How To Look Very Avatar With Blue And Green Makeup Colors

A blockbuster movie like Avatar, can have quite an influence on a culture. People on the street begin to copy a hairstyle, makeup, fashion. And right now, blue and green makeup colors are hot!!

Okay, so you don't want to look exactly like Na'vi princess Neytiri, who in the science fiction world, is quite attractive. But you can wear a shade of blue or green and accentuate your beauty. M.A.C. senior artist Jenn Karsten tells People magazine, "There's a shade out there for everyone." And she adds, that the darker your skin tone, the stronger the intensity of the blue or green color you can go. "And then, accent the color with peach or tangerine on lips and cheeks," Jenn Karsten says.

So, we went searching for some lovely cool blue and green makeup items at Sephora and Ulta beauty stores to bring out the sexy Avatar in you. And trust us....we merely scratched the surface. There are plenty of pretty blues and greens in makeup to choose from:

BLUE
1. Illamasqua Powder Eyeshadow in Victim ($20).

2. BadGal Blue Benefit Mascara in deep-blue-violet ($22).

GREEN

1. Sephora by OPI Ocean Love Potion Nail Polish ($9).

2. Urban Decay Ink for Eyes Eyeliner in Loaded ($22).

Remember, ladies, when you're going for the Avatar look, a little goes a long-ggg way. Have fun.

Can You 'Roll' Your Way To More Beautiful Skin With Dermaroller?!

We love to look at the latest in skin care. And we are intrigued by an interesting-looking beauty gadget designed to give you back more beautiful skin.

It's called the Dermaroller, and it was invented in Germany in 1999 and patented in 2000. This beauty device, the Home Care Model C8, contains 192 extremely fine needles. The process is called micro-needling, and what it can do, is restore epidermal thickness and remove dead skin cells. The result? Younger, brighter-looking skin. And no pain, as you roll the device over your skin. In fact, it tickles the skin.

The Dermaroller S.a.r.l. company also offers a dermaroller to be used by dermatologists in a clinical setting. This one is called the Medical dermaroller, with longer needles to create a skin resurfacing procedure. To use the Medical dermaroller, the skin must first be prepared with a numbing cream. This beauty instrument can actually stimulate collagen production, but it is best used by a skin care professional.

The company explains exactly what a dermaroller is:
It is a cylindrical shaped drum stud with fine needle in different length and a medical device used in mi-croneedling to stimulate skin cells to proliferate. This cell multiplication results in the formation of new tissue layers of elastin- and collagen fibres (neo-collagenesis) as well as in new capillaries for an improved blood supply (neo-angiogenesis). This procedure is called Collagen-Induction-Therapy (CIT).

What can this rolling beauty gadget claim to do for you?

Hyperpigmentation treatment
Scar removal – acne, chicken pox scars
Stretch mark removal
Inprove wrinkles and skin surface
Cellulite treatment
Hair Loss treatment

It looks painful, but the beauty science is there. The hand-held device, when rolled across the face, causes trauma to the epidermis, stimulating the repair or re-building process through collagen.

Maybe your derm has heard about the dermaroller. It's difficult to explain its entirety in one article. You can learn more by visiting Dermaroller.

How To Lose Weight Quickly Like Black Eyed Peas' Fergie

Wow! Look at the body on Fergie. The 34-year-old singer of the Black Eyed Peas wore this curve-hugging electric blue Pucci dress at the recent 2010 Grammy Awards show.

And Fergie was workin' the mini. Why not? She has lost 17 lbs. since appearing in the movie musical Nine. In the hit flick, Fergie played a curvaceous prostitute, so she was asked to pack on the lbs. She looks incredible now, with those gorgeous legs and the addition of some auburn highlights to her dark hair.

So, you ask, how does one get a figure like Fergie?

Through hard work of exercise and diet. Yes, she actually watches what she eats, and that is the key to quick weight loss and the huge amount of energy she needs when performing as an artist.

And it wasn't one of those fad diets for lovely Fergie. We have learned through her nutritionist and trainer, Carrie Wiatt, that the star stuck to a 1,600 calorie-per-day diet. No Doritos on this plan. It's all healthy and delicious:

"She usually opts for hunger-blasting ingredients like protein-rich chicken, omega-3-rich pine nuts, fiber-filled grapefruit and healthy fats from avocado," says Carrie Wiatt.

And Fergie cuts back at night, no carbo-loading. "Fergie restricts her carb intake at night," Carrie Wiatt told "Life & Style" magazine. "That means avoiding carbs at dinner and doubling up on veggies -- and having three small snacks during the day to prevent overeating at mealtimes."

And when it comes to working out, Fergie is right there walking on an incline on the treadmill, concentrating on her butt. She does lots of exercises designed to keep her famous assets tight and toned.

You can learn more about Fergie's successful weightloss and exercise routine in the latest issue of Life & Style magazine.

Huge Loss For Fashion And Celebrities In Passing Of Alexander McQueen

There are many heavy hearts today, because we have lost an icon, British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. He was found dead in his London home, and authorities believe the 40-year-old designer had hanged himself.

Alexander McQueen's mother, Joyce, had passed away only a few days earlier. According to NewYorkmag.com, a source at McQueen's office confirmed the suicide, saying, "It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family." Details of his death have not been released yet.

Sadly, his death comes just days before the start of London Fashion Week. And the British fashion icon was merely a few weeks away from unveiling his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9.

A number of Hollywood's famous women adored Alexander McQueen's style, including Sandra Bullock, Drew Barrymore, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Sandra Bullock appeared at the SAG Awards show recently, wearing a beautiful Alexander McQueen black floor length gown with a blue embellished neckline. And of course, models loved the popular designer, and wanted to appear on the runway for him. Models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss held Alexander McQueen in high regard(see photo).

The British publication, the Daily Mail, gave us a glimpse into the amazing talent and life of the legendary designer :Sue Whiteley, his former CEO at McQueen said: 'This is devastating news. He was an unforgettable part of my life. He was a talent who was beyond others. People who worked with him would give 100 per cent and more because he was totally inspiring. This is an unimaginable loss for the fashion world".

'He was able to bring creativity to whatever he turns his hand to, from perfume bottles to every piece of clothing. It is a dark, dark day to hear this news. he was a British icon in fashion whose loss is unimaginable.'

The world began to see the designer's grief over his mother's passing with several remarks he made on Twitter. He made this entry on Feb.1st: 'From heaven to hell and back again, life is a funny thing. beauty can come from the most strangest of places even the most disgusting places.

Rest in peace, Alexander McQueen.

Beyonce Becomes Face Of Fashion For Haiti Tee Shirt Campaign

It's now official. Beyonce has been named the face of the Fashion for Haiti tee shirt campaign.

It's a limited-edition tee shirt which features black and lime green graphics designed by Peter Arnell. And it goes on sale next Tuesday, Feb. 16th. Proceeds will benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

We think it's a fabulous idea, and applaud designer Diane von Furstenberg for her hard work and passion as President of the CFDA, the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

The devastating earthquake occured almost a month ago on January 12th, and the fashion industry is hoping people dig just a little deeper into their pockets and buy the striking tees to help the Haitian people who have suffered immensely.

“The tragedy in Haiti has affected everyone and most of us individually have given money for relief,” said Diane von Furstenberg, President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. “However, I think it is now important to send a message and create a channel for funding from fashion as an industry.”

And Beyonce is proud to become the face of Fashion for Haiti tee shirt campaign. “Join me and the fashion industry by buying and wearing the Fashion for Haiti T-shirt. Together we can send a message of hope by raising much needed funds for the people of Haiti.”

The tees come in women's and men's styles, and should be available in e-boutiques and retailers across the country on the 16th. You can learn more details at the CFDA.

We give a big hug to the CFDA, because the council always supports those in need, and really understands the word 'loyalty.' The initiative gets the blessing and support of the fashion industry, including the entire CFDA membership, and carries the endorsement of fashion leaders Tory Burch, Kevin Carrigan, Francisco Costa, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Andrew Rosen, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Anna Wintour, Italo Zucchelli, among many others.

2010's Wavy Hairstyles Inspired By The 70s And Farrah

Sadly, Farrah Fawcett is no longer with us, but her beautiful mane of big hair is making waves in 2010. In some ways, it's a wonderful tribute to a great actress who changed the way women look at hair with her 70s layered, wavy hairstyle.

Everyone wanted the Farrah do. And many tried to copy it throughout the years. And now in 2010, it has made another fabulous entrance into the world of beauty. Wavy, tousled hair is hot, inspired from below-the-shoulder blunt hairstyles from the 1970s.....the hair with the front and side layers. Volume, volume, volume.
Even Jennifer Lopez was rocking the 70s at the recent Grammy awards show, and she has never looked better!

Stylist Robert Vetica explains to Elle magazine how he got JLo's hair to turn 70's sexy:

First, he trimmed the bottom to one length. "When you blunt the hair it makes curls appear stacked and gives volume at the ends". Next, he blew strands dry with a round brush to maintain hair’s buoyancy and fashioned a middle part. Misting a mild fixing spray, he then created spirals with a one-inch curling iron. Working from the back to the front on each side, he finger-brushed the set with Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream (“It holds the wave and takes out any dryness from the curling iron”). For a va-va-voom finish, Vetica smoothed waves with a bristled brush and backcombed under each section using a wide-tooth comb.

Golden-haired Julianne Hough(below) is another celebrity who was wearing the Farrah hairstyle at a red carpet event.

To get the look, you need lots of hair or hair extensions. You will also have to invest in some volumizers like root lifting gel or mousse. And you definitely need a blow dryer, curling iron, and/or hot rollers. And lastly, a blast of hairspray!

And would you believe this? Because we are having a hard time thinking this is true....But someone is selling a lock of Farrah's hair at an online auction. Is it really Farrah's hair? The seller claims it is. And it's on the block for $1,000, and has been there since July. Take a look here.

That's quite tacky to do. We believe Farrah Fawcett deserves better. Her beautiful big hair lives on, and she remains an icon to millions.

How To Say Bye-Bye To Blackheads With Some Simple Steps

If you've never had an ugly blackhead, congratulations! You are not from this planet. But seriously, blackheads are a form of acne. And these tiny black dots that like to hang out on your nose, and even on the ears, chest, and back, can be stubborn follicle bumps that can ruin a complexion.

No need to worry, you can say bye-bye to blackheads. Whatever you do, please do not attempt to squeeze out a blackhead with your fingers. Forcing out a blackhead in this manner can cause infection, and yes, even scarring. You might make the situation even worse.

Blackheads are actually acne, in the form of comedones, which are a plug of sebaceous and dead skin material stuck in the opening of a hair follicle. The follicle may be open (blackhead) or almost closed (whitehead). Take a look at the diagram below to get a better idea of how the blackhead looks below the complexion surface.

We know, it ain't pretty, and it sure ain't pleasant to talk about, but---there are ways to improve this common acne problem.

A steamy shower or hot facial is great before blackhead extraction. You can also try a number of beauty treatments. Retin-A, which is prescription-based, stimulates fast cell turnover, helping to expel or get rid of plugged pores. There is also benzoyl peroxide lotion, which helps 'unplug' too, when the blackheads aren't too severe a problem.

You could also apply salicylic acid cream, which helps to exfoliate the skin, bringing blackheads closer to the surface to help in easier removal.

And there are also blackhead strips that you place on the black dots to gently 'lift' away these impurities. And many of you are familiar with a little, stainless steel tool or extractor that quickly and painlessly removes blackheads, designed with double cupped ends.

We also believe in trying all natural ingredients to say bye-bye to blackheads. We heard Dr. Oz talk about epsom salts today, as a great beauty tip to loosen the plugged follicles. So we found a few recipes you might want to try:

1. Make a solution of equal parts Epsom salts, iodine and warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to blackheads. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Exfoliate with a face scrub immediately to remove the blackheads loosened by the Epsom salt solution.

2. Mix equal amounts of baking soda and water to form a thick paste, and apply to affected blackhead areas. Gently rub your skin for several minutes and wash off with warm water. The baking soda is a good exfoliation remedy, removing blackheads.

3. Make a scrub of 4 tbsp. salt, 1 tsp. honey, and the juice from half a lemon. It should be the consistency of a thick paste. Scrub your face with this mixture for 5 minutes, using your fingers, and rinse and pat dry. Exfoliation is a good way to dislodge blackheads from the skin, and the honey is soothing, while the lemon acts as an astringent.

Award-Winning Detox Face Mask A Must For Both Women And Men

Beauty Products for both women and men?

If you think your better half has never opened a few of your anti-aging jars or taken a quick dollop of your expensive deep glycolic acid cleanser, well, we've got news for you. Boyfriends, husbands, lovers, brothers, etc., sometimes dip into women's beauty treatments.

Why do men secretly sample your beauty stuff? Either, a. because they've run out of their own zit cream. b. they're darn curious why your skin looks so good. c. they're too cheap to buy their own beauty products and have no clue what their skin needs. Or, d. all of the above.

Then of course, there are unisex beauty products. And we found a super detox face mask you can both enjoy together. Try this one at malinand goetz And it's simply called, Detox Face Mask ($40, 4 oz.). You can also find these wonderful unisex beauty items at Barneys New York stores, and a number of other beauty stores.

This Malin+Goetz detox face mask is a great product and one of the company's best sellers. It even won Allure magazine's Editor's Choice Best of Beauty Awards (2008)  Best Deep Cleansing Mask.

So, exactly what's in it? According to the bottle: Squalene, glycerin, and sodium pca to moisturize and hydrate; soy protein and panthenol to firm; green tea extract and vitamin e to work as antioxidants; vitamin c to smooth lines.

Don't worry...you and your better half don't have to sit there with some nasty goop on your face for 30 minutes. This is a nice, cool foaming gel mask that takes just 5 minutes to make a big difference in your skin.

Just apply to a clean face, and the detox face mask does all the work. "Oxygenating cleansing agents replace harsh detergents and drying clays to deep-pore-cleanse, lifting dirt, oil and make-up away from the skin without irritation, while creating a physical barrier to seal hydration. Complex amino acids and natural almond extract gently and effectively purify, clarify, balance and soothe. Stable Vitamin C, anti-oxidant Vitamin E and Soy Protein help firm and address concerns for aging".

Malin+Goetz Apothecary and Lab in New York City sells some effective skin care products for the both of you. And these guys love to send you free samples with every order. We love that!

For more details, visit malinandgoetz.

There's Only Botox When It Comes To Eliminating Wrinkles

Okay, we've had enough. Wrinkles.

We all get them and we all hate them, but once wrinkles 'set up house' across your face, it's almost impossible to get rid of them. And that is where Botox comes to the rescue. With the sting of a needle in some key wrinkle zones, and poof! Wrinkles are gone! Eliminated, at least for about 3 months.

That is why we get so upset when we see an ad at People.com, for example, one that is boasting about a very inexpensive no Botox solution.

Are you kidding us? Even prescription strength Retin-A cannot remove all wrinkles. We hope to believe that Retin-A helps soften the wrinkles you've already got, and most importantly, helps to prevent new wrinkles from forming. But trust us, there is no miracle beauty product that can make them disappear forever.

Ladies, don't believe the hype! If you catch an ad that promises a no Botox solution, just quickly turn the page, and have a good laugh. This is one we saw last evening:

Say "No" to Botox!

See how a mom combined 2 products & made her wrinkles vanish for $3!

When you arrive at the website, you are treated to a site that is pretending to be a real journalism site----Consumer Tips Weekly, with a so-called health & fitness reporter. And here's where they get you, with headlines like this:

Beauty & the Recession: A Mom's Secret to Eliminate Wrinkles for under $3*.

Then you are told a lengthy story about a mom named Rachel, who had the beauty science and smarts to discover a winning wrinkle eliminating combo:

"Rachel decided to change her life, and recently discovered a clever way of combining two beauty product trials from trusted companies, Bellanue & Cupuacu, to unlock the secrets of anti-aging. The results are comparable to what you might attain at local beauty salons and clinics for $1000 or more, using nothing but trial offers."

So, what's in these two wrinkle serums:

1. Matrixyl 3000 is a fast acting, skin firming peptide, that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 68%. It also happens to be one of the main active ingredients in Bellanue.

2. Cupuacu has a unique set of polyphenols that have never been seen before.This new revelation is causing a stir in scientific circles and has prompted many to call it a “Pharmacy In a Fruit”. Now there is NO more need for botox or expensive cosmetic surgery. Erasing Damage comes from the inside out with Cupuacu. Clinically Optimized for Results.

We are not saying that Matrixyl 3000 and Cupuacu don't possess some promising features for healthy, youthful skin, BUT-----to try and rope women into purchasing a duo of products that are better than Botox, well, that's when the beauty police have to step in and make a report.

Botox cosmetic, the number one injectable, is the best so far, ladies. And as celebrity dermatolgist Frederick Brandt has said:

“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.”

Just be cautious when you see an ad that promises so much for beauty, for as little as $3. If it's too good to be true, well, you know the rest of that saying.

Let's Look At Lace Camisoles For Valentine's Day Beauty

Lace is big in 2010!! From little black dresses to blouses and skirts, the delicate and very feminine look of lace is popping up everywhere. And if you would like to show a subtle bit of peek-a-boo lace, try it in a lace camisole for Valentine's Day.

Of course, you can go high end, low end, or anything in between, and still come out with a stylish look for 2010.

We went hunting and found lots of lace camisoles, and in lots of juicy colors. You can even wear sexy lace to the office, hiding under a jacket or inside a blouse. The look of lace is classic. And around the Valentine's Day holiday, wearing some, is a no-brainer.

Let's look at 3 favorites:

1. The Scarlett Cami by Frederick's of Hollywood ($20. Buy 2 or more, $18 each). Photo 1 shows this sexy lace camisole in 'pink passion.' We love this cami and own several. Hugs your curves in a microfiber stretch. Comes in lots of pretty shades. Take a look here.

2. Wacoal Lace Ahead Camisole ($40, BareNecessities.com, Nordstrom's). Who could resist a black lace camisole? We love this one, because the lace trim is wide and elegant and comes with stretch double front straps. Would look perfect in a peek-a-boo way under a blazer. Details here.

3. Josie Natori Obsession Lace Camisole ($118, SaksFifthAvenue.com). This is a stunning lace camisole in 'tiger's eye.' (Photo 3). A beautiful top with scalloped edges in a body-conscious fit with sheer floral lace panels. Need we say more. Take a look at Saks.

Since Valentine's Day isn't too far away, this is a wonderful excuse to go out and buy a lace camisole. There are so many styles and colors in just the right amount of lace for you. It's a classic look for any occasion.

Let's Shake Weight Our Way To Lean Sexy Arms For Summer

Lean, sexy arms, ladies! And if that is your mission in 2010, we can get you there by the summer. Maybe you can even Shake Weight your way. More about that later.

If we start now, those arms will be looking firmer and fitter in weeks. But exercise is a must. You cannot get away with lean, sexy arms by not doing strengthening workouts. Look at First Lady Michelle Obama, a year ago at her husband's inauguration party. Michelle Obama hits the gym every morning and the proof is in those trademark sleeveless fashions she wears.

If you want attractive, sculpted arms, you have to target certain muscles. We have written about this before, and it's all worth repeating:

Developing the triceps muscle is the key to a nicely toned arm. Where are the triceps located? We like to call that area the 'dingle-dangle.' Yep. That's the flabby part you can feel under the arm. One of the toughest places to firm up. When you go to raise your hand and wave good-bye, you can feel that muscle flapping in the breeze. Well, hopefully, not too much.
The triceps muscle can best be described this way by realwomensfitness.com:

"The triceps are probably the most important muscle to develop when you want to achieve firm toned arms. The reason for this is that the tricep muscle takes up 2/3 of the arm. If it is underdeveloped it looks wobbly and soft but when it is firm and lean it makes the whole arm look that way."

You can't just exercise your arms for two weeks and expect big changes. The triceps and biceps muscles need to engage in resistance exercises continuously. If you want toned arms with a little 'cut' in them, you're going to have to adopt this regimen as part of your life.

You can create lean, sexy arms by jumping rope, doing push-ups, jogging, boxing, and working out with small dumbbells (3-5 lbs. each).

Or you can try Shake Weight ($19.99) and "tone your entire upper body in just 6 minutes a day!"

Maybe you've seen the infomercials or heard about this new concept in workout technology, called dynamic inertia. An exercise physiologist explained it like this: "One of the reasons Shake Weight works, is that recent exercise research shows short bursts of faster movements can burn more fat than long slower movements. The muscle has to fire and then stop and then fire again."

The Shake Weight company says their little device, which weighs only 2 1/2 lbs and measures 13" long, "constantly engages your upper body muscles while you hold it. It ignites the muscles in your arms, shoulders and chest, so you will feel them tightening and toning instantly."

And according to the Shake Weight website, Scientific studies prove that the Shake Weight™ increases upper body muscle activity by more than 300% compared to traditional weights.

You can laugh all you want, but we will definitely try this one. It might look a little strange to 'shake weight', but the science appears to be promising!

The Beyonce Obsession: About Her Height, Size, And Weight

Beyonce is having a good year.....in fact, a very fine year, and 2010 has just begun.

Let's face it: There is the Beyonce obsession. What is that you say? People want to know everything about her. She is a superstar. And after taking home 6 awards (being nominated for 10 Grammys) Sunday night, you have to admit, Beyonce is a mega-star! She has shattered Grammy records, and she has done so in a most gracious way. She is a class act.

And there's no looking back. Beyonce was in NYC Tuesday night, promoting her debut signature fragrance, Beyonce Heat. The songstress looked beautiful in a sexy, red dress. Most importantly, Beyonce looks healthy and fit. And this is where the Beyonce obsession begins.

Take a look. There are tons of websites devoted to Beyonce's height, size, and weight. We were stunned by the theories and arguments over this young woman's stature.

For the record, Beyonce is a 'petite 5'3" tall.' That's according to a 2009 magazine interview with the singer in Ebony. And we trust the writers of Ebony magazine. If you take a look at tons of articles about her, Beyonce ranges in height from 5'3" to 5'7". And folks talk all day about her curves and possible weight. We haven't been able to get the facts about her time on the scale, but back in the Destiny's Child days, Beyonce herself, claimed she was 135 lbs.

As for her dress size, who knows? Articles have pegged her at a 6, 8, 10, 12, and beyond. All we know, is that Beyonce is a healthy skinny, and not a size zero, and probably not even a 2.

What you see in Hollywood, is often times, 'smoke and mirrors.' In other words, most celebrities are actually shorter than they claim. So, if a celebrity is listed at 5'9",chances are, she is more likely 5'7". Fudging the facts are common in Hollywood. And as far as weight goes, women have become tinier and tinier each year, so most actresses and singers are very slender in person.

Beyonce has been clever to fool her admirers by extending the length of her legs through killer heels. Check out the photo below. Beyonce loves high heels, and it's not unusual to see her walking around in 4-6 inch heels!

How else does Beyonce stay looking so gorgeous?

Beyonce once told In Style magazine that when she's hanging out at home, she keeps it real and simple. Just a little pink lip gloss and some black eyeliner. And we also learned that she is a big fan of moisturizers from Carol's Daughter.

And she keeps her shiny hair healthy with Kimble Hair Care Shape and Hold Spritz ($11, 8 fl. oz., dept. stores like Target).

Beyonce won't go anywhere without her eyes, so to speak. She adores L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara ($8, drugstores). "I never leave the house without mascara," Beyonce has been quoted.

Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Mission Takes Real Women To Higher Level

Makeup artist Bobbi Brown is on a new beauty mission this spring, and you can join in.

This time, the beloved artist has launched a new campaign 'Pretty Powerful' for her friends, and not the models she frequently applies makeup to. Bobbi Brown says her friends "are pretty to begin with, but with a few simple tweaks, they look their absolute most confident best---that's pretty powerful!"

Bobbi Brown isn't saying that women need makeup to be more powerful, but that cosmetics can take women to a higher level of self-assuredness and appeal.

"My mission has always been to give women the tools and skills to look and feel their absolute, most confident best. Which made me curious: How do YOU go from feeling pretty–to pretty powerful?"

"Enter my contest and show me your strongest makeup look and favorite beauty tips. Three of you will win a trip to New York City and get a personal makeup lesson from me. But right now, I want to learn from you. I can’t wait to see your video.”

The Pretty Powerful campaign features real women(top photo), or “Friends of Bobbi,” and their before/after photos, videos and testimonials as the main focus of the campaign, which you can see on BobbiBrownCosmetics.com/prettypowerful.

For Bobbi's video contest, she would like to hear how you go from Pretty to Powerful using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Now through February 9th, you are invited to share your transformative stories and tips by submitting videos. Fifteen finalists will be chosen.

In March, you can click on the gallery of Pretty Powerful videos and vote for your favorite at Pretty Powerful. And for every vote that is cast in the Pretty Powerful contest, Bobbi Brown will donate $1 to Dress for Success*, an organization that Bobbi adores, because it provides underprivileged women with interview suits and career advice.

We've always admired Bobbi Brown, not only for her makeup magic, but also for her beauty philosophy. Bobbi would remind us all, to try and be the best we can. In other words, don't try to look like someone else. When she was growing up, all-American model, Cheryl Tiegs, was Bobbi's beauty icon. Cheryl was tall, slender with blonde hair and blue eyes. Bobbi Brown looked nothing like her and was disappointed in not resembling Cheryl Tiegs, until she saw actress Ali MacGraw with her long dark hair and eyes. Bobbi then finally "saw the possibilty of my own beauty."

Well said.

Beautiful Hair Tips From Master Colorist And Shear Genius' Kim Vo

Kim Vo is a true artist. And every head of hair he touches is a reflection of his knowledge of color, his passion, and his enormous sense of style.

Kim Vo is a master colorist to the A-listers in Hollywood like Katherine Heigl, Britney Spears, and a long list of gorgeous movie stars. And although our interview was brief, and we did not actually get to meet the colorist in person, we did learn quite a bit about this gentle and compassionate man.

His background is in art, and color was the 'language' he was drawn to. Kim Vo was born in Vietnam. Although he spoke both French and Vietnamese, English was his third language. "When I came to the states I was challenged by English. Painting with oils on canvas then progressed into haircolor. Color is the language of beauty," Kim Vo explains.

During our interview, Kim Vo taught us a lot about hair color and its complexities, and graciously gave us some beautiful hair tips. He's quite poetic about color in nature and how a woman's head of hair reflects that richness.

1. Which head of hair poses the biggest challenges for coloring---blonde, brunette, black, or red? And why.

Kim Vo: Although blondes are very tricky, not all blondes are created equal. Matching skin tones is crucial to create the perfect blonde. The biggest challenge are reds. The red color molecule is the smallest of all colors. It's like a tropical rainstorm. It's tempest and dramatic at first and then quickly fades.

2. So then, is skin tone the most important factor when considering hair color? And can u give us tips?

Kim Vo: Skin tone is the most important factor in deciding your perfect color. It takes a professional eye to determine, but for a simple read, use the veins on your wrist. If your veins are blue, warm tones like chestnut and auburn tones are for you. If your veins are more green, caramel and golden hues will compliment you. If your veins are blue/green, then warm and cool tones can be added seamlessly.

3. Women do color at home. Is there any brand you would recommend, if you want to brighten hair color or cover grays?

Kim Vo: The rule of thumb for at home color is--- the least amount of time to process, is healthiest for the hair. Clairol perfect 10 is perfect for clients that want shine and grey coverage w/ out the risk of over processing.

4. Is it ever okay to get a perm and get permanent color? Or, are both processes too harsh?

Kim Vo: A perm and a permanent color in a same day process is like killing a fly with a shotgun. A perfect alternative is a semi/demi- permanent color. This will provide rich, shiny, longlasting color.

5. Any tips about maintaining color? Is it true a vinegar rinse right after coloring keeps dye in longer?

Kim Vo: The best way to maintain color is to not re-shampoo for 36 hours. Hair is like bacon, it keeps cooking after it is off the grill. Vinegar can help to stabilize the alkaline in haircolor, but simple sealers are the best alternative. They are ammonia free toners that neutralize and give hair shine.

6. Tell us about your Kim Vo hair line. Which product is your favorite and why?

Kim Vo: The Kim Vo product line is created from a colorist's point of view. It is for natural or chemically treated hair. If I were on an island with only two products, they would be my Moisturizing Masque and my Radiance Creme. Both are moisture packed and would make any stranded person style-savvy.

7. Okay, let's dish....give us the name of one celebrity, whose hair you would love to style?

Kim Vo: Carrie Underwood's. I have a soft spot for blondes and music.

We are all very excited about 'Shear Genius 3' on Bravo this Wednesday, Feb. 3rd at 10 PM. Twelve new stylists are armed and ready to 'blow away' the competition!

8. We hear there are quite a few changes for your popular show. Camila Alves will be hosting. And celebrity stylist Jonathan Antin will join you at the judges' table.

Kim Vo: Yes to all of the above! The goal this year was to turn up the heat, the candidates are under a lot more pressure. Exciting stuff!!

9. And lastly, what are the trends for hair color and style in 2010? Is the Mariah spiral out? in, etc?

Kim Vo: The trends in color for 2010 for blondes are the sunset golden blonde that reflects boho color. Great example-- Blake Lively. For brunettes, Penelope Cruz strikes a perfect balance with a rich base and light caramel ends. For reds, Amy Adams radiates a girl-next-door approachable color. Spiral curls are out, but tousled and no frizz are in, beach inspired. Grow out that short hair!! Forget the bob, introducing the “LOB”. A grown out bob with long layers.

Some beautiful hair tips by one of the best in the business. Thank you, Kim Vo. We can't wait for Shear Genius 3!!

Smashbox O-Glow Blush Warms Up Cheeks For Spring 2010

Want to look soft and pretty?

Think pink this spring. And do it in the most flattering way we know---through a simple swipe of blush. And Smashbox cosmetics puts the O in glow!

As makeup artist Trish McEvoy once said, "Certain shades of pink are universally flattering. They tend to be pinks with a hint of brown--which are very natural and will blend with most skin tones. And any transparent pink is also easy to wear."

There you have it. A super beauty tip from Trish McEvoy. A touch of pink can do wonders for your complexion, giving you a lovely glow. Pink is also a color of playfulness, youthfulness, and passion. Pink can range in bright candy shades to light dusty, barely pinks. There are so many choices, and there is a pink for everyone.

Today, we are looking at one of our go-to favorites and beauty editors' pick included in the Smashbox Heartbreaker Spring 2010 makeup collection: O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color ($26). Get a feminine, flirty flush with this universal cheek color. The texture features a pinky gel which glides onto your cheeks. And the best part of this Smashbox blush, is its ability to react with each individual skin tone, to impart a natural and pretty customized glow to cheeks.

To take a further look at O-Glow and the rest of the Heartbreaker Spring makeup collection, visit Smashbox.

Weirder Mascara Wand Brushes Like Clinique Pop Up In 2010

This beauty science is getting weirder and weirder, especially when it comes to developing the perfect mascara wand brush. The brush that can coat even the tiniest and skimpiest of lashes and the mascara that can make average lashes look their longest and thickest, are the details that make any women want to buy the product.

Last year, we 'spiraled' our way in the mirror, as we saw an explosion of vibrating brush mascaras introduced to give us all an unbelievable makeup experience. These moving mascara wands were designed to boost the method of coating each lash. Some women loved the new wands, and others hated the mascara gizmo, knocking them as mere gimmicks.

And now in 2010, make way for the, well, newest in wands: Clinique's High Lengths Mascara ($14) with the unique and green 'willow wand.' You can actually bend this wand brush. Yes, it's a curved brush, as we can all see, and Clinique says the top side contains three rows of tines. Apparently the brush is scientifcally designed to pick up just the right amount of mascara each time you dip it into the tube. And the brush coats the lashes all the way to the very tip, giving you a beautiful wider-eyed look.

The new Clinique High Lengths Mascara comes in your choice of black or brown, and the mascara quality is said to be very good.

It's out right now at a Clinique makeup counter near you, or at beauty stores like Sephora.

No, we haven't tried this new fangled and weird-looking mascara wand brush yet. We do like that it's curved because we think that makes a difference, but we're not sure about the tiny rows of tines. Hopefully someone out there reading this, has given the Clinique product a go, and will leave us a review.

Lauren Luke Lucks Out As YouTube Sensation And Visits Today Show

If you know makeup, then you probably know Lauren Luke. And if you don't know, let us tell the story, because it's a great one.

The lonely, young British woman who swears she had no friends, shot to super stardom last year on YouTube. Lauren Luke made makeup tutorials, using her own pretty face as a guide, and instantly gained more than 56 million views by 2009. And now she has her own official site and a line of makeup kits sold exclusively at Sephora stores here in the United States. You can also purchase her line here.

And this morning, Lauren Luke's popularity went up another ton of digits with an appearance on the 'Today Show.' She showed host Meredith Viera, how to create the look every woman asks her for----the smoky eye. This time, Lauren demonstrated her marvelous makeup skills on a model. Her beauty tips today: Use a primer before applying eye shadow, so it glides on smoother and stays put. A smokey eye is sexy, Lauren adds. You can go lighter with the smokey eye for daytime and then build it up with stronger color for evening.

You can try Lauren Luke's My Smokey Classics kit ($32.50). This is what you get inside:
Shadow Primer / Nude Slip DarkShadow Primer / Nude Slip LightEye Shadow / Antique PewterBlush / Peach GlowEye Liner / Raven BlackEye Shadow / Twilight AshEye Shadow / Cashmere CreamLip Color / PlumberryLip Color / Cranberry Stain.

Lauren Luke is a 27-year-old single mom who started 'vlogging' while her son was at school. And the rest is history, as they say. To check out Lauren Luke in makeup action, just visit her YouTube site. She's got a friendly, sincere manner with a charming British accent.

Here are Lauren's reasons for showing the world her makeup tutorials:

"I am very proud of myself considering my average size for a women it is very hard to get this much notice. I want to make a huge change to the beauty industry and with all of your help through YouTube I hopefully will be able to do so.
Lets show the world together that everyone is just as beautiful if not more with just the confidence we hold.I dont know about you but I know I have had enough of being made to feel inadequate by today's beauty standards.
"I just think there is a standard that is set by the beauty industry that is unobtainable by the vast majority of us normal people who pay for it. We are all entitled to have products that work and bring out the best in us and create looks that we can actually wear"Please Subscribe to show your support, it really does make a difference.Zoom Zoom!"

Delicious Mac iPhone Apps For Beauty, Shopping, Style

Okay, ladies, start your Mac engines!!

Macworld.com's App Guide reviews more than 73,000 iPhone apps that are now available to you. Just download on to iTunes.

Let's look at some cool beauty, shopping, and style apps (applications) for you. And if you're on a tight budget, don't worry, there's a special app for that:

Budget ($2). You can watch how much you're spending and stay within your limit. Set a pre-set budget and your app will remember the $$ amount. So before going crazy on a very expensive set of earrings, you will be able to track your purchases and avoid the embarrassing debit overdraft.

BNB (Be Nice to Bunnies) ($2). This app helps you shop for cruelty-free cosmetics and other products not tested on animals. You can also check whether an item is vegan.


CardStar (Free). This one consolidates all your store cards-- like membership, discount, club and rewards. A cashier can scan the bar code right off your iPhone.

My Style Fashion Assistant ($5). Gotta love this app. Your very own style consultant. Keep track of what you wear, what clothing you have, and even how to mix and match. And if you're planning a trip, no problem, this little application can give you valuable fashion tips, all in the name of 'organization.'

Coupon Sherpa (Free). No need to hunt for savings. This app finds scannable coupons for you---like boots, sunglasses, and much more, including deals in your area.

Ebay Mobile (Free). You really want to buy that set of beautiful makeup brushes, but you can't sit by the computer all day. Get and up and go, and keep track of your online bidding with this Ebay app, and let the bidding war begin!

Amazon Mobile (Free). Same kind of idea here---step away from your computer. You see an item you want, snap a photo, and Amazon will do the work--sending you listings for the same product or similar products.

ColorSutra ($2). Have superb style? But not the best with which color goes with that?! The Color Sutra app can help. Just take a picture of your turquoise blouse, for instance. And this clever app will automatically offer you shades that match.

Makeup Tips & Tricks ($1). This detailed guide has been compiled by professional makeup artists, and covers a wide range of topics on eyes, lips, skin, nails and much more. Lots of 'how-to's.' How to use makeup brushes. How to fix a makeup mistake. How to highlight your natural beauty.

These are just a few of the hundreds and hundreds of apps designed to make your world a more beautiful and stylish place. For more info, just click on MAC.

Watch Out! Counterfeit Fragrances Contain Anti-Freeze And Urine

Anti-freeze? Urine? We don't want anyone to lose their lunch here, but this is really disturbing information Harper's Bazaar magazine is reporting today, about the huge business of counterfeit fragrances and the unbelievable ingredients found in them.

And faux fragrances are different from fake handbags or apparel, simply because, you are applying a fake perfume to the skin. And sometimes, though not always, you can develop an ugly reaction, says Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York. "Knockoffs are poorly made, cheap, and reactive. You don't have accountability with a knockoff. It could be made in someone's bathtub for all you know." Bad reactions, she says, range from a runny nose to redness and eczema.

The Bazaar magazine article goes on to explain that, counterfeit fragrances have not been subjected to the quality-control tests and research and development on which legitimate makers spend money and time. "When you wear a fake, the experience is a lot different," Patrick Bamburak, a Dior Perfumes executive says. "It's either more concentrated and will be more strong or will have an alcoholy smell that won't last." And fakes have been found to contain contaminated alcohol, antifreeze, urine, and harmful bacteria.

Yuck. Enough to turn your stomach. And yet, these knock-off perfumes are sold everywhere, and not just on the streets of New York City. You can find counterfeit fragrances at flea markets, discount drugstores, and even supermarkets. And the most common place of all.....on some online sites, especially on Ebay.

Don't get us started with Ebay. We got taken, snowed, conned, and whatever other word you want to call it, when we innocently purchased what we thought were two bottles of Estee Lauder's Beautiful fragrance two Decembers ago, before Christmas.

The seller, with an almost stellar Ebay feedback rating, was peddling the fragrance in a big 2 1/2 oz. bottle for only the auction starting price of $24.99. Plus $5.99 shipping. A total of $30.98. A 'real' bottle of Beautiful in a 2 1/2 oz. bottle would run us about $70 or more.We were lucky to get our hands on two big bottles of Beautiful for only $61.96. Sealed and wrapped in the original box.

Well, the Beautifuls were big fakes. Two counterfeit fragrances.

Our beauty tip today: Buy right, like Harper's Bazaar is warning you:

"Top-quality perfumes are sold at department stores, beauty specialty stores such as Sephora, and sometimes high-end boutique pharmacies and apothecaries.

How To Get Rid Of White Deodorant Marks On Clothing

We've all been there, ladies. And if you own an lbd, or little black dress, then you've probably run into this problem at least once in your life.

We're talking about white deodorant marks on clothing. Those nasty white marks left behind after a simple swipe of deodorant. The marks end up under the arms of your favorite fashions. And then, try to get rid of those white deodorant marks. It's virtually impossible. And if the fabric is colored black or in a bright shade like red, good luck!

You try washing the white marks out with water, and sometimes you can ruin the fabric. You keep rubbing and rubbing away. The material dries, and still......the white deodorant marks re-surface. Why won't they disappear!

This morning, we got a bit of good news on how to get rid of those nasty white marks. Consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen of CBS's 'The Early Show,' came up with a unique idea. And it actually works, because we saw her rub out the deodorant marks, live, on television. See the proof here! TheEarlyShow.

All you need is a favorite piece of clothing with some ugly white marks ruined by deodorant and an old pair of panty hose. Yes, panty hose. Roll up the panty hose in a ball, and start rubbing away the white deodorant marks. You will be using the nylon hose like a cloth. Just keep rubing over the marks. And like magic, the nasty whiteness disappears!

You can also try a deodorant that is specifically formulated to not only battle perspiration and odor, but one that also claims to never leave behind white marks. Here's an invisible solid that works:

New Degree Ultra Clean Red Satin Deodorant. This one is 'unbeatable on white marks.' And the feminine red satin scent is lovely, made with a unique blend of floral, citrus and fruity notes for a sparkling clean, fresh scent. Top and middle notes include pineapple, watermelon, apple, pear, aqueous, bergamot, tangerine and zest, and middle and base notes include muguet, rose, peony and marigold. Yummy scent!

Degree Women Ultra Clear anti-perspirants/deodorants are available nationally at drugstores beginning January 2010 with a suggested retail price of $3.99 (2.6 oz). The product should be on most store shelves by now.

Visit DegreeDeodorant.com for some money saving coupons.

Madonna Looking Youthful And Defying Gravity In Mysterious Ways

Lots of people have been talking about Madonna these days, and not only for her recent appearance at the Hope for Haiti Now telethon/concert. She not only performed beautifully, but she was looking darn good. And at age 51, not an easy feat.

So, yeah, Madonna is looking youthful and defying gravity in mysterious ways. How exactly are her skin and face able to achieve such a tautness and healthy glow?! There are tons of rumors out there about the singer. We all know she does work out like a fiend and eat very properly. She took some nasty jabs last year about her very muscular arms and bony hands. Photographers were snapping her physique whenever they could. Lately, we have noticed her covering her arms and even wearing fingerless gloves, like she did in her performance for the Hope for Haiti Now telethon/concert.

Last year, there was talk about sizeable cheek implants put into her face. There was also buzz about Sculptra, a cosmetic filler, that when injected, adds wonderful volume to the face, filling in the hollows and restoring a youthful buoyancy to the features. Sculptra can last for several years.

There was even gossip about Madonna getting a ribbon lift less than a year ago. We hadn't even heard of this Beverly Hills technique. The $6,000 and 30-minute treatment, uses a dissolvable ribbon implant to lift neck tissues through a short incision around the earlobe.It takes around two months for the ribbon to be absorbed and the results can last a few years.

And then there is the Madonna lift. Hmm. We're not sure if that cosmetic procedure were named after the singer herself, but, what other Madonna could famous NYC plastic surgeon Bruce Katz be talking about?!

Dr. Katz is the pioneer behind the Madonna lift. This procedure is designed to tighten the skin around the eyes and bring a subtle lift to the eyebrows. It involves the fractional CO2 laser. It's a gentler enhancement, because it is not invasive, and is a safe and effective alternative to traditional eyelid surgery.

Dr. Katz explains the procedure this way:
"The Madonna fractional eyelift dramatically reduces the appearance of dark circles and eye wrinkles, tightens upper and lower eyelid skin, and helps to elevate drooping eyebrows,” said Dr. Katz. “It has a number of the benefits of a surgical eyelift without the risks and downtime. The only problem it doesn’t address is bulging fat pads.
Metal eye shields are used during treatment to protect a patient’s eyes from injury. The only anesthesia needed for the procedure is a numbing cream that is applied to the eyelids; as a result, downtime is minimal."

We can only guess at how the 'material girl' is fighting aging and gravity. But she's doing something right. And of course, like the smart gal she is, Madge isn't saying much. Madonna has remained rather mysterious on the subject of surgery, remarking previously: 'I am certainly not against plastic surgery; however, I am absolutely against having to discuss it.'

To take a look at Madonna's youthful appearance, check out her talented performance on YouTube.

Dr. Oz Says Seeds Simply Excellent For Health And Diet

When television's Dr. Oz speaks, people listen. And why not? Dr. Oz has quite the medical pedigree as Vice Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University. And he has a good bedside manner, we think.

We recently heard Dr. Oz mention the value of seeds for excellent health and dietary benefits.

Could something as small and inconspicuous-looking as a poppy seed, chia seed, or sunflower seed have any real nutritional value?

Apparently so, and even the basic sprinkling of these little seeds on salads, vegetables, and other foods on a daily basis, can reap rewards for you in the long run.

Let's take a look at 3 good seeds. We found some wonderful facts from Buzzle.com:

Poppy seeds. Yeah, we all have heard about the failed urine tests because of opium that would turn up in the results. Remember the Seinfeld episode and the poppy seed muffin? It's true...you can flunk a urine test after eating an innocent poppy seed bagel or poppy seed roll.

"Poppy seeds are considered to be an excellent source of vital minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, etc. that are needed for the smooth functioning of all human organs. As they provide the body with a good source of carbohydrates, they add loads of energy in the body. Their fatty acids aid in digestion as well as supplying other important acids required to break down food in the stomach. Poppy seeds contain linoleic acid and oleic acid. Linoleic acid protects the heart from many heart diseases and conditions, while oleic acid is known to help in prevention of breast cancer."

There are 45 Calories in 1 Tablespoon of poppy seeds.

Chia seeds. We wrote an article about this valuable little seed last year, in the form of FitFlax, a popular and crunchy food. FitFlax is ready to eat and consists of whole seeds made of roasted golden flax with chia. Together, the chia and flax seeds can do wonders:

Lower blood pressure + cholesterol

Increase metabolic rate

Promote lean muscle mass
Reduce Body Fat
Promote healthy skin

Reduce cravings for sweets + junk foods

Promote regularity + colon health

Stabilize blood sugarHigh in soluble + insoluble fiber

Improve cardiovascular health

Reduce risk of cancer.

It tastes like sesame seeds, and it is gluten-free. Yummy on peanut butter and crackers. 76 Calories in 1 1/2 Tablespoons.

Sunflower Seeds. Think of these as 'good for your heart' seeds. "The most important health benefit of sunflower seeds is imparted by the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that it contains. These components protect the heart against various heart diseases like blockage of arteries, by lowering cholesterol and eliminating bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein. More than 90% of the fat, that sunflower seeds contain is unsaturated fat which help maintain high density lipoprotein."

Sunflower seeds contain: Vitamin E, proteins, selenium, magnesium, folates, fibers, and other important nutrients. These tasty seeds can be baked in pancakes, breads, sprinkled on salads and vegetables. And they can be stored for a long time.

We think Dr. Oz is right about the health and dietary benefits of seeds. Just a sprinkle a day can keep you slim and fit.