Crest Pro-Health---Fact Or Fiction?

Almost 100 million bottles of Crest Pro-Health Rinse ($4.69, 1 liter bottle) have been sold so far. That's what the giant company of Procter & Gamble says. And they put out the oral rinse. In fact, Crest Pro-Health Rinse is the second leading mouthwash, behind top seller Listerine.

So what's the problem? My friends told me about the ugly internet rumors regarding the Crest rinse. I didn't believe them. I have a bottle of Crest Pro-Health Rinse in my bathroom cabinet at the moment. Alright. I admit, I haven't touched the mouthwash since they told me about the bad things it can allegedly do to your smile. But I have another reason I quit using, and you will see that at the end of my article.

The internet rumors have been circulating for a while now. Some folks claim the Crest rinse discolors teeth or stains them. And there are others who claim the rinse has a numbing taste. Crest Pro-Health Rinse has been on the market for about three years now. And it has been marketed as an alcohol-free mouthwash that also fights plaque and gingivitis.

At present, there is a federal lawsuit pending in Georgia. The suit is alleging fraud by the Procter & Gamble/Crest people. The FDA(food and drug adm.) is looking into these allegations.

But P&G claims the allegations are fiction, and says the Crest rinse is safe and effective. A statement posted at the Crest website said this in part:

"The millions of consumers who use it every day, and the growing number of dentists who reccomend it, can attest to that."

So there you have it. When I was using the Crest rinse, I never noticed anything weird going on with my smile. What I did notice, however, were break-outs along my chin, every time I rinsed with the Crest. There are also internet rumors going around, that say whitening rinses and whitening toothpastes cause pimples on the chin.

I don't know what to believe. If anyone has some ideas, please leave a comment.

Ladies.....here they are! The CEW award winners for 2008! Some 600 beauty products were nominated, and here are the number ones in skin care, hair care and coloring, and makeup.

By the way, CEW stands for---Cosmetic Executive Women, Inc., an organization of 4,000 plus executives in the fields of beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries.

The 2008 best beauty product winners were honored at a gala event in Manhattan on May 2nd. Some of the beautiful presenters are captured in the photo above. The winners were cited for being 'the most innovative beauty products of the year. "When shoppers see a product with the CEW Winner's seal they know it's been vetted by a professional. It's like having a friend in the industry give you their honest opinion," noted CEW President Carlotta Jacobson. "These are the products people are talking about - and the ones we all want to own."

Visit: http//www.cew.org. to read more about the winning products. You can also shop online there, and try out some of these great beauty treatments.

FACIAL SKINCARE
Acne Treatment - Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy
Anti-Aging – (Mass) Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Anti-Aging – PrestigeShiseido Cosmetics (America) Ltd. Bio-Performance Intensive Skin Corrective Program
Cleanser and Scrub – (Mass) Dove SkinVitalizer
Cleanser and Scrub – Prestigephilosophy The Microdelivery Micro-massage Exfoliating Wash
Eye Treatment – (Mass) Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti-Aging Triple Response System
Eye Treatment – PrestigeEstee Lauder Future Perfect Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Eye Creme
Moisturizer – (Mass) L'Oreal Paris Revitalift UV Daily Moisturizing Cream with Mexoryl SX
Moisturizer – PrestigeEstee Lauder Hydra Bright Skin-Tone Perfecting Moisturizer

HAIR CARE & COLORING
Hair Care and Coloring Product – (Mass) Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray
Hair Care and Coloring Product – PrestigeFrederic Fekkai Coiff Contrôle Ironless Straightening Balm

MAKEUP
Eye Product – (Mass) CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara
Eye Product – PrestigeDior DiorShow Blackout Mascara
Face Product – (Mass) L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour
Lip Product – PrestigeYSL Beaute Lip Twins

Heidi Klum Adds Skin Care To Her Empire

Thirty-five-year-old Heidi Klum has beautiful, clear skin. And would you expect less from a supermodel?!

Heidi wants you to have super skin also. And that is why she is busy these days, promoting her new skin care line called In An Instant. Heidi has teamed up with the Guthy-Renker company to develop a 5-step beauty program. The anti-aging beauty treatments are formulated to hydrate and moisturize dry and sensitive skin, to guard against premature aging, and to minimize fine wrinkles. 'One application. Instant results.'

The In An Instant skin care line by Heidi Klum costs only $29.95 for the 5-step system. Included: Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Intensive Firming Serum. Instant Wrinkle Smoother. Instant Daily Tinted Moisturizer. Instant Warming Scrub. Visit: http://www.InAnInstant.com/.

It seems like a reasonable price for 5 full-sized treatments. We're not saying you're going to wake up looking like Ms. Klum, but Guthy-Renker and Heidi do say the anti-aging system is based on cutting edge beauty technology.

Blonde beauty Heidi has a wild schedule these days. In between her successful Bravo television hit 'Project Runway,' and her various modeling assignments, Heidi has also just launched her own Jordache denim line. No rest for the supermodel, wife, and mom, who has graced the covers of many fine magazines, like---Vogue, Sports Illustrated, Elle, Marie Claire, and many more.

The great thing about Heidi's In An Instant skin care line: a full money back guarantee if you aren't pleased with the results.

Eye Makeup Magnifying Glasses

If you need to wear glasses to read fine print, well, you just might need a pair of eye makeup magifying glasses to really see how you're applying stuff. Maybe some of you try to put on makeup while wearing your glasses, but boy, that is difficult and the frame gets in the way. Or you try to apply mascara without the aid of glasses and you jam yourself in the eye.

Instead of guessing how to apply eye makeup without squinting, here's a cool invention. They're called eye makeup magnification glasses. And these things have been around for a while. But these glasses are really the only way to apply makeup when you can't see well up close. If someone out there has a better idea, please leave me a comment here.

MagniPlus Eye Makeup Glasses ($49) can be bought online at: http://www.timeformecatalog.com/.

These eye makeup glasses come in four strengths, too. The folks at MagniPlus advise that you buy a magnification strength that is at least one level stronger than your current prescription.

+2.5. +3. +3.5. +4.

What's so great about these makeup glasses? The cool thing being, each lens drops down for full access to the eye. So while you have the lens up on one eye, as you look into the mirror, the other lens drops down so you can apply makeup to that eye. You won't bump into the frame or magnifying glass. It makes life so much easier for applying mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, and tweezing eyebrows. It's also a great thing to have on hand when removing contact lenses or even applying eye drops.

If you have a super makeup artist with you 24/7 (lucky you), then you won't need this information.

Cover Your Own Roots--Skip The Salon

Okay, things are getting crazy around here with the economy out of whack. Prices have sky-rocketed on just about every item imaginable. And if you make constant trips to the hair salon for expensive dye jobs, well, it might be time to cut back. Either that, or go gray, or some other odd shade your hair might really be, underneath all that maintenance. Or let those roots run wild.

No need to panic. There is one way to save a little cash in between those must-do trips to the salon. Cover your own roots. Yes, you can do it. Stretch out the time between your hair color sessions. But how?

With hair powder spray. Remember Pssst Instant Spray Shampoo? It worked without water. All you did was spray it on your oily hair. Fluff it up. Then brush it out. And you got cleaner hair with volume. Alright, if you didn't brush it out enough, your hair was a bit white, but still a genius product. And you can still buy the traditional Pssst ($4.99).

Now the makers of Bumble and Bumble have come out with something even better. Hair Powder Spray ($19. for 1 oz). And it comes in five classic shades: Black, Brown, Red, Blondish for dark blondes, and White for light to platinum blondes. It covers up roots and grays between colorings. It's also a dry shampoo. And it gives great texture and volume to your lifeless locks. Only one word of caution: This colored powder spray can get a bit messy, so be careful spraying the darker shades. You don't want it on your white blouse or white walls. Buy it at B and B salons or here: http://www.abeautifullife.com/.

Pssst has also come out with a colored version of their traditional Pssst Instant Spray shampoo. Its' called, Pssst Instant Spray Volume and Color ($8 a can). It comes in Brunette and Blonde. It's a new product soon to hit your local drusgtore. It, too, promises volume and will get rid of the oiliness. And add color and shine.

And if you'd like something easier, this is what I do in between coloring: It's like a mascara wand. It's quick, easy, and really covers up roots. Instant Grey Touch Up ($5.99). Just brush away unsightly roots. It's gentle on your strands, and it washes right out. In 5 shades: Blonde. Light Brown. Dark Brown. Black. Auburn. Get it here: http://www.beautyboutique.com/.

Best of luck, ladies. Nothing worse than roots gone wild.

How To Apply The New Self Tanners

We’ve come a long way. Remember the days of orange, streaked skin? And how messy the whole process was, in trying to fake a tan? Parts of your calves would be dark, but maybe your feet would be pale, and your chest blotchy, all because it was nearly impossible to spread yourself an even tan.

Self-tanners have greatly improved these days, and they’re worth a shot. Why not? We’ve all heard that, "No tan is a good tan." The UVA rays from the sun cause premature aging and unfortunately in some cases, skin cancer. So forget that deep, St. Tropez tan. Why not go for a subtle, golden glow, a hint of summer color that won't break your budget?

What makes these low dose self-tanners attractive, is that they are oil-free, light-weight, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). They also have a moisturizing base and won’t leave your skin dry and peeling. And the product is made to fade away naturally, too.

Helpful Tips Before Applying A Self-Tanner
1. You should shower first before using a self-tanner. And it’s best to exfoliate, or remove the dead skin layers. In other words, shaving your legs and mildly scrubbing your face with a Buf Puf helps the tanner absorb better onto your skin.
2. Dry your skin thoroughly with a towel, and pin your hair back.
3. Open the tube of self-tanner. Yes. That familiar odor is still present, but not as strong as in years prior. Put an amount in your hand and rub it onto a large area like your leg. Try to work it in well. Applying the self-tanner to your back might be a bit tricky, and that’s where you could use a friend to reach those little nooks and crannies.
4. When applying to the face and neck, be careful of the eye area, and use sparingly on the face.
5. After you’re done, let it dry thoroughly. It can stain, so do not put clothes on immediately.
6. Wash hands with soap and water.
P.S. Most self-tanners do not have an SPF sunscreen in the product, so you are still not safe in the sun with your new faux tan. You can apply a suncreen over your tanner should you be heading outdoors for any length of time.

One Of MyFavorite Self-Tanners On The Market:
Lancome Soleil Ultra Medium Colour Self Tanning Lotion ($31.50) with 40 SPF.

Just Remember: Practice Makes Perfect
Some women complain that self-tanners are difficult to apply. It’s an individual thing. It’s probably best to go sparingly on them at first and wait to see how your glow and light tan is shaping up. You’re not going to look like you’ve been in the Caribbean for weeks, but looking too tan is not in style any longer either. If it’s a healthy golden glow you’re aiming for, then you might really enjoy these popular self-tanners.

Many customers think it’s easier to use a spray tanner than a lotion. But care must be taken in spraying directly on to the face. A better way to use this kind of product, is to spray on the palm of your hand and then apply to the face or spray onto a facial puff and then apply to the face.

Whatever new self-tanner you choose, remember, you’re saving the skin you’re in.

Retin-A Really Repairs Skin

Florida plastic surgeon Don Revis put it this way:

“Retin-A and Renova(Retin-A for dry skin) are the single best skin care product that has ever been developed.”

In other words, this stuff really works. You might need to use it for a lifetime, but then again, you get a second chance at smooth and wrinkle-free skin.

Retin-A is a prescription medication created from a derivative of vitamin A. The active component is known both as retinoic acid and tretinoin. Retinoic acid speeds up cell turnover and encourages collagen synthesis. In other words, collagen plumps up skin, so your face regains its buoyancy.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS), the best candidates are older patients(adults)--- those with fine to medium depth facial wrinkles or blotchy pigmented areas of skin caused by sun damage. Retin-A is not for pregnant or nursing mothers. Research is still not clear if a fetus or nursing infant might be affected by the anti-wrinkle cream.

Retin-A is available in cream, gel, or solution form, as well as a generic version. And it comes in different strengths. For instance, Retin-A cream is available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and the strongest at 0.1%.


Applying Retin-A Carefully

Retin-A actually peels away the outer layers of the skin during the early weeks of use. That means skin is thinner and is very vulnerable to sunburn. Protection from the sun is extremely important to Retin-A users. Sun screen and a good moisturizer are your best bets.

And less is more. If improperly used, Retin-A can cause swelling, redness, burning, peeling and itchiness. Some users have quit because the irritation was unbearable. Most dermatologists advise a slow build-up. Apply the cream only every third night, until your skin ‘can take it.’ A pea-sized amount dotted on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, and then rubbed all over the face. Crow’s feet respond nicely to Retin-A, but some skin care experts say that the eye area is too sensitive for the anti-wrinkle cream, and great care must be taken if applying around the eyes.


Results That Are More Than Superficial

Retin-A works at a genetic level. In other words, retinoic acid is able to alter the skin cells’ DNA. It brings about increased blood delivery to the skin. It improves pigmentation and renews collagen. And it lessens the chance of skin cancer by regulating the skin cell cycle.

If you can get through the first few weeks of using the miracle cream with little irritation, then hang in there for all the good stuff to follow. Dermatologists says that after 8 to 12 weeks of use, skin cell turnover increases. Down the road, a few months later, you will enjoy a rosy glow and watch large pores shrink down. Fine lines will begin to soften. And by turning the 6 month mark, wrinkles will be less visible and age spots will fade. Skin tissue tightens and firmness develops.

Whatever you decide to do, visit a dermatologist and do your homework. Science is making incredible advances in skin repair/rejuvenation. Most of us are impatient and really want a cream that will iron out wrinkles and the signs of aging immediately. But it doesn’t work that way. Even incredible beauty products can take incredible amounts of time to slow the clock. The wonderful news is, it can be done. We can fool Mother nature. Gradually.