Want A Hair Dryer That Lasts? Try This One...

Let's be honest.....We go through at least one hair dryer a year. And we are not alone.

How is that possible?

We have a lot of hair that's below the shoulders, and it takes us about 20 minutes to blow it dry. And because we have a lot of shapeless, fine strand volume, we add substantial hair styling product to give it better definition and staying power.

And yeah, we blast the dickens out of the hair dryer.

Usually we purchase a cheap, no-name blower, because we know it will break within the year. And at the moment, our inexpensive hair dryer for the last 5 mos. is getting ready to bust apart. It sounds a bit slower, as if the gear is going.

This time around, we want to go for the quality, and hope our styling investment won't do us wrong. We need a blow dryer that can REALLY stand the heat. Maybe, we've found a very good one.

We did a little research and stumbled upon this brand---Elchim. Some hair pros give this powerful hair gadget high marks. So, let's look further.

The Elchim 2001 Professional Hair Dryer (Elchim Classic), regularly $100, at a low price on Amazon for $70.70.

And here are the Elchim 2001's special features:
7 switch combination's for a variety of speed and temperature settings
1800 watts of power
Light weight
Air flow of 40 liters per second
Concentrator nozzle
Removable lint filter
Safety plug
Backed by Elchim's 60 years of experience of building hair dryers
Made in Italy
1 year limited warranty

Plus, this little hair styling cutie cuts your drying time in half and boasts about having a quiet blowing level.

Sounds like the Elchim 2011 blows away the competition>.

Do you own an Elchim?

Catwalk By Tigi Helps Create Big Hair Trend For Fall 2011

Ladies, when it comes to hair for Fall 2011, 'Go BIG or go home!'

Seriously, it's all about the volume, and making the most of what you've got, and of course, adding on some faux pieces if you need to.

We told you earlier this week about the HOT headband trend, and that of course, looks great with all that massive hair. But you can also take that big volume and wrap it into a sexy updo, a la 'Mad Men', like the model here at the Bottega Veneta runway show.

And you don't have to copy a runway look strand for strand. If it's TOO HUGE, then lower your bouffant and keep it a bit messy and un-done for reality here on the streets.

To get the big hair look, you need to create some major volume. This time, we are looking at Catwalk by Tigi hair products. We like their attitude, because the products are ,"inspired by fashion/designed by hairdressers," as the Tigi company likes to say.

Check out Tigi's Catwalk hairstyling line in the purple bottles. We are suggesting Tigi Catwalk Thickening Gel, 7.27 oz. This stuff delivers big hair, thanks to a super blend of Jasmin, Violet and UV filters that help protect hair while making it feel thicker and healthier.

We found a special price on a 6-bottle case of Catwalk Thickening Gel Creme at Amazon.com. This should last you through the cold season of the Big Hair Trend for Fall/Winter.

Rachel Zoe's QVC Faux Fur Vests Are 'Bananas!'

As celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe likes to say, "This is bananas!"
And these days, everything seems to be coming up bananas for the fashion forward stylist with her Rachel Zoe clothing lines and her successful Bravo reality TV show.

Today, we're looking at fab faux fur vests. In particular, we adore the Luxe Rachel Zoe for QVC 'Faux Shearling Vest with Nailhead Detail' ($134.50, at QVC)

Rachel Zoe has several great faux fur vests available at QVC.com. We like this one because it has a cool belt with it and looks rich.

We also think that actress Garcelle Beauvais can really rock this Zoe vest. See how sexy Garcelle looks wearing the Zoe/QVC vest! And if you don't think that wealthy celebs wear items from an inexpensive QVC line, well, think again.

The Luxe Rachel Zoe for QVC faux fur vest comes in black and caramel. We are eyeing the caramel at the moment. And the vest comes in sizes XS through 3x.

Stylist/designer Rachel Zoe has her finger on the fashion pulse, and if she is putting her name on an article of clothing, you can be sure it's HOT at the moment, well-styled and well-crafted.

We give this Luxe Rachel Zoe faux fur vest two thumbs up!

Black Headband: Simple Chic Hot Hair Accessory For Fall 2011

Headbands are HOT at the moment, especially black headbands. And no, you don't have to be a 12-year-old to rock one. And you don't have to have super long, straight hair to slip one on.

Headbands look chic and polished on any hair color, texture, length and style.

Plus, a headband won't break your wallet, and can also disguise a bad hair day.

We've seen a number of famous heads rockin' the black headband, including---Paris Hilton, Lily Collins, Hilary Duff, Sandra Bullock, Kourtney Kardashian, Emma Watson, and Heidi Klum with a cool double-band style like this one:

Double Black Snakeskin Headband-$11.99.

Look around for the perfect black headband in leather, satin, velvet, stretch cotton, lace, metal, feathers, and more.

Traction Alopecia: Even Hair Extension Celebs Get Bald Spots

Hair extensions.

Most of your favorite celebrities have them. But did you know that some of these beautiful Hollywood heads are also suffering from traction alopecia?!

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by pulling on the hair, and can occur when someone wears fake hair or hair extensions. The weight of these added hair strands are much too heavy for the follicle, and it in turn, dies, or stops growing normal hairs. Even wearing simple clip-on extensions for several hours a day, can rip out one's natural hair.

And that's when a hair extension wearer will freak out. Hair breakage can occur, and one is left with severely damaged, thin locks, and at worst, bald spots, which sometimes remain permanent. And that is a frightening experience we would never wish on any woman.

Take a look at the photo snapped about a year ago. That's supermodel Naomi Campbell at a NYC fashion shoot. You can clearly see the bald spot she has developed for wearing straight hair extensions for a number of years now.

And we aren't trying to make Naomi Campbell the poster girl for traction alopecia. We are merely emphasizing a point here---that getting instant, long, full hair can come with its consequences.

We happen to think that Naomi has a stunningly beautiful face, and she is gorgeous, even with a hair weakness.

Celebrities like Entertainment Tonight's Nancy O'Dell, Paris Hilton, the Kardashian sisters, and many others, are slaves to their Rapunzel-like extensions. They cannot seem to let them go. You might remember when Kim K had her hair 'cut' a few months ago. Then about a week or two later, had the extensions put back in. We're really not sure how long her real hair is. We thought her shorter hair looked healthy and prettier on her petite frame.

Sure, celebrities go to the best hair professionals around, and probably shell out $5,000 or more for some instant,long, shiny tresses. But bald spots can happen, even to beautiful, wealthy women, as the photo of Naomi Campbell clearly reveals.

Hair extension experts advise extension wearers to head to the salon every 6-12 weeks for maintenance. And some stylists believe in the power of coconut oil to condition the hair shaft and make it stronger. The oil is rich in fatty acids and very nourishing, and the hair shaft is able to absorb all its goodness.

How to Condition Hair with Coconut Oil.

Need Some Root Rescue? A Must-Have For Makeup Bags

When Jennifer Lopez was crowned People magazine's 'Most Beautiful' person earlier this year, she admitted in an interview, that she started going gray at age 23, and has since then, been touching up her roots every 2 weeks!

Don't laugh. We know how she feels. We, too, began going gray around the same age, and it's been a beauty battle that NEVER ends. We think it's especially tough for dark hair, because roots against a brown or black mass of hair stick out quite prominently.

That's why we LOVE those quick-fix root pens! No bigger than a tube of lipgloss. Easy to carry around and rapid to the rescue. You use them just like you would a tube of mascara. Comb on, let dry, and you're back in business!

Today, we're looking at QuickTint ($14.95, at QuickTint.net. We like the simplicity of this QuickTint pen and the staying power it delivers. Plus, it comes in 10 glossy shades:

Pale Ash Blonde, Honey Blonde, Medium Reddish Brown, Strawberry Blonde, Auburn, Copper, Medium Ash Brown, Medium Golden Brown, Dark Brown and Rich Black.

We like this stuff because it is water-proof, and can even stay on through a couple shampoos. To remove it, take an eye makeup remover pad and swipe over the QuickTint color, and then shampoo, and it's gone.

Yes, QuickTint is a makeup bag must-have for us, because you never know when a lone gray hair or pesky root will pop up, and that's usually at the wrong time.

We give QuickTint a thumbs up!

Freaked Out About Foundation? Then Try Tinted Moisturizer

Not a fan of foundation, no matter how you put it on....liquid, cream, spray-on, powder?

That's okay, but don't think you can walk around bare-face, and look so amazing.

Foundation serves a key beauty purpose:

It balances your skintone and can cover up less than perfect skin issues.

But we get it. Some women don't like the feel of foundation on their face. It's 'too heavy.'

Fine. Then let's put on a great tinted moisturizer, and you're good to go!

And we have a wonderful product by Hourglass, called 'Illusion Tinted Moisturizer' ($55, at Sephora.

A bit pricey at $55? Maybe, but this tinted moisturizer delivers the goods in a big way. You get superb coverage with a barely there formula, plus---it's oil-free. Doesn't grease up.

And Illusion Tinted Moisturizer also performs a little magic, according to the Hourglass company:

"Added Instalift® at 3% lifts and visibly tightens the skin within one hour of application. Hyaluronic Filling Spheres™ at 3% help minimize the appearance of wrinkles while increasing skin's hydration levels to deliver a healthy, dewy radiance."

It's available in 6 shades to perfectly match your complexion.

Let's face it---we all need a little coverage, and if foundation is just too fake, hard to match, or feels wrong, then choose a tinted moisturizer. You will love the natural-looking results and polished finish to your complexion.

Off The Shoulder Top: Hot Fashion Budget Tip Of The Day

Is it just us, or do off-the-shoulder tops seem to be a hot trend for Fall 2011?!

Flip through some of your favorite catalogues or pop into some of your preferred boutiques, and you will notice off-the-shoulder tees, sweaters and more, in some yummy autumn shades, like eggplant, rust, and olive.

Do we dare to compare?

Yes. We're all in the hunt for a great bargain these days. Let's take a look at our Hot Fashion Budget Tip of the Day:

Two gorgeous off-the-shoulder tops by Victoria's Secret and Body Central, with two different price tags. The VS top will run you $39.50. The Body Central Top will cost you $19.80. According to our math, the cheaper off-the-shoulder top saves you $19.70. So, you could practically buy 2 for the price of 1, at Body Central.

Don't get us wrong----We adore Victoria's Secret. But sometimes, it's more fun to save $$$ and get a pretty duplicate for less.

You be the judge. Take a look at both off-the-shoulder tops, and decide if there's a huge difference in style and quality. We think both are beautiful in a stretchy, flattering fabric.

BodyCentral
VictoriasSecret

Lindsay Lohan's 'Lost' Porcelain Veneers: Where Did Celebrity Smile Go?

Porcelain veneers. Many beautiful celebrities in Hollywood have them. And these perfect fake teeth can cost up to $2,000 and more, for just one veneer.

Now, let's take a look at actress Lindsay Lohan in the top, double-shot photo. The pic was snapped a couple of nights ago, as the troubled 25-year-old walked a red carpet event in L.A..

Ever since a much less-than-perfect smile emerged from Lindsay Lohan's mouth Tuesday evening, the ugly chatter has not ceased. And this poor young woman cannot get a break.

Lots of cruel internet gossip is calling LiLo's smile a 'rotting mouth,' 'meth mouth,', and worse.

But we see it more like this: Lindsay's perfect porcelain veneers are missing, and what you see are her real teeth---stained, a bit yellow, and not perfect like her smile was in the photo below of the younger actress in 2005. She was 19 in that pic. And study her smile there---Lindsay's super white teeth appear to be those of porcelain veneers.

So, where have LiLo's porcelain veneers gone? Who knows. She's probably having them re-done. But in the meantime, maybe she should have skipped the unforgiving flash bulbs of the red carpet until she got back her beautiful smile.

We believe the top photo shows Lindsay Lohan with teeth that have been prepared previously for veneers, because the cosmetic dentist removes only about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the surface of each tooth before placing the veneer over the natural tooth.

We did a little research on porcelain veneers, and can see why Hollywood is hot for this perfect, dazzling smile:

Natural-looking results
Made from extremely durable material
Minimally-invasive procedure
Resistant to staining
Correct multiple flaws
Long-lasting solution - 10 to 15 years
Restore strength and functionality to the teeth
Customized for your individual smile
Relatively quick process - one to two appointments
Restore your confidence, smile proudly.

We found our veneer information here.

Palladium Instead Of Platinum? Celebrities Are Wearing It

Palladium is as beautiful as platinum, and almost half the price of gold!

That's what the Palladium Alliance International industry is saying, in a new, mega-million ad campaign featuring celebrities like Kelly Osbourne, Pam Anderson, and Rose McGowan in a clever tagline, I'm So Over Heavy Metal."

Would you wear the newest thing in bling? Palladium instead of pricier platinum?

Palladium is a member of the platinum family, but lighter in weight, very durable, and a naturally white precious metal. And metal experts say you can't tell the difference between the two. Plus, if you have sensitive skin, palladium is hypo-allergenic.

In this up & down economy, it might be wise to take a closer look at palladium, and make your dream of owning some elegant jewelry pieces a reality, by not blowing your budget.

We found some Wall Street stats for yesterday, October 12th:

Platinum closed up $36.00 at $1552.00 an ounce.
Palladium closed up $6.00 at $610.00 an ounce.

To learn more about the new thing in bling, visit:

ImSoOverHeavyMetal.com
PalladiumJewelry.org

Makeup Artist Mario Uses Inexpensive Liquid Eyeliner For Kim's Wedding Day Glamour

Although Kim Kardashian's wedding took place 6 weeks ago, people are still raving about her 3 gorgeous gowns and the stunning makeup applied by her personal cosmetics pro, Mario Dedivanovic.

And we all got to witness the extravagant nuptials of Kim and Kris in a special E-channel broadcast on Monday night. Lots of people were complaining that the 2-night, 4-hour wedding reality show only gave fans about a 30-minute glimpse into the gala celebrity event itself. That was disappointing, but looking at Kim K's makeup up close, was worth the long wait.

Her makeup man, Mario, did an incredible job transforming the dark-haired beauty into a Cleopatra-esque bride. And her artist generously gave out all the makeup details at his website. Most of the cosmetics he used were high end, like Lancome, Dior, and La Mer. But Mario Dedivanovic did go 'cheap' on Kim's eyeliner, and you can try this beauty tip, too:

"I lined her eyes (top lid only) using Cover Girl Line Exact Liquid Liner in Very Black," Mario says. "Start out with a thin line at the inner corner and gradually thicken the line as you go towards the outer corners. Wing the liner up and out."

Amazing! Kim K's cat-eye signature look always comes out perfect and polished, and we can't believe that one could get the same, high glam effect, using a $5.59 drugstore find, but there's the proof.

We like the concept of the CG Line Exact Liquid Liner because it is similar to a sharp-pointed felt pen and glides over the eyelid smoothly. The only downside to the CG liner pen, was its stingy amount. We ran out of liner within a week or so.

We were baffled. Where did the product go?

To see more of Kim Kardashian's step-by-step glam wedding makeup, check out Mario Dedivanovic's website here.

How To Get Soft Kissable Lips And Support Breast Cancer

If you tend to ignore your lips in your daily beauty routine, and just slap some lip balm on, well, you're NOT doing enough.

Lips need TLC, and here is why:

Lips are thinner in skin structure, very sensitive, and lack protective oil glands.
Lips also don't have enough melanin to protect us from the searing heat. Melanin is the natural skin pigment that filters out the strong and damaging UV rays.

Yes, lip balm is necessary and a good start. But there is more you can do to keep your lips soft and kissable. And we have found you a super lip scrub treatment with 20% of its proceeds going to the V Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness through the month of October.

But first, let's get to some Soft, Kissable Lips basics:

1. A toothbrush. You need one one of these as your key instrument for lip maintenance. No. We're not kidding. You must exfoliate as part of your daily and nightly routine. For instance, after brushing your teeth, take your wet toothbrush and gently brush your lips in a circular motion for several seconds. This brushing will loosen dead, chapped skin and give you smoother, softer lips..

2. Lip Treatment. And here is where our special lip scrub exfoliator takes the TLC one step further. We adore Sara Happ's Limited Edition Sparkling Pink Grapefruit Lip Scrub ($24, at b.glowing.com). And as we mentioned above, whenever you buy this yummy pink grapefruit lip scrub, you are helping fight the war on breast cancer.

You can find Sara Happ beauty products online and at many beauty stores and boutiques.

And this lip scrub is simple to use. Massage a generous amount over your lips with a firm, circular motion. You can even use the toothbrush to massage rather than your fingers. Then wipe away with a tissue. Say bye-bye dry, flaky skin and hello to the softest, most kissable lips around.

And now, go ahead and put your lip balm on.

How To Deal With Large Pores And Conceal Them

We have oily skin and unfortunately, large pores. And the two, usually go hand-in-hand.

What can you do about large pores?

You can effectively 'shrink' them through several beauty routines, but you CANNOT reduce large pores PERMANENTLY.

Genetics and the aging process have plenty to do with the size of your pores.

It's frustrating, indeed. We have seen some women with great skin who seemingly have NO pores. We want those tiny pores. But since our DNA didn't bless us in that department, we will show you how to fake smaller-looking pores.

1. Cleansing routine. When pores get clogged with oil and debris, pores are more noticable. You need to wash your face with a cleanser that goes deep. Try a glycolic acid or salicylic acid cleanser.

2. Skin care nightly routine. Try a retinol serum or its stronger prescription cousin Retin-A, before going to bed. The Vitamin A derivative tones down the greasiness and lifts the dirt from pores, while boosting collagen and elastin production. You get back healthier skin with less prominent pores.

3. Exfoliation routine. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion facials are excellent at shrinking the appearance of pore size. Your skin takes on a rosy glow as layers and layers of dead skin cells are removed through these treatments.

4. Primer/Corrector routine. Put a primer on BEFORE you apply foundation, and watch pores disappear. A primer evens out your complexion by providing a smooth layer for foundation to sit upon.

We also like Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector ($18, at beauty stores like Nordstrom's. This is a super corrector because it shrinks pores all day long and makes your complexion look flawless. You can wear it alone or even OVER your foundation as a finish.

Don't give up on makeup because you have large pores. Cosmetics like primer, corrector and foundation can conceal them effectively.

Mother And Grandmother Know Best: 3 Celebrity Natural Beauty Treatments That Work

"Mother knows best."

You've heard that one before, and most of the time, Mother IS right. And how about Grandmother?

When it comes to beauty, some of the best anti-aging secrets are passed down from generation to generation.

Today, we are looking at 3 celebrities with favorite natural beauty recipes they swear by. Let's take a look:


1. Padma Lakshmi, the India-born beauty and host of Bravo TV's 'Top Chef,' shares a great hair treatment she's passing along from her family.

To get glossy, healthy hair like Padma, pick up a bottle of this:

Jojoba Oil (Desert Essence JoJoba Oil, $14.99, at Desert Essence). This is the organic brand Padma uses.

"To fight flakes, I microwave a cup of this and massage it into my scalp. My grandmother used to do it on the stove," Padma explains.

2. Queen Latifah, the actress and Cover Girl model, maintains smooth, glowing skin with a familiar yellow box:

Baking Soda. It's a cheap, radiance booster. "Mix baking soda with water and use it on your face as an exfoliater. My grandmother gave me that tip," she says.

Queen Latifah is right. Baking soda is super at sloughing off dead skin cells and taming blackheads. Just make a gooey paste of it and apply to face in circular motion, and rinse off. Protects against pimples.

3. Liv Tyler, actress and new U.K. Pantene model, heads right to an old family favorite to keep her complexion clear and taut. The 34-year-old beauty sets her makeup with a quick spritz of rose water. Smart girl, because the mist has a firming effect on skin.

We spoke with a rose water expert and learned that Liv Tyler knows what she's doing:

"Rose water is very rich in flavonoids and vitamins, including A, C, D, E andB3," Dana Vasileva 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."

3 wonderful natural beauty treatments. Thank you, Padma, Queen Latifah, and Liv!

Creamy Shiny New Colour Riche Le Gloss: J.Lo Wears It!

Do you actually care what J.Lo wears on her lips?!

Well, yes. She IS the most beautiful person in the world, according to People Magazine. So, sure, all eyes are on Jennifer Lopez these days. And because the sexy American Idol judge is one of the faces for L'Oreal cosmetics, we like to see the new makeup she puts on.

L'Oreal has recently launched their new Colour Riche Le Gloss. We are a fan of the Colour Riche lipstick, because it's creamy and has staying power and comes in a gazillion lipstick shades.

Le Gloss is available in 16 shades. And Jennifer Lopez wears Le Gloss in Golden Splash #159. We adore this lip color on her.

We like Colour Riche Le Gloss in Baby Blossom and Raspberry Splash. It's a high wattage gloss and sheer without the thick, sticky texture of some lip glosses. Plus, Le Gloss is creamy and rich in Vitamin E, argan oil, and omega 3. And at $7.99, it's a great buy. We found some at Ulta. And you can find L'Oreal beauty products at your favorite drugstore, too.

Apple Cider Or White: Vinegar Rinses Are Good For Healthy Hair

Maybe your grandmother or great-grandmother used to do vinegar rinses after shampooing the hair.

With so many hair conditioning treatments out there today, you probably haven't tried a cold blast of vinegar in the shower. And if you have, then you might know what it's like when the sting of vinegar hits your eyes accidentally.

Oh....the burn!

And yes, vinegar STINKS, but when you rinse the hair, the strong odor leaves the building, and you are left with a super clean scalp, no itchiness, and healthy, shiny strands of hair, free of the gunk and build-up from tons of styling product usage.

Apple cider vinegar appears to be most popular for rinsing hair following a shampoo. Users says it gives locks lots of body and bounce. And some swear, that a vinegar rinse helps hair GROW faster!

We prefer a white vinegar rinse, because we have learned that it also helps keep hair dye in longer. Yes, it DOES work, not perfectly, but better than not doing the rinse.

And it's so easy to do:

1.One-to-one ratio. That's the perfect vinegar cocktail to use after shampooing hair. Blend water and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. Apply to wet hair and rinse. The vinegar de-tangles hair nicely, too and closes the hair cuticle for bigger shine.

Do a vinegar rinse about once or twice a week.

Vinegar will balance the pH level in your scalp and effectively unclog the hair follicles.

To lock in hair color a little longer, do this:

1. AFTER coloring---Rinse out your newly-colored hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Then mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a cup (about half a cup of each) and pour over your hair. Rinse thoroughly with cool-ish water.

This raises the pH level of the hair color and gives it more staying power.

Either way, give your tired hair a invigorating vinegar rinse. If that doesn't wake you up, we don't know what will.

Liv Tyler Tapped To Be New UK Pro-V Pantene Ambassador

Pantene. It's a brand that's been around for quite a long time, and with good reason---it's a wonderful hair care line. And we are so happy for actress Liv Tyler , who will begin appearing in television and print ads for Pantene in the U.K. come November 1st.

The brand is a launching a brand new ‘Repair and Protect’ collection for normal to thick hair.

Liv Tyler has gorgeous brunette locks, just like her daddy, rock icon and American Idol judge, Steven Tyler.

"I'm really excited about working with Pantene on this new project, especially as I did a Pantene ad back in 1996 when I was 19. I've tried lots of different hair care brands over the years, but Pantene is my favorite as it always leaves my hair looking and feeling really healthy."- Liv

Our Pantene favorites on this side of the pond include:

1. Pro-V-Fine Hair Solutions Shampoo, Flat to Volume ($6.99, at drugstores). Amazing body-building shampoo. Beefs up skinny strands. Smells so good!

2. Pro-V Fine Hair Style Root Lifter Spray Gel ($3.99, at drugstores). We preferred the original formula last year. Pantene changed it, but we still adore this volumizing spray gel. A lightweight spray made with special polymers that create big hair and shine.

Target Budget Buy: Open Cardigan Hot Sweater For Fall 2011

Take a look at your clothing catalogues....Boston Proper, Victoria's Secret, Banana Republic, etc. Inside those pages you will find lots of open cardigan sweaters.

And the prices can vary---from a $50 to several $$hundred more. But we found a super cute Open Cable Cardigan by Merona at your local Target store. And just $25on SALE. Your choice of color in Grey. Black. Tan. Or Cream. All classic neutrals that never go out of style, and match up beautifully with any color in the spectrum.

The Merona Open Cable Cardigan is nice and cozy for those brisk Autumn days and nights.

Sizing: Women Sizing with a Classic Fit
Knit Type: 2 x 2 Rib, Cable
Material: 53 % Cotton, 40 % Rayon, 7 % Nylon
Neckline Style: Open Neckline , Shawl Collar
Sleeve Style: Long Sleeves , Finished Cuffs
Garment Length: Below Waist
Hem Style: Finished Hems
Care and Cleaning: Machine Wash

We think this is a great fashion budget buy from Target, and looks just as stylish as the more expensive open cardigans you see in your favorite catalogues.

BeautyTipToday Crowns Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Winner

We can't help it, we are ADDICTED to cocoa butter!

We love the smell of it, but most importantly, we can't believe how super soft it makes our skin.

Our hands used to look so dry and rough, especially during the very cold winter months. And that's when we started making cocoa butter an important part of our daily beauty routine.

And Beauty Tip Today is excited to crown the Cocoa Butter Winner:

Queen Helene.

This brand of effective moisturizer has been around for a very long time---80 years to be exact. The good news--Queen Helene is cheap, can be bought at your local drugstore, and works as well, if not better, than the very expensive cocoa butters out there.

We are in love with 2 of Queen Helene's cocoa butter products:

1. Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion. Just $3.49 for a 32 oz. bottle at Walgreens.
2. Cocoa Butter Creme. Only $5.79 for a 15 oz. tub at CosmeticSolutions.

So, what's in Queen Helen's cocoa butter products? A blend of cocoa butter and pure lanolin. Maybe that's the beauty magic. You can appply it to your crow's feet, stretch marks, your entire body for instant softness. It absorbs wonderfully.

Both smell divine, especially their hand and body lotion.

We did a little research on the benefits of cocoa butter. And if you having been using it, continue to do so. Cocoa butter is full of great things for your skin. We found that out at the bodyshop.com blog:

"Cocoa butter is, first and foremost, arguably one of the best natural emollients to be found. It’s a traditional moisturizer, as the EGCG blog points out, used for centuries to keep people’s skin in many nations soft and protected. And because it melts at body temperature, it is more easily and readily absorbed by the skin. Its natural, subtle chocolate scent also makes your skin smell like dessert, and who doesn’t want to smell like a cupcake?"

You're right. It's good to smell like a cupcake!

Celebrities Flipping For Fall 2011 Hair Trend: Deep Side Part

It can be edgy or elegant. Either way, the deep side part is the hair look for Fall 2011.

The center-part is easy and very Boho, and many women part their hair down the middle every day. But this time, just a couple of inches to one side can spell S-O-P-H-I-S-T-I-C-A-T-I-O-N!

And beautiful celebrities are flipping for this fab trend. Check out our photos of English model/actress Rosie Huntington-Whitely, actress Blake Lively, and actress Christina Applegate. All three ladies look tres chic with some wave and volume.

So, exactly where do you part the hair to get this style correct?

Ask a pro, like Adir Abergel. The hair expert tells Star magazine how to do the deep side part:

"The deeper, the better when it comes to parting your hair this season," says the Fekkai celebrity stylist. "A quick parting can dress up your look. Follow the highest arch of your brow---that is where your part should begin."

Sounds simple enough. And this is a nice, polished look for any length, texture and color of hair.

We give the deep side part two thumbs up!

Fingertips Take Center Stage This Fall: Hot Color CND In Dark Ruby

Designer Carolina Herrera has always put together sophisticated, elegant, lady-like shows. And from her Fall 2011 runway collection, one beauty accessory really 'nailed' the spotlight:

Striking burgundy fingertips!

And this one is making the super hot trend: CND Colour in Dark Ruby ($9).

Yes, it certainly reminds us of Vamp, the cult fave Chanel nail shade that hit the fall runway back in 1994. The dark red/black Vamp instantly became a huge hit. And we are happy to see the CH models reviving yet another rich, dark shade like CND Dark Ruby #540.

We suggest, that if you can't wait to get your hands on a bottle of Dark Ruby, do make sure you first keep your nails short, neat, and squarely-shaped. And this is key: A glossy top-coat is a must!.

At the Carolina Herrera show, a regal Crown Jewel Manicure was created by using 2 coats of Dark Ruby topped with CND's Super Shiney Top Coat to complete a polished look with fresh-faced makeup and classic chignons.

We found a bottle of CND Dark Ruby #540 on Ebay for just $5.95. Take a look.

OMG: It's 'Vampire Filler' PRP To Scare Away Wrinkles

We like to think we're pretty knowledgable about cosmetic injectables, but boy, PRP takes the cake.

In some beauty circles, it's called vampire filler. LOL...And it's been developed to frighten your fine lines and wrinkles into hiding for about 1 year.

And yes, it involves taking blood---- your own blood, and having it spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. Those enriched cells are then injected around your crow's feet and the dark hollows of the eyes, and into other stubborn scars and wrinkles. So, the PRP becomes a filler just like the popular fillers we all know and love---Restylane, Perlane, Sculptra, Juvederm, and so forth.

How is this possible? From the research we uncovered in the July issue of Vogue magazine, PRP or platelet-rich-plasma, has been around for a long time in the world of orthopedics. The platelet broth is used to treat problems like tendinitis or a torn ligament, by speeding up the healing with a saturation of your OWN concentrated platelets into the injured area.

And although vampire filler is still in the pioneering stages here, for it's reaction with fine lines and wrinkles, doctors are allowed to legally use PRP, off-label for cosmetic use.

If you're squeamish about giving blood, well, then maybe 'vampire beauty,' isn't for you. About 4 test tubes of blood need to be drawn from your arm.

The good news: You can't be allergic to PRP because it's from your OWN blood.

The bad news: You won't be able to see immediate changes, like you would with a pre-packaged filler. It takes some time with vampire filler to scare away wrinkles and other complexion issues.

Would you roll up your sleeve to try a little PRP to get smoother skin?

Don't laugh. We would! We'll have to check with our dermatologist to see if he's even heard of this cutting edge beauty technology.

VS's New Showstopper Bra Perfectly Smooth Under All Your Autumn Knits

It's getting to be sweater weather, ladies, and that means you need a perfectly smooth bra for your favorite autumn knits.

Welcome, Showstopper! Victoria Secret's newest bra ($48) is ideal for giving you un-bumpy curves and contours where you need them most.

“It’s smooth on the skin and doesn’t show under clothing,” VS angel Adriana Lima boasts.

Let's be honest, if your undergarment is heavily padded and lacey, those features can show right through a thinner sweater, adding bulk and lumps.

The Victoria Secret Showstopper is carefully designed to show nothing but your shape. This collection of bras has padding and underwire, but the intricate nylon/spandex technology provides a no-show coverage because it is very light and soft. The VS Showstopper disappears under your best knitwear.

The full-coverage bra goes up to a 38DD and comes in 3 styles: Demi. Perfect Coverage. And Multi-Way. Colors come in Nude. White. Black. Fuchsia. And Blue.

Check out the VS Showstopper here.

Gotta Love Lorac Haute Couture Palette In Black Lace Cover

A $76 eyeshadow palette for just $14?!

Yes. And it's a one-time deal with beauty maker Lorac and HauteCouture.com. Just head to the website and sign up, and get your hands on this super quality cosmetic.

Okay, we have to admit.....The sexy, black lace-covered palette drew us in. We love anything in lace. But we also think the Lorac Haute Couture Palette in Sand Tropez is gorgeous.

This is a versatile, neutral palette in these shades:

Matte ivory. Gold shimmer. Bronze shimmer. And Matte espresso brown.

You can't go wrong with brown eyeshadow. Model Cindy Crawford applies it all the time:

Cindy says that brown is your best friend. "It's less harsh than black, it goes with everything, and it's impossible to mess up. For day, I do variations of brown shadow, either matte or shimmer."

Excellent beauty advice from one of the best supermodels of all time.

Check it out at HauteCouture.

Time To Add A Piece Of Cool Cowgirl Chic To Fall 2011 Wardrobe

Designer Ralph Lauren is brilliant at cool cowgirl chic. No one does it better, in our opinion. Some suede, a little fringe, an armful of silver bangle bracelets, a blast of turquoise,a few chunky knits and you're riding the trend.

You don't want to over-dose on the classic boho prairie style, but you CAN add one great cowgirl piece to your wardrobe this fall:

A chic fringed bag. We found a budget-friendly one at American Eagle Outfitters (top photo). Just $39.50 in the right earth-tone shade of tan! Gotta love that!

Okay, so it's not real leather like the Ralph Lauren Collection fringe bag Kate Hudson has been toting around all year. But the AEO Fringed Bag is still super stylish and looks great:

Faux pebbled leather
• Hobo silhouette
• Long layer of fringe
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Top-zip closure
• Interior zip and patch pockets
• Fully lined
• 13"L x 11.5"H x 3.5"D

We adore the color, too. AEO describes their fringed bag as tan. We say it looks more like a saddle shade. Either way, this earth-tone works as a classic. Read on what designer Michael Kors says about these neutral shades:

"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."

Great fashion tip, Michael Kors!

Taste Ain't Great But Colgate's New Optic White Really Brightens Teeth

Let's get to the bad news first:

The taste isn't great. In fact, it's almost like brushing with a mouthwash paste, if you will.

But we will say that Colgate's new Optic White toothpaste is a keeper! Every gal should have a couple of tubes of this in her bathroom.

Why? Because this toothpaste DOES brighten teeth while using a whitening strips formula.

This is how the folks at Colgate explain the benefits of using new Optic White:

"NEW Colgate® Optic White™ uses a unique technology with hydrogen peroxide to make it easier to achieve visible whitening every day. You will start seeing whiter teeth in just one week! And even better results week after week.".

And there's more great news:

"For the first time, our scientists were able to develop a hydrogen peroxide formula that does not require a dual-chamber dispensing method. Not only that, but the formula also helps remove surface stains and offers cavity protection, fresh breath and plaque removal with regular brushing," says Colgate.

This is safe for everyday brushing. In fact, it is suggested to use the Optic White 2X times a day.

By the way, Colgate did not send us a FREE tube. We were curious and bought our own Optic White at Walgreens yesterday. Our teeth are white to begin with, but as we like to say, "Still not WHITE enough!"

We have used the toothpaste on three occasions, so far. And we really like new Optic White. We can get past the not good minty taste. The formula produces a decent foam and cleans our teeth nicely. Plus, the paste is gentle to gums and teeth. We only noticed a mild burning sensation to our lips. Go figure.

We think our teeth DO look brighter and whiter, and we haven't even used the paste for a full week.

You can pick up a tube of Colgate's Optic White at drugstores and Target and Walmart stores. Online, we found a tube at drugstore.com for $4.29. Only problem there, the Optic White is already sold out! A new supply is arriving in 1-2 weeks.

Chilean Rainforest Honey: The New Sticky Smart Way To Rejuvenate Skin

Hey honey, could you please pass us the honey? Er, actually, pass us the Chilean Rainforest Honey.

This one really caught us off guard. We love eating honey. Who doesn't?

But did you know, that honey from the rainforest in Chile is being touted as the next great, sticky, but smart way to rejuvenate skin?!

For the optimal benefits, you apply the honey to your face as a mask. Yes, it's thick and messy, to say the least.

Just smear it on 2x a day for about 20 minutes, then rinse off. It might take you a while to get the delicious Winnie-the-Pooh sweetness off your skin. But the results are wonderful! Fans of Chilean Rainforest Honey swear by this product to get back, firmer, smoother, clearer complexions.

So, is there any truth to this special honey? Could this sticky sweet serum really turn back the clock? It's all the buzz over in the U.K..

For centuries, people around the globe have used honey for its medicinal properties, including its power in healing wounds and its anti-septic strength.

Then, why not apply from a regular jar of honey you find at the supermarket?

The 'regular' honey is pasteurized, while honey from the Chilean rainforest is raw and FREE of pollutants. And the Chilean product contains enzymes, which appear effective at breaking down scar tissue and making wrinkled and sun-damaged skin more elastic.

And let's take this one step further:

Not all Chilean Rainforest Honey is the same, however. The Active Honey Co. will tell you this:

"Not all honeys are active even though they claim to be. Therefore it is essential that you choose a honey that has been tested to show it has bioactivity. Rainforest and Antiseptic Honey have been tested in an independent laboratory and have been found to have antiseptic properties. This activity is due to the peroxide activity of the honey which is totally unique and not seen in any other honey.

The activity factor (ie 10+) is a rating that is given by the laboratory depending on its antiseptic ability. The higher the number, the more active and therapeutic the honey is.".

Active Chilean Rainforest Honey is very yummy, indeed. The company raves about its unique blend of aniseed, jasmine, vanilla and cloves and a subtle taste of caramel and toffee. So, of course, you can enjoy eating it, too.

The Active Honey Company's strongest honey is the RAINFOREST HONEY ACTIVE 40 (49.99 British pounds or $77.50 in US dollars).

For more details, check out their website.

Maybe your grandmother or great grandmother believed in applying a honey mask for nice, taut skin. And maybe she was right all along. The Chilean Rainforest Honey offers the same great beautiful skin benefits at an accelerated speed in the rawest, purest form found in nature.

How sweet is that?!

Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Pads: For Perfect Peepers

Your eyes need special care and special skin care products. If you think you can skimp on the eye care beauty routine........think again.

The skin around the eye area is thin, delicate, and drier. And when your eyes aren't getting the TLC they need, like moisture and strong anti-oxidants, you look tired and older.

That's why Exuviance has a super solution that refreshes, firms, and tones down the crow's feet. It's called Intensive Eye Treatment Pads ($22, for 4 applications), and worth every penny.

Remember the old TV commercial for the bubble bath, 'Calgon-----Take me away!'. Well, that's how you will feel, too. These Exiviance eye treatment pads let you relax and enoy a little 'me' time. This is the ultimate in eye care rejuvenation.

And we like the results---firmer, softer skin around the eyes, thanks to the gentle and effective Lactobionic acid formula.

So easy to use, too.

1. Cleanse and dry the area thoroughly.
2. Open the pouch and remove both eye pads.
3. Place one pad under or around the eye area, and smooth it onto the skin. Apply the second pad to the other eye area.
4. Now relax for 10-30 minutes.
5. Remove both eye pads and toss out. Smooth any excess solution into skin.

These Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Pads sound great for a big night out, when you have time to give your peepers some much needed TLC. And the pads are also nice to use before bedtime, so you awake to a brighter, more refreshed set of eyes.

The price for an eye treatment always seems to cost a bit more, but you are getting a product that is made specifically to battle the fine lines in the eye area, and as we keep reminding you, it's the toughest area to keep youthful. So let's remember today: All eyes need tender loving care.

For details, click here.

Applying Eye Shadow Under The Lower Lashes Takes Practice And Primer

The runway models always look amazing. And their makeup always appears perfect. Look at her, from an Oscar de la Renta show.

We LOVE her eye makeup, especially the gorgeous eyeshadow UNDER the lower lashes of the eyes. Not an easy makeup application to copy.

Of course, the model has a great professional makeup artist nearby. Not fair.

But there is a way to smudge some shadow UNDER the eyes without looking like a woman who's had a rough night.

We'll never forget when iconic model Cindy Crawford made an appearance years ago on the Late Show with David Letterman, it was actually back in 1996, and he poked fun at her heavy, dark under eye shadow, asking her who gave her the black eyes.

Ouch!

Cindy was said to be totally embarrassed and allegedly went home crying after the show.

Before you put on your eye shadow, you should prime the eye area with a good primer.

The beauty of a primer is its perfection at filling in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish BEFORE putting on foundation. Most primer fans love to create as smooth a complexion as they can, so that the next layer, that of foundation, glides over easily. And then when adding eye shadows and eyeliners, the primer prevents the eye makeup from heading south during the night. Colors adhere better with a primer.

We have found that darker shadows are more difficult to apply UNDER the lower lashes. The runway model in the photo is wearing green shadow. Trying to achieve the same look with a deep brown shadow, for instance, takes a steady and lighter hand.

You can try the new pointed Q-tips and dip one into your shadow and apply a thin line under the lashes.

You can also try a soft, angled eyeliner brush and apply the shadowas close to the lashes as possible, and smudge it.

Model Jaime King likes to use a jumbo eyeliner pencil as an eye shadow for both top and bottom lashes.

Good luck. We said it isn't easy.

Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ : Cheap & Effective

We cannot remember how we stumbled onto the Alpha Hydrox skin care brand, but we do know it's a very good one for 2 simple reasons:

It's cheap.
And it's effective.

And although we have had a tough time finding the full line of Alpha Hydrox products in the local drugstore, we CAN find them readily at beauty/skin care online stores. The Alpha Hydrox brand uses a bright red box for packaging. You can't miss it, when it's available on a store shelf.

One of our faves is the Alpha Hydrox 10% AHA Enhanced Lotion. Generally we see it for $12.99, but have found it on sale for $10.99. And although it is geared more for dry skin (our face=oily), we do apply it to our neck and decollete daily, and carefully under our eyes. We love it, and learned from skin expert Jan Marini, to use the 10% lotion as a super hand cream, also.

Today, we are looking at Alpha Hydrox's Retinol ResQ ($14.99, at neotericcosmetics.

We also believe this is an excellent skin care product for these reasons:

Anti-wrinkle, firming cream
* Oil-free
* Delivers pure-active Vitamin A
* Contains Vitamins C&E anti-oxidants
* Helps remove fine lines & wrinkles
* Tightens & firms skin.

If your skin is very sensitive, then you might have to go very slowly while trying the Retinol ResQ. But trust us, Retin-A, the big sister to retinol, is even more potent and difficult to adjust to at first. So, this Alpha Hydrox product shouldn't be that hard to tolerate.

Retinol is an over-the-counter retinoid, a form of Vitamin A. And Vitamin A derivatives are key to maintaining beautiful skin, because they speed up cell turnover, brighten the complexion and even up skin tone, boost collagen production, and repair damaged skin.

So, in a sense, retinol really comes to the rescue. If you hate the idea of an expensive prescription Retin-A which is sometimes irritating to skin, then try gentler retinol for very good results.