Friday, September 12, 2008

Almay Intense i-Color Mascara Makes Your Eyes Pop

Let's be honest, here. There's always something you wish you had. I have dark brown eyes. And if I add brown or black eyeliner and black mascara, my eyes look almost black. In addition, I have dark brown hair. I have always desired blue eyes. I'll never forget a hunky guy in college who came up to me in a pizza parlor, and told me he was in love with my long, dark hair. Then he had the nerve to say, "I love your eyes, but I wish they were blue."

"Gee, thanks."

The closest I've ever been to blue eyes, was a brief stint with navy blue mascara a number of years ago. Now, before you laugh, the navy mascara was actually quite pretty with my dark brown eyes. And guess what?! Colored mascara is big this season.

Almay cosmetics are excellent beauty products. And everyone is buzzing about Almay's Intense i-Color Mascara ($7.49, your local drugstore). It's a gel-based mascara that glides easily across your lashes. The formula is enriched with Vitamins A & E and silky proteins.

And Almay Intense i-Color Mascara comes in 4 sexy shades to complement the color of your eyes: Blue Sapphire. Emerald Green. Brown Topaz. Black Pearl.

(Black Pearl for Hazel Eyes)

(Brown Topaz for Brown Eyes)


(Emerald Green for Green Eyes)


(Blue Sapphire for Blue Eyes)

I'm not sure, whether Almay got the matching mascaras right for the eye colors. In other words, I happen to believe that the Blue Sapphire would go nicely with my dark brown eyes, since I have tried that combination in the past. And I read a number of store reviews about Almay Intense i-Color Mascara, where several women claim that the Emerald Green goes nicely with their brown eyes. In fact, some women say that the colored mascaras complement every eye shade.

The reviews all seem to agree, that the Almay product is a great one: lashes are lengthened with the gel-based formula and the mascara lasts all day, and is hypoallergenic (good for contact lens wearers).

By the way, I have learned to love my dark brown eyes. Those, and my dark brown hair.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Dyeing To Be A Ravishing Redhead

When a redhead walks into a room, all eyes follow. It's no wonder that many women are dyeing to be a ravishing redhead. And a number of them have become Hollywood icons. Going red is exciting and seductive. But there are a few roadblocks in the upkeep department, and we'll show you how to avoid them, including fast-fading color.
Red hair is alluring and unique, considering that only 2% of the American population has naturally red hair. Scotland, by the way, has the highest percentage of redheads around.

Most women can carry off a shade of red. The key is trying to select the proper shade that complements complexion and eyes.

For example, there are cool tones and warm tones. Copper tones appear to be the most natural looking red shades for hair coloring.

Legendary hair colorist, Louis Licari, of New York City, has written a few wonderful books about dyeing hair. He would immediately suggest you visit a professional salon for drastic changes. But if you're going to home-color your locks, make sure your hair is in its healthiest condition. And you don't have to go Lucille Ball-red to become a redhead. Just a subtle red undertone can make a difference. You look more vibrant and softer.

Louis Licari had this advice for ladies looking for red hair tips, and trust us, Louis is a rockstar when it comes to creating beautiful hair color:

"Think about the difference between an ash blond and golden blond or an ash brown and chocolate brown. The ash colors are drab and drain the color from your complexion. The warm (red) base colors make your skin color come alive. This is what today's hair color is all about. Hair color should brighten your look. When you have the right hair color, it should look like you have on a bit of makeup. Red tones will make every hair color more dynamic.

BEAUTY WARNING! I must address all people with sallow complexions. You must avoid lighter warm shades. They will blend with your skin color and make your skin appear more sallow. This is a major beauty faux pas. You should choose a darker color to provide contrast with your skin color. Dark golden blonds, deep chocolates, and dark auburns work best with sallow complexions."

For more fabulous hair tips from Louis Licari, visit his blog at: http://www.louislicari.i.village.com/
Red color is the fastest fading dye of the entire hair color spectrum. According to what we learned, the red color molecule is the largest of all the color molecules, and for that reason, washes out very easily. That is why, washing red dyed hair too frequently, can speed up fading. That and chlorine pool water.

Invest in shampoos that are for color-treated hair to hold on to your exciting new hair shade. And if you want the least upkeep, put in a few red highlights around your face, instead of going the red route for your entire head.

Whatever redness you opt for, we're sure you'll enjoy the results. Meantime, why not try Clairol's New Herbal Essences Fire Red Collection. Shades range from burgundy to deep red and auburn. And Clairol says this homecolor dye is formulated with special VibeRed Color Boosting Technology that helps to keep your red shade alive for up to 8 weeks.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

SpinLash Mascara Spins You Right Round, Baby!

Remember that song from Dead Or Alive: "You spin me right round, baby, right round, like a record, baby, right round, round, round...." Those lyrics will mean something in a moment.

We don't want you singing that song all day, but it will probably stick in your mind. Let's talk about one of our favorite beauty can't-live-without items: mascara.

We have come a long way, baby. Seriously. How about a battery-operated mascara gadget?! Take a look at that little orange-colored beauty gizmo in the right photo. It's called SpinLash mascara. You can pick it up at CVS, Target, Sally Beauty, and online at drustore.com ($14.95). Even Vogue Magazine is advertising this unique revolving mascara that gently rotates 360 degrees in two directions.

SpinLash mascara by Akasha comes with black mascara or brownish-black mascara. It uses a triple A battery. And according to the creators of this sassy, little eye makeup gadget, SpinLash can do several cool things:

Perfect Lashes Every Time
The First Mascara That Lines, Coats & Curls All At The Same Time!
Twice The Volume Half the Time
No More Clumps
Gently Rotates 360°
Big Sexy Eyes
No, we haven't tried SpinLash mascara yet, but it sure looks like fun!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

J & J Introduces Evolence The Longest Lasting Filler




For all you beauty junkies who are constantly looking for the best new thing out there to stay young, check this out:

A new filler that erases deep folds and wrinkles, and really lasts and lasts! Better than popular Juvederm and Restylane.

It's called Evolence and the good people at Johnson & Johnson have just introduced this effective dermal filler to the United States. Actually, the filler has been available in Canada and overseas in several countries since 2004. FDA approval for use here in the U.S. came through on June 30, 2008. And it's just being presented now.

"Replace the collagen you've lost, with collagen that lasts." That's how J & J describes Evolence at their website, http://www.evolence.com/.

How long does this new collagen filler last?

At least 6 months. That's wonderful news, so touch-ups don't come as often.

Why collagen? Simply put, collagen breaks down as we all age. When that happens, our skin's support loosens and gives way to lines, wrinkles, and folds.

The cool thing about Evolence, is its ability to use naturally sourced collagen to replace the body's lost collagen. According to Johnson & Johnson, "Evolence adds volume and structural support in depleted areas, for a more naturally, youthful appearance. In addition, no pre-test is needed, and Glymatrix Technology delivers longer-lasting durability than previous collagen dermal fillers."

The other great news about Evolence---it won't leave your face all puffy, red, and stinging after being injected. J & J is boasting that this new filler leaves behind minimal bruisng and swelling. And this breakthrough filler does not use chemicals for cross-linking like competitive products do. Instead, Evolence uses natural sugar to improve durability.

So there you have it. Another breakthrough dermal filler---one that really lasts! The beauty science just keeps getting better and better.

Monday, September 8, 2008

An Apple A Day Keeps Breast Cancer Away?!

Don't laugh, but I actually enjoy going apple picking. I do it every September with my mother. In fact, we stopped by the apple orchard this morning. And I just heard from my good friend Patty 'O'. She's taking her daughter Emily to go picking, too. Nothing beats a juicy, tart McIntosh apple fresh from the tree branch.

There is also a good reason I am mentioning 'An Apple A Day.' This is your beauty tip for today, my lady friends. And it's a timeless tip, which means that girls and women of all ages can benefit from eating apples.

An apple a day keeps breast cancer away?! According to a study done three years ago at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., researchers discovered that the incidence of breast cancer tumors were significantly reduced when apples were included in the diet.

Now, some of you might want to toss a hard apple right at me when you learn that the research was conducted using rats. But look at it this way, it was the first study to examine the effect of apples on cancer in animals. And the results were pretty amazing.

The rats were treated with a known mammary carcinogen. And for 24 weeks, were fed whole apple extracts. In the rats that ate the human equivalent of one apple a day, the tumor occurrence was lowered by 17 percent. 3 apples a day reduced the tumors by 39 percent, and 6 apples a day knocked it down by 44 percent.


So you ask, what is so magical about the fruit of an apple? There are anti-oxidants in fresh apples. Actually known as phytochemicals. And the food scientists who conducted the Cornell University breast cancer study, also found that these powerful phytochemicals also inhibit human colon cancer and liver cancer cell growth.

To get the biggest benefit, eat a real apple. In other words, no dietary supplements. Fresh fruit is superior for obtaining these anti-cancer rewards.

We've got nothing to lose. Apples are packed with healthy ingredients. And apples sure taste good. And if you don't like an early Mac, don't worry. There are tons of apples to choose from---Macoun, Cortland, Paula Red, Yellow Delicious, and so on.

Here's another beauty tip today: Eating an apple is very effective at cleaning your teeth. If you don't have a toothbrush at your side, an apple is the next best thing. Dentists says that apples scrub away stains. Think of an apple as nature's toothbrush.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Polish Up With Dark Rich Nails For Fall 2008





The color palette for fall 2008 features some lovely mauves and cocoas for eyes and lips. Remember the piece we did in July about Bobbi Brown's Fall 2008 Mauve Collection? Just stunning, soft, yet rich colors of autumn.
And now, you're wondering about your nails. To tie the whole look together, aim for the hot new, dark, rich nail colors for fall. Just remember to keep your nails short and groomed, to avoid that goth look, and you know what we mean. And be mindful of nail chips. Chipped dark nails are never pretty on anyone.

Here are 3 dark rich nail lacquers everybody is going gaga over:

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer in The Good Earth from the Autumn in the City Collection ($6, drugstores). A silky, dark chocolate brown with subtle gold flecks.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Louvre Me Louvre Me Not from the La Collection de France Fall 2008 ($8.50, drugstores). A smoky violet shade of gorgeous.

Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Poison Blue ($19, http://www.sephora.com/, fine dept. stores). A mysterious, deep midnight blue shade.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

TRESemme Shampoo + Conditioner Cure For Baldness?



We are going to address the rumor. Maybe you have heard this one:
That TRESemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume Shampoo and TRESemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair grow new hair!!!!

No. We can't prove that these two TRESemme products actually cure baldness or thinning hair. Their website, http://www.tresemme.com/, does not claim that their shampoo and conditioner will grow you new hair or cure baldness.

The rumor started in a syndicated newspaper health column by Dr. Gott last year. A woman had written to the doctor, claiming that her balding husband was starting to see new hair growth after using TRESemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume Shampoo and TRESemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair in the shower for about two weeks. Dr. Gott had never heard this claim before, but encouraged his readers to try the TRESemme products and send their stories of growing new hair to him.

The way we see it here at http://www.beautytiptoday.com/ is rather simple. Look, TRESemme has salon-quality shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products. Their stuff is amazing. Even the Bravo reality TV hit Project Runway, uses TRESemme as their official styling products brand for the show.

We use the shampoo about twice a week, and alternate between a couple of other brands. We have not tried the conditioner yet. It's a super volumizing shampoo. We have noticed more baby hairs growing around the temple as of late, but had not bought the shampoo for the purpose of growing hair. Hey, that's fine with us. The bigger the hair, the better, is our motto.

At least you won't break your budget. For less than $14, you can buy both the TRESemme shampoo and conditioner at your local drugstore. And you won't be tossing your money away, because the hair products are of very good quality, and you get a big amount of product---32 oz. containers each. Can't beat the price.

TRESemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume Shampoo:
"New Tresemmé® Healthy Volume Shampoo is designed to build body and fullness in hair that lacks volume. Formulated with silk protein and Pro Vitamin B5, this professional performance formula rinses completely for weightless, healthy voluume."

TRESemme Vitamin E Moisture Rich Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair:
"Professional formula.Our patented professional performance formula dramatically improves hair's condition.Enriched with natural extracts of sunflower, hazelnut, and almond, rich in Vitamin E.Designed for dry or damaged hair."

Meantime, we will try and contact the fine folks at TRESemme, and see what we can uncover about this alleged cure for baldness and thinning hair.