Long Lasting Lip Gloss: Is There Such A Thing?

Lip gloss.

You either love it or you don't. Some women are attracted to the glassy sheen of a gloss. But others are turned off by its sticky, drying texture. And most importantly, a lip gloss' staying power is what most ladies are looking for.

So, is there really a long-lasting lip gloss??

Most beauty labels brag about theirs lasting for 6 hours or more.

Not sure about the truth in advertising, but Rimmel London claims that their Glossy 6-Hour Lip Gloss does deliver. And for $5 a tube, this gloss is worth a shot.

And now at Walgreens.com, you can try Rimmel London's Stay Glossy at this deal: Buy One and Get One 50% Off. Check it out here.

Okay, so maybe the gloss doesn't last for 6 hours, but Rimmel's Stay Glossy is light and hydrating. It's NOT drying, and it can survive a cup of coffee. You might have to re-apply again after a kiss or two, but it's a nice, glossy gloss for the price.

We found more shades available at Ulta.com, 14, including Black.

New Nutrisse Ultra Color Lightens Dark Hair To Lighter Brown In One Step

Sometimes we think that it's harder to maintain dark hair color, than to go through the lengthy peroxide process of our flaxen hair-dyeing sisters.

So, what's the big deal, you ask?

When it comes to hair coloring 101, it is very easy to darken up, rather to lighten up. But the key here, is to know how dark is dark.

If you play around with hair dyes, you will find that the coloring routine will gradually make those dark locks DARKER and DARKER, until the strands are black or almost black. Suddenly, you can not see the depth of the hair. It's all one extremely dark mass.

And that is why so many television news and entertainment anchors start out as dark brunettes and lighten up to light browns or blondes to soften the harshness that the TV lighting gives off from a head of very dark hair.

We have been told many times before, that only a professional salon can take the Goth out of your mane without damaging it in the process.

But the makers of Garnier Nutrisse would beg to differ. Their new, at-home Nutrisse Ultra Color ($7.99, at drugstores) can do the job in JUST ONE STEP!

According to Garnier Nutrisse:
Ultra Color CAN take hair up to 3 shades lighter. And do it brass-free!

There are 9 shades to choose from. We have researched around the internet and have found that a lot of dark-haired women have had very good results with Nutrisse Ultra Color in B3, Golden Brown.

Nutrisse does advise on the box, that those with very black, dyed hair should not be using Ultra Color.

We find that a bit curious. Isn't this why the ultra lightening hair color was designed?

We would assume, that if you have virgin hair that is black or darkest brown, in other words, strands that have NEVER been touched with dye, that this would work very nicely, in achieving a lighter brown head of hair for you.

However, there are lots of hair coloring women we have read about, who DID achieve the lighter brunette shade they were aiming for, right in this box of Nutrisse Ultra Color.

We have not tried this new hair color for dark hair yet, but we are on the verge of buying a box. And we are hoping one of our readers has already used Nutrisse Ultra Color and can give us an honest opinion.

To learn more about Ultra Color, click here.

Ricki, Kim K, Ciara, Nicole-- All Rockin' High PonyTail

It looks like 'Dancing with the Stars' Ricki Lake got the beauty memo: She knows that the high ponytail is still a HOT LOOK for Fall 2011. And you don't have to be one of the sexy 'It' girls to rock this sleek hairstyle. Go Ricki! Go Ricki!

Beauties like Ciara, Nicole Scherzinger, and Kim Kardashian, have been pulling their hair tightly back and hiting the red carpet with this minimalistic do, while adding hoop earrings and a smoky eye.

The striking look was popping up during the Fall runway shows at the collections of Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Alexander Wang, to name a few.

Let's face it. The high ponytail is a sexy, glamorous look and it's all in the simplicity. It's sleek and adds height. Plus, you don't need to invest in a lot of styling products or tools to achieve the high ponytail.


It certainly helps to have long, straight locks. The longer, the better. And if you need some, you can always go the faux hair route. Try the Pony Wrap by Ken Paves.

Here's some high ponytail advice from one of the best in the biz:
Stylist Guido Paulo created the glam high ponytail for the Marc Jacobs show. He told the U.K. Telegraph online this:

Paulo swept the hair back so tightly it looked like a laminated sheet (do this by tipping your head back so hair falls more naturally into a smooth line), secured it into a ponytail, then wrapped strands of hair around the band. Don't apply too much styling product, this look requires the barest minimum of aids.

Turkey: It's A BeautyFood: Happy Thanksgiving!

Ask any serious bodybuilder, and he or she will tell you, that turkey is an excellent lean protein.

And if you're aren't tempted by the yummy, golden brown cooked skin, good for you, because you won't be hit in the belly by the extra fat calories.

So, unless you go all cuckoo with the heaps of gravy, mashed potatoes, and all the fixins', turkey is a dieter's dream. Turkey is a beauty food And here's why:

Nutrition summary:
Calories: 88
Fat: 1.41g
Carbs:3.58g
Protein:14.52g

There are 88 calories in 3 ounces of Turkey Breast Meat.
Calorie breakdown: 14% fat, 16% carbs, 70% protein.

It's low fat, ladies. And turkey also fills your face and body with healthy levels of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins.

Also, remember this:
Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.
White meat has fewer calories and less fat than dark meat.

Please, enjoy Thanksgiving Day with family and friends!

We have a 12-pounder to cook and lots of other stuff to do, so, we are not sure we'll have time to post a beauty article on T-Day. In the meantime, enjoy these fun Turkey facts we found, courtesy of the University of Illinois Extension:

88% of Americans surveyed by the National Turkey Federation eat turkey at Thanksgiving.
Forty-five million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving.
Twenty-two million turkeys are eaten each Christmas.
Nineteen million turkeys are eaten each Easter.
Gobbling turkeys can be heard a mile away on a quiet day.
The ballroom dance the "turkey trot" was named for the short, jerky steps that turkeys take.
Turkeys don’t really have ears like ours, but they have very good hearing.
Turkeys can see in color.
The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.
Eating turkey does not cause you to feel sleepy after your Thanksgiving dinner. Carbohydrates in your Thanksgiving dinner are the likely cause of your sleepiness.
50 percent of U.S. consumers eat turkey at least once per week.

Padded Bra Is Common: What About Padded Panty?

Dear Santa:
Please bring us a BEAUTIFULL BUTT for Christmas!

Ha ha. But don't laugh. There is a way to get a round, curvy butt just in time for the holidays. Just slip into this:

The Buty Panty by Fashion Forms, is sold in fine department stores, like Macys, Bloomingdales, Dillards, and others. It's available in nude or black, in sizes S, M, L, XL for $28.

Well, think about it.......Many of us DO wear padded bras. So---what's wrong with a padded panty? Both are designed to enhance our natural curves. And after seeing Jennifer Lopez bouncing around the American Music Awards stage last night with her big, voluptous booty in view, well, it's something to ponder.

A curvy butt is quite an asset, and the Buty Panty has this beauty philosophy:

...."Because sometimes....You just need a buty."

Right on!

The folks at Fashion Forms describe their Buty Panty as a natural looking padded panty pre-shaped with contour form to resemble a curvaceous bottom. And not surprisingly, the undie is designed in Brazil. Gee, no kidding.

Brazilian women are known for their great behinds. And let's be honest, is it wrong to desire a curvier silhouette?

No. But we're wondering just how padded the buty panty is?! Some bras are overly padded and some of us just say no to too much faux cleavage. And maybe the same goes for a super bumped-up panty.

So, if you don't have the Kardashian 'kurves' from behind to begin with, is it okay to cheat a little? Trust us, there are celebrities who slip into padded panties for major red carpet events. Not every body is perfectly proportioned.

Check out the Buty Panty.

Why We Love Rimmel London Extra Super Lash Mascara

Rimmel London sells tons of mascaras. There are so many to choose from. And the price is always right----inexpensive. And trust us, you are getting a bang for your buck!

Our fave has been around for a few years now, but we think it's one of the Best Mascaras out there. And we just stumbled onto this one 2 weeks ago, and we're hooked:

Rimmel London Mascara Extra Super Lash Black Black Mascara.

This stuff will really 'Kardashian-ize your eyes.' No kidding. The buildable formula does just that---adding layers of glossy black volume to your lashes. And Rimmel's Extra Super Lash also brings your bottom lashes to life.

Just 2 coats, and you can achieve great doll eyes, without all the fuss and time of putting on faux lashes.

We found some at Amazon for just $3.49 a tube.

If you're tired of spending a lot of money for mascaras that just don't do the trick, try this one by Rimmel London. It WILL give you LONG LASHES without all the clumping.

Remember: Mascara is a very important piece of makeup. You should be wearing it every day.

Humidifier In Bedroom Equals Soft Skin And Hair

Winter is on the way. And by now, many of us who live in areas where the nightly temps are already dipping into the low 20s, understand the climate changes in our skin and hair.

Cold, dry winter air with wind, rain, and snow, leaves little room for moisture. Add a furnace to keep you warm inside and you deplete the moisture balance even more. Your hair feels flat with 'electricity' as the strands stick up in the air. Your skin feels taut and dull, lips crack, etc. None of it is pretty.

There is a beauty solution. It's a small investment, but one that lasts, and makes a real difference.

We're talking about a humidifier. Setting one up in your bedroom will give you back soft, smooth, supple skin and hair, and let you sleep better. Say bye-bye to dry nose, throat, and lips.

And today's humidifiers are whisper-soft. Check out this one:

Dual Mist Humidifier with ION Exchange Filter.

More Than Great Bone Structure: Model Guinevere Creates Beautiful Jewelry

Model Guinevere van Seenus is the new face of Miu Miu, but she is also an amazing jeweler.

The 34-year-old runway sensation has been designing stunning pieces from semi-precious stones and silver wire. The name of her company is called, 'Jacoba by Guinevere Van Seenus.' She has a new website underway here--JacobaCollection. Take a look at the gorgeous glove-bracelet that resembles delicate lace.

We don't have a price tag on her finely wrought designs, but we are blown away by the sheer intricacy of her work. The bracelets and necklaces appear to be knitted together. And it's not unusual for a single piece to take some 25 hours to finish.

The model told Vogue magazine this:

"I always liked doing something with my hands. I love the idea of the 'finer' things in life--meticulous pieces that have quality, heart, and spirit."

Guinevere takes her jewelry-making tools on the road with her---on airplanes, at home while she watches TV, and even backstage between runway shows and photo shoots. She's armed with her beads, wires, and four kinds of pliers at all times, according to the magazine.

"I never wanted what everyone else has," Guinevere van Seenus says. And we think her individuality sets her apart.

Keep your eyes on this creative model. It's just a matter of time before her unique knitted-like jewelry goes mainstream.

Jennifer Lopez Won't Leave Home Without Big Big Hoop Earrings

Look at JLo and those big, big hoop earrings! That is her signature style, and she won't leave home without her hoops.

Jennifer Lopez reunited with ex-husband Marc Anthony recently in San Juan. The couple was there to shoot scenes for their Latin-American talent competition Q'Viva! The Chosen.

When we look at Jennifer, we are immediately drawn to those huge hoops. We are estimating that they are 3.5" or 4"(diameter) hoops. And trust us, the talented singer has a gigantic jewelry box full of them.

In the photo, she is wearing gold hoops, a smart, classic choice, according to Margherita Missoni, the model and granddaughter of the famous Missoni brand's founders:

What every woman should have in her wardrobe-----

"Hoop earrings in yellow gold."

And big hoop earrings can be found in just about every store around you. JLo is selling her own line of jewelry, including big hoops at Kohl's.

But what about women who LOVE big, big hoops, but DON'T have pierced ears? Don't worry, you, too, can wear them. Now, non-pierced earrings don't have to be uncomfortable. These hoops come with a comfy, spring-back clip-on. To put them on, just pull back the spring-loaded mechanism, and hoops slip on to your earlobes without a bother.

We found some inexpensive, non-pierced, big gold hoops here on Ebay.

By the way, no one can tell that spring-backs aren't really pierced. They're good fakes.

Famous Brits Are Doing It. Will You Get Hooked Up For A Digital Perm?

This hair techniquefrom Japan is becoming a big thing over in the U.K.. And when the famous heads of Kate Middleton and Victoria Beckham are said to be fans, well, interest skyrockets.

We're talking about the digital perm, and the bouncy, boho waves this state-of-the-art hair perm delivers. If you love the Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston sexy, beachy waves style, then this one is for you.

What's appealing about the digital perm is it's gentle manner. The process will not harm your locks like the old-fashioned and smelly way of perming can, but the digital perming machine is a bizarre-looking contraption.

We learned more about this technique from the UK's DailyMail:

...."Solution is applied only where a wave is desired - meaning a wave at the bottom of the hair, from the mid-lengths to the ends, is possible, allowing for a more natural-looking wave.

Hair is rolled up in rods.

Then, each roller is connected to a machine which digitally controls heat and helps to set the curl. Once the hair is dry, a neutralising solution is applied and then the hair is rinsed and styled.

Another aspect is that the Digital Perm can be done on people who have very tight frizzy curls, in order to relax the hair into softer waves or curls that are frizz free. The perm lasts for up to 4 months, and can be repeated without damaging hair."

If you're interested, check salons around you, to see if the digital perm is offered. And by the way, it's not cheap. We're told, it can cost a few hundred dollars in a large city like New York.

Oh, Baby!! Maybelline Introduces The Next Generation Of Lip Balm..

Baby Lips.

We like the name of the new lip balms by Maybelline. And these look like cute Christmas stocking stuffers at $3.99 a-piece. And the packaging is bright and happy-looking.

There are 6 Baby Lips to choose from. 2 in Clear, And 4 in Tinted.

Quenched (clear)
Peppermint (clear)
Cherry Me (tinted)
Pink Punch (tinted)
Grape Vine (tinted)
Peach Kiss(tinted)

But what we are really attracted to, is the SPF 20. It is so important to protect and moisturize your lips, more so in the cold, dry air of winter, but also, all-year-round.

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.

If you really hate the look and feel of a lipstick or lip gloss, but would like a little bit of color, then try Maybelline's Baby Lips. These lip treatments smell good, and give off a pretty, sheer wash of color. We're not sure they really last 8 hours on the lips, as the advertisements boast, but that's okay, too. Just swipe again.

We would like to try the Baby Lips in Cherry. We're a big fan of the Bonne Belle Lip Smackers in Dr. Pepper. We're wondering if Maybelline's lip balms can stand up to Bonne Belle's.

Baby Lips are available at your favorite drugstore.

Bethenny Frankel Wants You To Pony-Up To Drybar Salon For Another Skinnygirl Product

Bethenny Frankel has taken a lot of heat from the kitchen these days, where she initially concocted her Skinnygirl Margarita idea. But that hasn't stop the Bravo reality TV star...Oh, no....

There's another Skinnygirl product being launched at your favorite Drybar blow-out salon:

The Skinnygirl Ponytail.

The ambitious businesswoman is adding another notch to her blossoming empire. For $40, the salon will fashion you a Skinnygirl ponytail, "a high pony that flips out at the end, just like the Skinnygirl logo — a silhouette of a slender girl with a perky pony."

Well, don't laugh. Creating the perfect pony tail is not always that simple to do. And we love that you can sip a fun beverage while you get your new style, hopefully, you will be enjoying a Skinnygirl Margarita, or Bethenny's newest concoction---the Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo. Yum-Yum!

Many love to hate Bethenny Frankel, but she is really a marketing genius like the Kardashian clan and Jessica Simpson. Say what you will, but they're all laughing their way to the bank.

"Skinnygirl cocktails and Drybar are a match made in heaven," Bethenny Frankel said in a statement. "Drybar is the perfect place for women to pamper themselves with a gorgeous blowout. Pair that with a Skinnygirl cocktail and you have glamour and fun in the same room -- a definite recipe for success."

Smart gal, when you consider that Bethenny has also authored several books, sold work-out CDs, initmate shapewear, and so on.

Bethenny Ever After, is really more than just the title of her popular reality show. The words really say plenty about her very comfy financial state.

DWTS' Karina Smirnoff Never Leaves Home Without Her Galactik Lip Glosses

Shine on, Karina Smirnoff. Shine on!

The incredible pro from Dancing with the Stars has a little beauty tip, a special product she totes around in her makeup bag:

Girlactik Gloss ($17, a tube). Oprah Magazine gives it a pretty pucker, too.

"I carry my Girlactik lip glosses, always," Karina says. "You know how things like eyelashes fall and stick to the gloss? These are not sticky, I love them."

And one of Karina's favorite Galactik glosses is the shade of Bella, described as a 'mature sheen pink'.

In fact, the gorgeous 33-year-old dancer has teamed up with Galactik Beauty and designed the KS for Galactik Beauty line. Take a look.

We found these details at the Girlactik website:

“I am very excited about the partnership with Karina,” said Galit Strugano, makeup artist and founder of Girlactik Beauty. “What I love most is that we both have a passion for makeup and make a great beauty team!”

“Girlactik Beauty creates innovative products with great colors and textures that are also beneficial to your skin, says Karina Smirnoff. “I am excited to partner with a brand I have been a long time fan of.”

..."Smirnoff first approached Strugano last summer, after Girlactik Beauty products were used on her and other Dancing with the Stars cast members. With high definition television showing every detail and highlighting every flaw, good makeup is important than ever for these celebrities and pro dancers on the show. Smirnoff loves how Girlactik Beauty products produce a flawless look, are easy to use, and are beautifully packaged!!!!"

If the makeup can look good on television and look just as natural on the street, we think this is a good find.

Don't You Hate When Your Favorite Beauty Product Is 'Improved' Or Discontinued?!

We know this has happened to you, to us, and to many celebrities:

You're in the drugstore looking to pick up your favorite hairspray, when suddenly----the product is NO LONGER on the shelf?! It's been DISCONTINUED.

Or---scenario #2. You're in the drugstore looking to pick up your favorite cleanser, when suddenly----the product is now NEW and IMPROVED.

And then you bring it home, and suddenly----that beauty product doesn't work like it used to.

Arghhhh! The frustration!

Why oh why, do beauty brands have to go and MESS with the formula?

This seems to happen a lot with hair styling products, at least in our humble experience. For instance, we were in love with Pantene's Root Volumizer Gel Spray. Amazing stuff. A couple of years ago...Pantene re-packaged the product into a smaller bottle with a similar name, but totally re-vamped the formula.

The result?

Yuck. The NEW Root Volumizer Gel Spray creates average volume and gives little oomph to the hair. We know, because we still had some of the original Pantene and put it up against the newer product. And there was really no comparison.

And don't get us started with John Frieda styling products. We love his hair treatments UNTIL, he, too, starts messin' with a good thing, and our locks go limp once again.

We fell in love with John Frieda's original Sheer Blonde Full Blown Blonde Thickening Lotion, which then became a thickening root lifting spray with some white grape complex ingredient thing added to it. It was still a decent volumizer, but the original was the best. And the product 'Jumped the shark' as the saying goes. The thickening spray was eventually DISCONTINUED, but we were able to buy a few bottles on Amazon and Ebay at higher prices.

In fact, the $5.99 original is now selling on Ebay today, for $34.99 + FREE shipping for a set of 3. Any takers? Here's the link.

We have this advice: Don't fall too deeply for any one beauty product, because brands like to change up the formulas, re-package, and sometimes, discontinue altogether. Maybe the product wasn't selling like before. Maybe there were complaints about the scent of the product or one of its ingredients, etc.

Change comes swiftly in the world of beauty, and sometimes, you just have to keep on the hunt for the next best thing.

Ho Ho Ho For The Holidays! Restylane Rebate Is On!

Dear Santa:
Please 'fill us up' with gifts of beautiful skin!

Here is some wonderful beauty news you can take advantage of, ladies.

The Restylane Rebate is on for the holidays! If you've been meaning to fit in a cosmetic filler session or two, or more, then now's the time to act. It's a Season of Savings! Save up to $390 now through December 31, 2011. Every Restylane session can give back to you--- $50 (and $65--every Perlane session)!

And if you've never been poked before with the amazing filler, it's simple to get in on the savings, too. Just ask your healthcare professional to provide an itemized receipt documenting your procedure, and the box end flap(s) showing the hologram from the Restylane family product(s) used in your treatment.

Mail in the completed redemption form with your receipt and box end flap by January 13, 2012, and get in on the Restylane Rebate.

Restylane and its sister, Perlane, are popular cosmetic injectables that can correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, by adding fullness and volume to the skin.

To learn more about the Restylane family of injectable gels, visit Restylane.

Hot House Of Harlow Makes Nicole Richie Style Icon

Nicole Richie has never looked better, and she's definitely on a roll this season. The petite beauty has picked up 2 major citations:

'Influencer of the Year' at the ACE Awards
Elle Magazine 'Style Icon'

Nicole has become a well-respected jewelry designer of House of Harlow 1960 and fashion and accessories designer of Winter Kate. Both lines continue to surge in popularity, and we can see why.

Nicole Richie has great bohemian chic style and a good eye for what's hot and haute. And she's one celebrity who REALLY wears the stuff she designs out and about....her own sunglasses, bracelets, rings, dresses, shoes, handbags, etc. Plus, Nicole has a wonderful website that keeps her fans up-to-date on her collections, projects and fashion/beauty tips. Check it out here.

This is what she told Elle magazine inspires her sense of fashion:
"I'm really inspired by the '60s and the '70s. I really just love the freedom of that time, the idea that clashing didn't really exist, and the mixture of fabrics, bold colors and prints. That whole ease is something that I'm drawn to."

Take a look at Nicole's House of Harlow 1960 Holiday 2011 Collection and get your list ready for Santa.

Ho Ho Ho! Bring us House of Harlow!

Hot Mama Mariah Drops 30 Lbs With Jenny Diet

Good for Mariah! The proud, sexy mama of twins is showing off her hot new figure, thanks in part to the Jenny Craig diet plan and a sound exercise program.

The superstar singer joins other celebrity moms of twins who have bounced back with amazingly flat bellies and toned bodies, like Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, and Celine Dion.

And now 41-year-old Mariah Carey has become the brand ambassador of Jenny Craig and will soon pop up in television commercials and print ads. Mariah will share her post-baby tips tomorrow morning on GMA.

Mariah had gained about 70 lbs during her pregnancy to adorable babies 'Roc & Roe'. "The first week, I lost 40 lbs... of just water," she said on the new Rosie Show yesterday, admitting she suffered from edema. "It was just water, initially. When I started with the program(Jenny diet), I lost at least 30 lbs. of weight that needed to be lost."

At the moment, the 5'9" singer says she is bewteen a size 4 and size 6, but that she doesn't jump on the scale:

"I never weighed myself," Mariah says. "People will think I'm a liar but it's true. This is another cliché phrase, I'm a big boned girl ... I'm tall and so I always weigh more."

So, is there something else Mariah might have done to gain back that flat belly body? And have other celebrity moms done the same?

We're not here to burst ayone's bubble, certainly not Mariah Carey's. She looks gorgeous. But following her c-section births, did she cheat a little. In other words.....a tummy tuck? That's the cosmetic procedure that many celeb and non-celeb moms have and NEVER admit to it.

So, let's take a closer look at the tummy tuck. We found some educational information at the RealSelf website.

And we have learned that there is a mini tuck and a full tuck. And the average cost of a ummy tuck is about $8,300.

A mini tuck zeroes in on skin removal below the belly with a shorter scar. But the belly button itself, may be lowered during the surgery, whereas, a full tuck tends to keep the belly button sitting in a more normal anatomical location.

Boston plastic surgeon Stephen Delia explains the benefits of a full tuck: "A full tummy tuck involves skin/fat removal and usually muscle tightening as well and will help the abdominal contour above the belly button as well.".

Now, we don't know which mama celebrity might have submitted to a tummy tuck here and there, but we thought we would point out the other popular, but not talked about procedure that makes post-baby weight disappear instantly.

Can You Do The Twisted Bun: Or Are You All Thumbs?

There's something romantic about a messy bun---wavy tendrils peeking out of a loose, undone hairstyle.

And this time, there's a 'twist' to the hot hair trend for Fall/Winter 2011/2012. And it is aptly named, the Twisted Bun.

Don't freak out just yet! Maybe you're all thumbs when it comes to doing any kind of updo....like the ballerina bun or the elegant chignon. The twisted bun is a little more forgiving. And it's sexy and was a major runway look at the Behnaz Sarafpour shows.

The twisted bun looks effortless and not-trying-so hard. And you don't have to create one the same way every time. Use your imagination and add a twist to your bun. And you can side-twist it, too.

Here's what you will need:

1. One-inch curling iron.
2. Styling product with grip and beach-y texture. We suggest Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($23).
3. Bobby pins. Try the Goody Spin Pins ($6.99). Great cork-screw design feature to handle wavy pieces.

Here's advice from professional stylist Laurent Philippon:

"For 'organic waves,' loosely wrap hair around a 1-inch curling iron, remove it, and twist it around your fingers in the opposite direction."

That part looks easy enough, but the twisting and pinning might take a little practice. But trust us, there is not just one Twisted bun look to copy. We've seen some sky-high messy buns twisted in all directions. So be brave and let the twisting begin!

Dancing With The Stars Secret Skinny Weapon: Freshology Diet

Wanna get skinny really quickly?

It's easy....Dance your butt off and eat the way the DWTS professionals and their celebrity partners do.

It's called the Freshology Diet, and simply put----it's healthy, gourmet meals brought right to your doorstep.

This ain't your mama's cardboard-tasting diet-delivery program. Oh, no!! This organic feast tastes very yummy and promises to melt away those extra unwanted pounds.

So, that's how Nancy Grace and Ricki Lake are getting skinnier and skinnier before our very eyes each passing week. And that's how the body-beautiful DWTS pros Karina Smirnoff, Lacey Schwimmer, Chelsie Hightower, etc. maintain those amazing physiques.

You, too, can lose weight by trying Getslim with the Stars by Freshology. It's a diet of calorie-controled meals inspired by the popular dancing reality show.

And you can choose from the Waltz Diet--fresh food meals at $47.95 per day or the Samba Diet--flash-frozen meals at $35.95 per day. The great thing, you don't have to shop, measure portions, or cook it, it's all done for you.

For more details, visit Getslimdwts.

Gourmet diet meals, 3X a day with dessert? Sounds so delicious. Take a look at that side of beef!

Pregnant Beyonce Keeps Walking By On Platforms And Stilettos

Pregnant Beyonce looks beautiful at her 5-month mark. Very stylish and certainly not wearing the standard plain maternity clothing, all the way down to her pretty feet. Which reminds us----Why oh why, teeter on platforms and stilettos during a most delicate time in your life? Just take a look at our top photo from Us magazine....5 inch heels Price tag $1,180!

Is Beyonce just vain, not thinking, or very skilled at balancing her weight and a baby bump on sky-high heels every day?

There's always been some debate as to how tall the sexy singer really is. Lots of articles have been printed about people obsessing about Beyonce's true height.

For the record, Beyonce is a 'petite 5'3" tall.' That's according to a 2009 magazine interview with the singer in Ebony. And we trust the writers of Ebony magazine. Tons of articles claim that Beyonce ranges in height from 5'3" to 5'7".

We also estimate that she is short and enjoys putting on the super high heels to appear taller and to fool her many admirers

That's all fine and good, but dangerous when you are pregnant. We pray she doesn't take a tumble.

Seriously, Beyonce, we are so happy for your wonderful baby bundle-on-the-way. Please slip into a pair of flats for a few more months. You will still look gorgeous.

What do you think:

Is Beyonce ridiculous to continue wearing sky-high heels at 5 months pregnant?

Is the singing superstar just being a stylish pregnant icon?!

D.I.Y. 5 Minute Gel-Color Manicure From Drugstore

Who doesn't like the patent leather shine that comes from a gel manicure?!

But the brilliant nail dazzle also comes with a warning label--- that some gel manicures done in a salon can pose the risk of nerve damage.

The culprit is the chemical compounds some salons have used. These toxic, harmful mixtures in gel manicures include ethyl methacrylate or methyl methacrylate. Such chemicals can seep through the skin of the scuffed fingertips(after filing) and can cause irritation, swelling, and yes, nerve damage.

Scary enough.

But if you still desire the gorgeous mega-watt shine of a gel manicure without the possiblity of injury to your fingers, we've got a great new Do It Yourself product for you to try. And it's SAFE!

It's called, Gel Perfect, UV-Free Gel-Color by Nutra Nail, and you can pick it up at your local drugstore for $11.49 a bottle. We like it, because it only takes 5 minutes to dry, and you still get that beautiful patent leather shine. Plus, Gel Perfect comes in 12 fab shades.

The application process is different from a regular nail polish. And the Nutra Nail company has provided a good step-by-step guide on how to do a gel manicure with a YouTube demo, too.

Is Kim K's 'Kopy-Kat' Wedding Gown Bad Luck For Brides-To-Be?!

Come February, David's Bridal stores will be launching the Kim Kardashian wedding gown replicas by Vera Wang.

Now, every gal can look just like a Kim K fairytale princess on her big day.

Or.....considering her nuptials lasted merely 72 days, would a 'kopy-kat' Kardashian wedding gown spell bad luck for brides-to-be all around?

Hmmm. Even designer Vera Wang didn't see this one coming, and word has it, that she can't stop the sewing machines, because the Kim K replica gowns for David's Bridal are already deep into production.

Kim filed for divorce from her NBA groom Kris Humphries on Monday, following a multi-million $$$ over-the-top wedding/celebration on August 20th.

Would you wear a Kim K wedding gown? Or is the dress cursed?

Does the divorce affect the Vera Wang brand?

We don't think so.

Let's be honest.....Vera Wang designed 3 gorgeous couture gowns for the reality TV star's big day...From the tulle ball gown to the curvy mermaid gown, to the Old Hollywood v-neck satin gown, all of Kim Kardashian's dresses were stunning. And the Kim K-inspired collection for David's Bridal stores will be just as lovely, because Vera Wang is involved. And by the way, each Kim K replica gown will sell for under $1,600.

We believe that Kim K's fan base is still strong and growing, and we are guessing that her 'kopy-kat wedding dresses will be flying off the shelves at David's Bridal come February.

Hollywood fairytale weddings don't usually last forever, and when a bride-to-be has her eye on a certain gown, watch out! A bride wants what a bride wants. And so many young women want what Kim K has, from her black eyeliner down to her stiletto heels.

The reality TV star is a superb marketing machine, and trust us, all will be forgiven in a few more weeks.

Top News Anchors Go Sleeveless Year Round: How To Get Those Arms!

Is it just us, or have all the top news anchors gone sleeveless-crazy lately?

It doesn't matter if the snow is falling or the tornado-is-a-coming, news anchors and entertainment anchors are delivering the facts with bare, toned arms all-year-round.

We've come to the conclusion, that bare arms on a woman, can make some people uncomfortable. Why, we can't figure out. Remember when First lady Michelle Obama had her official White House photographs taken in a sleeveless dress? Some observers went ballistic----'How inappropriate!" some sneered.

We've noticed that more and more top anchors in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, are baring their arms, and not only during the hot summer months. Check out Good Morning America with Robin Roberts and Lara Spencer showing off toned triceps and biceps a few times a week in raw autumn weather. And Fox News' anchors also going sleeveless whenever the camera is turned on them, including Megyn Fox, Jeanine Pirro, and a parade of others.

Do you like the bare arm look all-year-round?

You, too, CAN show off your feminine guns with a weekly exercise routine. You have to keep up with a regular work-out schedule to get away with the bare arm look, but it can be done, and you don't need to lift any heavy artillery.

It's all in the trcieps, ladies, according to womensrealfitness.com:

"The triceps are probably the most important muscle to develop when you want to achieve firm toned arms. The reason for this is that the tricep muscle takes up 2/3 of the arm. If it is underdeveloped it looks wobbly and soft but when it is firm and lean it makes the whole arm look that way."

Jade Alexis, who has trained Alicia Keys, came up with this boxing-inspired exercise that you can do at the office when you have a few spare moments.

"Sit upright in a chair with feet flat on the floor," Jade explains. "Hold dumbbells with your hands under your chin and slowly punch out at an angle across the body." Do at least 100 punches. You will develop 'knockout triceps, biceps, and shoulders.'

Permanent Color Damages Hair And Yet 75% Of Us Keep Dyeing

Maybe you don't care about the science behind coloring your hair. But when you take a look at the damage that permanent dye can leave behind, well, it's smart to examine the chemistry that's involved.

If 75% of women color their locks, that's a huge number. And most of us, come away with some kind of damage, be it dry, dull tresses, split ends, brassy strands, hair loss, and so on.

We dye our hair with permanent color, because we are a victim of early graying, so we've been touching up our roots forever. And although we have what we call almost Kardashian-colored hair, we can STILL see damage on very dark hair.

Whether you color at-home or visit a professional salon, your mane will suffer the consequences, and yet, we all keep dyeing.

Let's look at permanent color:

1. Peroxide and ammonia are present in permanent color. Ammonia goes first, by allowing the cuticle of the hair shaft to open, to accept the dye. Peroxide acts as the oxidizing agent, removing the pre-existing color, and allowing the new color to bond to the hair cortex.

2. Conditioner is applied after rinsing out the dye, to close the cuticle, and seal in the new color.

3. Lightening. That's another chapter in the hair coloring process, and even more complicated. When you want to really lighten up several levels, you turn to bleaching. Hydrogen peroxide is usually involved as one of the most common lightening agents. Peroxide blended in an alkaline solution allows the hair shaft to open and then react with the melanin in the hair for the blonde shade one is trying to achieve.

Simply put, permanent coloring and bleaching do a number on the hair. The cuticle is roughed up. Strands are weaker. And locks are drier.

Your hair needs more TLC. That means frequent trimmings. Lots of conditioner. And less reliance on damaging hair tools like blow-dryers, flat-irons, hot rollers, etc.

If you can't afford a trip to the salon for frequent coloring or lightening, you can try a special at-home hair color kit by Robert Craig. Allure Magazine has named him, "one of the country’s top hair color artists."

It's called, Color by Robert Craig ($12, a box). And his PERMANENT dyes DO NOT change the internal structure of the hair like peroxide dyes do.

And it’s simple. Mix Color by Robert Craig with tap water. Shake. And you get a no-mess mousse, that is easy to apply. Zap your grays-- choose from 21 luscious shades---Golden Blonde, Medium Mahogany, Chocolate Brown, or Jet Black. These are just a few radiant shades offered by Color by Robert Craig. There are 21 inter-mixable shades available. His color will not lighten your hair, but he also sells an ‘Ultra Blonde Highlight Kit.’ It contains a very gentle approach to highlighting with ‘off-the-scalp’ blonding. It’s great for bleaching, highlighting, frosting, and streaking. What’s even more comforting, you can color, even if your hair is permed or chemically treated.

It's worth checking out. Details here.

Don't Fear The Foundation Brush: It's A Good Thing

Are you afraid of the foundation brush?!

You are not alone. We would like to estimate, that most women are probably fearful of using a makeup tool they've never tried, or a makeup product or makeup technique they've never approached.

And this time, we're looking at the foundation brush.

Oh yeah, there is such a thing. For us, we've been a liquid foundation wearer all these years, and routinely, we have put on our base each morning with our fingers and then smoothed over with a makeup sponge.

But when it comes to flawless application, makeup brushes can really do the trick, especially for foundation. The bristles are short and dense for easy buffing.

You can use the foundation brush in a couple of ways. You can either dot your forehead, chin, cheeks and nose with foundation using your fingers first, and THEN, using the brush.

OR....You can dip the brush into the bottle of liquid makeup and THEN apply right to the face.

Either way is fine. Start at the center of your face and move outward. Use the foundation brush with short, circular strokes, around your face, as you blend and buff the foundation into your skin for a smooth, even finish.

Here are 3 Great Foundation Brushes we like:

1. Mac 187 Duo Fibre Brush ($42, at macys).

2. Black Up Foundation Brush ($32, at blackupcosmetics).

3. Sephora Collection Pro Foundation Airbrush #55 ($34, at Sephora).

Just a little reminder: When you use any kind of makeup brush, you must be mindful to wash it 1X a week. Use baby shampoo to gently get rid of grime and bacteria. Dry the brush flat on a paper towel and store the brush upright in an open container.

Dry Spray Shampoo Comes In Handy During Real Crisis

We briefly mentioned yesterday, about New England getting socked hard in the weather department, following a rare and historic October Nor'easter.

About 70% of our city, alone, remains without power.

When a weather-related crisis hits, and you're left with no electricity and in some cases, no water, well, you've got to be extra clever in your beauty routine.

Today, we are looking at one rescue me hair product by John Frieda, one of our all-time favorite hair geniuses.

This blue spray can should be in every gal's beauty cabinet:

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher ($5.59, at drugstore.com ). It's a super dry spray shampoo. You don't need to wash your hair. You don't need a blow dryer, either. Simply spray onto roots, let dry, and fluff up with fingers. You get instant volume for your flat, oily, lackluster locks. And your hair smells delightful.

There are tons of dry shampoos out there. And most come with a white powdery base that seems to never fully disappear, even when you try brushing it out. With the Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher, all you need are about 4 quick blasts at the roots, and you're good to go.

You will get back the volume and your mane will look fresh and full, plus, you didn't have to go through the lengthy process of shampooing and blow-drying.

Dry shampoos are no secret to the professional stylists out there. Many use these spray shampoos to give their model/actress clients a lot of body and grip. You get instant, buildable texture with a great dry shampoo.

There are days, you just can't get the time to shampoo and blow-dry. And whether it's because of a weather-related crisis and your power has been lost, or you're just to busy to do your hair, give this latest John Frieda product a try.

You can even carry a can of it in your handbag. And you can apply it on the go, in a rush, anywhere.

Big Bad Storm: No Beauty Tip Today

We hope everyone is safe, following one of the nastiest, and for New England, an historic Nor'easter in the month of October.

Too much snow, too many broken tree limbs, and too many downed wires ate up most of our time today.

We hope to bring you more Beauty Tip Today tomorrow.

Thank you.

Cold Dry Days Ahead Make Skin Thirsty For New Anti-Aging Cream

The new skin care kid-on-the-block is red-hot, because it claims, like every anti-aging product out there, that its formula REALLY does work.

Say hello to SkinCubed and its high-performance 3-product line.

SkinCubed is a peptide-based anti-wrinkle cream that swears its clinical trials showed it was more effective than prescription skin care treatments.

Okay, now you have our interest piqued. We get wary of companies that boast about beating strong, Retin-A prescription creams and the like. Why? Because prescription skin care formulas are the BEST thing out there at the moment. These treatment are powerful, that is why they cannot be bought over-the-counter.

SkinCubed has become the little darling of many beauty and high fashion magazines with their one-page glossy advertisements, similar to the carefully controlled image of the StriVectin skin care line.

Is SkinCubed REALLY effective?

According to the clinical trials conducted in England at Manchester University, SkinCubed cream was effective at erasing sun damage and decreasing wrinkle depth.

Well, we haven't studied the research, but if that is true, then that's terrific.

SkinCubed says its products provide very good hydration for the skin. Hmmm....hydration. That to us, means that SkinCubed is a very good moisturizer, something everyone's complexion needs during the harsh, cold, dry fall and winter days ahead. But how does SkinCubed restore damaged skin and spur on collagen production?

We're not sure.

The 3-line collection includes:
Clinical Age-Defying Creme ($110)
Instant-Eye Repair Formula ($150)
Instant-Lift Peptide Formula ($150).

SkinCubed cannot be purchased in a store. But you can buy it at SkinCubed.com.

We will be waiting to hear more information on SkinCubed.

Are You A Boob To Want Botox Injected Into Breasts For Firmer Smoother Cleavage?

Botox.

What can we say? It's the most popular, cosmetic injectable around. And most of us know about Botox's brilliance at keeping crow's feet and those nasty 'eleven lines' between the brows at bay.

But hold on, ladies! Botox is also on the rise for zapping that crinkly cleavage and lifting a sagging bosom!

Have we gone too far? Are several shots in the boobs worth a temporary decollete lift? Is it safe?

Yes, it is safe, just like the injectable is for the face and neck. And some women just hate the damage the sun and general aging have done to their cleavage. Remember--the skin there is dry, thin with less elasticity.

Why should we worry about the skin of the decollete region and the bosom? By the way, the decollete is actually the upper part of a woman's chest, below the neck.

Just look at what model Cindy Crawford says:

...."In L.A., there are 65-year-old women walking around in Juicy sweatpants, and from the back, you'd think they were 20. But when you see their hands or their neck, you know. When I put moisturizer on my face, I use a little extra so that I have enough to cover my hands. Most people don't start caring about the décolleté until it's too late, but I'm religious about it."

Botox injected into the breast will react like Botox injected into the face. It takes a few days for the cosmetic injectable to take effect, and the results of smoother, firmer skin will last between 3 and 4 months.

Botoxed breasts have been popular in the U.K. for several years now, but here in the U.S., the procedure seems to be picking up steam.

We found this little nugget in the British DailyMail.com.

..."The patient is given around 12 injections of Botox into the pectoralis minor chest muscle.
The freezing of this muscle causes other muscles in the back to strengthen, and the bust to lift.
Wrinkles, caused by ageing, or just too much sun, are also smoothed. But the technique has its limits - breasts are not made fuller."

We're sure we will be seeing much more about Bosom Botox in the coming months.

Braun Hair Brush Battery Operated To Smooth Frizzies Split Ends

Would you pay $65 for a hair brush? How about one that is battery-operated and gives you back smooth, frizz-free, split-end-free hair?!

Braun has launched an ad campaign called, Free Your Head!. And the company is hoping you do just that, by buying the new Satin Hair Active Ion Brush (now at QVC and Ulta, too). Also here at Braun.com.

With the touch of a button you can instantly zap away static and boost mega-watt-shine. You've heard of Active Ion Technology, well, this little hair brush gadget contains this advanced healthy hair feature. And the Braun Satin Brush with its seamless bristles won't tug on delicate hair strands. In fact, the brush is gentle, so when you slide on the switch,the Active Ion light shines and the ion jet releases a rich stream of ions that bathe your locks in moisture-filled halo.

Say bye-bye to your flat-iron, ladies. This high-tech hair brush delivers frizz-free, smooth hair. And it's portable, and not very bulky, measuring about 8" long and 2" wide.

Who needs a bad hair day? No one, frankly. We're just happy that there is great science behind something as simple as a hair brush. How far we've come.

Nicki Minaj Brings Barbie Glam To Own OPI Nail Polish Line

Nicki Minaj.

Who doesn't adore the musical superstar?!

Nicki loves to push the beauty envelope, putting her Barbie glitter-glam stamp on everything near and dear to her.

And now, we're happy to see the rap genius hooking up with OPI Nail Polish to launch her own limited edition OPI nail lacquer collection for 2010!

Nicki Minaj isn't afraid to blast some color into her life, and for just $8.50 a bottle, you, too, can paint on some outrageousness Nicky-style.

The lovely lacquers inspired by the hip-hop star include Pink Friday (a creamy bubblegum shade), Metallic 4 Life (a cool charcoal sparkle), Super Bass Shatter (a graffiti art-inspired topcoat effect in purple), Save Me (a silver-rainbow glitter), Fly (an electric aqua) and Did It On 'Em (a bold, fluorescent lime).

You'll be able to buy Nicky's OPI Nail Polish this January 2012 at JC Penney stores and everywhere you find OPI nail lacquers.

We think this is a wonderful opportunity for Nicki Minaj to bring a little Nicki style to her many fans. And we believe this limited edition OPI line will do very well. Sounds like a great Christmas gift idea.

How To Get Playful Soft Mermaid Waves

Iman, Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, and lots of long-locked beauties are letting their hair down in a cascading new way.

It's called , 'Mermaid Waves', and as you can see by the photos, everything is soft, loose and playful.

This is a hair trend that's been hot for the past spring and summer, and the style is gaining even more momentum for Fall 2011.

To get the look, you need below-the-shoulder hair or some extensions, and the longer, the better, for this hair trend.

1. Take a wide-barreled curling iron, and instead of clamping down on the hair, simply wrap thick strands around and around the iron. This will creat the soft, cascading mermaid waves. Brush out gently with a natural bristle brush.

2. Or do it heat-free. Fishtail braid your hair overnight, and wake up to a mass of playful, mermaid waves. Learn here on YouTube by Hayley 7363

Good luck! And let the waves roll.

Celebrities Sporting Classic Riding Boots for Fall 2011

You can't go wrong with a Fall classic, like the riding boot. And this is another stylish look for autumn and winter. Lots of celebrities are already putting their riding boots on.

Check out Taylor Swift in hers, and Zoe Saldana sporting some Yves St. Laurent boots.

Our favorite pair at the moment----the Marlena leather riding boot by Coach ($398, at Coach.com). These are gorgeous in caramel. Yummy!

If you're looking for some height, forget the riding boot. The heels are quite flat or low. Nothing stiletto about these. But riding boots are comfortable, rugged, and yes, elegant-looking. And the simple, long line of the riding boot makes your legs appear longer. Just tuck a pair of skinny jeans into these boots, and you will look taller and leaner.

Maybe you don't have $400 to shell out for a super pair of riding boots. But don't despair, we have a website that offers lots of options, so that everyone can find some beautiful, budget-worthy riding boots. Take a look at Endless.com.

We found a pair, the Heath Riding Boot by Annie Shoes ($84.95). Very nice riding boots in synthetic leather with strap and ring buckle details at the ankle and calf on a 1.5 inch heel. The Heath boot also comes in 6 shades. We show it here in black.

The riding boot is classic fall footwear that never goes out of style. Now, if we only had a horse.