The Brand New $1,000 Skin Cream!!!

W Magazine was the first source to talk about this 'magic' skin cream in their September 2008 issue. Plus, Nordstorm's is already selling the item, and placed this expensive beauty treatment under their What's New category at their website.

Having trouble filling up your gas tank or paying the rent during these hard economic, recession-like times?!

If you have plenty left in your wallet, then consider this uber skin-saving treatment:

La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare ($1,000, 1.7 oz.)

The skin cream contains a formulation with pure platinum in it. Once again, we often tell you how amazing the science is becoming for beauty treatments. This is what the La Prairie people are saying about their ground-breaking anti-aging skin cream:

"This is pure science at its best, offering unparalleled benefits; quite simply, the skin looks, feels and moves like younger skin.
Benefits:- Pure platinum inspires perfect balance to improve hydration, protection, and receptivity to nutrients

- Exclusive Smart Crystals™ help guard skin's youthful appearance, actively reducing the effects of time resulting in noticeable lift, firmness, and the reduction of lines and wrinkles

- Climate-activated hydration adjusts to changing humidity levels and temperatures, continuously providing the perfect level of moisture."

Platinum is said to be a most rare element here on earth. And it has some mind-blowing properties. Platinum cannot be oxidized by air. Platinum is invincible against time. And according to La Prairie's scientific research, platinum is so precious, that "all of it that has ever been mined could fit in a single room."

It sounds almost too grande to be true. And so exciting to apply to the skin. You can use it in the AM and/or the PM. After washing and toning, smooth La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare over your face and neck. Avoid the delicate eye area.

No, we haven't gotten our hands yet on this ground-breaking anti-aging skin cream. But in the name of beauty science, we are willing to lend our faces and necks for the cause. La Prairie, we hope you let us sample this amazing new treatment!

Magazines Photoshopping Beyonce and Kate Hudson?

Can you say 'photoshopped?'

The two photos, side-by-side above, are both of singer Beyonce. Cosmetics giant, L'Oreal, is using the photo of Beyonce (right) for their Feria haircolor magazine ads. The ads are featured in the September issues of Allure, Elle, and Esssence magazines. The series of ads depict the beautiful pop star with a noticably lighter skin tone.

Beyonce has had 'No comment,' as far as we know. And in a statement released to the Associated Press, L'Oreal denied altering the photos.

"We highly value our relationship with Ms Knowles," the Paris-based company said.
"It is categorically untrue that L'Oreal Paris altered Ms Knowles' features or skin tone in the campaign for Feria hair color."


Can you say 'photoshopped' again?

That young woman is actually actress Kate Hudson on the September cover of W magazine. And no one is saying that looks exactly like her, but come on......it seems like everything and everybody is being photoshopped to ridiculous proportions these days.

What is the definition of photoshop? This is what we found:

An image manipulation program by {Adobe Systems, Inc.}. {Home (http://www.adobe.com/Apps/Photoshop.html)}. [Summary?] (1995-07-05)

According to Wikipedia: photoshop is commonly used as a verb.[14] Also commonly shortened to simply "shopped", this has become the modern replacement of "airbrushed"

Hmmm. Image manipulation. Airbrushed.

Ask any professional photographer, and they will tell you, that photoshopping is an incredible tool. You can 'lift away' undereye circles, scars, moles, wrinkles. You can make faces thinner or fatter, and the same with bodies, too. You can give a woman bigger breasts, at least, for the moment. In other words, you can be photoshopped until you are flawless.

Many a famous and beautiful face has been 'altered' or photoshopped. Recently, one magazine came under fire, for not removing a mole above Angeline Jolie's eyebrow in the final stages of photoshopping for its cover.

How crazy is that? So what if Angelina has a mole. She's lovely with it, and lovely without it.

Have we gone a little too far, in the photoshopping department? Is this quest for perfection a little unreal and bizarre?

Makes you wonder.

A Rose Is A Rose According to Lancome

Roses are probably one of the most beautiful flowers on the planet. And no two roses are alike. The depth of color on each petal is quite unique. And Lancome cosmetics has created a new way to deliver such beauty in a lipstick shade.

Lipstick junkies, gather round:
The Lancome collection is called Color Fever Lipstick Roses ($25, at fine dept. stores, and at http://www.lancome-usa.com/).

It's a really stunning set of lipsticks. And there is scientific technology behind the color creation. According to Lancome, it has to do with the Spectrophotometer.
The Spectrophotometer, creates the "perfect pigment recipe," replicating the exact shade of specific roses.

You've got to see these lipstick shades in person to believe the science. For the first time ever, Lancome has been able to capture the actual color of roses to be made into their collection of 5 lasting radiance sensual rose shades.

And there's a shade for everyone:

Browns-Neutrals: Rose Tempest
Pinks-Berries: Lancome Rosebud, Rose Fete
Reds-Corals: Daring Rose, Enticing Rose

Lancome is always creating new beauty treatments. And for Lancome beauty addicts, there is the all-important Lancome Alert Sign-Up. Here's how it works: Just visit the Lancome website and sign up. You will be emailed when the newest beauty products arrive. And you will be notified ASAP when your favorite makeup is being discontinued, so you can stock up. Just check off the makeup, skin care, sun and body, and fragrance items you are interested in. Lancome takes care of the rest.

Jolen Creme Bleach Stands The Test Of Time

This cute, little jade-colored box has been around for decades. And it's still a very popular beauty item. Simply, because it works effectively. And for about $5.00, you can safely lighten excess dark hair.

If you haven't heard of Jolen Creme Bleach, well then, maybe you're wasting too much time and money on waxing or stinky-smelling depilatories.

Let's be honest here, there are times you need to lighten up a few, stray dark hairs. Whether these little hairs are on your face, arms, body, or eyebrows, Jolen Creme Bleach comes to the rescue. And most women prefer it, hands down, to other bleaching competitors. Jolen has been around for years. It's inexpensive, safe to use, quick and easy, and leaves your hair smoth, pale, and soft.

Each little box of Jolen comes with 4 items inside:
Creme Bleach
Cream Bleach Accelerator
Spatula
Mixing Tray

And the directions are simple: Mix the bleach and accelerator together on the tray with the small spatula. And apply to hairs that need lightening. Leave on for 10 minutes. And 5-10 more minutes for stubborn or darkest hair. Wash off and dry.

Just follow directions closely, and you should have a smooth, lightening process. If you don't mix proportions as directed, the creme could sting and/or irritate your skin.

Some women use Jolen Creme Bleach to lighten up their eyebrows a bit or hair under their top lip. The only caution for brows, don't leave the bleach on for too long, or you will end up with too blonde eyebrows. If you're merely trying to lighten just a little, test the 'color' every minute or so, and make sure your eyebrows are not 'disappearing' in color. Brows can also end up orange in shade if you overdo the process.

If you have dark arm hair like I do (hey, I'm Mediterranean), you might have to leave the bleach on your arms for 20 minutes or so. But I have to report, Jolen is amazing for subtley lightening up this part of your body.

And I have friends who have used Jolen to paint pretty, thin blonde highlights through their hair. No, you're not supposed to use the bleach for that purpose, but it works well. Remember Pam Dawber who played Mindy on 'Mork and Mindy' ? Pam says she used Jolen for blonde hairlights on her medium brown-colored hair. Another note of caution---Do not leave on too long. You can end up with orange highlights.

Wherever you lighten little dark hairs on your body, and you don't have to admit every place you do it, try Jolen Creme Bleach if you're looking for a tried and true beauty product. It gets the job done. You can find it in just about every local drugstore.

The Hills' Lauren Conrad Shares Her Makeup Secrets

You know her as L.C.

MTV's The Hills reality show is a huge hit once again.

And gorgeous-girl-next-door, Lauren Conrad, is ready for another wild and crazy season.

Ever wonder what's in L.C.'s makeup bag? She always look so pretty and polished, never over-done. And she was happy to share her makeup secrets. One word says it all. mark. That's all she wears. Lauren Conrad is a proud spokesperson for teen brand, mark Cosmetics.

"I don't know how I would live without my mark Hook Ups. My favorites are On the Edge Liquid Liner in Cleo, Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss in Pink Crush and Scanda-Lash Mascara in Blacklash. For someone like me who is always in front of the camera, I love these products because it fits right into my jean pocket and is so easy to pull out for last minute touch-ups. I think the idea of Hook Ups are so cool because you can actually customize products that are most important to you. Trust me there is a Hook Up combination for everyone."

And we believe her. The makeup is very inexpensive and of good quality. mark offers lots of beauty items. Makeup. Skin care. Fragrance. Bath & Body. Hairstyling. And even Fashion. Just look at this---mark Mega Volume Root Lifting Spray with Soothing Geranium ($5, 6 fl.oz.). That's a super cheap price. And the product is very good. Check out the product reviews online and order here: http://www.meetmark.com/.

If you're tired of spending big money on cosmetics that really don't do the job, you should expand your beauty horizon, and discover mark. Women of all ages can find something pretty to wear there. Just because a mascara costs $60, doesn't mean it will work superbly for you. Sometimes cheaper is better.

NARS Has Nice Neutrals For Fall 2008

NARS makeup is naughty and nice. NARS has long been a favorite of models like Naomi Campbell and celebrities like Ashley Olsen and Kim Kardashian.
And NARS' blush called "Orgasm," was launched into cult status, after being mentioned on TV's Sex and the City.

And NARS isn't just for the Hollywood elite. Women around the globe love its wearability, beautiful colors and textures, and trendy new collections.

Just look at what's coming up for autumn:

Nice neutrals for Fall 2008. As the NARS people put it: " Fall's glowing palette combines brilliant neutrals in shimmering tones for a look of intrigue and sophistication."

Nothing too bright or neon for autumn. The 8 product, 10-color fall 2008 line features lovely dusty roses for lips and cheeks, while earthy, warm metallics enhance eyes.
Raven-haired Kim Kardashian is a huge NARS makeup fan. Her absolute favorite, can't-live-without beauty item, is NARS Turkish Delight Lip Gloss.

And blonde, fair-skinned Ashley Olsen likes to wear NARS Chihuahua Lip Gloss.

If you love makeup, and you know you do, NARS keeps the new colors coming. For more information, visit: http://www.narscosmetics.com/.

Or just check out NARS Makeup on Ebay. Lots of great deals there.

Pregorexia Is The Newest Trend For Moms-To-Be

We hadn't even heard of this word, Pregorexia, until a couple of weeks ago. But apparently, it's the newest trend among pregnant women.

What it boils down to is this: a woman who abuses her diet and exercise during pregnancy to gain as little weight as possible. That is a pregorexic.

So where did this all begin? With media images of hot Hollywood moms. Women see slender celebrities, like Nicole Richie and Nicole Kidman showing off their tiny baby bumps or post pregnancy bodies, looking the same sexy way they always have. The post-baby weight seems to melt away on these slender beauties.

Doctors around the world are quite concerned with the new pregorexia trend. The average woman should gain between 25 and 30 lbs. during her pregnancy. Moms of twins should gain 45 lbs. or more.The baby in utero needs nutrition. By limiting food and over-exercising, a pregnant woman is abusing her body. The baby that arrives, faces a higher rate for developing diabetes, heart disease, and other serious disorders.

Dr. Holly Phillips was discussing this alarming new pregnancy trend on The Early Show last week.

"I think we've never before been more kind of obsessed with celebrity culture, and with celebrity pregnancies, as well. It's not unusual to see pictures of these celebrities the day before and the day after birth and they're looking super-humanly fit. They're really incredible. But you also have to remember a lot of these celebrities are just genetically blessed. ... They have the best dieticians, nutritionists, (trainers), etc. They certainly have an advantage."

There shouldn't be body shame when a woman is going through the stages of pregnancy. It is absolutely normal to have weight gain during this time. A big, pregnant belly should be celebrated, not praised for being as tiny as it can.