Makeup With Elf---Cheap And Gorgeous

Okay, I had not even heard of e.l.f. cosmetics until about a year ago. I guess I just never paid attention to makeup that barely cost a buck. Well, e.l.f. (eyes, lips, and face) is a truly amazing makeup brand. And if you've never checked out e.l.f., then do so now. And be ready to save a bundle on makeup. Cosmetics are so expensive, it's nice when you can get cheap makeup and still look gorgeous.

ELF has come out with some luscious new shades and products. And they sell cheap but strong brushes, too. Imagine....an all-over face brush for just a buck. You can't beat it. Alright, some of their beauty items cost a bit more, but when you can pick up a great mineral foundation for just $5.00 with 4 skin tones to choose from, you're really on a beauty roll.

I'm in love with ELF's Vanilla Coconut Body Butter ($5.00, 7 oz). The aroma is delicious. And the body butter is made with all sorts of soft and smooth ingredients like---sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and coconut milk. And there's an entire vanilla coconut line. A body lotion. A hand cream. A hand soap. And a bath gel. The sizes are generous.

I'm also intrigued by ELF's 3 in 1 Color ($1.00). It's a blusher, an eye shadow, and even a lipstick, all-in-one stick of color. The new shades include---Pink Lemonade. Persimmon. Lilac Petal. And Toasted.

You can find e.l.f cosmetics at Kmart Sears Essentials department stores and the BigKmart department stores. Or you can order online.

Learn all about ELF here: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/.

Why not give ELF a try. Cheap makeup can be a very good thing.

How To Look Pretty In 2 Minutes Flat

Forgive me for picking on lovely actress Jennifer Garner. I've heard such wonderful things about her and Academy Award winning husband Ben Affleck. They enjoy raising their active toddler, Violet, without nannies. They lead a normal life, bringing their daughter to a public park and not being afraid to get their hands dirty in raising a little one. They seem like such a real, down-to-earth family, never showing off their Hollywood pedigree.

Now that I've said that.....a little blush or lip tint can make all the difference in the world, Jennifer. When you're past the age of 30, a subtle dab of makeup makes you even prettier. You don't have to look red-carpet-ready, but you should make an effort.

You can look pretty in 2 minutes flat! And all you need are 4 simple beauty items to get a gorgeous, natural look. Tinted moisturizer. Undereye concealer. Cream blush. Lip tint.

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude ($42.00). In Style Magazine rated this 'Best Tinted Moisturizer for 2008.' Sheer and lightweight with an SPF of 20. Instead of foundation, this is quicker to put on and you get a nice, healthy glowing complexion.

2. Max Factor Erace Concealer in Natural 213 ($5.03). Just a quick dab and you cleverly hide dark circles. Creamy and soft.

3. Maybelline's Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin ($7.09). This little pot of cream blush was voted 'Best Blush for 2007' by Teen Vogue Magazine. Satin-soft and air-whipped. It goes on smoothly and lasts for hours on the apples of your cheeks. Natural color with just a hint of shimmer.

4. Savannah Bee Company Beeswax Lip Tint in Peach ($5.75) Not only heals and protects lips, but also gives just a hint of tint. Brightens your smile. 100% all natural.

The above beauty items come in several shades. This is just an example of how to look pretty in 2 minutes flat.

The Diet For Big, Healthy Hair

Gwyneth Paltrow and Kathy Hilton share something in common. To begin with, they are both very attractive Hollywood women. And yes, both women are blonde. But what's very similar, is the beautiful head of hair they each own. And both credit their luscious locks to a healthy diet of vitamins and supplements.

Do these vitamins for the hair really work? That's been a question that has challenged many skin care professionals. Some say that supplements for the hair work wonders. And others say, the results are less than amazing.

Allow me to put a personal note on the issue. When I was a freshman in college, after having burned my dark hair with 'Sun In' lightener and other chemicals, I decided I wanted my long, healthy hair back. I can't recall the name of the hair vitamins I took, except that the tablets were big, yellow pills. But I took them faithfully each day, and within three months or so, my hair started growing and growing. I no longer take any vitamins for my hair, but after having interviewed Kathy Hilton recently, I might just start them up again.

I had asked Kathy Hilton about her favorite beauty secrets. She was more than gracious to give me several. On that list was Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplements ($50, 120 caplets). Kathy told me "They're great for the hair."

If you look at the ingredients of Vitamins A, B, C, and E, plus Omega 3 and Omega 6, the formula seems like an intelligent combination. Marie Claire Magazine has called Phyto Phytophanere a great diet for the hair.

The Phyto folks claim the supplements take about 4 months to see results. But little by little, hair becomes healthy and lustrous. Nails get stronger. Skin becomes more radiant. Lashes get longer. And the pills help prevent hair loss.

Visit: www.bloomingdales.com for more information on Phyto supplements.

Meantime, Gwyneth Paltrow (mom of two), says that when she first got pregnant, she began taking prenatal vitamins, and then discovered how healthy her hair became. And she still takes the prenatal vitamins today. Gwyneth told Harper's Bazaar in 2006, that the brand she believes in is New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal ($44.95, 90 tablets).

"It doesn't matter if you are pregnant," Gwyneth told the magazine. "I swear to God. I have double-processed blond hair, and it's so long and not damaged. Those vitamins. They are the trick."

A number of women credit their big, beautiful crowning glory to prenatal vitamins. But if you are not pregnant, can these supplements harm you? The only really worry there, is that prenatal vitamins contain a good amount of iron. And too much iron for a woman who is not expecting, can mess up her body. So it's best to check with your doctor if you decide to follow the Gwyneth diet for healthy hair.

For more information, visit: http://www.newchapter.com/.

For A Smooth And Soft Booty

Nordstrom's is simply a gorgeous store to shop at. I could live in there. And if you don't have a Nordstrom's near you, you can visit their online store, because the best beauty products are just a fingertip away. http://www.nordstrom.com/.

What I love about Nordstrom's is their 'What's New' division under 'Beauty & Fragrances.' Here, you can get an exclusive peek at the newest beauty items just hitting store shelves. From waterproof mascara to shower elixirs and more, they've got you covered from head to toe in the most attractive way.

I'm highlighting two beauty products that aim to give you a smooth and soft booty. Yes, booty. And pretty 'booty-ful' items I might add.

The first one is by Trish McEvoy, a makeup artist legend in her own right.

Trish McEvoy #6 Mandarin & Ginger Lily Body Polish Sugar Scrub ($18, 2 oz). This is a travel size product and very convenient to stash in your purse or overnight bag. The aroma alone, is more than heavenly. And Trish has put out an entire line of Mandarin & Ginger Lily items, inlcuding a luscious body cream and bath and shower gels.

Use this in the shower and exfoliate away for a smoother tush and tummy and more. The sugar scrub is gentle and yet, lifts away dead skin cells. An invigorating shower experience.

The second new beauty booty booster is by the good folks at Bliss. Use this one after the McEvoy Sugar Scrub.

Bliss 'FatGirlSleep' ($38, 6 oz.). This one is the turbo-charged sister of the Bliss FatGirlSlim.

Designed to relax your body as you apply the cream and then turn in for a good night's sleep. Formulated with the Bliss 'slenderiZZZe' complex, FatGirlSleep releases 'dimple diminishers' throughout the night, along with the calming notes of lavender, working their magic for up to 6 hours.

You awaken with a smoother, softer booty. Let's face it---anything that zeroes in on booty dimples, is fine by me. So grab some zzzz's and slenderize your behind in the process.

Makeup Tips From Sex And The City's SJP

The fabulous four---Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon hit the London Red Carpet at Leicester Square Sunday evening for the world premiere of 'Sex And The City: The Movie.'

The NYC girls looked radiant and fashion-forward, as they greeted a huge throng of fans. The movie, which is a sequel to the mega-hit HBO television series, opens May 30th in the United States. New York City is planning a major celebration when the characters of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda come home to the city that launched the empowerment of 30-something-and-beyond single women everywhere.

Celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez always creates SJP's natural and pretty makeup. And Sunday night, Leslie did it again. We've got Sarah Jessica Parker's Sex and The City makeup tips. According to our friends-in-the-know, it was Christian Dior cosmetics all the way:

DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation ($60)
DiorShow Mascara in Black ($24)
Dior Ultra Gloss Reflect in Jersey Pink ($24.50)
DiorBronze Essential Bronzing Powder ($40)

You can check out Christian Dior makeup at fine department stores and at: http://www.sephora.com/.

Leslie Lopez also applies makeup to these famous actresses---Kate Hudson, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Catherine Zeta Jones.

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