Monday, March 16, 2009

ProNamel Keeps Teeth Youthful And Re-Hardens Enamel

If you like to eat and drink, well, let's face it, your teeth are constantly under attack.

It's all those delicious acidic foods and drinks that we enjoy every day:

Sodas. Fruit. Orange juice. Wine. Etc.

Food/Drink
pH Range
Apples
3.5 - 3.9
Oranges
2.8 - 4.0
Tomatoes
3.7 - 4.7
Coffee
2.4 - 3.3
Tea (black)
4.2
Wine
2.3 - 3.8
Soda
2.7 - 3.5

And then, of course, brushing your teeth wears away the softened enamel. Abrasive brushing is the worst thing you can do. And soon, the very bottom of your teeth take on an almost clear appearance. You can just about 'see through' them.

We are very interested in trying Sensodyne ProNamel. The paste is specially designed to re-harden your teeth's enamel. Keeps teeth youthful. Has fluoride for cavity protection. Guards against further acid erosion. Minimizes tooth sensitivity.

"Sensodyne® ProNamel™ can't reverse any dental problems already caused by acid wear. But it can harden your enamel and help to protect it from further damage," according to the website, http://www.pronamel.com/.

By the way, you can always resort to sipping your acidic drinks through a straw. That helps, too.

PronNamel costs about $5.49 at drugstores.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Super Beauty Tips We Didn't Know About Gray Hair

The stunning gray-haired woman in the photo is none other than famous model Carmen del Orifice.

Carmen del Orifice is in her 70s and still rockin' the big hair! An ageless beauty, and with gray, silver hair.

We have learned plenty about gray hair, from a recent article in the February 2009 issue, www.goodhousekeeping.com.

Yes, we will admit to some gray hair. In fact, we have super stubborn gray hair. The unfair kind that sometimes doesn't pick up the hair color on all the strands, making life for us quite challenging in the hair department.

But we learned some super beauty tips, valuable ones for all our gray-haired gals.

We found this little nugget most interesting:

"Childhood photos will help predict your future shade of gray: Black hair turns steel-gray. Redheads and brunettes have more gold undertones mixed with their silver, and childhood blondes tend to go white."

When shampooing gray hair, remember, this type of hair is like a sponge. Very porous and soaks up everything you put in it. So use shampoos with white or clear formulas, says hair expert Barbara Lhotan. Or try a purple-tinted shampoo to tone down brassiness, like Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions Shampoo ($6.49, drugstores).

As many of you know, gray hair can be stubborn because of its coarseness and wiry texture. Best to arm yourself with a good conditioner to keep your silver locks under control. Barbara Lhotan suggests a conditioner meant for curly or coarse hair. We suggest TRESemme European Conditioner Vitamin E Moisture Rich (32 fl.oz., $5.89, drugstores).

Meantime, if you've let your silver strands grow and grow and tossed out the hair color bottles, good for you. The upkeep is easier, we're sure.

Enjoy your gray hair, because so many women, both young and older, wear it so well.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Is Mederma A Waste Of Time For Treating Scars

Most of us have some kind of scar. It could be from acne, an accident, a surgery, an illness, etc.

And although the beauty science and technology is pretty impressive these days, erasing a scar completely, might not be possible. But---we can get pretty close. We can make scars almost invisible.

Many people wear their scars like a badge of honor. We once knew a frat boy in college named Chip with a sexy scar across his cheek. The girls were attracted to him because of his scar.

And look at one of our favorite beauties, Padma Lakshmi. The former model and current host of Bravo's 'Top Chef' reality show, has a 7-inch reminder of the serious car accident she was in at age 14.

Padma grew to accept her 'imperfection,' and the scar that runs along her right arm is one she wears proudly. "I love my scar," she often says.

But there are also many times, one does not love their scar, and hoping for a miracle cream to rub it out permanently. That's where popular, topical treatments like Mederma ($29.99, drugstores), are often used.

But is Mederma a waste of time for treating scars? And is surgery the only best way to greatly minimize a scar's appearance?

Some specialists recommend applying Mederma to fresh scars. And yet there are other doctors who claim the topical treatment does little to wipe out scars.

What we can tell you, is that Mederma is actually made with 'onion extract,' believe it or not. That allium cepa, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and to improve collagen organization in a rabbit ear model.

However, there are no human studies that show onion extract improves the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly, according to an article here: http://tiny.cc/mqNjP.

In defense of Mederma, however, the product claims to soften and smooth scars, and that we believe is true.

Meantime, your best bet is heading into a plastic surgeon's office. There are several exciting, but costly treatments that can greatly minimize the appearance and depth of scars:

Laser skin re-surfacing
Laser scar removal
Microdermabrasion
Fat transfer
Collagen injections
Chemical peels
Steroid injections


Friday, March 13, 2009

Not All Hollywood A-Listers Run For Botox To Zap Wrinkles


Actress Jennifer Aniston is back in the news again.

And yeah, once more, it has to do with John Mayer. According to http://www.people.com/, the couple has split again. And John Mayer supposedly broke up with Jen, as he did the first time around.

But we are not here to hold anyone's hands. We're simply here to prove to all the doubters out there, that not all of the Hollywood A-listers run for Botox to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.

Closely examine 40-year-old Jennifer Aniston in a candid shot at the Academy Awards Show back in February of this year.

Please look at Jen's forehead. Hmmm. We see some almost pronounced wrinkles dancing across her lovely forehead.

Some of you might say, sure, she doesn't Botox her forehead, but Botoxes her crow's feet and the two lines between her eyes, or the glabellas.

Who's to say. We believe Jennifer Aniston when she has repeated over and over again, that she is not a Botox user.

In fact, we just picked up this little nugget from http://www.imnotobsessed.com/:

"I tried Botox once and it was really not good for me. I felt like I had a weight on my head," Jennifer Aniston remarked. "I think it makes women look older. Harder. The warmth in their faces goes away. You see women and you know they’re not young, but you can’t tell how old they are. That’s what stopped me."

We've written about Botox before (April 15, 2008 BeautyTipToday article):

It’s been noted that Botox procedures have jumped some 400% in the last several years. Botox cosmetic is really from the botulinum toxin type and continues to hold the distinction of number one injectable in the United States. Dr. Frederic Brandt isn’t surprised at its popularity.

“Botox cosmetic has revolutionized our field,” Dr. Brandt says. “Botox is easy to administer, safe and effective, and not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but also has the effect of preventing the future formation of wrinkles and fine lines if used appropriately.”


We know that Hollywood beauties all flock together to their derms for Botox. But it is refreshing, that not all the A-listers go for the sting of the needle to stay perpetually youthful.

Jennifer Aniston can really make an honest expression.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Salma Cover Girl For Robert Vetica's New Great Hair Book

We are so excited about celebrity hairstylist Robert Vetica and his wonderful new book, Good To Great Hair, that we made a little faux pas yesterday. And we wish to correct it.

We mistakenly suggested, that actress Salma Hayek and Robert Vetica had authored the book together.

Instead, these are the masterful words and knowledge of super L.A. stylist Robert Vetica. A foreword is presented by Salma Hayek, along with an introduction by actress Debra Messing.

Putting that all aside, Good To Great Hair, is a really beautiful book. Robert Vetica has more than 25 years of experience and quite a Who's Who of lovely celebrity clients. In addition to Salma and Debra, there are more---Mariah Carey. Naomi Watts. Shakira. Hilary Swank.

You can pick up this new hair-how-to at popular bookstores like-- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, at the online price of $19.99.

Robert Vetica's book is filled with incredible tips such as: what’s in his styling and tool kits; how he uses his simple arsenal to create unforgettable looks for the red carpet and runways in 20 minutes flat; how he invents nip-and-tuck magic with small, hidden braids; how he disguises split ends and creates a stellar shine; how to transform lifeless hair into a lush, voluminous mane with the genius of clip-on extensions; how he saves time by refreshing a style – and not starting from scratch; along with extensive how-to guides.

In honor of Salma Hayek's participation in Good To Great Hair, Fair Winds Press will make a donation in support of UNICEF's efforts to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal tetanus.

Meantime, we are still raving about Salma Hayek's glossy and gorgeous hair. The cover shot for Robert Vetica's book says it all.

And as we showed you yesterday, Robert Vetica gave Salma's hair high-voltage-shine with Moroccanoil beauty products. Very unique items you can learn about in his new book, Good To Great Hair.

Visit: http://www.moroccanoil.com/.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

How To Get Shiny Healthy Hair Like Salma Hayek




Actress Salma Hayek is an exotic beauty, and at age 42, she's doing something right.

We especially like her shiny, healthy hair!!!

She is pictured here at the recent book-launching party for Good to Great Hair by Robert Vetica in Hollywood.

Robert Vetica and Salma Hayek put out the book together, and she serves as the cover girl for the how-to on beautiful hair. Good to Great Hair is available at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ for the online price of $19.99.

So what is Salma's secret to such shiny, healthy hair? We know that Hollywood beauties go through quite a lot of hair trauma, especially being colored, blown-dry, flat-ironed, heat-curled, straightened, all under very hot movie and television lighting. And so on.

Argan oil.

We spoke about the almost magical qualities of this beauty oil from Morocco recently, in our article on the 7 Breakthrough Ingredients for Super Skin in 2009:
And this oil is even spectacular for strong, beautiful hair.
Stylist Robert Vetica told PeopleStyleWatch how he gave Salma Hayek shiny and amazing hair.

How to Do It
1: Separate hair into small sections.
2: Add Moroccanoil Treatment and Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to each.
3: Use round brush to blow dry sections.
4: Let hair fall and mist with Moroccanoil Gold Glimmer Shine Spray.

There's the secret: Moroccanoil. According to their website, http://www.moroccanoil.com/, this argan oil formula can do wonders for a head of hair:

Restores shine and softness to dull lifeless hair. Strengthens brittle hair.● Promotes healing and provides nourishment to hair damaged by coloring and styling.● Creates an optimal balance for the hair and scalp.● Nourishes the scalp (alleviates itchy, dry scalp)● Protects against UV damage and other environmental factors.● Reduces drying time and speeds up styling time.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

New! Elizabeth Arden Fresh Ground Mineral Powder Foundation


Twist. Swirl. Tap. Apply.

If you wear mineral powder foundation, then you know what those words mean.

But now there's something new! And this foundation could be considered the cadillac of all the mineral makeup out there.

We took a closer look at Elizabeth Arden's new Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation, SPF 20 ($37.50, at fine dept. stores, or http://www.elizabetharden.com/).

What's so uber chic about Elizabeth Arden's mineral makeup?

Fresh ground.

Simple, but smart. Elizabeth Arden's mineral powder foundation comes equipped with its own portable grinder compact. Every time you use it, you get a fresh layer of microlight makeup.




Twist the grinder a little and get just the right amount of loose powder you need. No waste and no mess. Quick and immaculate.

Here's what the fine folks at Elizabeth Arden are saying about Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation:

"New fresh ground technology delivers a microlight powder, virtually weightless, that blends perfectly on the skin.
Takes the mess out of loose powder mineral makeup to control just the amount you need. No more powder everywhere.
Non-drying. It's skin brightening and comfortable to wear.
Smooths imperfections. It doesn't cake or settle into fine lines.
Infused with minerals rich with antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and natural skin smoothers.
Enriched with sea water complex which contains elements such as calcium and magnesium known to strengthen skin and support natural mineral equilibrium.
Buildable formula, it's easy to create your own customized look from light to full coverage, without a made up look.
Pure, luminous natural finish.
SPF 20 sun protection. UVA and UVB protection.
For all skin types. Sensitive skin tested.
Clinically, dermatologist and allergy tested. Talc free. Fragrance free."


The mineral makeup comes in 9 shades to choose from.