Rough Skin And No Moisturizer? Reach For Crisco Says Dr. Wu

Crisco. We know it makes a darn good pie crust. But it also makes for softer skin, according to celebrity dermatologist and beauty expert Dr. Jessica Wu.

We're not sure how the CEOs of major skin care companies we have interviewed for BeautyTipToday, would feel about tossing out their expensive creams and serums for a tub of all-vegetable shortening, but let's examine this further.

First of all.....do NOT throw away your skin care products. But let's be honest. The damage we do to our faces and bodies over a span of time, does not just occur because of too much time in the sun. Sure, tanning is responsible for many of the fine lines and wrinkles, but what you consume on a daily basis, plays a large role, too.

Dr. Jessica Wu's new book just hit store shelves. It's called, "Feed Your Face," (just $15.07, now at amazon.com). And the title says it all. If you eat healthier, then your skin will tell the story. And there are some simple facts Dr. Wu outlines in her book that help women deal with face and body challenges.

Dr. Wu was a guest on Good Morning America where she shared her Crisco beauty tip for softer skin:

Rough elbows, feet, knees, or hands? Don't have any moisturizer around? Reach for the familiar blue can of Crisco and rub into the rough areas of your skin.

Dr. Wu says that Crisco is all-natural, and made from soy beans, and does a super job of nourishing dry, rough skin.

Well, we have a lonely, little can of Crisco in our cupboard, and we are going to try this on our sorry feet tonight.

Rose Water: One Of Finest Natural Products For Skin

Rose water. It's one of the best toners we have ever used for our face and body. And we just read that actress Liv Tyler sets her makeup with a quick spritz of rose water. Smart girl, because the mist has a firming effect on skin.

We have received quite an education on the healthy skin benefits of rose water and rose oil, and the rich, exotic history Damask roses share with Bulgaria.

We recently spoke with Dana Vasileva, operations manager of Dama, a newly launched 100% natural and organic line of skincare and aromatherapy products. And she let us try Dama's Organic Rose Water face and body mist ($13.99, 8 oz.). And honestly, we are hooked.

"It is very rich in flavonoids and vitamins, including A, C, D, E andB3," Dana explains. "Rose water has anti-viral, antiseptic and disinfectant properties. It maintains the pH balance, and stimulates regeneration processes of the skin. It helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines and skin inflammation. It also has a calming effect on acne and sunburns. One bottle, all skin types, all ages."

In fact, Dama's Organic Rose Water is the one product that Dana Vasileva cannot live without because of its multi-purpose features:

"1. You can use Rosewater to refresh the skin/face. As our body needs hydration, so does our skin. I call it SKIN WATER as it gives my skin all it needs with just one bottle. 2. Use it on your hair: Spray on dry/damp hair. It will give the hair a healthy and vibrant look. It will also reduce split ends. 3. Air-freshener: Because Rosewater has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, you can also use it as an air-freshener and disinfectant in bathrooms, on animal beds, and for carpets."

It's interesting to note, that the Damask rose comes from far away-----in the Valley of Roses, in Kazanlak, Bulgaria The area is known for its perfect geographical and climatic conditions for growing and harvesting the oil-yielding rose.

And the Dama company is proud that their skin care and aromatherapy products all bear the USDA Certified Organic label.

According to Dana, roses are more than just beautiful, aromatic flowers. For centuries, the rose has been highly valued by many cultures for its super healing properties. Rose water and rose oil were used in the traditional medicines of China, India, Assyria, Egypt, Greece and Rome, to cure a wide range of medical conditions.

Dama also sells Rose Skin Tonic, Rose Oil, Rose Absolute, Hand-picked Rose Buds, and Lavender Oil. And the company also posts beauty tips, facts and creative ways to use their products via Facebook(damaUSA) and Twitter (damaUSA) on daily basis.

You can buy organic Dama Rose products here at dama-usa and at etsy.

Under 30: Treat Wrinkles With Dr. Perricone's Super Skin Care Line

Wrinkles. You never really worried about developing 'those,' until you got into your 40s. But, oh, have times changed. Young women do become anxious about a few fine lines and nasty little things like crow's feet.

Look at just-turned-30 reality TV star Kim Kardashian. She was getting Botox-ed before she turned the big 3-0. And she swore she would never get injected like that again because she allegedly got swollen eyes from the jabbing. We like to think, that the Kardashian sisters are not strangers to skin care quick fixes like Botox and company.

The under 30 age group has become a new target for the skin care experts like Connecticut-based dermatologist Nicholas Perricone. His Super line of botanically based skin care products comes in bright and cheerful packaging with a bull's eye on them, says Daniel Giles, the senior vice president for marketing at Perricone.

"Not a lot of brands talk to a 28-year-old," he tells the NY Times. "That’s where Super is positioned, to 25- to 30-year-olds."

He adds, "It’s a happy, friendly way of approaching skin care."

We like to think.....It's never too late to start protecting yourself against wrinkles. So, we are all for Dr. Perricone's Super skin care line, with lovely topicals like watercress toners, ginger facials, coconut oil infused lip balms, green apple serums, and melon extract eye creams. Sounds yummy.

You can check out the Super line at Sephora, and "Feed your hungry skin."

Singing Superstar Taylor Swift's 3 Makeup Must-Haves

Taylor Swift.

She's such an unassuming singing superstar. And at the young age of 21, she exudes such poise and 'normalcy.'

Taylor Swift has tons of fans, not just crazy about her country hits, but desperate for her hair and makeup tips, too.

Today, we have Taylor Swift's 3 Makeup Must-Haves. And these beauty basics all come from CoverGirl:

The singer recently told People magazine, that when it comes to her makeup routine, it's a simple one.

"Eyeliner, foundation, and some sort of lip color. A lot of times, I forget about everything else!" she says.

1. Lip Perfection lipstick in Hot ($5.99, at drugstores). Taylor began trying red lipstick three years ago, and says it has, 'changed my life.' Her fave red is the new one by CG Lip Perfection.

2. NatureLuxe Silk foundation in Alabaster ($11.99, at drugstores). This base gives the singer flawless skin. And Taylor says she does take all her makeup off at night.

3. LineExact liquid liner pen in Very Black ($6.88, at drugstores). For those gorgeous blue eyes, she uses this liquid liner to get a more precise and lasting line. And when you want to make a cat eye, which has become Taylor's signature look, a liquid liner pen makes the application a lot easier.

By the way, Taylor Swift told People mag that she does her own makeup on tour. We like it.....a no fuss, pretty beauty routine.

Eva Longoria Proves That Girls Can Go From Flat To Curvy With The Right Bra

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria is considered one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.

The petite and slender 35-year-old actress has a gorgeous toned body. And Eva proves that girls can go from flat to curvy with the right bust-boosting bra.

Just look at the amazing difference---there is Eva Longoria on the Desperate Housewives set recently, wearing a tight polka-dot 50's dress with some unbelievable cleavage.

And here she is again, enjoying some sexy bathing suit time last year, with a few less curves.

The simple solution?

A darn good bra!

Don't believe us? Then read below what popular Victoria's Secret catalgoue model Rosie says:

"I do believe in chicken fillets,” Rosie Huntington-Whiteley says. “I’m not saying you have to use them, but if anyone knows me and sees me in a photoshoot, well, there are friends in there. I’m not a fan of that whole push-up look in the day. But, of course, you do need a lift with a sexy dress, so do what you’ve got to do, girls — shove them in there. I’ve been known to have three in at a time for shoots — plus padding."

Two of the best lingerie makers for instant cleavage: Victoria's Secret (of course) and Frederick's of Hollywood. Both companies sell tons and tons of bras, in just about every style, fabric, and color out there. From push-ups to deep plunges to water and gel-filled to padded to seamless to underwires to convertible and strapless, there's a bra with built-in cleavage waiting for you. And, er, Eva Longoria.

Check out lovely Eva and her cleavage, as a presenter at tomorrow night's SAG Awards televised on TNT.

A Few Good Reasons Why You Need A Lighted Compact Makeup Mirror

Natural daylight is the best kind of lighting when it comes to putting on your makeup. But for the moments it isn't available, a great lighted compact makeup mirror becomes your new BFF.

And women absolutely adore this cute number by makeup giant Sephora. For $15, you are making a wise beauty investment. The lighted compact scored a very respectable 4 out of 5 stars from 62 reviews, and counting, thus far.

Let's see why:

1. Two-for-the-price-of-one......A regular mirror on one side and a lighted mirror on the other. Yes, it's powered by a tiny battery.

2. Design.......Sleek and sturdy. It fits in the palm of your hand. And a cool, square shape with LED lights built in.

3. Good travel buddy.......Very convenient. Slips easily into your makeup bag or pocket.

4. Serves an important beauty purpose......When you need great lighting for makeup touch-ups and more, the Sephora lighted compact gives off a very bright and clean white light.

5. Shines a light in the dark.....Well, sometimes you need to touch up your makeup in the dark. Maybe a swipe of gloss in the nighttime taxi ride. Helps prevent makeup misses and mishaps.

Don't be fooled by Sephora's very slender lighted compact makeup mirror. This is a strong and celever beauty item. Great for the gal-on-the-go.

More details at Sephora.

Too Cute Or Too Scary: Walmart Offers Tween Makeup Line

Is it okay for tweens to wear makeup?!

Remember now, a tween is between the ages of 8 and 12. And giant retailer Walmart has just launched GeoGirl makeup, a 69-piece makeup collection, including products for face, lips, cheeks and eyes, also skin and body care, in the $3.98-$5.98 range. The tween line should be available in all Walmart stores on February 25th.

According to GeoGirl, the makeup is colorful but goes on very sheer, and it's formulated with natural, healthy green tea and pomegranate, for instance. Oh yeah, chock-full of anti-aging ingredients for the young ones. As we like to say, "It's never too late to begin taking care of your skin."

More good news about GeoGirl--- the packaging is eco-friendly, too, with all of it being recyclable. Carmen Bauza, Walmart Stores Inc.’s vice president and divisional merchandise manager of beauty and personal care explains it like this:

"GeoGirl is about teaching this generation about beauty care in a responsible way. This [line] is a great learning experience for us to determine how to communicate with this generation."

By the way, the GeoGirl line will replace the space vacated by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen cosmetics in Walmart.

Well, we don't have a daughter, but we first started applying too bright blue eyshadow when we were 13 and attending junior high school. We then added some black mascara and thought we were pretty cool. Our parents cringed every time we walked out the door, but we were not reprimanded. Other 13-year-old girls were wearing makeup, too.

We think it's okay to introduce another tween makeup collection to the young masses, and we might just sneak a little GeoGirl in our makeup bag one of these days.

If you're a concerned parent, check out GeoGirl here.