Sunday, July 24, 2011

How To Make Flirty Mila Kunis Eyes: Think 'Liquid Purple'




While everyone was oooo-ing and ahhhh-ing over Natalie Portman during last February's Academy Awards show, we were shocked that gorgeous Mila Kunis, her co-star in Black Swan, was not getting her due attention.

The girl is stunning. Mila Kunis's eyes, alone, are quite something to behold. Big, wide-set, almond-shaped eyes, with of course, the perfect set of brows.

So, how can we make flirty Mila Kunis eyes?

With tons of shadow, liquid liner, and mascara. And one of these is the key to the 27-year-old beauty's elegant eyes. Think PURPLE. Yes, purple. It's a hot makeup trend for summer 2011.

And if you're not able to create as smoky an eye as Mila's signature look, you can still get a sexy gaze with just a hint of the shade.

We like Make Up for Ever Aqua Liner in Iridescent Electric Purple ($23, at Sephora). This is new, highly pigmented stuff.

This is a super liquid liner, ladies. It's smudge-proof, water-proof, and it's got a cool applicator---it's a foam-tip applicator, designed to resemble a makeup brush handle for the most accurate application.

And the purple liquid is amazing! If you're shy, just paint the liquid liner across your upper lash line, or you can apply it OVER your black liner. Add lots of mascara, and you're ready to go!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Can't Beat Cool Breezy Gauze For Summer Beach Cover-Up



Gotta love GAUZE!

When it's time for summer fun and days and nights at the beach, then gauze should be your fabric of choice, especially when it's a very hot day.

Gauze is a lightweight and quite durable cotton material. It's loosely woven and sheer. You can toss it into your bag and go! It travels well, and always looks right. Just ask Miley Cyrus. Check out her white gauze tunic. She wore this while making an appearance in hot, steamy Mexico.

Today, we are looking at BlueSkySwimwear.com. All their beach apparel is made right here in the U.S.A.. We like that, especially since there has been so much talk these days, about buying things made right in our own backyard.

We love the White Tie Front Cover-Up ($34, at BlueSkySwimwear.) Check out the neckline with it's pretty, crochet-like detail. And sizes come in S, M, and L.

If you don't own any gauze, you really should. And by the way, if you aren't wild about white, gauze comes in lots of beautiful, bold colors and prints, too.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Need New Jeans For Shapely Butt/Hips? Try Levi's Curve ID


Levi's jeans.

You can't beat a classic. And we applaud the famous denim makers for trying to design women's jeans that have to do more with shape than with size. Some women have a smaller, flatter butt like model Heidi Klum. And then, other women have a curvy butt and hips a la Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian.

And if you're hunting for a new pair of jeans as you head back to college or back to autumn weather, then try on some Levi's Curve ID Jeans ($58, at Macy's). They might just be the right pair to emphasize your unique and beautiful behind.

There are 3 custom fits for Levi's Curve ID Jeans:

1. Slight Curve......for straight figure shapes. Gives shape to the butt. Has a lower rise.
2. Demi Curve...... for curvy bodies. Elongates the legs and hugs shape.
3. Bold Curves...... for curvier bodies. Shows off silhouette without gapping at the waist.


There's just one little problem, that Levi's has yet to address-----if you're tall and need more than a 34" rise, then forget these jeans. To illustrate our point, take a look at the 3 models in the Levi's Curve ID Jeans photo.

The jeans are a bit short on the models, who are probably 5'9" tall or more. In fact, these jeans look amazing, but even on these stunning models, it looks like the denim has shrunk.

We believe that Levi's ought to honor tall women too, and extend the rise to a 36" or 37", like most denim companies do.

What do you think?


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Miss Jessie's Quick Curls And Curly Pudding Perfect For Humid Days



Okay, all you fabulous curly-haired girls, it's all about the styling products you use, to give the right spring to your locks.

And when the summer weather gets up to a nasty dew point and the mercury is reaching 100 degrees like today, well, you need some hair S.O.S. A.S.A.P.!

Today, we're looking at 2 effective styling aids from Miss Jessie's natural hair care line. And if you can't get to the popular SOHO salon in NYC, you CAN shop at their website, missjessies.com and at Target, too.

And these are not just styling products for women of color. Miko Branch, along with her sister Titi, established the Miss Jessie's company for all women with hair that has curly hair needs.

Miko explained the universal beauty of their natural hair care line to blackenterprise.com:

"Because hair is universal," Miko says. "It’s not just for mixed gals. It’s not just for Black girls. It’s not just for White girls. That’s the commonality that we all share. We all have hair on our heads. Whether you’re Japanese, whether you’re Jewish, Latina, African American some of us share a similar head of hair, so in terms of product, one jar of product can bring us all together. It would be unfair and probably not the truth to just single out and segment one portion of it, so we’re really talking to everyone who has hair challenges and who wants to find some solutions."

Let's take a look:

Miss Jessie's Quick Curls ($32, 8 oz.). "Great for our beautiful white gals," says Miss Jessie's. A super, lightweight cream that conditions and fights frizz. Easy to use: Just apply to damp hair. Then air-dry or diffuse-dry, and watch your waves and curls come alive.

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding ($38, 16 oz.). Allure magazine loves this product. Curly Pudding "transforms shrunken kinks to super shiny stretched out curls." For yummy-looking, shiny hair.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Happy 31st Birthday, Gisele Bundchen!


Gisele Bundchen has been a successful model for about half of her life. So, we call that staying power. And the Brazilian beauty turns 31 today.

Happy birthday, Gisele!

And if you thought by her leaving the pages of Victoria's Secret catalogue, that you would never hear of Gisele again, boy, were you wrong! She obviously doesn't need the VS label to keep her name, face, and body in the news. In fact....talk about a SUPER model, Gisele earned some $45 million last year, according to Forbes magazine, surpassing every model's paycheck on the planet.

So, what are Gisele Bundchen's beauty tips? Why is she considered so special?

Wish we knew. We can tell you that she believes in good skin care, and she has her own eco-friendly line called Sejaa Pure. The ingredients are all natural with green packaging. She has a nice day cream, night cream, and mud mask. Sejaa products contain good anti-aging stuff like--- aloe, shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil.

We think Gisele never looked better when she began seeing future husband, Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady. Love this Versace peek-a-boo number the size 4 model wore at the Met Gala 2008.

Let's face it...even after giving birth to baby Benjamin in 2009, the woman still has an incredible body---very lean and muscular, without an ounce of fat. Her striking face is quite angular and strong with great cheekbones. And most importantly, Gisele photographs exquisitely, with hundreds of magazine covers to her credit.

Indeed, a time to celebrate for the world's top model.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Bobbi Brown's 5 Minute Healthy Nails Beauty Tip



We adore makeup expert Bobbi Brown. She has such a healthy attitude about cosmetics and beauty, in general.

That's why we were happy to find a wonderful kitchen cupboard beauty tip that gets rid of discolored nails from too many mani/pedis. We've all seen it happen, too. Summertime means having fun with colored nail polishes. But when the shade is too dark, you pay for it in the end.

Yellow nails?! It can happen to the best of us. And Bobbi Brown advises taking a break from polish and getting back to basics. And the pro has a 5 Minute Healthy Nails Beauty Tip, one she just gave out in the July/August 2011 issue of Health magazine. Bobbi is their contributing beauty and lifestyle editor.

How to Whiten Nails:

1 Tbsp. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
2 1/2 Tbsp. Baking Soda

Make a paste of the 2 ingredients.
Apply the mixture onto each nail with a cotton swab.
Let paste sit for 5 minutes.
Rinse
.
Then buff nails to get rid of any lingering discoloration.

Bobbi Brown's healthy nails beauty tip really works.

Monday, July 18, 2011

How To Turn Back Turkey Neck With Gentle Ultherapy Treatment



We often talk about the neck, because it shows age rather quickly, and it seems to be a most ignored part of a woman's body.

For instance, we know many women who began applying creams and serums and moisturizers and sunscreens in their 20s and 30s, and totally skipped their necks all those years. In other words, women concentrate a lot on their faces when it comes to anti-aging treatments. But there is so much more going on, below the chin.

That's why, we are looking at turkey necks, and how to turn back time, without going under the knife. Let's face it.....who likes invasive surgery?

Maybe you've heard of this fairly new beauty treatment called Ultherapy. It's quite gentle and different from laser procedures. Instead of a laser, ultrasound energy is brought to the face and neck to lift and firm. And there are NO needles, NO surgery, NO downtime.

It might not be as dramatic as a facelift, but many satisfied patients claim that Ultherapy gives striking results and returns nice, sharp contours to the jawline and neck.

So, how does 'Ul' work?

The beauty treatment uses the ultrasound method of sending micro-focused sound waves below the surface of the skin. This in turn, triggers the tissue to contract and tighten. Little by little, and very gently, this builds new collagen on the inside, without bothering the surface of the skin.

Just look at the BEFORE and AFTER from Ultherapy. It looks great to us. And sometimes, only one session is needed. By the way, the average cost of Ultherapy treatment is about $2,000.

Is this the wave of the cosmetic future?

Maybe...it's safe, FDA-approved, and yields great youthful results, especially for the dreaded turkey neck. We give this the beauty thumbs up!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Princess Kate Should Nix The Pantyhose: Queen Won't Know It's Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs



Princess Kate seems to have a jump on the latest beauty/fashion trends. But ever since the newly married Royal set "foot", so to speak, here in the states, one, tiny style faux pas was made.

Pantyhose.

Women across the country were laughing and sneering at the very thought of putting on again, a pair of tight, uncomfortable panyhose, especially in the sizzling summer heat. But there stood galmorous Kate dressed to the nines from head to toe, wrapped in constricting, but shiny and sheer pantyhose.

UGH, screamed most of our girlfriends. "How 1980s," some sarcastically sniped. But, we thought she looked polished and complete.

Having said that, we also believe that the beautiful princess could pick up a can of Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs ($13.99, at Walgreens) and make her royal entrance bare-legged with a lovely, healthy glow. And by golly, the Queen won't know it's Sally Hansen spray-on pantyhose. No way!

We love that stuff! We buy the Airbrush Legs in Medium Glow, and it's a gorgeous, sun-kissed stocking-free look.

The spray-on pantyhose comes in 4 blendable shades: Light glow. Medium glow. Tan glow. Deep glow.

The spray won't cover imperfections like spider veins, completely, but the beauty product minimizes bothersome leg issues. Plus the formula is water-resistant, weightless, and moisturizing with Vitamin K.

Medium glow gives a lovely sheen with a nice shade of a light tan. The color is pretty. It isn't an orange streaky hue. The only advice we will give---spray the formula directly into your hands and apply to your legs, and take a cosmetic sponge to blend quickly. And then, don't sit on anything for about 5 minutes. Let it dry completely.

Meantime, if you absolutely wish to copy Princess Kate's pantyhose look pick up a pair of Dusky Nude Sandy Sunlight L'eggs.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Ricky's In NYC: Edgy Beauty Store With Lots To Offer


Ladies, do you know Ricky's?!

If you live in New York City, and you like everything beauty, then you darn well know where Ricky's is located.

We're not telling you to move to Manhattan, but there are advantages to living in a very big city, when it comes to tracking down your favorite beauty must-haves. The supply is almost always there. In other words, you CAN usually find a certain makeup, skin product, hairspray, flat-iron with no problem.

And if you can get a chance to walk into a Ricky's NYC store, well, you've hit the beauty jackpot!

Everything under the sun is here.....and at great prices! Look what we just found:

1. Babyliss Professional Hairdryer--Titanium Tourmaline 3000 ($89.99, now on sale for $59.99).

2. Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion ($11.99, now on sale for $5.99).

3. St. Ives Olive Cleanser ($7.99, now on sale for $4.99).

We're just scratching the surface.

By the way, if you can't get into a Ricky's NYC, don't despair. Let your fingers do the walking. Just click here.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Is Courteney Cox' $9 Drugstore Beauty Buy Really A Good Thing?!



Courteney Cox.

We think she's a gorgeous, dark-haired celebrity. So, who wouldn't want to follow any beauty advice she gives out?

We recently picked up on a little tidbit from the Cougar Town actress, regarding at-home hair color. BUT------we're not sure we would be following her suggestion.

So, let's look closer......

Courteney Cox claims she is a loyal fan of Clairol's Natural Instincts Brass Free Brunettes in 5C Medium Brown:

"The $9 drugstore beauty item I buy every 28 days."

Are we to believe that a celebrity like Courteney Cox relies soley on at-home boxes of hair color? That she doesn't use a professional stylist to dye her hair?

Who knows. She could use both, and maybe when her gray roots peek through, she uses a little drugstore Clairol before she gets to her stylist?

If you gather information about Natural Instincts, you would find that this is a demi-permanent hair color. In other words, it lasts through about 28 shampoos, all without ammonia. That means, it is healthier for your locks. And it covers your grays.

The brass free formula that Courteney Cox is raving about, neutralizes unwanted red or orange tones in the hair. That's a good thing.

But the problem with using a demi-permanent hair dye on darker hair is the unwanted build-up or deposit of color that remains on the hair. In other words, you start off with a medium brown, and a few months later, that same box shade you use, begins to look black, even jet black.

And trust us......we've been there. We have watched our dark brown locks turn goth in a matter of months. And then, we had to out-grow it all. Not easy, and patience is a virtue.

As we've always repeated here: Remember---it's easy to go dark, when coloring hair. But if you want to un-do the darkness, you've got quite the challenge on your hands.

Permanent hair color sounds even harsher to hair. Yes, maybe in terms of resulting drier texture and so on, but at least a permanent hair dye eventually fades to a lighter shade. So you don't have to worry about heavy color deposit, at least in our experience.

By the way, if you have great luck using a demi-permanent hair color like Natural Instincts, good for you. And good for Courteney Cox. We have not been so lucky.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Beauty Tip From Korea: Found In Viscose 'Italy' Towel


In yesterday's beauty article, we talked about getting rid of back acne. And now, we're taking this a step further.....

We just learned about an amazing beauty tip from Korea, that involves super exfoliation with just one, inexpensive, little wash cloth, called the Italy towel, or the Ddhe Meeruh cloth, as it's called in Korean. And the fabric is made of viscose.

You can pick up these Korean bath cloths in Asian markets for less than $2. And we found some on Ebay at a great 7-piece deal here.

These rough, 'Italy towels,' as they are called, are not for the faint of heart. You will see dead skin cells roll off your body as you apply the wet cloth in circular motions across your skin.

Perform this bathtime beauty routine after you shower or bathe, when your skin has been exposed to water for several minutes, and you will see some big changes in the texture of your skin. Little by little, you will note smoother, softer skin with a healthy glow.

We're not promising your cellulite will disappear (not that you have any), but remember: Circulation is important when it comes to healthy skin. And a good, strong bath massagepushes the body into action.

We conclude that this is a wonderful beauty tip from Korea!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

How To Get Rid Of 'Bacne' And Enjoy Sexy Backless Tops



Backless tops and backless dresses are sizzling hot for summer 2011. A lot of famous faces are wearing them----like VS model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. But before you dare to go bare back there, make sure you've got nice, clear, smooth back skin.

Nothing worse than a few unsightly break-outs or back acne! You've heard of the term, 'bacne', as we know it. And yes, you actually have pores back there that can become clogged.

Your back rarely gets bared on a day-to-day basis. But when summer rolls around, it's time for bikinis and tops that show off that beautiful back. And since you're not always examining this part of your body, well, bumps and break-outs can pop up there.

So, first thing....You should invest in a body brush, a bath brush with a long handle. Slough off those rough areas. Routine exfoliation can make a big difference.

And the best thing we've found is a great bacne fighter by Dr. Murad, called Murad Clarifying Body Spray ($37, at murad.com. This is a super formula in a salicylic acid and retinol-based spray.

It's gentle enough for daily use. After you shower or bathe, just spritz on a thin layer, let dry, and go. Murad Clarifying Body Spray kills bacteria on contact. And yes, you CAN reach those hard-to-get places with its revolutionary 360° spray. It works upside down to zap those break-outs that might be forming on impossible-to-reach body parts. You can spritz on Clarifying Body Spray from head-to toe.

Here's to clear, smooth skin, way back there.

Monday, July 11, 2011

How 'Bout A Brazilian Peel: Not What You Think--This One For The Face


No, this isn't like a Brazilian wax Ouch!

The Brazilian peel is actually for the face and neck, thank goodness. It's a new, at-home prescription strength glycolic acid peel by Advanced Home Actives ($78, 4-monthly treatments, at sephora + ships for FREE). The company claims that the Brazilian peel is 5 X stronger than the leading over-the-counter product. Plus, this chemical peel is a 30% glycolic grade combined with the anti-aging beauty berry acai from the Brazilian rain forest

Now, you know, we, here at BeautyTipToday, love our glycolic acid peels. So, anytime a new self-neutralizing peel that you can apply at home is introduced, we take notice.

What's so great about chemical peels like glycolic acid?

It's simple. Your healthy skin returns. Texture improves, along with better tone, smoothness, and firmness. And those pesky fine lines and wrinkles appear less nasty.

Jan Marini, skin care expert explains the beauty of the amazing glycolic acid:

"Its molecules are so small that they penetrate more deeply, dislodging dead cells and lifting the skin, giving it a smoother appearance. And glycolic acid also helps get rid of age spots!"

We can all have nice nice skin. It takes time and a few trusted products. And trust us.....glycolic acid should be in your beauty arsenal.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Celebrities Love The Little White Dress In Summer: So Can You






Ladies....Say hello to the LWD! That stands for 'little white dress", of course. And that's what you should be slipping into, when you get the chance this summer.

Celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Eva Longoria, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Carrie Underwood, are all workin' the LWD. And so can you! Check out these lovelies.

And yes, it's okay if the little white dress is ivory, off-white, cream, and so forth. You get the general concept here. As long as the dress is in the white-ish category, that spells summer, light and breezy, along with showing off that sun-kissed glow!

We found some super cute, little white dresses at venus.com. And they're having a sale, so the prices are great for the budget fashionista.

We adore this V-neck Ruched Dress ($34, at Venus. This is a sleek, curve-hugging LWD. In easy care poly-spandex. Available in X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large.

The LWD is a simple and striking look every woman can pull off. And you can have fun with your accessories. Check out Eva Longoria's tangerine-colored shoes!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Ooo LaLa! Votre Vu Lip Balm And Hand Cream In One

We like this beauty concept a lot. Votre Vu has a wonderful 2-in-1 lip balm and hand cream. It's called Bebe Duette Luxe Lips Framboise & Hand Creme ($27.65 --2-pack, at votrevu.com. Perfect for the purse, ladies.

So, the price is higher, but, the Votre Vu brand is quite luxurious. And in case you're wondering, Votre Vu is a 2-year-old Paris-based skin care line, developed by a family in France with more than 80 years experience in custom blending formulations.

The vitamin-infused lip balm is heavenly. And we give thumbs up to the framboise, sheer raspberry balm. This color looks gorgeous on everyone. And the balm is made with UV filters for added protection under the sun.

The hand creme is a rich, moisturizing base in an almond/coconut scent. Yummy! And your hands will be well-protected because Votre Vu has enriched the product with sun filters for UVA/UVB protection to maintain skin tone and to help keep hands looking youthful and soft.

AnnaLynne McCord is hooked on Vu's Duette Lux Hand Creme. "I love this lotion. It smells so good!".

And Patti LaBelle agrees with Vu's Lip Balm/Hand Creme product duo. "This is fabulous!"

Votre Vu's Bebe Duette Luxe Lips Framboise & Hand Creme is another great beauty item to toss in your summer beach bag.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Vogue Cover Gal Emma Watson Carries This In Makeup Bag At All Times




R-E-L-A-X......Don't freak out!

Our Beauty Tip Today comes from July 2011 Vogue Cover Gal and Harry Potter star, Emma Watson.

And no, it's not Emma's favorite lipstick, although she LOVES Burt's Bees tinted lip balms. Instead, today's beauty tip has to do with beauty of the mind....the senses.

Emma Watson's must-have-in-makeup-bag-at-all-times item is a little bottle of this: Bach Rescue Remedy Natural Stress Relief ($20, at health stores, and rescueremedy.com).

The petite 21-year-old swears by Bach's. In fact, Rescue Remedy does exactly what the name says it does:

"A few drops under my tongue before I go out, calms me down," Emma tells InStyle magazine. "It's in my makeup bag at all times."

So, you ask, what does a young, talented, wealthy and pretty movie star get so freaked out about?

Plenty, as any other person, celebrity or non-celebrity, goes through on a daily basis. We all have anxiety, stress, worry. And Emma Watson is no exception. She's been in the spotlight at a very tender age, attended ivy league Brown University, and has been juggling a busy lifestyle for quite some time now.

Bach Rescue Remedy Natural Stress Relief is safe for the whole family, including the family pets. According to the Bach makers, it's a homeopathic solution that does this:

Relieve feelings of anxiety, nervous tension, stress, agitation or despair and provide a sense of focus and calm.
Rescue Remedy is a unique combination of five Bach Original Flower Remedies; Rock Rose, Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem and Cherry Plum.
No artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Seed Beads: So Right For Summer Jewelry


Some people might think that seed beads are too simple, or too arts and crafts-like to be considered serious jewelry. But oh, how wrong they are!

Look at the beautiful detail and striking colors we found in a sample of seed bead jewelry. And this is another hot summer trend for 2011!

Seed bead chandeliers and bracelets are everywhere. And although a lot of seed bead jewelry can run you into hundreds of dollars, we found a great Ebay store, where you can pick up a boatload of beaded beauties at really cheap prices!
The seed bead items we have pictured here, are gorgeous, and all from BeadsCorner. And we love their FREE shipping. We have bought several beaded chandeliers from BeadsCorner, and the quality is good. Plus, they have earned a Top Rated Seller status from Ebay, so they are legit.

Check out these prices:
1. WHITE BRONZE BLUE SEED BEADS BEADED EARRINGS ($5.99).
2. SILVER BUGLE BEADED VICTORIAN CROWN NECKLACE JEWELRY ($11.95).
3. ZIG ZAG BEADWORK MULTICOLOR SEED BEADED CUFF BRACELET ($6.95).

You cannot beat these prices for really nice seed bead jewelry. Once again, beautyTipToday proves that you CAN get in on all the hot summer trends without breaking your wallet.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Q-Tip Creates The Perfect New Precision Tips: Must-Have Makeup Tool



Q-Tips.

We can't live without them. We've written about them before, and yes, we are a Q-Tip freak!

Imagine our surprise, when we found out that the cotton swab geniuses are at it again. Get ready for Q-Tips Precision Tips! Debuting this August, the Precision Tips ($2.49, 170 swabs) will be designed with pointy tips at both ends. Gotta love it. And these should become a makeup must-have tool.

What's the big deal, you ask?

Well, a regular Q-Tip is great for mopping up beauty mistakes, like a goof with the eyeliner, or a manicure that's gone over the nail edge, and so on. But think about it----a pointed Q-Tip could take the job even further. You will be able to get into tinier areas to apply makeup, or take off makeup. A tapered end can give you that much-needed precision for eyeliner and eye shadow applications.

This is a no-brainer. Professional makeup artists always have a box of Q-Tips at their ready. And now the new Precision Tips can give everyone that professional edge. And if you don't even have a box of cotton swabs in your makeup tool arsenal, then how is that possible?!

For instance......a moistened Q-Tip can help extend your eyeliner pencil stroke into a sexy, cat eye wing. You can also remove eye makeup with a few cotton swabs dipped in baby oil or makeup remover lotion. And you can remove the gunk that sometimes builds up in the inner corners of your eyes with a Q-tip stick. You can sweep your eye shadow beautifully with a swab, and remove smudges that come from mascara mishaps.

We have used them to remove hair color during the dye process when a little runs on to our skin. We've also taken a few swabs dipped in acne cream to dab on our break-outs. Q-Tips also take off excess eyebrow powder without messing up the arch you've created. We've often dunked a swab in lemon juice and applied to our decollete freckles. And the list goes on and on.

A box of pointy Q-Tips? We can't wait.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Blotting Paper : Another Great Beauty Item For Summer Greasies


Blotting Paper. It's not just for oily skin. Summer-time and high humidity equal shiny complexions. And even dry skin can look dull after those steamy July days.

There are tons of blotting papers out there. We've learned that the best blotting papers to buy, are the ones with flaxseed oil in them. Linen and rice paper are also wonderful oil absorbers. These three are able to mop up the shine and grease, and leave your face looking matte and pretty again. It would be wise to stay away from blotting papers made of mineral oil or powder, because those can clog your pores.

Blotting papers usually come in a little compact. You take one out at a time, and simply press these small sheets against your face, and watch the oiliness lift away. They're convenient, too, easy to tuck away in a purse or pocket to be used throughout the day.

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, who seems to have her pulse on great trends and super beauty finds, has given the thumbs up to Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers in the Zoe Report. Talk about tres elegant! These delicate papers($12, 30 sheets) come from Japan and are made from 100% Abaca leaf and gold-flakes---all natural. Now that's something different.

And the Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers won't remove makeup, and are highly absorbant. By the way, you can purchase a packet at beauty stores like, b-glowing.com.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Love The Pool But Get The Chemical Green Gunk Out Of Hair



Green pool hair. Not pretty. And frustrating, because it's hard to remove, and makes blonde heads, especially, look bad.

We have 2 solutions that work. And no, we don't want you to give up swimming.

First, let's look at why that nasty green tint develops from swimmingin a chlorinated pool:

According to Anne Marie Helmenstine, a chemistry expert, the culprit is actually the copper, not the chlorine.
"It isn't the chlorine that turns blonde hair green. Oxidized metals in the water bind to the protein in the hair shaft and deposit their color. The metal that produces the green tint is copper, which is most commonly found in algicides, though it naturally occurs in some water. The bleach that is added to a pool may be responsible for oxidizing the metal, but it's not the cause of the color.
If your hair turns green, you can remove the discoloration by using a shampoo that chelates the metal. To some extent, you can prevent copper from binding to the hair by sealing the hair cuticle with a conditioner before swimming. Rinsing your hair immediately after leaving the pool will help protect it, too."


There is a shampoo that does just that. TriSwim Chlorine Out Shampoo ($13.20, at sbrsports. And it's safe for color-treated and permed hair.

TriSwim: Completely eliminates chlorine and chlorine odor by containing the chemical, washing it out of the hair and down the drain• Contains Aloe Vera, Vitamins E & A, and Pro-Vitamin B5 - Helps to remove copper deposits that can cause some hair to take on a greenish tint - Increases volume potential - Nourishes hair follicles - Hydrates the scalp.

You can also try hair solution #2, a natural way to get the chemical green gunk out of your hair.

Try ketchup. We're not kidding. This little beauty gem comes from master colorist Kim Vo. And he's a celebrity stylist, one of the best hair pros in the biz.

So if your bottle-blonde hair turns a nasty green, don't fret. Kim has a simple solution. Just apply ketchup to your locks, massage in, and let it sit there for a few minutes. Then jump in the shower and rinse thoroughly. Shampoo, and rinse again. It really works. The green is gone!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Cellulite Serums A Gal's best Friend: But Cellulite Is Permanent

DO buy the cellulite serums and cellulite creams you hear about!

BUT---be realistic, ladies.

You CANNOT get rid of cellulite permanently. But you CAN STOP its further advancement, and CAN make your dimpled skin look better.

Not exactly what we all want to hear, but, trust us, most women have cellulite, that dimpled fat that rests on our thighs, rear, even belly and arms.

And we love that skinny chicks can develop cellulite, too.

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Cindy Crawford, and Kim and Khloe Kardashian all admit to the lumpy fat. So, you are not alone.

Of course, summer means shorts and bathing suit apparel. And having cellulite can spoil your fun in the sun. But now, the cellulite serums and creams have come far...the ingredients can really smooth and firm skin, so that your dimpled thighs don't look so dimpled after all.

One of these excellent cellulite busters is by the folks at Nivea, called, Good-bye Cellulite Fast Acting Serum ($12, at drugstores). Both Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian swear by it.

Here's how Nivea's formula works:

"Nivea research has developed a new ultra-concentrated formula which combines the natural ingredients Lotus Extract and L-Carnitine.
When used regularly, Nivea Good-bye Cellulite Fast Acting Serum leads to visible reduction in the appearance of cellulite in as little as 10 days."


A lot of women love this . Something good to tote in your beach bag.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Crop Tops And Cutouts Equal Toned Tummy: How To Get Great Abs





A toned tummy seems to be a gal's best fashion accessory these days. Midriff-baring outfits are hot!

That means that the bulls-eye is on your belly, So, if you want to rock some sexy, cutouts and crop tops, then you need to get some great abs.

For a few months now, we've been seeing the toned tummies of some A-list celebrities peek-abooing on the red carpet in crop tops and cutout dresses.....Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Nicole Richie, to name a few. And they all look ab-tastic!

So, how do we get there? Are there any short-cuts to a serious set of abs?!

Maybe you don't have time or even the desire to work-out 5 days a week or to eliminate sodas and alcohol.

Well, maybe there IS a way to tone your tummy without a lot of hassle. BeautyTipToday wrote an article about cholorophyll and how it can flatten your belly.

We learned that chlorophyll acts like a mild laxative and encourages the liver into becoming a better fat-burning machine. The green pigment is also full of magnesium which helps to balance blood sugar and melt away stubborn belly fat. Chlorophyll is also high in vitamin and mineral content.

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, and an award-winning author of 30 books, tells First for Women magazine that, "the best absorbed form (of chlorophyll) is a liquid extract mixed with water." She suggests a twice daily drink of 1 tsp. of chlorophyll in 8 oz. of water.

Dr. Gittleman likes Sunny Green Liquid Chlorophyll ($13, 16 oz., at health-food stores).

There you have it. Chlorophyll is definitely worth a try, especially when you want to squeeze into a sexy, crop top or cutout dress.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Get On The Nautical Trend This 4th Of July: Stripes And More Stripes




Anchors aweigh, ladies!

It's time to set sail in style with summer's hot beach nautical trend---STRIPES.....and more STRIPES!

Kim Kardashian and other stars are already riding the nautical wave in chic, horizontal lines. Check out the future bride strolling along in a curvy Need Supply Co. black & white stripe maxi dress. Love it!

We adore the nautical trend, because actually, it's a classic, one that is timeless and appropriate for many summer events. All you need is a a little bit of striping to get into the beach look.

We found a cute, Striped Dropped Waist Tunic Top at Forever21 for $11.80. You can't go wrong with the Henley button placket. Spaghetti straps. Lightweight. Knit.

And if you aren't crazy about stripes on your body, how about a cool, Nautical Stripe Mini Shoulder Bag by Nila Anthony. What a great nautical accessory!The striking envelope-style bag has 2-tone colors on the front flap and sides, while the front and back are mini black and white stripes. And we like the interwoven leatherette and chain shoulder strap.

This summer, you CAN find tons of stripes to ride the nautical trend, without breaking the bank. Even Kim K was wearing a $58 maxi dress. So, being chic, doesn't have to cost a bundle.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

OMG! JLo Debuts A New Fragrance: 17...Count Them!



It's called, Love and Light, and it represents #17 in the large collection of fragrances by Jennifer Lopez.

And you can catch the gorgeous celebrity introducing Love and Light on HSN.....Check her out Saturday at midnight, noon and 9 p.m.

Very sexy ads for her new fragrance, we might add.

The last time JLo debuted a new fragrance, was last fall 2010, called, Love and Glamour.

And if you're wondering who is wearing Ms. Lopez' fragrances, apparently, quite a lot of women. JLo's brand of scents just happen to rank as one of the highest selling celebrity fragrance lines.

After debuting on HSN, Love & Light will be available at Kohl’s and in department stores in September. The eau de parfum comes packaged in a bottle inspired by a woman's curves. It will retail for $58.

What is Love and Light to the nose? According to fragrance experts, "glittering and floral-woody."

Ah, the sweet smell of success!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Toned Smooth Arms Without All The Exercise?! Try This Serum





Can you get firm, smooth arms without all the hard work-outs?

Without picking up a barbell or jumping rope, or any other kind of exercise?

Well, yes and no. You CAN fake some decent-looking arms with a beauty product like Rodial Arm Sculpt ($79, at shops like Blissworld. Remember: Serums or creams packed with caffeine DO make a difference, because they can smooth and tone. Bye-bye flabby arms!

Celebrities like Sophia Vergara and Victoria Beckham are both big fans of Rodial's Arm Sculpt. It's a bit pricey, but the ingredients do their work to lift and firm a nicer arm silhouette.

Here's what Rodial has to say about their amazing serum:
'Armed’ to the teeth with a powerful combo of skin-smoothing multi-fruit acids (bye-bye, bumpy surface), caffeine and coenzyme A for formidable firming, and Rodial’s signature pomegranate extract, it’s shown to deliver results in a mere month when used twice daily.

Combine the Rodial Arm Sculpt with a tough arm work-out a few times a week, and you'll be in great shape. Just look at Cameron Diaz these days......her arms have great definition. And the way we see it---you need to move your arms to get a good sculpted appearance going. And the Rodial Arm Sculpt can get you started.