Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Come On, Anna Wintour: GaGa One Of Vogue's Best Dressed In 2010?!


Okay, we have had absolutely enough! We can't take it anymore with the 23-year-old pantless wonder. Tell her to please go away.....go very far away.....

Her real birth name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. We're talking about Lady Gaga, of course. This year ,Vogue magazine has named the very talented singer, The Visionary for her eccentric sense of fashion and her constant shocking pieces of apparel, in their Best Dressed list of 2010??!!

Lady Gaga's latest look-at-me stint happened Monday evening in Paris, as she walked into a Bruce Field store, well, pantless. Oh yeah, GagGa got a little 'cheeky,' might we add, in the freezing cold air. Apparently, her concert in the City of Lights had been canceled, so she decided to do a little Christmas shopping.

Black leather jacket, black fishnet tights, and a dominatrix collar, and Gaga was good to go.

We are just baffled at Vogue magazine. The fashion mag of all fashion mags is telling us that Lady Gaga is one of the publication's best dressed? Are you kidding us, Anna Wintour?!

Vogue magazine has enjoyed such a fine, classy reputation all these years, and this is how they continue the Vogue tradition?

Legendary model Iman was recently asked about Lady Gaga's style, whether it was good or bad. Iman politely and diplomatically answered that Gaga is an artist, and therefore, we assume, she gets a pass on her kooky trashy costumes.

We take nothing away from the young singer's brilliant work as an artist, or any outfit she might wear at a concert. But to walk around the globe trying to 'shock' people, over and over again with her tired acts of attention, well, it's a bit much.

We do not believe that Lady Gaga is a fashion visionary, and for that, Vogue, we are puzzled. We remain a longtime subscriber, but this one has us scratching our heads.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

How To Treat Your Winter Hobbit Feet With Salicylic Acid TLC


The first day of winter, and for some of us, our feet tell the whole story:
the roughness. dryness, calluses. Even blisters and corns. And cracked heels

Sadly, we call them our winter Hobbit feet. And for good reason.

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).

We don't care how sexy your new shoes are, if your feet look beaten up and callused, well, it's not pretty. Dry, rough feet also make you look older.

You don't want to stop being active and healthy, so we hunted down this little beauty product for your feet It's been around for a number of years, Keralyt Gel, an over-the-counter salicylic acid ($17, 1 oz. tube).

New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf suggests in Harper's magazine to using Keralyt Gel this way:
Before heading for your work-out, apply a "thin layer of Keralyt Gel and a dollop of Vaseline to areas where your skin is thick or scaly, then put on your socks." Later, rinse off in the shower for softer, more attractive feet.

According to Dr. Waldorf, the Keralyt and Vaseline together, really help keep those nasty calluses and blisters in check.

Click here for Keralyt product location.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Great Gift Idea Under $25 For The Makeup Lover In Your Life

Great gift for the gal-on-the-go! We love this handsome Sonia Kashuk Dripping in Diamonds 8-Piece Cosmetic Brush Set at Target.

First of all, you are getting a gorgeous, slim clutch bag with pretty, clear jeweled accents. And inside, you will find every makeup user's essentials----7 fine quality brushes including: a blush/powder brush, an eye shadow brush, an angled eye shadow brush and a lash/brow comb. Just $24.99!

Hey...we just found it at Target online for only $21.99. Even better! Order it by Tuesday, Dec. 21st and get it on time.

Sonia Kashuk is a professional makeup artist well-known in the beauty industry. Model Cindy Crawford is good friends with Sonia and wears makeup from Sonia Kashuk's line (also at Target). So, if her products are good enough for supermodel Cindy, then we imagine these cosmetic brushes are quality pieces, too.

Sonia Kashuk certainly knows her way around a tube of lipstick. And she has the resume to prove it. According to Target, Sonia has worked with some of the best in the business, including designers and celebrities like Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Sharon Stone, and Britney Spears. Kashuk has also appeared as a makeup expert on television shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, and The View, and her work is regularly featured in countless fashion and beauty magazines.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Two Reasons Why Olive Oil Is Amazing Beauty Food




Olive oil. It really does a body, and face good.
And our Beauty Tip Today is a 2-fer.

You've heard about the Mediterranean diet and how sensible it is, and more importantly, that it works. And olive oil plays a major role in the diet plan.

If you're looking to keep your insides 'toned' and drop a few pounds on the outside, try this method by Karina Smirnoff of Dancing with the Stars fame. Her body is incredible. Here's her olive oil beauty tip:

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."

And here's the food science behind Karina's diet tip:

"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."

So, we have learned that olive oil is excellent for your body, both inside and out. But did you know that olive oil is also wonderful for the face?!

We love this tip, and just read about it from celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Jessica Wu of Los Angeles. You might want to stock up on the oil after this.

According to Dr. Wu, extra-virgin olive oil makes for a super gentle moisturizer. The oil happens to contain fatty acids similar to those found in your skin. And if your complexion is dry and sensitive from using strong, anti-aging serums and creams, then you need to reach for the oil.

When the face becomes irritated, that brings an immediate halt to your skin care regimen. Dr. Wu advises slathering on a thin layer of unflavored extra-virgin olive oil to your face and neck at night. You will see a remarkable improvement.

Two inexpensive and healthy reasons why olive oil. is an amazing beauty food

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Jennifer Garner Goes From Drab To Glam Girl-Next-Door





Jennifer Garner leads a normal life with two active young daughters. She also happens to be an adored movie actress along with her movie star/director husband Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Garner does not shy away from everyday activities, like grocery shopping, taking her girls to school, and playing with the family in a public park. She appears to be a super hands-on mom. She is a muti-tasking mama like most moms these days.

Jennifer also doesn't wear makeup when she's not on the red carpet. And we appalud her for having the confidence to dare to go bare.

Do we think she should make an effort and put on a little makeup? Yes, yes, yes! Does she care what we think? No, no, no.

But we have to say, girlfriend cleans up nicely. Jennifer Garner goes from everyday drab to Hollywood glam girl-next-door with just a few simple tricks:

Jennifer Garner is a spokesperson for Neutrogena, so we know she takes excellent care of her skin:
1. Neutrogena Original Formula Facial Bar. Jennifer loves this cleansing bar and says she has used it ever since she was a kid.

2. Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipstick SPF20. Her faves are in Think Pink and Angel's Blush. Nothing too bold, just soft, coral-pink lips.

3. Jennifer also uses a good sunblock and goes for facials when she has the time.

4. A super healthy, thick head of hair. Yes, Jennifer Garner has gorgeous hair, and knows how to work it. Check out the soft highlights that complement her long, wavy, brunette locks.

As supermodel Cindy Crawford has said, hair color is key:
"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."

Friday, December 17, 2010

Nicole Richie Wears Ballerina Bun, Signature Doe-Eye And Marchesa Gown



Nicole Richie has a beautiful sense of style, and it shows during her recent walk-down-the-aisle to longtime love, singer Joel Madden.

Everyone's been buzzing about the stunning Marchesa gown Nicole wore with the exquisite lace, tulle, and organza. The reality star and mom of two, says she was inspired by the 1956 wedding gown of the late Princess Grace during her nuptials to Prince Rainier of Monaco.

The gorgeous Marchesa gown featured long sleeves and a more conservative and sophisticated cut.
The bottom of the gown blossoms out into a lovely ball of elegant tulle.

We think Nicole Richie resembles a delicate swan. A very ballerina-esque image. And these photos by the way, are from Germany's In magazine (the cover), and inside the pages of today's People magazine. And you can compare the Princess Grace wedding gown to Nicole's and see the similarities. You could say that Nicole has worn a modern take on the 1956 Princess Grace wedding dress.

We also believe that Nicole hit all the right notes on her special wedding day with highly polished makeup and hair.

In the cover shot, you can see Nicole Richie's signature doe-eye look. She is wearing a pretty bronze eye shadow, long faux lashes, and a dark eyeliner. Her lips are painted in a soft pink shade. And her hair is styled in a classic ballerina bun. All in all, a very feminine and classic wedding day look.

We congratulate Nicole and Joel on a long, happy life together!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Winter Nail Pick-Me-Up: Short And Dark In Garnet



Are your nails looking a bit too goth on these cold, December days?

It's time for a winter pick-me-up. Say bye-bye to very harsh nails with black or purple or blue dead undertones. And warm up your mani/pedi with a softer, Old Hollywood set of nails.

We are loving the rich, feminine, dark garnet shades for nails. Like pretty jewels for your fingers and toes.

The key here, is to keep your nails short and well-groomed. Actually, when trying to pull off such a dark shade, oval-shaped nails are best. Please...no long talons for this dark romatic, sophisticated look.

Here are 2 dark garnet nail polishes we like:

1. Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in 'Stop Whining.' ($5, at Target).

2. Givenchy Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer in Vintage Garnet ($15, Sephora stores).

This is a lovely holiday look that creates such instant drama. And if you can paint some bold, red lips on, then you've just completed a timeless vision of beauty. If you can't muster up the courage for red lips, then let your gorgeous dark garnet nails do all the talking.