see on BobbiBrownCosmetics.com/prettypowerful.

For Bobbi's video contest, she would like to hear how you go from Pretty to Powerful using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Now through February 9th, you are invited to share your transformative stories and tips by submitting videos. Fifteen finalists will be chosen.

In March, you can click on the gallery of Pretty Powerful videos and vote for your favorite at Pretty Powerful. And for every vote that is cast in the Pretty Powerful contest, Bobbi Brown will donate $1 to Dress for Success*, an organization that Bobbi adores, because it provides underprivileged women with interview suits and career advice.

We've always admired Bobbi Brown, not only for her makeup magic, but also for her beauty philosophy. Bobbi would remind us all, to try and be the best we can. In other words, don't try to look like someone else. When she was growing up, all-American model, Cheryl Tiegs, was Bobbi's beauty icon. Cheryl was tall, slender with blonde hair and blue eyes. Bobbi Brown looked nothing like her and was disappointed in not resembling Cheryl Tiegs, until she saw actress Ali MacGraw with her long dark hair and eyes. Bobbi then finally "saw the possibilty of my own beauty."

Well said.

Beautiful Hair Tips From Master Colorist And Shear Genius' Kim Vo

Kim Vo is a true artist. And every head of hair he touches is a reflection of his knowledge of color, his passion, and his enormous sense of style.

Kim Vo is a master colorist to the A-listers in Hollywood like Katherine Heigl, Britney Spears, and a long list of gorgeous movie stars. And although our interview was brief, and we did not actually get to meet the colorist in person, we did learn quite a bit about this gentle and compassionate man.

His background is in art, and color was the 'language' he was drawn to. Kim Vo was born in Vietnam. Although he spoke both French and Vietnamese, English was his third language. "When I came to the states I was challenged by English. Painting with oils on canvas then progressed into haircolor. Color is the language of beauty," Kim Vo explains.

During our interview, Kim Vo taught us a lot about hair color and its complexities, and graciously gave us some beautiful hair tips. He's quite poetic about color in nature and how a woman's head of hair reflects that richness.

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

Kim Vo: Although blondes are very tricky, not all blondes are created equal. Matching skin tones is crucial to create the perfect blonde. 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.

2. So then, is skin tone the most important factor when considering hair color? And can u give us tips?

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.

3. Women do color at home. Is there any brand you would recommend, if you want to brighten hair color or cover grays?

Kim Vo: The rule of thumb for at home color is--- the least amount of time to process, is healthiest for the hair. Clairol perfect 10 is perfect for clients that want shine and grey coverage w/ out the risk of over processing.

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

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

5. Any tips about maintaining color? Is it true a vinegar rinse right after coloring keeps dye in longer?

Kim Vo: The best way to maintain color is to not re-shampoo for 36 hours. Hair is like bacon, it keeps cooking after it is off the grill. Vinegar can help to stabilize the alkaline in haircolor, but simple sealers are the best alternative. They are ammonia free toners that neutralize and give hair shine.

6. Tell us about your Kim Vo hair line. Which product is your favorite and why?

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

7. Okay, let's dish....give us the name of one celebrity, whose hair you would love to style?

Kim Vo: Carrie Underwood's. I have a soft spot for blondes and music.

We are all very excited about 'Shear Genius 3' on Bravo this Wednesday, Feb. 3rd at 10 PM. Twelve new stylists are armed and ready to 'blow away' the competition!

8. We hear there are quite a few changes for your popular show. Camila Alves will be hosting. And celebrity stylist Jonathan Antin will join you at the judges' table.

Kim Vo: Yes to all of the above! The goal this year was to turn up the heat, the candidates are under a lot more pressure. Exciting stuff!!

9. And lastly, what are the trends for hair color and style in 2010? Is the Mariah spiral out? in, etc?

Kim Vo: The trends in color for 2010 for blondes are the sunset golden blonde that reflects boho color. Great example-- Blake Lively. For brunettes, Penelope Cruz strikes a perfect balance with a rich base and light caramel ends. For reds, Amy Adams radiates a girl-next-door approachable color. Spiral curls are out, but tousled and no frizz are in, beach inspired. Grow out that short hair!! Forget the bob, introducing the “LOB”. A grown out bob with long layers.

Some beautiful hair tips by one of the best in the business. Thank you, Kim Vo. We can't wait for Shear Genius 3!!

Smashbox O-Glow Blush Warms Up Cheeks For Spring 2010

Want to look soft and pretty?

Think pink this spring. And do it in the most flattering way we know---through a simple swipe of blush. And Smashbox cosmetics puts the O in glow!

As makeup artist Trish McEvoy once said, "Certain shades of pink are universally flattering. They tend to be pinks with a hint of brown--which are very natural and will blend with most skin tones. And any transparent pink is also easy to wear."

There you have it. A super beauty tip from Trish McEvoy. A touch of pink can do wonders for your complexion, giving you a lovely glow. Pink is also a color of playfulness, youthfulness, and passion. Pink can range in bright candy shades to light dusty, barely pinks. There are so many choices, and there is a pink for everyone.

Today, we are looking at one of our go-to favorites and beauty editors' pick included in the Smashbox Heartbreaker Spring 2010 makeup collection: O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color ($26). Get a feminine, flirty flush with this universal cheek color. The texture features a pinky gel which glides onto your cheeks. And the best part of this Smashbox blush, is its ability to react with each individual skin tone, to impart a natural and pretty customized glow to cheeks.

To take a further look at O-Glow and the rest of the Heartbreaker Spring makeup collection, visit Smashbox.

Weirder Mascara Wand Brushes Like Clinique Pop Up In 2010

This beauty science is getting weirder and weirder, especially when it comes to developing the perfect mascara wand brush. The brush that can coat even the tiniest and skimpiest of lashes and the mascara that can make average lashes look their longest and thickest, are the details that make any women want to buy the product.

Last year, we 'spiraled' our way in the mirror, as we saw an explosion of vibrating brush mascaras introduced to give us all an unbelievable makeup experience. These moving mascara wands were designed to boost the method of coating each lash. Some women loved the new wands, and others hated the mascara gizmo, knocking them as mere gimmicks.

And now in 2010, make way for the, well, newest in wands: Clinique's High Lengths Mascara ($14) with the unique and green 'willow wand.' You can actually bend this wand brush. Yes, it's a curved brush, as we can all see, and Clinique says the top side contains three rows of tines. Apparently the brush is scientifcally designed to pick up just the right amount of mascara each time you dip it into the tube. And the brush coats the lashes all the way to the very tip, giving you a beautiful wider-eyed look.

The new Clinique High Lengths Mascara comes in your choice of black or brown, and the mascara quality is said to be very good.

It's out right now at a Clinique makeup counter near you, or at beauty stores like Sephora.

No, we haven't tried this new fangled and weird-looking mascara wand brush yet. We do like that it's curved because we think that makes a difference, but we're not sure about the tiny rows of tines. Hopefully someone out there reading this, has given the Clinique product a go, and will leave us a review.

Lauren Luke Lucks Out As YouTube Sensation And Visits Today Show

If you know makeup, then you probably know Lauren Luke. And if you don't know, let us tell the story, because it's a great one.

The lonely, young British woman who swears she had no friends, shot to super stardom last year on YouTube. Lauren Luke made makeup tutorials, using her own pretty face as a guide, and instantly gained more than 56 million views by 2009. And now she has her own official site and a line of makeup kits sold exclusively at Sephora stores here in the United States. You can also purchase her line here.

And this morning, Lauren Luke's popularity went up another ton of digits with an appearance on the 'Today Show.' She showed host Meredith Viera, how to create the look every woman asks her for----the smoky eye. This time, Lauren demonstrated her marvelous makeup skills on a model. Her beauty tips today: Use a primer before applying eye shadow, so it glides on smoother and stays put. A smokey eye is sexy, Lauren adds. You can go lighter with the smokey eye for daytime and then build it up with stronger color for evening.

You can try Lauren Luke's My Smokey Classics kit ($32.50). This is what you get inside:
Shadow Primer / Nude Slip DarkShadow Primer / Nude Slip LightEye Shadow / Antique PewterBlush / Peach GlowEye Liner / Raven BlackEye Shadow / Twilight AshEye Shadow / Cashmere CreamLip Color / PlumberryLip Color / Cranberry Stain.

Lauren Luke is a 27-year-old single mom who started 'vlogging' while her son was at school. And the rest is history, as they say. To check out Lauren Luke in makeup action, just visit her YouTube site. She's got a friendly, sincere manner with a charming British accent.

Here are Lauren's reasons for showing the world her makeup tutorials:

"I am very proud of myself considering my average size for a women it is very hard to get this much notice. I want to make a huge change to the beauty industry and with all of your help through YouTube I hopefully will be able to do so.
Lets show the world together that everyone is just as beautiful if not more with just the confidence we hold.I dont know about you but I know I have had enough of being made to feel inadequate by today's beauty standards.
"I just think there is a standard that is set by the beauty industry that is unobtainable by the vast majority of us normal people who pay for it. We are all entitled to have products that work and bring out the best in us and create looks that we can actually wear"Please Subscribe to show your support, it really does make a difference.Zoom Zoom!"

Delicious Mac iPhone Apps For Beauty, Shopping, Style

Okay, ladies, start your Mac engines!!

Macworld.com's App Guide reviews more than 73,000 iPhone apps that are now available to you. Just download on to iTunes.

Let's look at some cool beauty, shopping, and style apps (applications) for you. And if you're on a tight budget, don't worry, there's a special app for that:

Budget ($2). You can watch how much you're spending and stay within your limit. Set a pre-set budget and your app will remember the $$ amount. So before going crazy on a very expensive set of earrings, you will be able to track your purchases and avoid the embarrassing debit overdraft.

BNB (Be Nice to Bunnies) ($2). This app helps you shop for cruelty-free cosmetics and other products not tested on animals. You can also check whether an item is vegan.


CardStar (Free). This one consolidates all your store cards-- like membership, discount, club and rewards. A cashier can scan the bar code right off your iPhone.

My Style Fashion Assistant ($5). Gotta love this app. Your very own style consultant. Keep track of what you wear, what clothing you have, and even how to mix and match. And if you're planning a trip, no problem, this little application can give you valuable fashion tips, all in the name of 'organization.'

Coupon Sherpa (Free). No need to hunt for savings. This app finds scannable coupons for you---like boots, sunglasses, and much more, including deals in your area.

Ebay Mobile (Free). You really want to buy that set of beautiful makeup brushes, but you can't sit by the computer all day. Get and up and go, and keep track of your online bidding with this Ebay app, and let the bidding war begin!

Amazon Mobile (Free). Same kind of idea here---step away from your computer. You see an item you want, snap a photo, and Amazon will do the work--sending you listings for the same product or similar products.

ColorSutra ($2). Have superb style? But not the best with which color goes with that?! The Color Sutra app can help. Just take a picture of your turquoise blouse, for instance. And this clever app will automatically offer you shades that match.

Makeup Tips & Tricks ($1). This detailed guide has been compiled by professional makeup artists, and covers a wide range of topics on eyes, lips, skin, nails and much more. Lots of 'how-to's.' How to use makeup brushes. How to fix a makeup mistake. How to highlight your natural beauty.

These are just a few of the hundreds and hundreds of apps designed to make your world a more beautiful and stylish place. For more info, just click on MAC.

Watch Out! Counterfeit Fragrances Contain Anti-Freeze And Urine

Anti-freeze? Urine? We don't want anyone to lose their lunch here, but this is really disturbing information Harper's Bazaar magazine is reporting today, about the huge business of counterfeit fragrances and the unbelievable ingredients found in them.

And faux fragrances are different from fake handbags or apparel, simply because, you are applying a fake perfume to the skin. And sometimes, though not always, you can develop an ugly reaction, says Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York. "Knockoffs are poorly made, cheap, and reactive. You don't have accountability with a knockoff. It could be made in someone's bathtub for all you know." Bad reactions, she says, range from a runny nose to redness and eczema.

The Bazaar magazine article goes on to explain that, counterfeit fragrances have not been subjected to the quality-control tests and research and development on which legitimate makers spend money and time. "When you wear a fake, the experience is a lot different," Patrick Bamburak, a Dior Perfumes executive says. "It's either more concentrated and will be more strong or will have an alcoholy smell that won't last." And fakes have been found to contain contaminated alcohol, antifreeze, urine, and harmful bacteria.

Yuck. Enough to turn your stomach. And yet, these knock-off perfumes are sold everywhere, and not just on the streets of New York City. You can find counterfeit fragrances at flea markets, discount drugstores, and even supermarkets. And the most common place of all.....on some online sites, especially on Ebay.

Don't get us started with Ebay. We got taken, snowed, conned, and whatever other word you want to call it, when we innocently purchased what we thought were two bottles of Estee Lauder's Beautiful fragrance two Decembers ago, before Christmas.

The seller, with an almost stellar Ebay feedback rating, was peddling the fragrance in a big 2 1/2 oz. bottle for only the auction starting price of $24.99. Plus $5.99 shipping. A total of $30.98. A 'real' bottle of Beautiful in a 2 1/2 oz. bottle would run us about $70 or more.We were lucky to get our hands on two big bottles of Beautiful for only $61.96. Sealed and wrapped in the original box.

Well, the Beautifuls were big fakes. Two counterfeit fragrances.

Our beauty tip today: Buy right, like Harper's Bazaar is warning you:

"Top-quality perfumes are sold at department stores, beauty specialty stores such as Sephora, and sometimes high-end boutique pharmacies and apothecaries.

How To Get Rid Of White Deodorant Marks On Clothing

We've all been there, ladies. And if you own an lbd, or little black dress, then you've probably run into this problem at least once in your life.

We're talking about white deodorant marks on clothing. Those nasty white marks left behind after a simple swipe of deodorant. The marks end up under the arms of your favorite fashions. And then, try to get rid of those white deodorant marks. It's virtually impossible. And if the fabric is colored black or in a bright shade like red, good luck!

You try washing the white marks out with water, and sometimes you can ruin the fabric. You keep rubbing and rubbing away. The material dries, and still......the white deodorant marks re-surface. Why won't they disappear!

This morning, we got a bit of good news on how to get rid of those nasty white marks. Consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen of CBS's 'The Early Show,' came up with a unique idea. And it actually works, because we saw her rub out the deodorant marks, live, on television. See the proof here! TheEarlyShow.

All you need is a favorite piece of clothing with some ugly white marks ruined by deodorant and an old pair of panty hose. Yes, panty hose. Roll up the panty hose in a ball, and start rubbing away the white deodorant marks. You will be using the nylon hose like a cloth. Just keep rubing over the marks. And like magic, the nasty whiteness disappears!

You can also try a deodorant that is specifically formulated to not only battle perspiration and odor, but one that also claims to never leave behind white marks. Here's an invisible solid that works:

New Degree Ultra Clean Red Satin Deodorant. This one is 'unbeatable on white marks.' And the feminine red satin scent is lovely, made with a unique blend of floral, citrus and fruity notes for a sparkling clean, fresh scent. Top and middle notes include pineapple, watermelon, apple, pear, aqueous, bergamot, tangerine and zest, and middle and base notes include muguet, rose, peony and marigold. Yummy scent!

Degree Women Ultra Clear anti-perspirants/deodorants are available nationally at drugstores beginning January 2010 with a suggested retail price of $3.99 (2.6 oz). The product should be on most store shelves by now.

Visit DegreeDeodorant.com for some money saving coupons.

Madonna Looking Youthful And Defying Gravity In Mysterious Ways

Lots of people have been talking about Madonna these days, and not only for her recent appearance at the Hope for Haiti Now telethon/concert. She not only performed beautifully, but she was looking darn good. And at age 51, not an easy feat.

So, yeah, Madonna is looking youthful and defying gravity in mysterious ways. How exactly are her skin and face able to achieve such a tautness and healthy glow?! There are tons of rumors out there about the singer. We all know she does work out like a fiend and eat very properly. She took some nasty jabs last year about her very muscular arms and bony hands. Photographers were snapping her physique whenever they could. Lately, we have noticed her covering her arms and even wearing fingerless gloves, like she did in her performance for the Hope for Haiti Now telethon/concert.

Last year, there was talk about sizeable cheek implants put into her face. There was also buzz about Sculptra, a cosmetic filler, that when injected, adds wonderful volume to the face, filling in the hollows and restoring a youthful buoyancy to the features. Sculptra can last for several years.

There was even gossip about Madonna getting a ribbon lift less than a year ago. We hadn't even heard of this Beverly Hills technique. The $6,000 and 30-minute treatment, uses a dissolvable ribbon implant to lift neck tissues through a short incision around the earlobe.It takes around two months for the ribbon to be absorbed and the results can last a few years.

And then there is the Madonna lift. Hmm. We're not sure if that cosmetic procedure were named after the singer herself, but, what other Madonna could famous NYC plastic surgeon Bruce Katz be talking about?!

Dr. Katz is the pioneer behind the Madonna lift. This procedure is designed to tighten the skin around the eyes and bring a subtle lift to the eyebrows. It involves the fractional CO2 laser. It's a gentler enhancement, because it is not invasive, and is a safe and effective alternative to traditional eyelid surgery.

Dr. Katz explains the procedure this way:
"The Madonna fractional eyelift dramatically reduces the appearance of dark circles and eye wrinkles, tightens upper and lower eyelid skin, and helps to elevate drooping eyebrows,” said Dr. Katz. “It has a number of the benefits of a surgical eyelift without the risks and downtime. The only problem it doesn’t address is bulging fat pads.
Metal eye shields are used during treatment to protect a patient’s eyes from injury. The only anesthesia needed for the procedure is a numbing cream that is applied to the eyelids; as a result, downtime is minimal."

We can only guess at how the 'material girl' is fighting aging and gravity. But she's doing something right. And of course, like the smart gal she is, Madge isn't saying much. Madonna has remained rather mysterious on the subject of surgery, remarking previously: 'I am certainly not against plastic surgery; however, I am absolutely against having to discuss it.'

To take a look at Madonna's youthful appearance, check out her talented performance on YouTube.

Dr. Oz Says Seeds Simply Excellent For Health And Diet

When television's Dr. Oz speaks, people listen. And why not? Dr. Oz has quite the medical pedigree as Vice Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University. And he has a good bedside manner, we think.

We recently heard Dr. Oz mention the value of seeds for excellent health and dietary benefits.

Could something as small and inconspicuous-looking as a poppy seed, chia seed, or sunflower seed have any real nutritional value?

Apparently so, and even the basic sprinkling of these little seeds on salads, vegetables, and other foods on a daily basis, can reap rewards for you in the long run.

Let's take a look at 3 good seeds. We found some wonderful facts from Buzzle.com:

Poppy seeds. Yeah, we all have heard about the failed urine tests because of opium that would turn up in the results. Remember the Seinfeld episode and the poppy seed muffin? It's true...you can flunk a urine test after eating an innocent poppy seed bagel or poppy seed roll.

"Poppy seeds are considered to be an excellent source of vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, etc. that are needed for the smooth functioning of all human organs. As they provide the body with a good source of carbohydrates, they add loads of energy in the body. Their fatty acids aid in digestion as well as supplying other important acids required to break down food in the stomach. Poppy seeds contain linoleic acid and oleic acid. Linoleic acid protects the heart from many heart diseases and conditions, while oleic acid is known to help in prevention of breast cancer."

There are 45 Calories in 1 Tablespoon of poppy seeds.

Chia seeds. We wrote an article about this valuable little seed last year, in the form of FitFlax, a popular and crunchy food. FitFlax is ready to eat and consists of whole seeds made of roasted golden flax with chia. Together, the chia and flax seeds can do wonders:

Lower blood pressure + cholesterol

Increase metabolic rate

Promote lean muscle mass
Reduce Body Fat
Promote healthy skin

Reduce cravings for sweets + junk foods

Promote regularity + colon health

Stabilize blood sugarHigh in soluble + insoluble fiber

Improve cardiovascular health

Reduce risk of cancer.

It tastes like sesame seeds, and it is gluten-free. Yummy on peanut butter and crackers. 76 Calories in 1 1/2 Tablespoons.

Sunflower Seeds. Think of these as 'good for your heart' seeds. "The most important health benefit of sunflower seeds is imparted by the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that it contains. These components protect the heart against various heart diseases like blockage of arteries, by lowering cholesterol and eliminating bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein. More than 90% of the fat, that sunflower seeds contain is unsaturated fat which help maintain high density lipoprotein."

Sunflower seeds contain: Vitamin E, proteins, selenium, magnesium, folates, fibers, and other important nutrients. These tasty seeds can be baked in pancakes, breads, sprinkled on salads and vegetables. And they can be stored for a long time.

We think Dr. Oz is right about the health and dietary benefits of seeds. Just a sprinkle a day can keep you slim and fit.

How To Put Pretty Focus On Nails During Cold Dull Winter Days

Let's kick things up a notch! We can't believe we are even saying that, but you will understand in a moment.If you've got several inches of snow on the ground, then you might be tired of the cold winter days. And if you're enjoying 80 degree temperatures and hot sun, well, lucky you.

We want to bring the focus back to your nails, ladies. And the easiest and cheapest way to do that, is through a simple bottle of nail polish. Let's be frank here, the economy is still putting a struggle on most folks these days. So, we would like to find a bit of beauty in the most inexpensive way. And that my dears, is through the wonderful world of color. And when it comes to our nails, that's an area where we can all go crazy!

And as long as you keep your nails short and groomed, preferably square-shaped, you can paint on a bold and bright beautiful nail shade. Today, we are looking at turquoise. Why turquoise, you ask. Simple. It's one of the hot go-to shades for 2010.

Stylist Anya Sarre of The Insider show, recently mentioned turquoise and berry as being the 'it' colors of the new year. And Lara Spencer, host of The Insider, has been wearing the colors often. Sometimes in a piece of jewelry, or a pretty blouse, etc. Already, we are seeing more celebrities and non-celebrities brightening up their wardrobes with a splash of turquoise or berry.

Let's look at China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Custom Kicks. This strong, sexy shade came out last summer, and it's still going strong, and looks great during these cold winter days. And it won't break your budget. Only $6 at sallybeauty.com. And every skin tone would look lovely with a set of turquoise nails like these.

Where we are typing this, the outdoor temperature reads 17 degrees. Now you know why we need to 'kick it up.'

So, if the cold, dull winter days have you down, spice up your life with a little color. And this time, let's put the pretty focus on your nails.

Jennifer Lopez At Scott Barnes' Book Party Says It's All About The Bronzer

Jennifer Lopez has amazing bone structure. Period. And maybe that's why she is the cover girl for her makeup artist Scott Barnes' new book, About Face. The book is available at bookstores now, and retails for $24.99

J.Lo was at the book party recently. She is very proud of Scott Barnes, as she should be. The A-list makeup artist does fine beauty work on Jennifer Lopez, as well as Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Mariska Hargitay, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many other Hollywood celebrities and models.

InStyle magazine asked J.Lo at the About Face book party, to share the most important beauty lesson Scott Barnes has taught the sexy Latin celebrity. And apparently, it's all about the bronzer:

“Stay out of the sun! He really nailed into my head. Bronzer and self-tanners are so worth it. Stay out of the booth, girls! And boys!” she said. “He’s taught me so much about contouring… what should be highlighted and what should be left alone.”

Scott Barnes loves to use bronzer and highlighter. And he, of course, adores his own liquid bronzers called Body Bling, which he refers to as, 'the bronzer to the stars.'

In a past article we did on Scott Barnes' makeup tips, he explains the gentle approach to using bronzer:

"Make sure that you don’t use a bronzer like you would be using a loose powder. You shouldn’t be applying bronzer all over your face. You should actually use bronzer on parts of your face that the sun would kiss naturally and you should make sure that the centre of your face is lighter than the outer parts of your face."

To get that healthy, sun-kissed glow like Jennifer Lopez, start out softly:

"In general, I try to abide by a less-is-more mentality: You can always layer more on but it’s harder to take it off. It’s really all in the approach, though. I always see women applying powders and bronzers starting next to their nose. But the trick is to work from the outside of the face inward, rather than the other way around. This creates a halo effect and leaves a diamond shape of light in the center so your face appears a little more open. This will hide double chins and give you a visible bone structure so you don’t wind up looking old. Also, use a bronzing brush to blend allover rather than applying product directly to problem areas like crow’s feet and laugh lines. And don’t forget to do your neck and décolletage."

By the way, About Face, a how-to makeup book, is full of valuable techniques for every area of makeup application. There are lots of step-by-step photos, makeup items you need, dramatic makeovers, celebrities he has worked with, etc.

You can check out About Face by Scott Barnes at Amazon.

Taking Care Of The Skin Below The Chin: Decollete Sun Spots

The hot sun feels so good on our skin. And when most of us tan, our decollete is right there, propped up like the bikini-clad woman in the photo. The decollete receives all the good blessings from the sun, but also some nasty skin agers, like sun spots, wrinkles, and dry dullness. Now that it's winter, it's time to examine the damage we've done.

What is the decollete? The decollete is actually the upper part of a woman's chest, below the neck. And that brings us to the point of our article today:

Skin Care should not end at the chin. Let's look below. The decollete area on a woman's body is one of the first places to show age. The decollete needs tender loving care. According to liv.com, a website dedicated to helping raise awareness about early detection of breast cancer, the skin of the decollete, is quite delicate:

"The skin on the décolleté area is more sensitive than skin on other parts of our body; it is thinner, less moisturized, has less elasticity and there is no fat tissue below. Consequently, this skin is more likely to show signs of aging with dryness, hyper-pigmentation and age spots."

And yet, most of us follow a strict face cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing routine, often stopping at the chin.

Get over age 50, and dermatologists say those cute, faint, little sun spots, fine lines, and freckles, start getting bigger and darker in pigmentation. The good news? We can always improve our skin.

First, cleanse your decollete area with the same cleanser you would use on your face. And then apply a moisturizer. NY dermatologist Judith Hellman advises follwing that step with " a combination of Vitamin A derivative creams such as Retin-A, Glycolic Acid creams and bleaching creams containing Hydroquinone". This regimen will start minimizing brown pigmentation and fine lines, she says.

There are also cosmetic procedures like the LimeLight PhotoFacial. And what it does, is use a light laser to zero in on a problem area of skin. The laser delivers a gentle pulse of light and, within one to three weeks, the zapped spot will flake off or fade. One visit costs around $500, but this procedure has proven to be quite successful.

And then there is do-it-at-home decollete care. Melanie Vasseur, a well-known skincare specialist, cosmetic chemist, aesthetician and founder of Vasseur Skincare, says you could try this:

"Vitamin C is very effective in removing sunspots as well. Try lemon or limejuice, they act as natural alpha hydroxy acids and are very effective. Squeeze fresh lemon juice or lime juice into a bowl and apply with a cotton swab to your chest every other night for 2-3 weeks. Take a break for the fourth week and continue again for the fifth week. The following remedies can take up to 6 months, be patient you’ll be glad you were."

These skin care steps for the decollete sound smart and sensible. And as all dermatologists remind us: Please put on the sunscreen, even when it's a cloudy day.

Get Some New Year Bling By Michelle Trachtenberg For Coach

Hey Michelle Trachtenberg. It must be nice to be a Gossip Girl and have a new jewelry line, and be only 24-years-old.

The engaging actress is excited about bringing in some new year bling for Coach's younger set in their Poppy jewelry collection. And it's some budget-saving bling. The spring 2010 pieces sell for $78 to $128.

Michelle Trachtenberg tells Us magazine, "It's Marie Antoinette meets Blondie. The perfect mix of girlie and edgy."


If you adore a little buzz close to your heart, you will love Michelle's debut jewelry line for Coach's Poppy collection. The bee is everywhere and it's a striking Swarovski crystal bee. The spring 2010 bling line is on sale right now. So far, we have noticed a 4-piece collection. Earrings. Bracelet. Necklace. And big bee cocktail ring. All pieces include a light hematite finish for a gunmetal cast along with faceted glass stones.

We like the jewelry pieces, because we are partial to blue. And we recently saw Michelle, herself, sporting the bee earrings at an event. Her fans will probably love the collection.

Let's face it. It's quite common these days, to have a celebrity collaborate with a jewelry or fashion house. Nicole Richie has done it quite admirably and successfully with her House of Harlow jewelry and new Winter Kate clothing line. And the Kardashians have a brand new jewelry line among other clever ventures.

We know....the bee theme has been done over and over again in jewelry collections, but this one does mix some hard edges into the design. So we think those who adore the Poppy jewelry will welcome Michelle Trachtenberg's collaboration with Coach.

You can view Michelle's debut line at Coach.

Golden Globes Bring Out Sophisticated Silver Eyeshadow Trend In 2010

The big beauty trend at Sunday's Golden Globes awards show, was in the eyes of several lovely ladies, like Leona Lewis, Heidi Klum, and Kate Hudson.

You could say, it was a 'Grey Gardens Night' when it came to makeup. We're talking about sophisticated silver eyeshadow. Take a look at British songstress Leona Lewis. She's rockin' the sexy and softer smoky eye with a lighter pink lip. The beauty trend will be big this year and it's not hard to copy.

The 2010 Golden Globes also featured a sea of purple fabric flowing along the red carpet. Purple shades like violets, plums, and eggplants were delicately hugging the bodies of Sandra Bullock, Jane Krakowski, Rose Byrne, and Leona Lewis.

That purple fashion trend also blends in beautifully with the silver eye shades celebrities were wearing to the formal event. Any eyeshadow that takes a silver base and mixes in a wash of muted purple will be important this spring.

And do take note. If you are not crazy about a harsher or bolder smoky eye, the kind that is generally done in black or brown shadows and liners, silver shadow is very sophisticated and just as pretty. You can go deep with gunmetal grey or much gentler with a delicate dove grey. From shimmer to sheen. From metallic to matte, silver can go the beauty distance.

By the way, if you're still all thumbs when it comes to creating smoky eyes, have no fear. Stila has a wonderful Smoky Eye Talking Palette eyeshadow set (on sale $40, at Sephora stores). And it comes in 2 gray choices:

The Grays (the original Smoky Eye Talking Palette): icy champagne (base), silvery gray (lid), dark gray (crease/ contour), and smoky black brown (liner).

The Platinums: white pearl (base), silver (lid), silvery gray (crease/ contour), and black with micro glitter (liner).

And the set is goof-proof!! "With the press of a button, a Stila artist's recording will teach you how to create the perfect smoky eye, complete with artistry tips, what brushes to use, and product suggestions, all in under a minute."

How cool is that!

Women Lose Weight Slower Than Men But Menstrual Cycle Can Tell Women When Body Burns Most Fat

It's already 2010. And lots of people are trying to lose weight in the new year.

The ugly fact: Women do lose weight slow-wwwwer than men. How frustrating is that, especially partners that take the weight loss journey together, only to see their male counterparts losing lbs. so quickly.

But women do have a little weight loss weapon they don't even know about. It's called your menstrual cycle. And learning how your monthly cycle works, can give you clues to when your body burns the most fat.

Here at Beauty Tip Today, we have tackled this issue before, and we recently received an email from a reader who wanted us to re-explain how a woman's menstrual cycle can help one lose weight. So let us begin.

First, let's look at some basics:

1. Men tend to lose weight faster than women for a few reasons.

2. Women tend to store and retain fat, because we have higher levels of estrogen, which keeps fat on a woman's body.

3. Men have more muscle on their frames which equals a faster metabolism. So, they can burn more calories, even when lying on the couch, doing zero.

4. Women have more fat on hips and thighs, which are tougher fat zones to remove, whereas men have more belly fat, which is a fat zone that melts away quicker.

Now, lets' look at women's menstrual cycles, and see how your period, and the days in between that, offer you the best shot for burning fat. Exercise plays a big role here:

Muscle & Fitness magazine did an article on the female fat cycle. And according to researchers from Australia, all women are equal and alike during certain times of their menstrual cycle.

For instance, one study found that, "the female body burns much more fat, especially during high-intensity aerobic exercise, during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle than it does during the follicular phase." In other words, you will lose more weight during days 14-28 of your cycle than during days 1-13 of your cycle.(Remember: Day 1 of your cycle always equals the first day of your period). It has to do with the estrogen and progesterone levels during a woman's cycle.

Now to take advantage of your own fat burning machine, do lower-intensity exercise when you get your period. Use about 60%-70% of your maximum heart rate for about 40-60 minutes per session for days 1-13. Do cardio on the treadmill or elliptical climber. Then around day 14, switch over to high-intensity exercise, where you use 80%-90% maximum heart rate for about 30 minutes per session. Do that tougher exercise regimen for days 14-28.(These days are generally your ovulation time). Push your cardio on the stationary bike or stair-stepper.

This plan will help you really strip the fat and lose weight.