Thursday, September 22, 2011

At-Home $40 Zeno Laser Device Aims To Zap Wrinkles


An at-home laser device for just $40?!

Could this really be effective?

According to the folks at Zeno, yes and yes.

It's called the Zeno Line Rewind Wrinkle Reduction Kit and you can find it at Walmart and Target and plenty of skin care boutiques, and the Zeno website.

The handheld beauty device runs on 2 AA batteries. And the kit also includes the Line Rewind serum, enriched with anti-oxidant Resveratrol, which is designed to work with the laser wrinkle zapper.

All it takes is just a few minutes a day on clean skin. You run the Zeno Line Rewind over your face and the vibrating device emits a warm beam of light. The red LED stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. In turn, your face feels firmer and smoother. Fine lines and wrinkles appear softer.

The Zeno Line Rewind is derm-approved and safe and effective for all skin types.

No, it isn't as great as a trip to the dermatologist's office for a genuine laser session. However, we will say, that the red LED technology in an at-home device is a good beauty breakthrough that can help prevent further new wrinkles from forming. And any product that encourages more collagen/elastin growth is fine by us.

If you can commit to a strict skin care routine with the Zeno Line Rewind, your complexion will thank you. If you're hoping to erase those deeper lines and sun damage, well, then a real laser procedure is your best bet.

But for just $40, this is a nice beauty device to have around.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Need A Nice New Neck Now? Botox Can Do It



A long, smooth, perfect neck.

Not easy to come by, unless you're the gorgeous woman in the photos, iconic model Iman. And at age 55, her neck still looks firm and smooth and youthful. Just lucky genes, diet, or other supermodel secrets?

If you're feeling lousy about your neck, and want to do something fast without all the downtime, you CAN avoid cosmetic surgery and smooth away those platysmal neck lines with a few injections of Botox cosmetic.

More and more dermatologists and plastic surgeons are offering their patients the quick fix. Results might not be as dramatic as a neck lift, but the bands in the neck can be relaxed effectively via the sting of the needle.

Experts say that a Botox neck procedure lasts about 4 months , and can cost anywhere from $300-$900, depending on how many injections are placed.

Remember to do your homework, and find a very good doctor. You need an experienced pro who knows exactly where to properly and carefully inject the Botox into the delicate neck region.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Green Eyeshadow Hot For Fall 2011: How To Wear It Like Jaime King




Green eyeshadow.

Many of you stay away from it, and stick to neutrals like brown or gray. It's not easy wearing a jewel-tone shadow like green. Let's be honest, green is BOLD. But sometimes, when it comes to beauty and fashion, it's okay to go strong.

Green is THE shadow for Fall 2011. So, maybe it's time you considered taking the leap. Check out model/actress Jaime King. She was already rockin' the trend at an InStyle dinner earlier this summer. Jaime is showing off an emerald eyeshadow she even matched to the bright green in her sexy Versace dress. Who says you should never match your eye makeup to your outfit?!

And even beautiful Jaime admits, it's not easy being green, so to speak. She said to InStyle magazine:

"The whole thing is just eye liner, which is a bold move. People are afraid to do it, but you've just got to go for it. I wanted to hit the trend of jewel tones."

You can wear the green eyeshadow trend just like Jaime. All you need is a great chubby crayon pencil to do the trick. We found one by NYX, the Jumbo Eye Pencil in Rocky Mountain Green ($4.50, at NYXcosmetics). This s a lovely emerald shade with a pearly finish. And the NYX Jumbo Pencil glides on nicely---no tugging. Its acts as an eyeliner or an eyeshadow. The blendability is fab. Resists creasing.

We think it's good to go green, in more ways than one!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

How To Get Ashley Olsen-Inspired Nude Lips



Today we are looking at fashion mogul Ashley Olsen and her signature makeup style of soft, nude lips.

You often will see the petite, blonde beauty with strong smoky eyes and a natural, neutral lip color. It's a makeup balance that works out perfectly. And you, too, can achieve a similar sexy glamour.

Many women stay away from nude lipsticks because they don't want to appear washed out or cosmetically un-finished. Finding the correct nude shade is an art in itself, and takes practice hunting down a good match for one's skin tone.

Although we cannot tell you which neutral lipstick or gloss goes with your individual complexion, we can tell you one that looks Ashley Olsen-inspired. And that lipstick is from Boots No7:

1. Boots No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Nude 15 ($9.99, at shopbootsusa.com. This is a nice, creamy neutral shade, and great for sensitive lips.

This is called cool glam and Ashley Olsen looks put-together. The makeup does not overwhelm her delicate features. We think she looks polished and pretty.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Don't BYOB Your Botox: Beware Of DIY Botox Kits!


Botox cosmetic. It still remains the number 1 injectable in the country. More than 11 million injections, and counting!

And we can understand why.....A few stings of the needle around your forehead and your crow's feet, and POOF! Wrinkles disappear for about 4 months. The cost varies, but generally, each wrinkle site you want treated, will run you anywhere from $300-$600.

Celebrity super dermatologist Frederick Brandt, says it's great stuff:
“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.”

And that's the key word, 'appropriately.'. If you're not a licensed doctor, then please DO NOT do your own Botox!

Unfortunately, we heard on the news today, about the rise in DIY Botox Kits. The government was shutting down websites caught in the illegal sale of such kits a few years ago, but apparently, the need for a cheaper way to get rid of wrinkles is attracting a lot of
people, once again. And maybe the weakened economy has something to do with the desperate and ludicrous idea of self-injecting the beauty posion.

Maybe we didn't dig deep enough, but we couldn't find any DIY Botox kits out there on Ebay and beyond. We know these kits exist, and for a few hundred dollars, the customer gets a pack containing needles, saline to mix with the Botox powder and a face map showing where on the face to inject the drug.

We would hope, that no one reading this article, would be foolish enough to buy Botox without a prescription, because you don't know if you're getting the real stuff. And most importantly, we would hope no one would be crazy enough to try and inject some Botox into their own face.

We spoke to a dermatologist friend a few months ago, and she had indicated to us, that she had tried Botox for the first time. "Did you inject yourself?" we asked.

"No way," she laughed. "I had another derm do it for me."

There you have it. There's a lesson there for all of us.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Still Mad for Missoni Out Of Stock At Target? Try Ebay



Missoni.

The iconic label must speak volumes, because the luxurious Italian designs immediately SOLD OUT and crashed the website when Target stores debuted the famous zig-zag brand at budget-friendly prices.

If you wanted a Missoni for Target dress, pair of shoes, makeup brush set, or the stylish floppy brown hat, pictured above, well, you were out-of-luck!

But not to worry. Our old friends at Ebay have listed lots of Missoni for Target pieces from the new collection. You might have to pay $20 more on Ebay for a Missoni item, but if you REALLY want a well-made and affordable famous label, then, this is a good place to get your pickings.

We had no idea the Missoni for Target collection would sell out so fast on Tuesday, September 13th. But when you think about it, Target was offering most of the pieces for under $50 each.

Take a look at the Missoni for Target Floppy 100% Wool Hat. It was selling for $24.99 at Target. A super find for a HOT fall trend. But good luck hunting one down, until we tried Ebay. And we found this one, even cheaper than the Target store price!

We discovered the same Target for Missoni hat at a starting bid of $20 and FREE SHIPPING. Click here.

Now look at Kim Kardashian's brown floppy wool hat. Not a bad match, right?

We're not sure when Target stores will re-stock their new, wallet-friendly Missoni collection, but until that time, Ebay.com might be your best bet.

Good luck, and may the vibrant Missoni zig-zag pattern find it's way into your closet this fall.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Style Icon Kate Moss Launches New Lipstick Line For Rimmel London's 10th Anniversary

Kate Moss.

A super model with super style. In fact, we were more excited to see what Kate was wearing for the Rimmel London 10th anniversary photo shoot, than the brand new lipstick line she was launching.

And she always gets it right. Dressed in head-to-toe gray, the model exudes sophistication. This is a polished look you can copy, from the sleeveless cowl-neck sweater to the tailored pants and belt, down to the classic high heels.

Kate Moss' style looks effortless. She chooses clothing wisely, stays with neutrals for the most part, and keeps a sleek, simple silhouette.

As designer Michael Kors said, "Great style means having a point of view, but evolving your look is even more important. Rushing to embrace every trend will leave you fashionable, but not stylish,"

Great quote!

By the way, the 10th anniversary of Rimmel London and the beautiful British model is being celebrated with the launching of Kate Moss' new Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick line.

We found a great Q & A with the model in RockstarWeekly.com. She discusses her new, very own lipstick collection:

Do you have a favourite shade in your new Lasting Finish Collection?

My favourite shade is the red, shade number 1, that I am actually wearing in this commercial. I just really like a red lip.

What words would you use to describe these new shades?

I would describe these shades as easy to wear. I wanted colors that are classic, ones that I have always worn and to suit every occasion. There are some for day with a mix of beiges and pinks, and for the night the red and darker colours. There is a shade for any occasion.

What was your inspiration behind the shade selection for this Collection?

The inspiration was for classic shades that I have always worn and had in my handbag. There is always a small selection of shades I always go back to and I wanted this range to reflect that as they will never go out of style.

What do you like most about the Lasting Finish Range and its feel on the lips?

What I really love about this range of lipsticks is they do not feel like lipsticks. I really hate that heavy lipsticky feeling you can get on your lips when you first apply it. This range is not at all like that, it has a very comfortable feeling without loosing any of the colour.

Other than your new lipstick range with Rimmel, what are your other favourite Rimmel beauty products?

The flash eyeliner in black is great and I love the Pro nail polish with the maxi brush, they make application so easy.

Other than lipstick what are your other make-up must haves?

Kohl eyeliner –I love a smoky eye. And mascara. My makeup rule is to either have a strong eye or a strong lip not both together.

Great beauty tips, Kate Moss!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Get Glam Like J.Lo With Signature Gold Hoops At Kohl's



Gold hoop earrings.

A classic, and something every gal should own a pair of.

In our thinking....the bigger the hoop, the better! And Jennifer Lopez would strongly agree. The glamorous superstar is always rockin' a pair of big hoops, and now she's brought her signature style to Kohl's.

You, too, can get glam like J.Lo for a lot less. Check out these cute hoops in gold metal and faux crystal! Love these!

Jennifer says she will be wearing a lot of her Jennifer Lopez Collection for Kohl's during the new American Idol season. And she's got many fashionable pieces of jewelry and clothing to show off.

It's okay if the hoops aren't 14 ct. gold. Not everything has to be expensive. J.Lo's jewelry looks fun and glam. And as the sexy Latina superstar says:

"You don't need to spend a lot to look good! When you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, your confidence shines through."

Amen to that.

Originally $24. Now on SALE for $18 at Kohls.com:

Simulated crystals lend a sparkling touch.
Details:
2 3/8-in. diameter
Pierced
Click-it backings
Gold tone

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Too Early For A Pumpkin On The Porch: Try Pumpkin In Your Soap



Cucurbita Pepo.

In other words, pumpkin extract. This is one of the 'magic' ingredients that makes your skin smooth and soft all over.

Fall is fast approaching, and it's time for un-doing some of the sun and summer damage. And all you have to do, is think, pumpkin. It's too early to decorate your porch, so why not 'decorate' your skin.

Pumpkin has become very popular these days at expensive spas and salons. There are pumpkin facial masks, pumpkin body wraps, and so on. Applying pumpkin to the skin is a smart thing to do, because pumpkin is rich in anti-oxidants ---full of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta carotene, and lutein.

And pumpkin acts like Alpha-Hydroxy acids. In other words, skin texture is improved, roughness diminishes, acne stays away, and skin is moisturized and smooth.

We stumbled on to a celebrity favorite---Horto Botanico Pumpkin Soap by Nesti Dante($9, at beautyhabit.com). It's an all-natural vegetable bar soap from Italy with a super rich lather and purifying action. Plus, it smells yummy and is carefully formulated with active and organic ingredients.

Dante Botanico Pumpkin Soap ia a luxurious, cleansing experience. There's not a bad thing in it.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Biotin and Apple Hair Supplement Promises Long Healthy Locks




When it comes to the hair of many beautiful celebrities, some of it is pure extensions. And we can understand why. When you need long, healthy gorgeous hair in an instant, you CAN have some fake hair fast!

But maybe you would prefer to grow your own. Who wants to sit in a salon for hours, as they 'sew' in some hair, even if it's expensive 'human hair'?!

If you want long, healthy locks, you CAN get them, by taking special supplements. These hair vitamins contain essential nutrients that support healthy hair follicles.

Even Manhattan celebrity stylist Ted Gibson recommends popping some hair pills:

"If you want to grow your hair, try taking a supplement called Biotin. I've told a lot of actresses to use this B Vitamin."

We have searched around for a sound hair dietary supplement, and discovered Hair Volume by New Nordic ($19.95, for a 1 month supply). This system is based on a Swedish apple formulation featuring millet and other key nutrients.

And yes, Biotin plays an essential role in the list of ingredients on a bottle of Hair Volume.

It's very simple, too. Just take one tablet with a meal per day.

The Swedish company is calling Hair Volume one of the best for growing strong, shiny hair. And they claim it's all about the apple:

"The Hair Volume™ tablet is a breakthrough that provides skin, hair and nails extra nutrition and strengthens the growth, volume and color of the hair. An effective tablet based on a new ingredient that no other tablet or shampoo has: a natural growth factor extracted from apples."

The way we look at it, an apple is an amazing fruit already rich in anti-oxidants and fiber, and just maybe, its special extract properties can do wonderful things for your hair. It's surely worth a shot.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

How To Melt Away Fat With Your Choice Of 4 Natural Healthy Foods


It's your dietary choice:

Cinnamon.
Olive oil.
Chlorophyll.
White tea
.

Take your pick, ladies, and melt away fat the natural way.

If you've had it with all these diet pills, diet drinks, detox potions, and generally, depriving yourself of a normal amount of calories, let's take a look at the 4 foods above, that are good for you, and are chemical-free. And best of all......Cinnamon, olive oil, chlorophyll, and white tea, can help you drop some pounds in a healthy way:

Cinnamon. A recent British university study found that women eating cinnamon lose 500% more weight AND 300% more belly fat! And the most amazing thing about it-------you don't have to change your diet! And you can lose up to 10 lbs. a week.

Some prefer to take supplements, and you can do that with 4 500mg. of cinnamon daily. 1 with breakfast, 2 with lunch, and 1 with dinner. And for those of you preferring your cinnamon from your kitchen spice rack.....that's the equivalent of four 1/4 tsp. doses of the spice.

Olive oil. 'Dancing with the Stars' Karina Smirnoff uses this clever oil to maintain her sexy, slender figure. 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."

Does she have a point? Acccording to this tidbit from howstuffworks.com, yes!

"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."

Chlorophyll. Dietary experts say that chlorophyll acts like a mild laxative and encourages the liver into becoming a better fat-burning machine. The green pigment is also full of magnesium which helps to balance blood sugar and melt away stubborn belly fat. Chlorophyll is also high in vitamin and mineral content.

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, and an award-winning author of 30 books, tells First for Women magazine that, "the best absorbed form (of chlorophyll) is a liquid extract mixed with water." She suggests a twice daily drink of 1 tsp. of chlorophyll in 8 oz. of water.

White tea. It really does exist and tastes BETTER than green tea. And a group of German scientists have discovered that there are compounds in white tea that are capable of breaking down fat cells and preventing new ones from developing.

Wow!

"We've shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances," Marc Winnefeld says. And he led the team of researchers.

White tea is a fat-buster. This tea has zero calories. So that means the body has to work harder to digest and metabolize it. So your body is expending more energy.

White tea has less caffeine. Also a great feature. You won't get the jitters, and you can enjoy cup after cup, all day. This in turn burns more fat, because if you keep your caffeine level up all day, experts say the body burns calories evenly for hours.

Good luck. Maybe one of these 4 natural foods can help you get skinnier

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Bothered By Weak Brittle Nails? Try Essie 'Grow Faster'

We need a new set of nails.

Seriously. We are so frustrated! Last week, our nails were looking pretty 'buff,' and growing longer, and looking healthier. And then-------

Four nails broke off. Three on the right hand and one on the left. And for us, our ring fingers are always the weakest links, so to speak.

We don't get it. We do NOT abuse our nails by over-painting
them. In fact, we usually just put on a clear coat of polish, and go on with our life. We maintain a good diet and have strong, shiny hair. But for some reason, our finger nails are NOT a beautiful thing.

Weak, brittle nails That is us!

We have tried a few nail hardeners that seem to work for us, and then eventually fizzle out, resulting in a few breakages. But maybe there is more hope on the horizon for us.

Essie is proud of the product they have developed called, Essie Grow Faster ($8, at Walgreens). This one features a base coat in a clinical strength formula with conditioning Argan oil. And best of all, Essie promises that Grow Faster is the "only one that gives you 27% longer nails in just 5 days."

Now that sounds like a beauty product that delivers! We will try this formula soon and keep our fingers crossed.

Friday, September 9, 2011

SJP Teams Up With Manolo To Launch Shoe Collection For Fashion's Night Out


.
Even Carrie Bradshaw would have shown up at the midtown Manhattan Manolo Blahnik shoe boutique last night to buy a sexy pair autographed on the sole by actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

It was the start of Fashion's Night Out, and the beloved star of Sex and the City was there wearing her own stilettos to reveal a shoe collection she co-designed with the master himself, Manolo Blahnik.

How exciting! Wish we were there. A very long-ggg line of SJP fans snaked out the door of the elegant shoe boutique, just to get a glimpse of the fashionable actress and to do a little shoe shopping.

Sarah and Carrie most certainly share a huge love for shoes, especially Manolos. Shoes were often a major theme in the hit HBO television series,'Sex and the City', which still remains popular even in re-runs.

You have to admit, nothing beats a pair of Manolos with those sky-high heels. And SJP once said this:

"You have to learn how to wear his (Manolo Blahnik) shoes – it doesn't happen overnight... I've destroyed my feet completely, but I don't care. What do you really need your feet for, anyway?"

LOL!

As soon as we find a price for a pair of SJP/Manolo Blahniks, we'll update our post.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Getting A BooBoo Now Fun With Cynthia Rowley's New Fashion Band-aids



Say good-bye to the Sponge Bob band-aid and hello to some sequins, gold chains, gems and lace!

Designer Cynthia Rowley has created some sophisticated fashion band-aids that really take the paper cut up to a whole new level! For $4.25 you can take home a designer tin of band-aids and hide your boo boos in style. The band-aids are available starting today at CynthiaRowley.com, and at mass retailers in December.

Let's face it, band-aids aren't just for kids. We had a regular, boring beige band-aid on last week, and we would have appreciated one with some pretty lace.

"While the BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandage, and specifically our decorated adhesive bandages, have always been very popular with kids, we've seen increased interest from adult consumers who are looking for a stylish way to 'Dress Up' cuts during the healing process," says Bryant Ison, Senior Brand Manager, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages. "Cynthia Rowley has been a great partner in lending her creativity to help us bring this category into the limelight for adults in the U.S., and having Cooper-Hewitt onboard makes the project even more special."

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off today in New York City with more than 250 scheduled shows sandwiched into the 8-day lineup! And if you're lucky enough to be there, look for the Cynthia Rowley 'Glambulance' making the rounds today for Fashion's Night Out. What a great promo!

You can also enter the Fashion Malfunction Facebook Contest during Fashion Week and tell us your worst fashion emergency story for the chance to win a $2,500 Cynthia Rowley fashion spree and styling session. Check out www.Facebook.com/Band-Aid for more details.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Kim Kardashian Swears By Sally Hansen Product To Hide Psoriasis Spots



When reality television star and new bride, Kim Kardashian, recently revealed to the world that she suffers from the skin condition, psoriasis, we were blown away by her honesty. And we admire Kim K for showing everyone, that no one is perfect, even in celebrity land.

Kim is not the first celebrity to talk about her psoriasis, but the very popular star puts a new face on the incurable condition, one that causes thick red marks and flaky white patches that look like scales, to form on the skin.

And the beautiful celebrity is now showing other women how to hide psoriasis spots. It's a product we have raved about, time and time again, for our own less than perfect legs. It's Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs ($13.99, at drugstores). We found a can here at Walgreens.

And it's been a key beauty staple for the petite, leggy Kim:

"I’m using Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs spray and it is my lifesaver at the moment," she writes on her website.

"I love this stuff! It really covers up my psoriasis so well!"

And we agree! We have used the bronzing leg spray to hide our own broken capillaries. We love the stuff! We buy the Airbrush Legs in Medium Glow, and it's a gorgeous, sun-kissed stocking-free look.

The spray-on pantyhose comes in 4 blendable shades: Light glow. Medium glow. Tan glow. Deep glow.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs won't cover imperfections like spider veins, completely, but the beauty product minimizes bothersome leg issues. Plus the formula is water-resistant, weightless, and moisturizing with Vitamin K.

If you are frustrated with psoriasis flare-ups and any other issue that attacks your legs, give Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs a try. This one is worth the price.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Buy A Cape Says Rachel Zoe: Fab Fall 2011 Trend!



Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe definitely has her pulse on the fashion scene. And today on GMA, she said that the cape is a must-have for Fall 2011!

Okay, some of you are thinking that capes are very-old lady-looking. But trust us, the cape has come a long way, and we have been seeing some very attractive shapes and styles for the open sleeve garment.

What you have to remember is---PROPORTION, and getting it right. For instance, if you are petite, a cropped cape won't swallow you up.

Think of a cape as another form of a jacket and wear one with your favorite skinny jeans or a flirty dress, for example. It's a versatile piece with a simple cut. And stylish celebs like Rachel Bilson have been photographed ahead of the trend stepping out in a cape as casual wear.

Plaid is hot again this autumn, and would look great in a cape. And don't forget that wool isn't the only fabric you will see. There are sweater capes,cotton ones, and flow-y florals, too. You will also see hooded capes and reversible capes. The list goes on.

It's the cape to the fashion rescue this fall. Don't be afraid to try a few on.

Juicy Couture Jane Wool Cape

NY & Company Colorblock Knit Sweater Cape

Monday, September 5, 2011

Salma Hayek Introduces Nuance Beauty Line At CVS: All Under $20



Nothing priced over $20?

Good news! Actress Salma Hayek has been hinting at a beauty line for a few years now, and finally, it has become a reality. The Latina lovely has just launched her Nuance beauty line at CVS stores.

The 40-something star has developed a 100-piece line, including skin care, makeup, body products and more. And we are most interested in the Nuance shea butter and honey body cream, because it's based on her late grandmother's old family recipe.

And Salma was hands-on in the creation and testing of the entire Nuance line:

"I was truly involved in every aspect of product development, bringing my vision to life in making a line that is available to all women, who are entitled to preserve their youth no matter what," she says.

So, maybe we won't wake up looking like the sexy celebrity after applying the Nuance beauty line, but we admire and appreciate Salma's dedication and integrity to the beauty line. And we think Nuance is worth looking into.

Check out the line at CVS

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Is There Really A Universal Brow Pencil?


Remember these eyebrows?

For those of you who do, these brows were a major part of Brooke Shields' appeal as a child model.

Thick, healthy, perfect brows.

And eyebrows like hers, are once again, front and center in the world of beauty and fashion for Fall 2011.

Are your brows somewhat anemic compared to young Brooke's?

We admit, ours are. We wish we had fuller brows. And many of us submit to the pencil, powder and gels to try and create the perfect arch and shape for our face.

But it's a tricky procedure. Some brow pencils are too harsh, ashy-colored, and so forth. So we wonder, is there another way?

Welcome to the universal brow pencil.

We have heard a lot about these one-size-fits-all beauty products, so can this really work?

Let's take a look at 3 of them:

1. Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil ($15, at the skinstore). It's waterproof---a great thing. And it claims to give all gals a natural look----"formulated to work with all skin tones and hair colors. You'll never have to guess which eyebrow pencil is right for you again."

2. ybf Automatic Eyebrow Pencil Duo
($20, at HSN). A fave of fashion designer Cynthia Rowley. You get 2 pencils in a universal taupe color. The pencil tip is designed to deliver short, feathery strokes. And you get a little brow brush on the other end.

3. Anastasia Go Brow--Universal Brow Pencil
($21, at Sephora). A double-ended brow pencil and highlighter. The universal shade---medium neutral brown/ light pink ivory. According to celebrity brow-guru Anastasia, her pencil "features both a universal brow color Brow Pencil and Highlighter that work together to create perfectly shaped, luminous brows."

So there you have it. These are just 3 of the many so-called universal brow pencils out there.

Universal means, easy to find, in the makeup world. And hopefully, easy to work.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Clumsy Putting On False Lashes? There's an EZ Way To Do It!


We know that celebrities wear them all the time.....the Kardashian sisters, Oprah, and even a Desperate Housewife or two. But most often, these famous women have a super makeup artist applying their false lashes for them. And if you've never put a pair on, well, it can be tricky business, and yes, even intimidating.

Maybe that's why the Kiss company is making life a little less frightening for all our false lash-challenged friends. They have just introduced, Ever EZ Lashes, which promises to deliver, "the easiest lash application ever!".

And there's some string involved.

Say what?

They're called "Easy Place Applicator Strings". Okay, now you've really got our attention. As you can see by the photo, red string is attached to the tiny loop of each faux lash. And the purpose of the string is to allow for perfect placement along the lash line, as you hold each string end to best position the Kiss Ever EZ lashes.

And once applied, just pull the string out.

If it still sounds complicated, check out a good Ever EZ demo at Kissusa.com.

What we like about these false lashes---they're now available at Walgreens ($3.99), CVS, and Walmart. And the folks at Kiss promise you their fauxs are made from the "highest quality hair for a natural, light as air feel.". By the way, you will need a bit of lash adhesive for best results.

Still, these Kiss Ever EZ Lashes take the klutz factor out of the application. If you're all thumbs, don't worry, use them to hold each end of the red string to give yourself the best Kardashian lashes each time.

For more details, visit everezlashes.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Always Choose Serum Over Cream For Best Anti-Aging Results

Beauty 101:

Would you select serum or cream for your face and neck skin care routine?

It's very simple, ladies.

ALWAYS choose the serum when you can. And here's why:

If you want to battle the signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging, pick up the bottle of serum.

According to New York City dermatologist, David J. Goldberg, the face serums are more potent. "Creams usually contain less than 10 percent of active ingredients; serums have up to 70 percent," he says. So, in other words, you are getting more bang for your buck, with a serum.

And we have a super arsenal of serums by Exuviance from the NeoStrata skin care company. So, let's get serious about serums.

It all began with a bottle of Vespera Bionic Serum ($68). And oh, what incredible ingredients inside! The pretty green bottle was more than just a 'pretty face,' as the saying goes. This high-tech beauty science formula blended with proven botanicals really delivers. We were gifted with a bottle of Vespera Bionic Serum and immediately fell in love! And it has remained one of our all-time favorites.

The serum by Exuviance gives the skin a healthy, youthful glow, and over time, the texture really improves. And we are not alone, because clinical studies show:

212% improvement in skin clarity.
89% of users claimed a significant improvement in skin texture and smoothness
.

And we are pleased to report, that Exuviance has added 3 brand new serums to the skin care family. More pretty green bottles to battle the signs of aging:

1. Antioxidant Perfect 10 Serum ($68). A strong serum designed to protect against collagen/elastin breakdown.

2. OptiLight Essential 6 Serum ($68). A complexion-balancing serum that helps fade dark spots.

3. Collagen Triple Boost Serum ($68). A plumping serum packed with collagen stimulators
.

Summer's winding down and we've all suffered a little more skin damage from Mother Nature. It's time to check out this new family addition to the Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum line, and get our skin back on the right track.



Thursday, September 1, 2011

Can't Go Wrong With Michael Kors' Classic Closet Essentials



Luxurious American sportswear.

That is Michael Kors, through and through. And he's been in the fashion biz for a long time, celebrating his company's 30-year anniversary.

If you watch Bravo's popular 'Project Runway' reality show (on tonight 9PM), you know how opinionated the fashion judge is. And we adore that about him.

What we also adore and trust, is the designer's fine taste in women's clothing. So, when Michael Kors tells you what EVERY woman should have in her closet, we take notice.

So, ladies, if you're starting to re-build your wardrobe this fall, or adding some new pieces, but don't know which way to turn, here is Michael Kors' Classic Closet Essentials as told to Elle magazine:

1. White tank or fitted white short-sleeve tee.
2. Fitted long sleeve blouse in white silk.
3. Skinny leg white jeans.
4. Crisp dark denim jeans.
5. Trench in khaki or black.
6. Black cashmere V-neck cardigan.
7. Black cashmere fitted long sleeve crewneck.
8. Black pencil skirt.
9. Black sleeveless crewneck sheath.
10. Black lightweight wool tailored pantsuit.


And from there, you can build a can't-go-wrong wardrobe. Michael Kors has provided the fashion foundation, and we think it's a good list!

The designer also has these great fashion tips:

1. Aviator Sunglasses make any outfit sexy.
2. Buy tailored jackets, coats, dresses, and pants in neutral colors.
3. Saddle-colored leather bags, shoes, and belts are great neutrals that get better with age, and will work year-round with every color and texture in your closet
.


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Liner Cat Eye: Still Strong Beauty Look For Fall 2011


Cat eye. It's big for Fall 2011. Check out Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and all the other top magazines, and you will see that liquid liner can do a girl some good.

The cover shot of Penelope Cruz is one of our faves, because of the gorgeous cat eye makeup. Okay, the photo is two-years-old, but we are showing it again, because this is how a classic, elegant cat eye looks. The winged-out line is not too exaggerated, just subtle.

Penelope's eyes are stunning, and you can see the makeup artist lined her top lids in black liner. And the bottom was enhanced with a dark brown liner and shadow. It's still a strong, sexy eye, but just a bit softer, as the eye rimming is broken up in the two, very subtle colors of black and dark brown.

Of course, there are varying degrees of liner. There are liquid liners, gel liners, cake liners, pencil liners, and shadows for lining, too. And all of them take a bit of practice to master. We like liquid and pencil liners. Liquid is the quickest to apply. It glides on smoothly, but it's also unforgiving. In other words, once liquid liner dries, it's tough to remove and start over.

You can also try this goof-proof helper, the Get in Line Eyeliner and Stencil Kit from Beth Bender Beauty. And it's a unique kit, in that it's, "The only eyeliner stencil that fits any eye shape." Plus, celebrities and beauty editors gave it the big thumbs up.

You receive 3 eyeshadows in the kit, either light or dark. You get the stencils to create the cat eye with the recognizable 'wing tip', and a brush to perfect the shading. And simple step-by-step instructions. A really effective kit at $36.

For more details, visit: BettesBoutique.

Good luck, and arm yourself with tons of Q-tips, to make that perfect wing tip!


Monday, August 29, 2011

Foundation Freak-Out: When You Can't Find The Right Makeup Shade



Foundation. We love it and we hate it.

And yes, just about every girl needs some, unless your skin is almost perfect. Foundation helps to balance your complexion and give it a healthy, sheer glow.

But when you can't match the right makeup shade for your skin tone, we call that, foundation freak-out!

Surely, with all the gazillion gallons of foundation makeup out there, you would think, that finding a shade that blends evenly with your skin color would be a piece of cake.

But sadly, that isn't so. Ask any women with olive skin, or a women of color, and they will tell you, that selecting the perfect foundation match is almost impossible. The color is either too light, too dark, too pink, too ashen, and so on. Many women with darker skin color often feel left out by the gigantic cosmetics industry.

Even superstar Jennifer Hudson admits she uses 2 Mac Studio Fix Fluids, NC45 and NC55, to get a beautiful makeup base:

"I blend two together to get the perfect shade," Jennifer says.

But should we all have to work that hard, just to get a decent foundation for our face?!

Apparently, some of us have to. With our own skin tone (Mediterranean background), which falls under the light olive range, we have tossed out many bottles over the years, even after being 'matched' by a dept. store makeup pro to get the so-called right foundation color. Well, the one she gave us, wasn't a great match.

We finally settled upon Revlon's ColorStay Soft-Flex liquid foundation in Nude. For some reason, this one has been our best match, and we picked it out ourself. No, the shade isn't absolutely perfect, but it's the closest we have come to a good makeup base. And that's the key here----don't look for perfection, just a foundation that closely resembles your own unique skin tone

So then, how do we match a foundation to our face?

A famous makeup artist, Sandy Linter gave us this tip a few years ago:

“I apply a swipe of color near the neck. On the face under the cheekbone. It has to blend into the skin, not exactly match it. But it should cover. Apply it on broken capillaries or something you need to tone down, like ruddy cheeks. See how the foundation sits on the skin.”

Most women don’t think about this, but a wonderful aspect about wearing foundation, is its ability to fight the elements like sun, wind and cold, harsh winter air. Wearing foundation, even without an SPF icluded, still provides a protective barrier, especially against sun damage.

If you have to go through a few bottles of foundation just to settle on one, so be it. Our complexions go through changes in tone over the years, and maybe you need a lighter base this time around. Experiment. Don't be afraid to try another brand.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

30 Rock's Jane Krakowski Uses This Beauty Product 365 Days A Year



Guess you could call television's Jane Krakowski a makeup hoarder.

The very funny and very pretty 30 Rock star and new mom, ia giving out a special beauty tip, one she she uses in her daily makeup routine:

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22, at Sephora).

In fact, Jane cannot live without this particular beauty item. She once had a major freak-out about it:

"I own a lifetime supply of Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening powder," Jane says. "I use it all the time, so when I heard it was being discontinued, I rushed out and bought 15 of them. Turns out, it was only a rumor."

Amazing story. And we understand Jane's panic. It's like a favorite skin care product or lip gloss suddenly being discontinued. Aaargh! Sometimes you lose it.....Now what are we gonna use?

The Laura Mercier brightening powder appears to have a cult following, because it does incredible things for dark, undereye circles.

The product is special, because it sets your undereye concealer and adds a luminous boost to the eye area. And the Secret Brightening powder comes in 2 shades:

Color #1: for fair to medium skin tones.
Color #2: for medium to tan and darker skin tones
.

This powder is so light, like a pixie dust, if there ever where such a thing. The powder contains micronized pigments that will not settle in fine lines or accentuate shadows and instantly delivers a soft, weightless finish. The texture of the powder is unbelievable.

This stuff is like beauty magic. Your eyes come alive. You look rested and awake.

Great beauty tip, Jane Krakowski!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Megan Fox Turns To Laser: Best Way To Get Rid Of Marilyn Tattoo





Maybe you should, "Think before you ink."

Actress Megan Fox is trying to make her big Marilyn Monroe tattoo disappear for good from her right forearm.

You can see from the top photo that the tat of the iconic blonde beauty' is now almost a ghost on the slender arm of the 24-year-old movie star, who was in NYC for an event last week.

In the other photos, take a peek at Angelina Jolie's back and the stunning tiger tattoo. The gorgeous film actress has more than a dozen tats. And she, too, once wanted to get rid of one of her tats. It was the big Billy Bob in ink on her left arm. Following their divorce, Angelina had the memory lasered off.

Speaking of tattoo removal, unfortunately, when the ink covers a large area of skin, and is done in heavy black ink like Megan's Marilyn tattoo, one can expect several visits to the dermatologist for some major lasering.

And the procedure isn't cheap. Tattoo laser removal can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up into the thousands of dollars, depending on the size and location of the tattoo, the number of visits involved, and so on. The lousy thing, medical insurance will not pay for tattoo removal since it is considered cosmetic in nature. Plus the procedure is a bit uncomfortable.

During laser tattoo removal, the procedure causes the pigment in the ink to fragment, or break into smaller particles that are then removed by the body's immune system.

We suppose you could say, 'Good-bye, Norma Jean.'

We're not sure if Megan Fox has any more ink ideas up her sleeve.


Thursday, August 25, 2011

VS Angel Miranda Kerr: Beauty By Noni Juice And Coconut Oil




Victoria's Secret angel Miranda Kerr owes her amazing body and flawless skin to 2 key foods she cannot live without:

Noni juice and coconut oil.

The gorgeous model married to actor Orlando Bloom, has maintained a super body following birth to son Flynn Christopher, who is now 7-months-old.

Miranda Kerr really got generous with her beauty tips in a new interview with the Australian issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. Here it is, ladies:

Noni Juice: “I’ve been drinking it since I was 14, and when I’ve got a long day ahead of me, it’s the one thing I can’t live without,” Miranda says.

With claims that Tahitian noni juice “supports your immune system, delivers superior antioxidants, increases energy, and allows greater physical performance levels,” she doesn't mind paying $38 for a liter of it.

Coconut Oil. “I personally take four tablespoons of coconut oil per day, either on my salads, in my cooking or in my cups of green tea,” the model explains.

“I will not go a day without coconut oil,” Miranda adds.

Of course, supermodels with super bodies also hit the gym.

We think Miranda Kerr has never looked better! And we are certain that the sale of noni juice and coconut oil will sky-rocket after this supermodel revelation.



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

OMG! Courteney Cox Has Fave Nose Hair Trimmer: Panasonic Swing Head



We LOVE when gorgeous celebrities give us beauty tips and favorite makeup brands. But favorite nose hair trimmer?

Thank you, Courteney Cox! We adore your honesty and advice. And yeah, we will listen to you about nose hair trimmers.

It isn't TMI, or too much information. Actually, Courteney is like a breath of fresh air. The Cougar Town actress is a style blogger for xojane.com. And believe it or not, a good nose hair trimmer is one of the dark-haired lovely's beauty essentials:

"Jane asked me about the best nose hair trimmer,” Courteney Cox says in her latest column. “Embarrassing, but the Panasonic Swing Head is great for that and for eyebrow trimming.”

Great. Thanks, Courteney. We found one at Amazon.com for $17.85. Plus....the customer reviews are very high on this nifty,feminine nose hair trimmer.

Hey, sometimes, these little hush-hush beauty gadgets come in handy. And it's available in pink. Cute!