Best Brush On Nail Hardeners For Long Strong Nails

Nail hardeners are used to boost the strength of brittle nails.

And if you've been an acrylic nails wearer, then you know what we are talking about. Peeling. Splitting. Cracking. Unhealthy-looking nails.

Nail hardeners are actually clear nail enamels that have been amped up with different solvent and resin concentrations. They are the first coat of enamel applied to the clean nail and function as a base coat. And they can also be brushed on after a colored polish for extra protection.

There are many nail hardeners on the market. Some work well, and some do not. But the basic idea of using a hardener, is to build up a strong nail plate. In other words--- fortify, protect, and harden.

We have dug our fingernails into the dirt, and gone digging around for the Best Brush On Nail Hardeners:

1. Mavala Scientifique Nail Hardener ($16.99, http://www.folica.com/). This little bottle has a huge following of fans. Hard to find, but we located a stash at folica.com. One woman says she's been using Mavala for some 30 years. Now, that's an opinion we can trust.

Mavala describes their little nail hardener this way:

The tip of nail is the most fragile part which breaks easily. Logic and experience have proven that it is the tip of nail which needs to be strengthened. This Scientifique is a special treatment for the nail tip. It helps prevent splitting or flaking, strengthens soft nails. It features fast result, ease to apply and economical. And one little bottle lasts an entire year.

2. OPI Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener ($12.00, http://www.amazon.com/, and at fine salons). Let's face it, OPI really knows nails. And this small bottle can also do the trick. Say so long to cracking, splitting, and flaking nails.

The product works like this:

You apply two coats to start, then one coat every other day. At the end of a week, you remove all the product and start over. This method sounds weird, but it really delivers.

3. Witchcraft Nail Hardener ($14.99 at http://www.ebay.com/, or http://www.witchcraftnailproducts.com/). This stuff has been around for about 40 years. It was developed in Canada, and is very popular around here. Not easy to find, but Ebay always seem to be auctioning off a few bottles. And we found the hardener and a whole nail kit for $14.99.

And this nail hardener is so easy to use:

Shake well before using. Apply one coat to nail surface. Let dry, then apply second coat. Repeat procedure twice a week.

How To Wear 2009 Ponytails Without Damaging Hair

As you can see by these gorgeous photos of Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Beyonce Knowles, and Carrie Underwood, ponytails are so in for 2009!!

Whether your ponytail is big, bold, and exaggerated like Drew's, or casually off to the side like Jennifer's, pulling back your locks into a classic hairstyle, is quite refreshing for 2009!

And even if you have limp locks, or not long enough hair, there is a way to get a smooth, silky ponytail. Just a little faux hair, like a hairpiece or extension, and you can carry off a bouncing do.

If you have long hair already, you could also achieve this look the old-fashioned way, by spritzing on some volumizing mousse or lotion on to dry hair to pump up the volume. You could add some hot rollers, too, and then tease your way to max fullness! And secure back into a ponytail.

But just be careful how you secure your new ponytail do. Hairstylists will warn you that pulling back hair severely and often, can result in damage to your front hairline, especially.

Stay away from the common elastic, or elastics that have metal on them. Not good for your hair. Those items can cause snarling and breakage.

Ken Paves, hair genius to the stars, suggests you try a gentler ponytail securer like Vidal Sassoon No Crimp Elastics ($3). "They give you just enough hold without damaging your hair."

Another elastic brand to try is Karina Sport Colored Ponytail Elastics ($3.50). These, too, are metal-free, and will hold your hair tightly, without risking breakage.

Exuviance Oil-Absorbing Gel Keeps Face Shine-Free

We've found another clever beauty product to take control of shiny, oily, greasy skin. And there are many items out there that promise to 'mattify' your complexion.

Maybe you've tried oil-blotting papers. Oil-free primers. Glycolic acid cleansers. Toners. And the long list goes on.

Now you can try this little number. It's formulated with Mandelic Acid. That is one of the AHAs, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. And curiously enough, Mandelic Acid is found in almonds.

We adore Exuviance Matte Perfection ($35, http://www.exuviance.com/, or ULTA stores). You can wear it alone, or under your makeup, or even over your makeup. Either way, this oil-free gel glides on easily and gives you a shine-free finish.

Gluconolactone, a Polyhydroxy Acid, or PHA, is another unique property combined in the oil-free gel. This beauty ingredient helps to balance uneven pigmentation, rough patches, and enlarged pores. It also provides special anti-aging benefits.

We like the lightness to this Exuviance product. And it does absorb the greasies, and is gentle to your skin.

Padma Lakshmi Speaks Up For Women With Endometriosis

Padma Lakshmi is probably best known for her popular role as host of Bravo's Top Chef hit reality show.

But the 38-year-old beauty is also a writer, model, actress, and great cook, among her many talents.

And now Padma is speaking out about endometriosis, a condition that affects many women who suffer from painful, heavy periods.

Padma Lakshmi recently underwent surgery for the condition, and she wants to assure women out there, that they are not alone, and that surgery can cure this common problem which a number of women face.

Endometriosis developes when tissues lining the uterus grow outside the uterus, resulting in painful menstrual cycles and uterine scarring. And this could lead to infertility.

Padma says it wasn't easy talking about such an intimate problem.

"It's a very personal issue," Padma told People Magazine. "It has to do with the most private aspect of a woman's life, and when I had to have surgery, I had to miss work and explain why. I just found that in talking to people, not many people knew what it was." "I just thought I had a responsibility to let other young women know so they wouldn't have to go through what I went though," she says. "If you get tested at an early age, it's very simple to be treated for it and it will save you from a lifetime of pain and stress."

Padma Lakshmi has joined ranks with Dr. Tamer Seckin, who treated Padma and with her also co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America.

Dr. Seckin and Padma will host the "Blossom Ball," their first fundraising event, on April 20 at New York's Prince George Ballroom.

How To Color Beautiful Dark Brown Hair Perfectly

When we think of beautiful dark brown hair, we often think of actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. She wears it so well. Sometimes she lightens up her very dark tresses by a shade. But usually, her color is dark and shiny.

Believe it or not, coloring dark brown hair perfectly is not easy. We should know.

Of course, the coloring process is more damaging when you want to lighten hair, to become blonde, for example. Hair can quickly become damaged.

Then what's the big deal about becoming dark brown?

Celebrity colorist Rita Hazan of New York City, said in an interview recently that, "Brunettes are the most challenging. Their hair can turn red and brassy with added color, but look flat without it."

Rita Hazan suggests asking for gold highlights, instead of red highlights at the salon.

If you've ever tried to go darker, well, it's simple. But getting the right shade of brown is difficult. If you pick too dark a shade, your hair can turn raven, or almost black. Best to select a color one step lighter, otherwise, you will have to live with the super dark shade until your hair grows out.

As any hair colorist would tell you, pick up a box of semi-permanent color if you want to brighten up your brown. You won't be tied down to the darkness forever. A box of Clairol's Natural Instincts will cost you only $6, and the hue will wash out in 6-12 shampoos.

If you desire a much longer lasting hair color, try any of the L'Oreal products, to become a brilliant brunette and cover up gray hair. L'Oreal Paris Excellence-to-Go ($9.49) is a good one to try for shiny hair color that delivers the goods in 10 minutes.

Meantime, we just learned this little hair color tidbit:

You've heard about Waiting 48 hours before shampooing newly dyed hair.

The reason? This allows for the pigment to really soak in. And when you go to wash your hair, by the way, DO NOT use very hot water, because that can open up the hair cuticle and let out the dye.

Karina Smirnoff 's Olive Oil Diet Tip Does Make Beauty Sense

She is certainly petite, toned, and sexy.

And we know that the pros on ABC's huge hit reality show, Dancing With The Stars, dance some 8 hours a day to keep in excellent shape.

But Karina Smirnoff also has a diet tip that works for her, and everyone's been buzzing about it.

Diet is crucial when it comes to maintaining your weight. We all know that. But is there a trick to helping keep off the pounds?

Yes. And it involves olive oil.

We are Mediterranean, and we love eating olive oil, but we didn't do it the way Karina Smirnoff does it. So we were intrigued by her diet tip. We did a little research and discovered that she is one smart lady.

Karina told US Weekly magazine that she avoids red meat, and dines on egg whites, fish, and salad. And has, "a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach to help with digestion."

Go ahead and laugh, but the diet tip is a sound one. And here's why:

"Research suggests that replacing other types of fats with monounsaturated fat, especially olive oil, helps people lose a moderate amount of weight without additional food restriction or physical activity. So just imagine what adding a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity (which is always a good idea) to the consumption of monounsaturated fats like olive oil could do for your weight-loss efforts."

We found that weight loss nugget here, http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/the-health-benefits-of-olive-oil-ga6.htm.

The article goes on to say:

"What's more, the FDA determined that eating 13.5 grams of monounsaturated fat in a dietary pattern low in saturated fat and cholesterol would reduce total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 5 percent, resulting in a 10 percent decrease in coronary heart disease.However, the FDA did not approve this particular claim for food labels. Instead, the agency approved a stronger claim linking the consumption of 23 grams (about two tablespoons) of olive oil to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease."

So there you have it. Just a spoonful of olive oil daily can help you get skinny in a very healthy way. Doesn't sound so yummy, but the results are quite beautiful!

DDF Offers New Twist On Anti-Aging In Moisturizing Serum

A wrinkle resister and a pore minimizer all rolled into one.

This little 1.7 oz. bottle claims to give you back younger-looking skin with the appearance of smaller pores.

And in this not-so-great economy, if you can put together $85, then you might want to invest in DDF's Wrinkle Resistant Plus Pore Minimizer.

Who doesn't want more perfect-looking, flawless skin?!

DDF, Doctor's Dermatologic Formula, is pushing their most recent product, calling it, a new twist on anti-aging.

It all has to do with DDF's 'dual phase technology.' The unique formula increases the skin's surface renewal rate. You end up with a smoother and balanced complexion.

1. Clear Gel continuously reduces the appearance of wrinkles and pores with vitamin B3 and Promatrixyl pentapeptide.

2. The Colored Optical Swirl Serum instantly minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores with its light-diffusing technology.

And this little bottle has already built quite a fan base. Maybe because DDF's clinical trials came up with some very decent results:

65% saw noticeably smaller pores
70% saw less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles.
Results also showed improvement at 4 weeks and greater improvement at 8 weeks.

You can purchase DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer at beauty stores like Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom.

Learn more at www.ddf.com.

Jessica's Stylist Ken Paves Talks Fav Hair Products

Celebrity hair stylist KenPaves has tended to the beautiful heads of many famous women.....Jessica Simpson. Jennifer Lopez. Britney Spears. Carmen Electra. And the list goes on.

Where would Hollywood be without super talent like L.A. stylist Ken Paves?

Sometimes the perfect hair can make all the difference in a woman's appearance. And without his nimble fingers, well, Jessica Simpson just wouldn't be the same.

And now Ken Paves is talking hair. We love that. He's naming brands. These are a few of his favs when it comes to georgeous locks on a budget. This is what he told InStyle magazine. And these budget-wise hair items can be picked up at beauty stores like ULTA and your local drugstore.

Paves's Picks:

1. VO5 Hot Oil Treatment ($4). "A cheap treatment that has always screamed luxury to me. It guarantees a great hair day."

2. Vidal Sassoon No Crimp elastics ($3). "They give you just enough hold without damaging your hair."

3. DCNL Organics Natural Wood hairbrush ($9). "It gives lift and volume without creating static."

4. Ken Paves Healthy Hair Try Me kit ($34). "The perfect travel sizes for your weekend getaways."

5. Got 2b Defiant Define + Shine pomade ($6). "A little goes a long way to smooth flyaways. One tub will last until you're 115."

6. Bellissima headband ($10). "This gives a chic, classic look that can instantly transform limp hair."

7. ULTA Ultimate Size travel blow-dryer ($25). "Enough abusing your hair with a dryer that's professional grade. This is lightweight and gets the jobe done."

Thanks, Ken Paves. Wonderful hair tips. Wish we could book a session with you.

For more hair tips and products, visit: http://www.kenpaves.com/ and http://www.ulta.com/.

D The Sunshine Vitamin Basking In Good Headlines

We know some people who pop tons of vitamins, and others who don't take a single supplement. But getting your "D" on, could be a very smart thing for both women and men.

There's been plenty of good buzz about the sunshine vitamin, D, in the headlines for several months now. And lots of benefits, so we hear---keeps breast cancer away, boosts bone strength, protects against multiple sclerosis, and even wards off the flu.

The best place to receive your dosage of vitamin D, is to soak up the sun's rays. But the experts say that most of us are still sun-deprived, especially in the fall through winter months. In addition, many of us are afraid of too much sun these days, because of possibly developing skin cancer.

And did you know that just by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 8, alone, is enough to scare away vitamin D's production. And if you slap on an SPF of 50, the vitamin's production is stopped entirely.


So how do you get your "D" on, then?!

You can try eating D-rich foods, like salmon, tuna, sardines, eggs, cereal, and milk.

But doctors say that still doesn't give you enough of the D. You should also take a supplement.

As of this writing, doctors recommend a safe level---between 1,000 and 2,000 I.U.'s of D3 a day, for adults.

Foot Docs Say These UGGS Aren't Made For Walking

UGGS.
Just about everyone we know walks around in a pair. But considering the weather is warming up, isn't it time to take off the UGGS boots already?

Some foot doctors are warning women to stay away from UGGS altogether, or to limit their time in them.

Let's be honest. We know women who love wearing their UGGS all year round. These boots are so-oooo comfy. Even the knock-off pairs.

But podiatrists like Edward Chairman of Philadelphia, says these UGGS aren't made for walking all the time. Apparently, the boots are not good for the arches of your feet. That's what the foot doc told http://www.nbclosangeles.com/.

"After a few hours, they start feeling tired, their feet are tired, they're aching and they don't know why. The reason it's aching is because there is zero support in the arch area," says Dr. Chairman.

UGGS Australia finds the report a bit ridiculous and stated, that the company has been in business for some 30 years now, and has never once received a complaint about arch support or comfort.

So what's an UGGS lover to do??

"I think they're wonderful. You should wear them, but wear orthotics in them," Dr. Chairman says.

You can buy a pair of orthotics at your local drugstore. These are actually shoe inserts that help align the foot the proper way.

Or you can just ignore the podiatric buzz, and keep on walking around in your oh-so-comfy UGGS.

New NeoStrata PDS Cream Like Pedicure In A Jar

Tired of walking around with your Hobbit feet?

The cold, dry winter air has left us for spring, and now our sorry feet are paying the price.

If you recall the great writing of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, then you remember the feet of these kind-hearted creatures:

"(Hobbits)wear no shoes, because their feet grow natural leather soles and grow thick warm brown hair like the stuff on their heads” (The Hobbit pg. 12).

The smart skin care folks at NeoStrata have developed a very effective cream to soften all your tough, dry skin areas: heels, elbows, and knees.

Let's get rid of Hobbit feet!

NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream ($30, 3.4 oz). It only takes about 3 weeks to smooth away the thick, leathery heels many people develop. The formula contains 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Pro-Vitamin E , and Maltobionic Acid.

Say good-bye to scaling and flaking, and very rough, thickened skin.

NeoStrata PDS Cream is like a pedicure in a jar. And we trust the NeoStrata name. The company is very well-respected, and the products are created by dermatologists.

The NeoStrata brand features a wide variety of skin care treatments containing the most advanced hydroxy acid technology. And yet the products work beautifully without the harsh stinging that generally comes with such formulations.

NeoStrata beauty products are available through physicians and through select online retailers. For more information, visit: http://www.neostrata.com/.

How To Get Fab First Lady Arms With Strength Training

Ladies, it can be done! You can get fab First Lady arms like Michelle Obama's.

If you are young and in your 20s or 30s, the toned triceps and biceps are much easier to achieve. But as we get older, well, you have to work much harder to get rid of the "dingle-dangle," as we like to call it.

Look at our First Lady, Michelle Obama. She's in her late 40s, and her well-toned arms have been a hot topic for weeks now.

So, how do you get fab First Lady arms???

With a healthy diet, of course, a little cardio, and most importantly, some religious strength-training.

Many women hit the gym, but are afraid to pick up the dumbbells. They're scared of developing massive football shoulders and huge arms. So women work out and work out on the elliptical machines, for instance, and then become frustrated because their arms lack definition.

You need some small weights. We like 3-5 lb. baby dumbbells. You can achieve some decent definition with free weights and a routine. You must keep up with a work out program, or you won't see the toned arms. And don't worry, you won't develop gigantic muscles.

First Lady Michelle Obama has said she exercises in 90-minute workouts three times a week with a personal trainer. She told People magazine that during an average day in the White House, she and the president get up at 5:30 a.m. and usually work out and have breakfast.

We found a great article at CNN's website about toning arms:

"It's unclear what kind of exercises Obama does to maintain her buff arms, but it appears to be both back and arm workouts, said Michele Vourliotis, author of "Amazing Arms: Get Toned Triceps, Beautiful Biceps, and Sexy Shoulders in Just Minutes a Day."
"She may be working out on machine, dumbbells, bands or using her body weight," Vourliotis said. Pick the option that seems most suitable to you, she advised.

For beginners, Vourliotis recommends getting a suitable set of dumbbells (five pounds or more) and doing 12 to 15 of each exercise -- bicep curls, tricep kickbacks to exercise the back of the arm, shoulder and lateral raises. Visit the American Council on Exercises library for detailed instructions on these arm exercises.

Read the CNN article here: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/26/toning.obama.arms/

Canned Tuna Still Heathy Yummy Way To Lose Weight

Tuna fish in a can. It's really a dieter's dream.

You're getting a lot of good from a 5 oz. can of tuna packed in water:

Low in calories--only about 120, 4 oz.
Naturally high in protein
Naturally 98% fat free
Yummy, filling meal
Full of excellent Omega-3s
Healthy for your heart

And if you were hesitant about buying canned fish like tuna or salmon, worry no more. We did a little research and found the facts at www.ecollo.com. The website has made our job easy. Check out their results, and lose weight the healthy way:

"Here is a quick guide to some of the more common canned fish you’ll find in your local grocery store:

Tuna is considered a good source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and other important minerals and nutrients but because of increased mercury levels recommendations suggest less than 3 meals a month. White tuna packed in water holds the highest levels of Omega-3’s and Albacore tuna caught in the US and Canada are your Eco best because their catching techniques yield almost no bycatch. (other sea creatures)

Salmon is a much better choice over tuna if you like the taste. It’s got similar health benefits without the risks of other contaminants. Also, canned Pink or Sockeye salmon is caught in Alaska with environmentally friendly gear.

Mussels & Oysters. These beauties have tons of Omega-3 fatty acids and low contaminants plus they’re farmed using hanging ropes which doesn’t affect local habitats at all. If you’ve never had smoked oysters or mussels you’re missing out. Grab yourself some of your favorite crackers and cheese plus a little seafood sauce and you’ve got a great little appetizer. (Cracker, cheese, mussel or oyster, seafood sauce on top YUM)

That’s the basics but check out the Environmental Defense Fund’s site to see the ratings of any ocean fish you may be interested in. They include an Eco rating plus nutritional guide and recipes."

Schick Quattro And Your Shrinking Bush For $10.99

Okay. We are going to talk about your bikini line, ladies.

We didn't even want to go there, but the clever and dopey folks at Schick Quattro, have thrown the ball in our court, so here we go......

We were half asleep on the couch last night, barely watching a program on VH-1. Suddenly an ad came on, showing various women going through their day, and curiously, bushes and shrubbery around them, shrinking and shrinking.

So that's the commercial everyone's been buzzing about?! Duh!!! We get it. It's time to, er, Mow the lawn," as one of the Schick Quattro for Women ads have been coyly referring to.

If you're still in a hairy fog about this, let us explain further. The ads are supposed to be a smart way of telling women out there, that Shick Quattro has a special, new razor for trimming your pubic hair. Yeah. That's right. The advertising agency thought that 'shrinking bushes' might be a great clue, since it isn't easy talking about a woman's hair down there over the public airways.

Well, we're not sure about the ad and the analogies, but, the product has gotten lots of buzz, so from a marketing standpoint, the advertising company has surely done its job.

Let's take a look at Schick Quattro for Women Trim Style Razor & Bikini Trimmer. It sells for $10.99 at your local drugstore. In the package, you receive:

1 blade
1 battery
1 razor
1 holder

There are 3 adjustments you can make to the trimmer, depending on hair length desired in the bikini line area.

As one woman quipped, "If this razor comes with a vibrator, they'll be flying off store shelves!"

Hey, we didn't say it.

Wear Nude Neutral Makeup For Glam When Time Is Short

Let's be honest. Some women love makeup, but claim they don't have time to get glam. Time is short.

But there are quick ways to fake your makeup know-how when time is of the essence.

And beloved professional makeup artist Bobbi Brown shows you just what to do. And we're talking a stripped-down classic look. Think nude, neutral.

All you need is one beautiful lipstick. Yeah, that's it, ladies.

Bobbi Brown's makeup is featured in the April 2009 issue of Glamour magazine.

"This creamy, semi-matte lipstick gives lips instant polish with rich, full coverage. Wear Bobbi Brown Lip Color alone or pair with Lip Liner and Lip Gloss - depending on your desired effect.View Bobbi's Lips How-To Video. "

The shade Bobbi Brown suggests is Brown. Her particular brown is described as a "medium pink brown." A nude, or a neutral.

"One swipe makes you look done," Bobbi Brown explains. "I created this to look like your lips, only better."

Meantime, let us go one step further. And this is still being very minimal in the makeup department.

Nude nail polishes are very hot this spring. You don't need to sport long talons, either. The upkeep is low-maintenance. Just keep your nails short and neat. And apply a pretty nude-colored cocoa. Your hands will look longer and slimmer. It's a classic, elegant look.

Here are a couple to try:

1. Creative Nail Design's (CND) Cocoa nail enamel ($6). This particular shade was hot on the catwalk of popular designers like Nina Ricci.

2. Essie's Eternal Optimist ($9 ). A sexy fleshy-toned creme nail shade. Another hot hue for the Spring of 2009.

Shaun Robinson's New Book Lifting People's Self-Esteem

Some folks don't have much of it. Others have too much of it. And a few have the perfect balance of it.

We're talking about self-esteem.

And today's beauty tip is all about 'it.'

Entertainment reporter Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood, has written a super book for women of all ages:

Exactly As I Am.

The book is fresh off the presses. And we love the title.

It's an intelligent book about how women get caught in the trap at a very young age. The image society has presented to women on how they should look and how they should be.

Shaun Robinson explains this at http://www.accesshollywood.com/:

“Girls today are so influenced by what they see on television and in magazines, film and media across the board and I began to realize how those images affect girls and how they feel about themselves,” Shaun explained. “That’s really nothing new, but I think the topic has taken on more of an urgency because there’s becoming more of an emphasis on looks. With all these messages of female empowerment, girls are still feeling incredibly, incredibly inadequate.”

In her book, Exactly As I Am, Shaun talks with a number of famous women about the topic of self-esteem. Women like Alicia Keys. Kelly Clarkson. Eva Mendes. Oprah, and other accomplished ladies.

“Whenever I said I was doing a book on girls and self esteem, I can’t tell you how many people said, ‘Oh, we need that now,” Shaun said. “There are so many people that have daughters or know of somebody in their family who is struggling with self-esteem issues. Building self-esteem is a lifelong process. I think women of all ages will be able to get some information from this book and take a piece of it with them. Sometimes I come in and I look in the mirror and I’m like, ‘Oh god, I don’t know how I’m gonna go on TV today.’ But it’s a lifelong process, you get to the point where you are comfortable with who you are, you are comfortable with yourself and you’re able to deal with these outside influences and make sure you can look in the mirror and say, ‘If I like the type of person that I am inside, I’ll like the type of person I am outside."

We like Shaun Robinson's bold approach to a subject that seems so hard to tackle. Self-esteem issues are something we all deal with in life, and it's nice to learn how other women, even famous ones, are dealing with their own insecurities.

Exactly As I Am is available at Barnes & Noble ($18). For more information, visit: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

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Supermodel Cindy Crawford Says Decollete Needs TLC

Decollete. Exactly what part of a woman's body is that?

Don't let the French elegance of the word fool you. The decollete is actually the upper part of a woman's chest, below the neck.

Iconic model Cindy Crawford was just mentioning the very delicate skin of the decollete in a recent interview with Allure magazine. And we here at BeautyTipToday, featured some smart, anti-aging beauty secrets from the supermodel, who looks gorgeous at age 43, mother of two.

"ALLURE: Are there any areas you take particularly good care of?

CINDY CRAWFORD: My hands and my décolleté. In L.A., there are 65-year-old women walking around in Juicy sweatpants, and from the back, you'd think they were 20. But when you see their hands or their neck, you know. When I put moisturizer on my face, I use a little extra so that I have enough to cover my hands. Most people don't start caring about the décolleté until it's too late, but I'm religious about it."



Why does the decollete need special TLC, or tender loving care?

According to www.liv.com, a website dedicated to helping raise awareness about early detection of breast cancer, the skin of the decollete, is quite delicate:

"The skin on the décolleté area is more sensitive than skin on other parts of our body; it is thinner, less moisturized, has less elasticity and there is no fat tissue below. Consequently, this skin is more likely to show signs of aging with dryness, hyper-pigmentation and age spots."



We recommend these 2 wonderful decollete creams to firm and smooth the skin:

1. Borba Neck and Decollete Cream ($40, www.DermStore.com)

2. Erno Laszlo Intensive Decollete Cream ($95, www.ernolaszlo.com)

Wake Up On Time In AM With New Energy Pill At PM

Hitting the snooze button once too often?

Late for class, and can't keep your eyes open?

A night owl having to live as a day person?

You are not alone. And now there's a fascinating new, natural product designed to get you up and out of bed in record time!

It's called Wake Up On Time. And it is the first time-released product taken before bed. You wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready-to-go!!

So what's in this little all-natural energy pill? See how the Wake Up On Time folks describe their little pick-me-upper:

"Wake Up On Time contains only the finest ingredients, including all the important B vitamins, Siberian ginseng, L-tyrosine and guarana seed extract. It will never prevent you from falling asleep at night, but it's guaranteed to get you going in the morning!"

Wake Up On Time is available at most drugstores at $29.95 for a month's supply.

For more information, visit www.wakeupontime.com.

Milkmaid Braids And Plaiting 2009 Spring Hair Trend

We love this look:

Milkmaid braids. And this is the hottest 2009 Spring hair trend! Bohemian beauties like Nicole Richie wear this style so well. It looks effortless and polished

Lovely Sienna Miller (shown below) was the first red carpet beauty to rock the milkmaid braid in 2007, and got criticized for her 'unfinished hair-do.'

Well, braiding and plaiting are all the rage this Spring, so find a friend to help you get the perfect look. And the top stylists say that all kinds of braids are hot. Thin. Thick. French braids.

We used to french braid our cousin's long blond hair years ago, and she looked so neat, fresh, and elegant.

The key to a good braid equals: long hair or a well-matching extension, or hair piece.

Stylists say that braids look good on most women. We tend to believe the milkmaid braid, however, really looks spectacular on blondes. For some reason, it seems to go best with flaxen-hair women. That's not to say that redheads or brunettes can't wear them, because Hollywood hotties are everywhere sporting braids.....Rachel Bilson. Jennifer Aniston. Molly Sims. Lauren Conrad.

It's an easy hair trend to achieve with a little practice, and it goes dressed up or dressed down. And now braids are elegant enough for the red carpet.

Stem Cells To Build Bigger Breasts In UK Women

We didn't think this would happen so soon in the world of beauty and medical science?!

The Brits are keeping 'abreast' of this amazing and potentially controversial new development.

This tidbit in the Timesonline:

"A STEM cell therapy offering “natural” breast enlargement is to be made available to British women for the first time.

The treatment could boost cup size while reducing stomach fat. It involves extracting stem cells from spare fat on the stomach or thighs and growing them in a woman’s breasts. An increase of one cup size is likely, with the potential for larger gains as the technique improves."

What we like, is the trial underway at the moment, for British women who have had cancerous lumps removed. Stem cells are being used to 'build' or repair their breasts.

Interestingly enough, however, don't expect the new stem cell breasts to have the look of breast implants. In other words, this new stem cell therapy is able to restore volume to the breasts, but not firmness or uplift. Even so, it is still a groundbreaking procedure.

The Times article goes on to say this from Professor Kefah Mokbel, a consultant breast surgeon at the Princess Grace Hospital in London:

“This is a very exciting advance in breast surgery,” said Mokbel. “They [breasts treated with stem cells] feel more natural because this tissue has the same softness as the rest of the breast.” He said the treatment offered the potential of considerable improvement on implants: “Implants are a foreign body. They are associated with long-term complications and require replacement. They can also leak and cause scarring.”

The new stem cell procedure will later be offered to healthy UK women for cosmetic enhancement, and that is where the controversy could get deeper.

To read the full Times article, visit: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article5993187.ece

Avoid Makeup Meltdown With L'Oreal Infallible Collection

You've heard of makeup meltdown.

We've all been there.

You apply your makeup. Then go. A few hours later, well, your face doesn't look as fresh anymore.

Maybe your eyeliner has headed south. Or possibly your undereye concealer has settled into some dry, fine lines. Or your foundation has sunk into your pores, exposing the little things you didn't want people to see.

Makeup meltdown occurs to the best of us---even beautiful celebrities. Our skin's natural oils are the major culprit here. Then again, the elements can ruin a fresh face--like wind, heat and humidity, cold, dry air.

L'Oreal has a makeup collection they swear "puts an end to makeup meltdown."

And the newest addition to their collection is the Infallible Never Fail Powder ($14.29, drugstores). For 16 hours of matte perfection.

L'Oreal's Infallible Never Fail Makeup Collection features advanced makeup with highly-resistant pigments, bold liners, hydrating lipcolors and shining glosses. Formulated to stand up to all-day activity.

The beauty of the new Infallible Never Fail Powder is its lightweight feel and texture on the skin. With an SPF of 20 and available in 6 shades, this little compact is worth checking out.

And also give your lips a treat with the Infallible Never Fail LipGloss ($9.99). For 6 hours of lasting color. The gloss is easy to use with its cute heart-shaped wand. The consistency is not heavy and gooey, thank goodness. And it comes in 16 luscious shades.

Cate Blanchett Keeping Skin Luminous With SK-II

Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress, is said to have beautiful and luminous skin. And we believe what folks are saying.

Just look at the photo, taken a few months ago. You can always get a pretty good idea of how well someone is aging, by looking closely at them out in the sunlight. The sun has a blunt way of showing all our nooks and crannies, or fine lines and wrinkles.

Cate Blanchett turns 40 this May, and we have to admit, the woman looks darn good, even in the harsh rays of the sun.

What is Cate's beauty secret?

SK-II Skin care.

With Pitera. It is the signature ingredient in all SK-II products, and is 'the secret key' to beautiful skin.

Pitera, what you ask?

It's a very interesting story. According to their website, Pitera, was discovered purely by chance.

About thirty years ago, a scientist noticed that the hands of older workers at a Japanese saké brewery looked beautiful and young.

The workers were handling the fermenting sake.

For five years, scientists did research on over 300 types of yeast, to refine the precise conditions for fermentation. This all resulted in Pitera.

Derived from a unique yeast's fermentation, Pitera is a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work together to allow the skin's natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime, enhancing the renewal of the skin's outer layer. Continued usage of Pitera leads to clearer looking, smoother skin.

Cate Blanchett has supposedly been using SK-II Skin care products for 7 years now, and swears by their effectiveness. In fact, Cate is now the global spokesperson for the SK-II line.

'Throughout my career, I have only accepted roles that I am passionate about, and my partnership with SK-II is no different. I truly believe I already played this role as an ambassador long before SK-II caught up with me,' Cate Blanchett said.

You can see her face in all the current advertisements for SK-II. The skin care treatments can be found at Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

For more information, visit http://www.sk2.com/.

Kim Kardashian Says Photoshopping Common In Hollywood

Hollywood hottie Kim Kardashian is right:

"How many people do you think are photoshopped? It happens all the time!" she writes, later adding, "I'm proud of my body and my curves and this picture coming out is probably helpful for everyone to see that just because I am on the cover of a magazine doesn't mean I'm perfect."

That's what Kim wrote on her blog yesterday, after 'before and after' photos from a spread for Complex magazine got out over the internet. Pics that show the curvy beauty 'before' with cellulite, and 'after' with none. That's called photoshopping, and Kim Kardashian is correct. Photoshopping is done all the time on many beautiful and not-so-beautiful celebrities.
http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2009/03/yes-i-am-complex.php

Meantime, we admire Kim K's honesty. She even admits to having a little dimpled fat:

"So what: I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesn't!?"

And lovely Kim K is not alone. Yesterday, in our BeautyTipToday article about Cindy Crawford, the iconic model also admitted to some dimpled fat:

CINDY CRAWFORD: I think I look pretty good for 43. But I don't look the way I did when I was 23. So if Star magazine or whatever wants to print a picture of me on the beach from the back, at the worst possible angle, and say that I have cellulite, I'm like, Guess what? I do, and I never said I didn't. I've had two kids, and I'm 43, so leave me alone.

Come on, vicious people, stop picking on women's bodies, and pointing out every little, tiny, human flaw.

Attacking women and then calling them fat, is really disturbing. Kim Kardashian is curvy. And the clothing she sells from her closet on Ebay, are all listed at size 2 or 4. So to call her zaftig is really stretching it.

Even Katie Couric was photoshopped in her picture for the evening news when she first got the job. The photos had slenderized her waist, making her appear much slimmer. And Katie is quite petite to begin with.

Photoshopping is common in the world of beauty. But then again, most of it is sheer fantasy. So why are people surprised when they see that celebrities have pimples, scars, cellulite, etc?

No one's perfect. And thank goodness, for that.

Cindy Crawford's Smart Anti-Aging Beauty Tips Revealed

There's a lot of buzz these days about 43-year-old Cindy Crawford nude in the April issue of Allure magazine.

And the famous former model is revealing some smart anti-aging beauty tips. We say 'smart,' because Cindy Crawford is. She wasn't the high school valedictorian for nothing. Beauty and brains....a lethal combination.

Cindy Crawford has always been an intelligent woman. She has admitted she was never the tiny size 2 model floating down the runways. She kept in shape, but never let the ultra-skinny model philosophy dominate her lifestyle. She has mentioned being a size 6 and at times a size 8.

In other words---healthy skinny. A model with curves. How refreshing!

The photos in the April issue of Allure are quite stunning. Cindy Crawford proves at 40-something, it ain't over yet, ladies. And she's a mom of two.

We adored reading Cindy Crawford's smart, anti-aging beauty tips. We've included part of Allure's interview:

ALLURE: How do you feel about your age, in general?

CINDY CRAWFORD: I think I look pretty good for 43. But I don't look the way I did when I was 23. So if Star magazine or whatever wants to print a picture of me on the beach from the back, at the worst possible angle, and say that I have cellulite, I'm like, Guess what? I do, and I never said I didn't. I've had two kids, and I'm 43, so leave me alone.

ALLURE: How do you take care of your skin?

CINDY CRAWFORD: I use a day cream with antioxidants and sunscreen, a night cream, and an eye cream.I do masks once a week, and I get microdermabrasion once a month. I'm pretty diligent with microdermabrasion because I've noticed a big difference in the texture of my skin from it. Basically, I take care of myself, but I don't want to be obsessive, and I don't want to not like who I am today. I'm all for fighting the good fight, but I don't care how much you work out or how much cream you put on-things change.

ALLURE: Are there any areas you take particularly good care of?

CINDY CRAWFORD: My hands and my décolleté. In L.A., there are 65-year-old women walking around in Juicy sweatpants, and from the back, you'd think they were 20. But when you see their hands or their neck, you know. When I put moisturizer on my face, I use a little extra so that I have enough to cover my hands. Most people don't start caring about the décolleté until it's too late, but I'm religious about it.

ALLURE: Do you try to keep your hair young looking?

CINDY CRAWFORD: Color is the most important factor. You can get any plastic surgery in the world, but hair color is what enables women to look younger longer. I've also become more aware of hair health. I stay away from razor cuts because they can make my hair look frizzy, and I give myself a hair treatment while I'm in my sauna to keep it conditioned.

For more on Cindy Crawford in the April anti-aging issue, check out http://www.allure.com/.