Fujifilm Goes Global With Anti-Aging Beauty Line: No Foolin'

Smile, ladies!

Your face can now look younger, thanks to the experts at Japan's Fujifilm photography corporation. Scientists have learned to harvest a special collagen to turn back time, along with an added natural ingredient known as astaxanthin, which is believed to protect the skin from ultraviolet light.

What's even more bizarre, is that Fujifilm developed, so to speak, the Astalift beauty line idea from it's use of collagen in the making of traditional photographic film.

Did you know that collagen is used in photography to stop old photographic images from fading?!

Wow! This is fascinating beauty science! And apparently, the pros at Fujifilm have been studying this stuff for quite a while:

Andrzej Brylak, director of Fujifilm's European beauty and health division, says that, "Collagen only started being used by the cosmetics industry relatively recently.

"It is a key ingredient in film emulsion and we have a very long history of research in this area. Preventing oxidisation from light exposure is also a big issue in protecting film and a similarly big issue in preventing skin damage."

In Japan, the award-winning Astalift skin care line has been around since its debut there in 2007. And the company has recently launched the line in Singapore. So many women are raving about Astalift. Prices begin at $42, and the beauty products include day and night creams, cleanser, eye cream, collagen powder, and more. And now the European market is next to try Astalift. Lucky you!

The sales of Astalift skincare products will start in February, in France, with UK, Germany, and Spain to follow throughout 2012.

We are certain, that the U.S. will also get its chance to try the cutting-edge Astalift line. We will keep you posted! In the meantime, Ebay is selling a few Astalift skin care items here.

New Wrinkle Eraser Hits The Market: Just Like Cousin Botox

Botox.

We all know how popular the cosmetic injectable is. Wrinkles and lines one day. And Poof---gone the next day, with the sting of a needle.

And now, we are welcoming Botox's new cousin----Xeomin to the war on aging.

Xeomin has been called the 'Botox alternative', and it's the new wrinkle eraser for 2012.

So, what's the difference?

Like Botox, Xeomin treats the 11 lines between the eyes, forehead wrinkles, and the crow's feet by the eyes. But unlike Botox, which can develop resistance over time, this new Botox alternative is LESS likely to do so.

This is still wrinkle-erasing by needle. So, OUCH, the minor discomfort is still present. And the prices are still similar at the moment, usually about $500-700 per session, although pricing is expected to fall because of the competition between Allergan, Medicis, and Merz Aesthetics--the maker of Xeomin.

Probably one of the biggest differences between the 2 injectables is this:

Xeomin has a longer shelf-life than Botox and does NOT require refrigeration like Botox. Great for the physician, but not much of a big deal for the customer.

The way we see it, Xeomin is another FDA-approved injectable, just like cousin Botox. It's wonderful to have a choice when it comes to beauty products, treatments and procedures out there.

In the meantime, we will wait and see how the public reacts to this other new wrinkle eraser, and see exactly how this injectable performs.

Softer Skin With Grapeseed Oil: Why Emma Stone Is Right

Beauty Tip Today just featured actress Emma Stone in our Tuesday post about Revlon's new PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation.

And now, the 23-year-old 'It' girl is making beauty headlines once again.

Emma Stone has revealed to Style.com this precious nugget:

"I just use natural grapeseed oil from the grocery store on my face as moisturizer.

"After the shower, I pat it on, and then I’ll use it throughout the day and at night.

"I pretty much smell like grape all the time."

The pretty redhead also uses Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing Serum on her ultra-sensitive skin - which she says, is allergic to everything.

We believe that Emma Stone might be on to something. She DOES have a nice, clear peaches and cream complexion. And okay, most women have very smooth skin at the young age of 23. But there IS something to grapeseed oil, besides it being an inexpensive and natural product for about $3.00.

Let's dig a little deeper.

Grapeseed oil is made by cold-pressing the grape seeds, after they have been used to make wine.

Grapeseed oil, which you can find in your grocery aisle, is a super anti-oxidant. And it is rich in these essential and non-essential fatty acids: linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, a-linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid – all of these are key to healthy skin and a healthy body.

Grapeseed oil is light in texture and easily absorbed by the skin. In other words, it's an oil that WON'T just sit on the top of your complexion.

Emma says the oil keeps her skin pimple-free, and this is why-- It helps fight acne due in part, to its content of polyphenols, which feature anti inflammatory properties, and also because grapeseed oil helps to clear out the pores.

Grapeseed oil doesn't really have a scent, so we're not sure why Emma claims she smells like grape. Just a little humor from the star, we figure.

And we're just saying, we bet that many women will be picking up a bottle of grapeseed oil today. And instead of putting it in the kitchen cupboard, the oil will probably find its way into the bathroom cabinet.

How Trial Size Beauty Products Can Make A World Of Difference

Let's be honest here....When it comes to skin care, taking care of your face and body isn't cheap.

Anti-aging serums and creams can cost a lot. Yes, most of them are formulated with the latest in beauty science technology. But some, unfortunately, are made with big dollar signs in mind, and are probably doing as much for your complexion as the little, inexpensive jar of moisturizer you'll find at the corner drugstore.

So, what's a gal to do?

First, do your beauty homework. Learn what kind of skin you have, its strengths and weaknesses.

Then, you're on your own. Read up on what new and effective products are out there to keep your complexion youthful, glowing and protected. Read our Beauty Tip Today articles here, too. We can learn together.

And after that---look for the trial size beauty products available.

Why?

Samples are the BEST way to try out a skin care product. First, you save major money this way. Second, you are trying a formulation you hope will benefit your complexion. But since each person's skin is unique, what works for Mary Sue might not work for you. And if the trial size cream doesn't suit you, you can just toss away, and not feel guilty about the dollars you would have plunked down for a full size beauty product.

We call this, 'Trial by beauty.'. It's a great way to sample mini size beauty products until you hit the right one for your facial needs. And we like shopping at this website, PlatinumSkinCare.

99% of Platinum Skin Care products are available in trial sizes. You can't beat that. Plus, it is an excellent skin care company that offers beauty from a to z.

And this is how their trial size packaging works:

"You will find that we have a few different packaging options in our trial sizes. Some products need to be bottled, some need to be in jars, but most are fine in our new packets. Packets are more "eco-friendly" and we will try to put most products in them. *No matter what type of packaging the product is a 1/4oz (2 dram) sampling unless otherwise stated as a single-use packet. Generally speaking liquids and serums generally yield 3+ uses, and Creams will give 2-4 uses."

We have sampled some super serums and chemical peels through Platinum Skin Care's trial size offerings.

In addition, the company also gives away trial size freebies! Check this out:

"Whenever you place an order with us you can choose a free trial size product from our drop down menu. You will find this in our shopping cart checkout process. As long as the sample is in stock it will be shipped to you."

If you've ever been afraid or truly hesitant to explore new beauty products, then go the trial size route. You're saving lots of money, and at the same time, finding better ways to protect and rejuvenate your skin.

American Idol Returns Tonight: All Eyes On Jennifer Lopez

If you tune into American Idol this evening, you WILL be watching the prettiest judge---Jennifer Lopez.

The sexy singer demands attention, but then again, Jennifer has quite an amazing presence. And with all that's gone on in her busy life for the past few months, well, most will be curious to see how the mom-of-twins looks, what she's wearing, and what she'll be saying.

The style icon will probably mix in a few pieces from her Jennifer Lopez clothing line from Kohl's. And she will also be featuring the hottest new makeup/hair looks from Revlon, to which she is a spokesperson for.

At age 42, women want to know how the Latin beauty looks so youthful. We've found out a few J.Lo beauty tips:

1. Stay out of the sun! Or if you hit the beach, do so in moderation. Jennifer has learned to fake a fab tan from her makeup artist Scott Barnes.

"Stay out of the sun! He (Scott) really nailed into my head. Bronzer and self-tanners are so worth it. Stay out of the booth, girls! And boys!" Jennifer has said previously.

2. Treat your complexion to a great moisturizer. You have to protect and nourish the skin, and one of the TV star's fave beauty go-to products is this one---Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream, ($42.95, at soap.com). Formulated with rose petals and avocado, this organic cream helps the skin balance its moisture level.

3. Putting on a mask is a good thing. Jennifer is known to be a fond user of this unique age-defyer----placenta collagen masks from Plazan Skin Care Products ($64, at plazancosmetics.com).

Apply the mask onto your face and relax for about 20 minutes. Then remove.

Maybe J.Lo is on to something, because this instant beautifier helps to "reduce wrinkles, relaxes tense and 'fatigued' skin, moisturizes and nourishes skin with low-molecular components and improves complexion."

We're not sure that placenta protein alone, does the trick, but whatever Jenny-from-the-block is doing, she looks incredible, and her fans will be watching closely tonight.

Emma Stone Wears It: New Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation

Foundation.

You either wear it, or you don't. But actually, you SHOULD put some on.

Makeup artists will tell you, that EVERY woman can benefit from a little foundation. It evens out skintone. It hides blemishes and other little problems, protects the skin from the harsh elements--sun, wind, cold, and gives the complexion a healthy glow.

But you also want a foundation to do its job in the lightest way possible. In other words---you don't want to feel it's sitting on top of your skin, and you want it to look as invisible as a makeup can.

This is where Revlon's new PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation comes in. It promises to feel as 'light as air.' and deliver a 'smooth, poreless look.'

Okay, we're in. We will try this one. We love Revlon foundations, and have been a fan of their ColorStay SoftFlex liquid foundation for a number of years now.

But we're intrigued by the PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse ($13.99, at drugstores) because of, well, the mousse. Just press the button gently to release a lightweight air-infused foam mousse that supposedly blends seamlessly. It's got a 'whipped texture' for easy blending.

Who doesn't want an airbrushed face?

23-year-old actress Emma Stone is doing commercials for the new Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse.

We're not 100% sure this new Revlon foundation can do the job, but we like the beauty advancement and beauty science that goes into creating new, better makeup. So, we say, it's worth a BUY.

Golden Globes 2012: Who Were Your Favorites?

We have to say, we really enjoyed the red carpet show for last evening's Golden Globes Awards 2012. And although it seemed that a sea of ivories and nudes ruled the Hollywood runway, there were also jewel-tone pops of color like red, midnight blue, green and yellow.

So, maybe there were a few fashion mishaps as there always are, but for the most part, we thought the ladies looked lovely.

Our 2 Golden Globes favorites:

Jessica Alba in Gucci.

Heidi Klum in Calvin Klein.

Jessica just gave birth to baby daughter #2 just a few months ago, and check out the sexy mama's figure! There she poses in a stunning strapless barely pink or lavender embellished gown.

What's not to love about this number?! Jessica looks very elegant and shapely in Gucci with side-swept bangs and uncomplicated up-do along with minimal makeup featuring soft lipcolor.

Heidi Klum never makes our humble opinion's best-dressed list, but this time, we really liked the simplicity of her nude-hued Calvin Klein gown. Some would say that this is boring style/color, but we would disagree, because once you turn around in the gown, you get a plunging peek-a-boo back.

Heidi Klum sets off the sleeveless simplicity with a gorgeous turquoise statement necklace and jumbo cocktail ring. The cut is a basic look---actually quite minimal in the front, but with a supermodel body like Heidi's, well, you don't have to do much else but just show up on the red carpet.

We think her blonde locks worn down and loose along her shoulders, gives the entire look an effortless chicness.

This just goes to show, that women who have children, like both Heidi and Jessica, CAN get back their super-fit figures and rule the red carpet, again and again.

We can't wait for the Academy Awards, when celebrities will kick up the fashion/glam to a whole new plateau!