On the Quest for Beauty

Kate Walsh's New Scent—And Beauty Secrets

2012-01-04T04:10:00.000-07:00

When my co-workers found out Kate Walsh from Private Practice was coming into the office to talk about her new fragrance collection, Boyfriend, almost everyone said the same thing: "She is so beautiful. And she seems so nice." I can confirm that it's all true. She looks great and she was funny and low-key, and even gamely drank a cup of our office coffee. (I offered her Starbucks, I swear). The Boyfriend collection, which goes on sale on HSN this week and will be in Sephora stores in February, was inspired by (you guessed it) an ex. Walsh says she realized that what she missed most was the scent her boyfriend left behind. "But you don't want to wear his cologne," she says. "You just want that feeling, that combination o excitement and security. It's cozy but still sexy." The result is woodsy and warm, but still feminine. Walsh also stars in a series of promotional films that she hopes will go viral.

While she was here, she also gave me some highlights of her beauty routine:

How she gets the perfect shade of red hair: "It's actually really hard. I'm constantly asking myself: Is it still right? Is it fading? I've had dangerous things happen. It can easily go pink or orangey. I've looked like an '80s rocker, like I'm Pat Benatar's missing bass player. But I love my colorist, Christopher Pierce at Andy Lecompte salon. Sometimes we put in highlights and change it up."

Her skin secret: "Kate Somerville. I'm obssessed with her products."

Her favorite makeup: "Laura Mercier Eye Primer. My makeup artist turned me on to it. You can use it alone and it has this great peachy color, or you can wear it under other eye makeup. It evens everything out and it's a great concealer."

The one thing she won't do for beauty: "I won't spray tan. I just don't get it--I don't want something on my skin that I can't wash off. I don't see what's wrong with having fair skin. I think it's beautiful."

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Pick the Perfect Scent
Daily Beauty Reporter: Patrick Dempsey's Cologne
Daily Beauty Reporter: How to Make Fragrance Last (Without Overdoing It)

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Lose Weight...on the Twinkie Diet?

2012-01-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Mark Haub, a professor of human nutrition at Kansas State University, recently conducted a study that made us wonder if ice cream for dinner may not be such a bad idea after all. For 10 weeks, Haub ate a steady diet of Twinkies, Nutty Bars, powdered donuts, and Doritos (which he made sure to pop into his mouth every three hours). In cutting out all three balanced meals a day (only breaking his junk food binge for a daily multivitamin pill, a protein shake, and a can of green beans or a few celery sticks), Haub set out to discover whether food quality or sheer calorie counting is the secret of weight loss success. And the results? On his "convenience store diet," Haub shed 27 pounds in two months, and his body mass index decreased from 28.8 (overweight) to 24.9 (normal). Haub's "bad" cholesterol, or LDL, dropped 20 percent and his "good" cholesterol, or HDL, increased by 20 percent. He reduced his level of triglycerides, which are a form of fat, by 39 percent.

So does this mean you should stop eating salad and skip straight to dessert? Of course not—since when it dieting ever fun? Nutritionists caution that all that processed food, and lack of fruits and vegetables, could have dire consequences (read: cancer and other horrible diseases) down the road. Still, it's nice to know that you don't have to necessarily stress over where every calorie comes from (fats! carbs!) as much as just how many calories you're downing when you're looking to lose the pounds.

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Diet Danger
Daily Beauty Reporter: The New Extreme Diet
Daily Beauty Reporter : Can Your Diet Make You Live Longer?
The Five Latest Celebrtiy Diets You Won't Believe

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Should Celebrities Have to Reveal Their Age?

2012-01-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

Age is just a number—but for celebrities, it also has a big influence on their paychecks. Worried about age discrimination in Hollywood, The Writers Guild of America West is trying to convince super-popular movie database IMDB to let celebrities remove their birth dates from the site, so the public—and industry movers and shakers—won't know how old they are. (The Screen Actors Guild has also reportedly asked that the birthdates of non-mega-stars be removed.)

I've certainly Googled celebrities to see how old they are. (We tease "try guessing her age" for Julianne Moore on Allure's November cover, and I immediately looked it up online, because I couldn't believe she's turning 50.) Obviously stars have been lying about their ages since the dawn of Hollywood, and now more than ever many are willing to use cosmetic procedures, personal trainers, and any other anti-aging tools they can find to keep looking young. But in the information age, we expect to find out anything we want with just a few keystrokes, including a celeb's real age. So should they be allowed to hide their ages from sites like Wikipedia and IMDB? Does the public deserve to know the truth, or is their privacy more important?

RELATED LINKS:
The 5 Most Amazing Anti-Aging Makeovers
Anti-Aging Skin and Body Secrets From the Most Gorgeous 40-Something Celebrities

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The 4 Most Outrageous Moments From Fall 2011 Milan Fashion Week!

2012-01-02T13:37:00.001-07:00

As Milan fashion week wraps up, we couldn't resist bringing you the funniest, most bizarre moments we encountered backstage while in the trenches.

1. Boys like girls. Sometimes being a top runway model requires a little acting (and cross dressing!). Backstage at Dolce & Gabbana, 30 of the 62 models who walked the show played "boys." To contrast with the feminine look of the show, the "boys" rocked a neutral face with strong brows and sleek, French twists (pieces of hair were even slicked down in front of the models' ears to mimic sideburns). The funniest part of the gender mix-mash? We heard makeup artist Pat McGrath calling out, "Where are my boys? Are you a boy?"

2. Zoobilee Zoo-inspired headwear. Though Guido created toned down, low ponytails, the wigs that topped the models' heads on the Prada runway (above) were quite the opposite: Think spiky and platinum with chin straps!

3. Lipstick as face paint. Echoing makeup artist Tom Pecheux's trend at Derek Lam last season to use coral lip liner on the eyes, makeup artists in Milan were dabbing lipstick all over the face: At Marni, lipstick was used on the cheeks; at Armani, it was swiped over the lids and used as shadow.

4. Hairspray clouds. Our beauty editor reported almost choking on a thick, hairspray-filled air backstage at Ferretti and Max Mara. The models looked good, though!

Can't wait to see what Paris fashion week has in store!

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: The 6 Most Outrageous Moments From Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week!
Daily Beauty Reporter: Hair Ideas: The Best Look From Milan Fall 2011 Fashion Week
Designer Faces: The Hair and Makeup at the Fall 2011 Gucci Show

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Are You a Pretty Crier Like J.Lo?

2011-03-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Most people don't look their best when they cry, thanks to weird facial contortions, a red, swollen nose, puffy red eyes...the list goes on and on. But last week when I knew I should have been caught up in the emotional journeys of all the people moving on or being cut in the American Idol eliminations, all I could focus on was how pretty a crier Jennifer Lopez is. The woman sent a few of her favorites packing, and looked like a gorgeous sad puppy for doing it. See for yourself here! And J.Lo wasn't alone in her beautiful sadness: contestants Pia Toscano (who could be Freida Pinto's twin) and Thia Megia (a 15-year-old who somehow always looks like she's being lit from within), also pretty-cried. And it's not just because they were attractive to begin with—lots of other pretty contestants turned into Shrek as they sobbed.

I wonder if pretty-crying may have an evolutionary advantage, since it could arguably make the person you're crying to feel more sympathetic and, as a result, more likely to remedy the situation or give you what you want.

So tell us—are you a pretty crier?

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Jennifer Lopez on Shaving, Waxing, Bronzing, and More!
Daily Beauty Reporter: Do You Cry More Than Guys?
Daily Beauty Reporter: Alluring Links: Will Mila Kunis's $7K Facial Give Her a Prettier Cry-Face?

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David Beckham Gets His Glow On (With Highlighter)

2011-03-09T03:10:00.000-07:00

Our March cover girl—Victoria Beckham—isn't the only Beckham wearing makeup these days. Yesterday, her steamy husband got done up for his own magazine shoot, and while there was zero guyliner involved (thank God), Stila makeup artist and male groomer Sarah Lucero got him camera-ready with a little bit of illuminator applied with a damp Beauty Blender.

In real life, we like our men makeup-less, but if it's all in the name of getting a sexy shot, we can deal with David Beckham basking in the benefits of highlighter. In case you're in need of a great new one for yourself, check out these beauty editor picks:

Fresh Satin Luster Face Palette: "I dab the pink shade on the tops of my cheekbones; the cream one on my cupid's bow, and the white color down the center of my nose—makeup artists have told me this actually slims it."—beauty news editor Heather Muir.
Nars The Multiple in Copacabana: "I use my fingers and create a "C" shape around my eyes to make them stand out."—assistant beauty editor Kayleigh Donahue.
Philosophy The Color Of Grace Shimmering Face Powder: "I dab this pink powder under my brow bones and over the top of my cheeks to brighten my face,"—editorial assistant Sophia Panych.

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter Blog: Can a Man Wearing Makeup Be Sexy?
Daily Beauty Reporter Blog: Do You Like Guys Scruffy or Clean-Shaven?
Daily Beauty Reporter: Exclusive Celebrity Beauty: Victoria Beckham's Must-Haves
Daily Beauty Reporter: Victoria Beckham Toasts Allure's 20th Anniversary

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Do Beauty Looks Have an Age Limit?

2011-03-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

The recent occasion of Paris Hilton's 30th birthday got me thinking that if anyone's look doesn't age well, it's hers. Leaving aside the questionable antics, there's something a little sad about a woman in her fourth decade wearing pink minidresses and Hello Kitty accessories, batting her eyelashes at the paparazzi. It got me wondering: What other beauty looks have an expiration date? For me, it's letting my hair air dry. My hair is frizzy and unmanageable if I don't spend a little quality time with a blow-dryer and a round brush, and I hate how sloppy it looks. It's the beauty equivalent of wearing sweatpants—something I'm also definitely too old for. (Full disclosure: I'm 36.) I asked the rest of the Allure staff about the beauty looks they've retired:

"I have toned down and limited my nail polish choices now. I only do nude, wine, or red. Personally I think crazy or bright colors look tacky—even for a pedicure—once you’re out of your 20s," says Executive Editor Kristin Perrotta, 37

"I don’t wear super-dark lipstick anymore. As a teen I did black to dark berry. Now burgundy is my absolute darkest shade and I save it for winter. I find going too dark makes my lips look smaller and washes me out. Also, I always go matte because glossy formulas move around too much, and collect in the fine lines around my mouth," says contributing editor Meirav Devash, 33

"I’ve definitely given up the freedom to just run out the door bare faced. I always put something on my skin—sunscreen and a tinted moisturizer at the very least—before I go outside," says West Coast Editor Kelly Atterton, 41

"I used to wear crazy-color eyeshadow—like green one day, purple the next. Now I feel like I’d look silly doing that, so I’ll do it in a more subtle way, like green eyeliner maybe and then nothing else," says writer Sarah Z. Wexler, 29

What about you? Are there any beauty looks you used to love that now feel too young?

RELATED LINKS:
Inside Allure: Looking Your Age
Daily Beauty Reporter: Is There an Age Limit for Trends?
Daily Beauty Reporter: Will You Age Like Your Mother?
Inside Allure: Anti-Aging Skin and Body Secrets From the Most Gorgeous 40-Something Celebrities

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David Beckham Gets His Glow On (With Highlighter)

2011-03-08T02:16:00.000-07:00

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Having a Good Hair Day? You Could Win a NYC Vacation!

2011-03-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

As someone with hair that's naturally frizzy, half straight, and half corkscrew curls, I used to wage a daily battle with my hair. I try to not let bad hair days get me down by pulling it back into a tight ballerina bun and slapping on a glitzy headband instead of fighting with it. But for me, the ultimate hair day means beachy waves that don't get too straight and stringy, flat on top, or frizzy at the ends, so when I nail the styling (and luck out with the right weather), I'm happy all day long.

Now Allure has teamed up with the site Folica.com for a contest that celebrates your greatest hair days. All you have to do is click here to upload a photo of your best hair day ever and you could win a three-day trip to NYC for two, an Allure-inspired makeover, and a tour of Allure's headquarters (hopefully I'll be having a good hair day when you stop by!).

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Your Best Hair Day Ever! (Plus, Your Chance to Win a NYC Vacation)
Daily Beauty Reporter: The Best Rainy Day Hair
Daily Beauty Reporter: Headbands That Don't Hurt

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Having a Good Hair Day? You Could Win a NYC Vacation!

2011-03-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

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Exclusive! The Daily Show's Olivia Munn's Beauty Secrets

2011-03-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Olivia Munn is pulling double duty on opposite coasts: She's acting on the new NBC sitcom Perfect Couples and working as a correspondent for The Daily Show. We chatted up the comedic actress and author of Suck It, Wonder Woman! about beauty. (For more on Munn's career, check out her interview in our March issue.)

Let's talk beauty routine. You get spray tans. Ugh, yes. I feel like a dog being dipped for fleas. [There are some] heavy-handed spray tanners—no offense, but it's usually the blonde girls. If you get a blonde girl she'll get you so much oranger and darker. I look like Mowgli from The Jungle Book right now."

Does it change what you use for makeup? "My makeup artist [on Perfect Couples] has to have two different set ups for me—two shades of foundation. They use a lot of base and foundation on TV, so I like a tinted moisturizer [offscreen]. Laura Mercier makes a great one."

What beauty products are always in your handbag? "I always have a Chapstick with me. I think sunglasses are a huge beauty tool—they protect your eyes and the skin around them. I'm a big blush girl—to a fault. I'm always like, 'Yeah, more blush!'"

Any skin-care secrets? "I furrow my brow and I have a line that comes up. Before I saw a facialist, it was actually pretty prominent. Now I go to Cristina Radu. You have to get recommended to her. She called the person I used as a reference and said 'Do you know her?' Because I fly a lot now, I go twice a month. There are some people who have had plastic surgery that have done it really well—a little here and there—and they're in their 60s or 70s and look great. But the one thing you can't do anything about [at that point] is the texture of your skin."

You have a reputation for being a foxy lady. Do you feel you have to be hot or you're letting people down? "If I let you down because I didn't wear a push-up bra, that's not really my problem. And it's not my problem if I wear a push-up bra and I let you down. I'm just trying to be me."

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Are Facials Worth the Money?
Daily Beauty Reporter: The Best (and Worst) Facials for Winter
Daily Beauty Reporter: What Beauty Loot is in Your Handbag?
Insider's Guide: How to Get the Best Spray Tan

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Jennifer Hudson's New Bod: Do You Respect It Or Resent It?

2011-03-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

At a friend's Oscar party last night, a much-thinner Jennifer Hudson was the conversation topic of the evening. "She looks fabulous," one friend said. "Really stunning...and so thin!" The entire room nodded in agreement. However, as the moments passed and Jennifer continued to stand, statuesquely, on the interview platform, the dialogue about her brand new bod started to take on a different shape. "You know," the same friend began, "I think she might be toothin, you know? I liked her better when she was in the middle: not overweight, but not too skinny." This got me thinking about weight loss (and not in the stereotypical "how thin is too thin?" way).

A new study by two University of Delaware psychology professors found that women who were made to feel jealous became so distracted by unpleasant sentiments that they were unable to spot targets they were trying to find. In this way, the researchers argue that jealousy can actually be blinding. With these findings in the back of my mind, I started to wonder if this was the case with women's love/hate relationship with celebrity weight loss. Were women at the Oscar party, myself included, jealous of Jennifer's new form? Were we blind to her new, more attractive body because we just couldn't handle our subconscious envy? Or was there something larger at play here? In a culture where thin is always in, we can't help but feed the system with our own indulgences in "diet" this and "zero calorie" that. But when faced with a tangible representation of that obsession (a voluptuous Hudson turned a size 2), do we feel a bit ashamed of our own weight craze?

Are you jealous of Jennifer Hudson's new figure or do you think she's right on track for a Dream Girl bod?

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Fat That Makes You Skinny
Daily Beauty Reporter: The New Fight Over Skinny
Daily Beauty Reporter: Is the Pressure to be Skinny Starting for Men?

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The 4 Most Outrageous Moments From Fall 2011 Milan Fashion Week!

2011-03-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

As Milan fashion week wraps up, we couldn't resist bringing you the funniest, most bizarre moments we encountered backstage while in the trenches.

4. Hairspray clouds. Our beauty editor reported almost choking on a thick, hairspray-filled air backstage at Ferretti and Max Mara. The models looked good, though!

Can't wait to see what Paris fashion week has in store!

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The 5 Best Makeup Looks From the Fall 2011 Milan Fashion Shows

2011-03-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

Minimalism was the name of the game when it came to the makeup in Milan this past week, with many looks that can easily be worn off the runway. Here, the five best ones you'll want to appropriate for yourself, as chosen by our beauty editors.

1. Gorgeous cat eyes at Gianfranco Ferré. It's not very often that we gush over a makeup look as we much as we did for the thick liner and pretty pink cheeks at Ferré. "It's rock 'n roll, with a '60s reference on the eyes," makeup artist Peter Philips said. The chunky lashes were created with three coats of Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, combing through between each. The liner was actually a black powder applied with a wet eyeliner brush—Chanel's Professional Eyeliner Duo in Noir-Lame, that was traced from the inner corners to the outer corners of the eyes and lifted up ever so slightly at the end. "There's no hook to the line," Philips explained. Next, he applied mascara onto the bottom lashes by dragging the wand vertically across them, and drew three short strokes of eyeliner below them. And, to round out the look, he swiped a touch of pink blush over the cheekbones and up to the temples and left the lips looking natural. "There's an undertone of sexiness to it, but it's not va-va-voom," Philips said of the finished look. We especially liked how the liner followed the natural curve of the eye, creating a bedroom-effect that is softer and more feminine than the angular, graphic liner we've seen in season's past.

2. Blushing beauties at Versace. Minimal and perfect—this is exactly how we want our makeup to look every time we walk out the door in the morning. And that's the look makeup artist Pat McGrath created at Versace. To do it, she first went to town with a rose-colored cream highlighter, sweeping it on with a brush over the upper cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, at the inner corners of the eyes, and in the cupids bow to give the skin a beautiful sheen. She followed with a rose-colored powder blush all along the cheekbones and up to the temples, and filled in each model's brows with a mix of powder and pencil. For a gentle smokiness around the eyes, she dusted the lids and crease with taupe shadow, while the lashes were given a soft, fluffy look with Cover Girl's new NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara (out in July). The look is so gorgeous and easy, we may just start wearing it every single day.

3. Glossy black-cherry lips and nails at Gucci. We had major dejà vu as we walked backstage for Gucci's fall show. The slick hair, bold lips, and matching nails were surprisingly similar to last season. However, this time around, the overall look felt more feminine, even with a vampier lip color added in the mix. McGrath swapped spring's bright cherry-red lips for a blackened burgundy shade (it was actually a custom-blended combination of three lipsticks topped with a high-shine gloss) and added Twiggy-like lashes. "Last season, the Gucci girl was powerful, but now there's a much more luxurious sensual feeling," she explained. We love the juxtaposition of the strong, sexy mouth with the soft fluttery lashes for fall, but are really dying over the matching nail polish that was used—Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir—a color only available in Europe. Good thing Paris Fashion Week starts tomorrow—we're asking our editors to pick us up a few bottles!

4. Monochromatic mauve at Marni. The color mauve doesn't necessarily scream "modern," but the master of color and all things makeup, Tom Pecheux, was able to create an all-mauve look that was totally cool. His secret? "We're not using any brushes—the only tool we're using is our fingers. When you do that, it doesn't feel like makeup anymore, it feels like a part of you, just soft, natural and casual. It's a grungy, pretty look, but also very dewy." Pecheux's first step was to rub a purple eyeliner pencil directly onto his finger and then smudge it along the lashes for a smoky look. "We put it all over the eye, especially underneath the bottom lashes and following the natural shape of each model's eye," he explained. On the cheeks, he dabbed dusty-rose lipstick in place of blush, which gave the skin a rosy color, but in a very natural way. On the lips, he dabbed foundation, then topped it with the same violet-colored pencil as used on the eyes.

5. Boudoir-inspired makeup at Giorgio Armani. All-over nudes and black liner never looked so good as they did at Giorgio Armani on Monday. With a piece of peach/fleshy-colored fabric in hand given to her by the designer as a reference, makeup artist Linda Cantello blended together two light mauve lipsticks (shades 105 and 518 from the Rouge d'Armani line) over both the lids and lips, while the lips were topped off with a light brown pencil and matching gloss as well. For the rest of the eye makeup, the inspiration came from a picture Mr. Armani showed Cantello. "It was of a model with thick, black liquid liner on top and bottom, with her hand slightly pulling her eye taught. He liked the two lines, and the languid look they created," she explained. To replicate the image, Cantello closely rimmed the top and bottom lashes with a cream liner, going over it with a wet brush dipped in black powder shadow. The top line was extended past the outer corner about a quarter-inch, while a second line was traced underneath the bottom lashes, starting in the middle of the lash line and extending outward.

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: The 5 Best Makeup Looks From The Fall 2011 New York Fashion Shows
Daily Beauty Reporter: The 5 Best Hair Looks From The Fall 2011 New York Fashion Shows
Daily Beauty Reporter: Makeup Ideas: The Best Makeup Looks From the Milan Spring 2011 Shows

PHOTOS: FAIRCHILD ARCHIVE

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The Politics of Hotness

2011-03-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

A new study has found that right-leaning politicians are considered to be more attractive than left-leaning ones. Before you get all, "That's because Sarah Palin is skewing the whole study!" rest assured that the researchers showed American participants photos of Finnish politicians, so it's pretty unlikely that personal political bias played a role in how they ranked each candidate's attractiveness.

The researchers, from Sweden's Ratio Institute, concluded that conservatives may tend to be hotter than liberals because "people who are seen or consider themselves to be beautiful tend to be more anti-egalitarian and hence more attracted to right wing politics." Translation: Attractive people are more about helping themselves than helping others, so they become Republicans, not Democrats. Ouch!

Certainly my own political bias may be at play here, but when I think of the sexiest male wonks, I go right to Democrats: How can you argue with John F. Kennedy, Cory Booker, and Barack Obama? (Okay, Republican Mitt Romney isn't so hard on the eyes, either.) But in terms of the hottest female politicos, the right-wingers seem to have the edge with the likes of Palin, Christine O'Donnell, and Condoleezza Rice.

Who gets your vote as most attractive politician—and is he or she a Republican or a Democrat?

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Do Women in Politics Have to Be Pretty?
Daily Beauty Reporter: Stop The Presses: Obama Going Gray
Daily Beauty Reporter: Palin's Expensive Beauty Habits

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Should Teens be Banned from Tanning? Doctors Say Yes
Get the Look: Red Carpet Hairstyles
Psst...(It's Not Her Real Butt)

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Would You Try Hollywood's Hottest Workout Trend?

2011-03-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

We’ve blogged about the Power Plate before, so you should already know that exercising on the vibrating machine for 20 minutes a couple of times a week can give workouts a mega-boost so you burn more body fat. No wonder celebs can't get enough—Mark Wahlberg used his to get in shape for The Fighter, Alanis Morissette is using hers to shed the baby weight, and Elle MacPherson and Renée Zellweger are fans.

Kelly Atterton, Allure’s West Coast Editor, just got a sneak peek at latest version of the Power Plate—the My7—and reports that it's light years ahead of the older models and already has a huge cult-like following in L.A.

The updated machine has a monitor with programs built in so you know exactly how to train on the plate (earlier models didn’t—I admit I was unsure of what I should actually be doing on the thing when I used it). It offers over 1,000 pre-programmed exercises and allows you to customize a workout to meet your own goals (there is even a program called “muffin top”).

If you want to give it a shake, use the company's Vibration Location tool to find one near you.

Do you think this is just another hype job in the exercise world, or would you try it? (Wahlberg did look pretty fit in the The Fighter.)

RELATED LINKS:
The Best Celebrity Trainer Tricks for Gym Motivation
Workout Tips: How Vanessa Minnillo Maintains Her Hot Bod
Daily Beauty Reporter: 3 Recessionista Workout Moves

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The 4 Most Outrageous Moments From Fall 2011 Milan Fashion Week!

2011-03-03T12:05:00.001-07:00

As Milan fashion week wraps up, we couldn't resist bringing you the funniest, most bizarre moments we encountered backstage while in the trenches.

4. Hairspray clouds. Our beauty editor reported almost choking on a thick, hairspray-filled air backstage at Ferretti and Max Mara. The models looked good, though!

Can't wait to see what Paris fashion week has in store!

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Red Lips at Breakfast? Yes! Yes! Yes!

2010-11-14T12:09:00.001-07:00

Left to right: Poppy King, Carisa Janes, Terry de Gunzburg, Linda Wells, and Sue Devitt.

A siren red mouth might seem too bold for 9 A.M., but at Barneys in New York City today, it was the topic on everyone's lips. Allure editor in chief Linda Wells moderated a discussion on our favorite subject: makeup—particularly, red lipstick. The panel of cosmetics-company owners had plenty to say about the once controversial subject ("nice girls" didn't dare wear red lipstick back in the day—remember Belle Watling from Gone With the Wind? Yeah, she owned a brothel). Lipstick Queen founder and CEO Poppy King came dressed for the occasion in a lip-printed dress. She stressed what we believe at Allure: There is a red for everyone. "Test a bunch of shades. When you put one on and your eyes, cheeks, and hair light up, you've found a keeper. If the color seems to turn off your 'internal light,' toss it and move on," King said, adding that "red lips look best done casually. Do your lips before your eye makeup to prevent looking too overdone." (Confession: When Wells brought up that lipstick is often the most stolen item in stores, King owned up to swiping tons of Revlon lipsticks and stuffing them in her school uniform when she was 14.) When a member of the audience asked "Is it appropriate?" about wearing red lips to work, Sue Devitt, the founder and president of Sue Devitt, said that, though it depends on what you do, a toned down version is almost always fine; she recommended a red stain. And adding a Parisian touch to the discussion, Terry de Gunzburg, the founder and chairman of By Terry said that when a woman needs a boost, the best thing she can do is—yes—apply red lipstick. "If you're going out at night and you're feeling blah, wearing red lips can totally change your mood."

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Dick Page's Best Red Lip Tips
Inside Allure: Letter From the Editor
Insiders' Guide: How to Wear Red Lipstick

PHOTO: MYRNA SUAREZ FOR ALLURE

Should There Be Tanning Beds in Prison?

2010-11-13T21:57:00.001-07:00

In the olden days, being sent to prison was synonymous with never seeing the light of day...ever again. Well not anymore, thanks to the wonder of tanning beds! Sergei Telyatnikov, head of notorious Russian prison Butyrka, told a radio station that he will soon install tanning beds in the jail to improve the health of its inmates.The sunbeds, which Telyatnikov said would be used "for medical purposes," will be installed by the end of the year, the state-run RIA news agency said. And that's not all. Butyrka innates can expect spa facilities (such a mud baths) in the future. Now, it's worth noting that this prison has been home to a number of people who didn't deserve to be in jail in the first place, such as Soviet-era writers Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Isaak Babel. Still, with other stories in the news—like the Massachusetts transgender prisoner who was the recipient of makeup and electrolysis treatments for years—it seems like being bad never looked so good.

So what do you think? Do you think its a crime to give prisoners tanning beds, or other beauty treatments? ?

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: German Ban On Indoor Tanning
Daily Beauty Reporter: Jersey Shore Roommate Grilled Over Tanning Bed Comments
Daily Beauty Reporter: Hairdresser: "Cuts By Day and Crimes By Night"
Daily Beauty Reporter: "Nail Clippers: the New 'Get Out of Jail Free' Card"

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Victoria's Secret Angels: Their Body Skin Tips

2010-11-13T11:32:00.001-07:00

What would you do the final few days before baring your bod to millions of viewers? That's the position the Victoria's Secret models were just in—the show happened last night! (It will air on CBS on November 30 at 10 P.M. EST.) We have the lowdown from our Victoria's Secret source on what the models do to make the last few days count.

"I love working out, so my favorite way to prep before show-time is boxing and jumping rope." —Adriana Lima

"Leading up to the show, I use face masks and hair treatments so I feel extra-conditioned and soothed. My favorites are Ginseng's Therapy Moisture Facial Mask and Moroccanoil's Restorative Hair Mask." —Erin Heatherton (below right—these photos are from backstage at the show!)

"A few days prior to show day, I buff my body with a scrub and slather on oil." —Candice Swanepoel (above)

"Layers of self-tanner, extra-bronzer, and shimmer on the day of show are key." —Alessandra Ambrosio

"We have so many shoots leading up to show day. I rely on dry shampoo to remove product build-up and absorb excess oil." —Chanel Iman

"My top pre-show treatmets are getting in a few extra workouts, drinking plenty of water, and getting extra-sleep!" —Lily Aldridge (below left)

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Is Anyone Happy With Their Body?
Daily Beauty Reporter: Victoria's Body Makeup Secrets
Daily Beauty Reporter: Backstage Beauty: Runway Models Go Real-Size

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

How Groomed Do You Have to Be for a Guy?

2010-11-13T01:13:00.000-07:00

We put on lipstick and curl our hair as much for ourselves as we do for dudes (or, let's get real, for female coworkers): It not only makes us look pulled-together, it gives us a psychological boost (during the recession, surveys showed that many of the unemployed were getting up and getting ready, simply because it made them feel better). All that said, we're not slaves to beauty: If we're feeling too lazy to shave our legs a couple days in the winter—when they'll be hidden by black tights or skinny jeans anyway—well, we don't. If we skip mascara when we're running late one morning, we don't beat ourselves up (and we don't expect others to, either).

Recently we stumbled upon a Q&A column in a Seattle newspaper about impressing men with your beauty routine. The woman who wrote in said she had been "very vigilant in my grooming habits" for the past six months to impress a man she was dating, and as she was starting to slip back into her "normal" routine, the guy was taking notice—commenting, for instance, when she didn't wear makeup. Now, you'd be hard-pressed to find a woman who wasn't on her best beauty behavior when she first started dating a guy, but six months in? As the woman wrote, "I'm not a slob or anything, it's just that sometimes I just don't feel like shaving, and $65 bikini waxes add up." (We hear ya.) While we don't know the grooming habits of the guy in question, the situation makes us wonder if there's a double standard at play: Does he rush to the bathroom to shave his five o'clock shadow? Get quizzical looks on his unwashed hair on a lazy Saturday? No one's perfect, and as long as you've not become slovenly, we think it's just fine to loosen up your routine a bit...and let yourself live like a normal human being (not a robot). What do you think? In a relationship, how long do you remain diligent with every single element of your grooming routine? And do you think there's a double standard: Are women expected to look "perfect" in a way men aren't?

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Do Guys Have No Love for Curly-Haired Girls?
Daily Beauty Reporter: What's Your Favorite Feature?
Daily Beauty Reporter: Do You Get What Guys Find Sexy?
Daily Beauty Reporter: Is a Blowout "Better" Than Curls?

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

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What's the Best Beauty Advice You've Ever Received?

2010-11-12T12:35:00.001-07:00

Think back to the first time you saw your mom twist open a jar of face cream. Did you pepper her with questions, and ask to dip your fingers in to try some on yourself? If so, you're not alone: 44 percent of women say they learned their skin-care routines from watching their moms, according to a Noxzema survey. Surprisingly, mom wasn't the most popular teacher in the poll, though: The majority of women—55 percent—picked up tricks about scrubs and masks and moisturizers from their friends.

This prompted us to take a trip through the product-cluttered memories of our youth and recall the best beauty advice we've ever received from our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and friends. Here, some of the tips that have stood the test of time:

"In high school, my best friend Jess had curly hair like me. She told me, "don't wash it so often, and never brush it." At the time I washed my hair every day, so I thought that advice sounded gross. But it turns out she was totally right! It's the best way to preserve your ringlets and keep them from getting frizzy." —Sarah Wexler, writer

"My mother taught me how to slather on a thick, nourishing hand cream every night before bed, so that my hands wouldn't get chapped. And I have to say, now that I'm a bit older and know that the hands are one of the first places you start to see sun damage, I'm really happy she started me caring for them early on."
—Daisy Shaw, assistant editor

"It was my mom who taught me to put a dab of peroxide on a pimple overnight, so it will dry up by the morning. Also, my mom showed me how to get perfect beach-y waves: In the summer, I fill up a spray bottle with salt water, spritz my natural waves with it after I shower, and let them air dry." —Alison Caporimo, contributing assistant

"My grandma is 84 years old, and has the most amazing, wrinkle-free skin you've ever seen! I always ask her what her secret is, and she says to stay out of the sun and to moisturize every night before bed. It sounds simple, but seeing how these tips helped her age so gracefully makes me want to follow suit." —Heather Muir, beauty news editor

What's your best beauty tip? And who did you learn it from?

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: Body Products We Love—For Less
Daily Beauty Reporter: The Curly Hair Advice You Asked For
Heidi Klum's Anti-aging Secrets
13 Beauty Lessons Mom Was Right About

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Do Men Worry About Aging as Much as Women Do?

2010-11-12T00:19:00.001-07:00

Okay, certainly not all men worry about how they look as they age, but lots of them do—and try to distract from a graying beard, wrinkles, or a receding hairline with a red Porsche Boxster (or hide behind a bad toupee). Michael Patrick King, the creator of Sex and the City, is aiming to explore how men deal with getting up in digits in a show that may wind up on NBC. Deadline Hollywood described it as "in the vein of the 1975 feature Shampoo...it centers on a straight Beverly Hills hairdresser in his '50s who is struggling to stay young and relevant in a place where looks are everything." Since I've loved how all of King's shows address women staying youthful and relevant (SATC, of course, and also Lisa Kudrow's character in The Comeback), I'd definitely watch this show. But I'm a little dubious about the idea that looking older is as hard on men as it is on women, since we tend to be judged much more harshly for grays and wrinkles. (After all, they get terms like "distinguished" and "stately," while we get "hag.") Do you think aging men have as many struggles as aging women?

RELATED LINKS:
10 Hairstyles That Will Make You Look 10 Years Younger
20 Products That Will Make You Look Younger—Instantly

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Are You Pining for Your Old Hairstyle?

2010-11-11T10:40:00.002-07:00

When I saw pics of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rocking her old much-maligned headband look in Malaysia last week—I understood. I by no means endorsed it—I just understood.

Recently, I've been putting my long, layered hair up in a messy updo every morning. It looks fine to everybody else, but it's become boring to me. Looking through old pictures with a friend the other day made me nostalgic for the punky pixie I had two years ago. The look seemed so fresh and confident...but wait, didn't I miss my long hair then, too? I wonder what's driving me and Clinton back to our roots (no pun intended). Is it like going back to an old boyfriend—returning to a past comfort level? Is it a grass-is-always-greener thing? Are we just being lazy and uncreative?

Ultimately, I think I'll keep my long hair and try to mix up my look. After all, Clinton can take off the headband when she's sick of it (she's done it before)—if I cut my mine short and have regrets, it'll take a year-and-a-half to grow out.

Do you feel follicular nostalgia? Have you ever gone back to an old hairstyle? Did it still work for you?

RELATED LINKS:
Hair Ideas: The Top 6 Celebrity Hairstylists Share Their Best Looks
Daily Beauty Reporter: Have You Used the Same Skin-Care Since You Were a Teenager?
Daily Beauty Reporter: How Much Do You Trust Your Hairstylist?
Hair Ideas: The 6 Best Looks from New York Fashion Week!

PHOTO: DAVID STESNER

How to Wax Without Redness

2010-06-24T22:21:00.001-07:00

If you've ever waxed something on your face, you know the drill: The appointment takes two minutes, but the red mustache and/or crimson halo around your brows lasts two hours. Until now! Last night I tried out Bliss spa's white wax, which has a titanium dioxide base that Bliss says dries faster than normal wax, doesn't break on removal, and gets a good grab on the hairs—all making the stuff less irritating to the skin. Obviously different people will react in different ways, but I have to say that I am loving the stuff; I'm normally branded when I have my brows shaped, but the white wax left no angry red evidence behind. None. At all. Not even a tiny bit of pink two minutes after the wax was ripped off my skin. And though it was slightly more painful than other waxes I've tried, I assure you the results are worth definitely it.

Stressed? We Know Why...

2010-06-24T14:21:00.001-07:00

We're going to file this one in the same bummer category as menstrual cramps and child-bearing hips: It turns out that women are more susceptible to stress and anxiety than men are. In research just published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, scientists at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that female rat brains are more sensitive to a hormone produced at times of anxiety called "corticotropin-releasing factor" (CRT). Not only are the female brains more susceptible to low levels of CRT, they are also less able to cope when levels are high. (Though the research was carried out in rats, CRT is known to play an important cognitive role in humans.)

In the future, this may lead to gender-specific drugs to combat anxiety and depression. In in the meantime, here is how to mellow out, without meds:

Exercise: You've heard it a million times—and pretty much any form of exertion, from a brisk walk around the block to 90 minutes of cardio, has been shown to help the brain manage stress.

Don't gorge yourself: It's not just that a post-binge hangover can add to your burden of worry. Studies show that comfort food may not be so comforting. Researchers have found that mice that are calorically restricted so they stay hungry seem to show less depression than mice who have free access to food.

Unplug. All those pinging, buzzing devices "have become a huge source of anxiety,” says Rita Emmett, author of Manage Your Time to Reduce Your Stress (Walker & Co.). She advises setting hours when you’re not reachable—and sticking to them just as you would to work hours. “Having downtime—taking lunch, shutting off the phone—has been shown to improve productivity,” she adds.

Clean Up. Have you watched Hoarders and thought "Wow, that person seems so at ease?" We didn't think so. “People who live with piles of paper always say, ‘I know where everything is.’ But their hearts are pounding as they search for a receipt,” Emmett says. “Or maybe they’d like to have people over but are too anxious about it because of the way their place looks.” Often, she says, clutter is a source of stress we don’t even notice.

The Best Pedicure to Get Right Now

2010-06-24T06:21:00.001-07:00

We'd been looking for an alternative to summer's bright, colorful pedicures—something less wintery than ruby, and more understated than yellow. Fortunately, manicurist April Foreman tipped us off to aubergine, a sophisticated deep purple that strikes the perfect, sandal-worthy balance between polished and playful. She also helped us navigate the ever so subtle variations in the eggplant shade. For example, she recommends warm, red-based purples for olive and dark complexions (we love Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Dark Side of the Moon, shown here) and cooler, blue-toned ones for pinker skin. Another favorite of ours? Dolce & Gabbana Royal, a shimmery, universally-flattering eggplant.

How to Protect Your Pout

2010-06-23T22:21:00.001-07:00

Ever see in a movie where a kid holds up a magnifying glass and uses the sun to fry ants? That's basically what you're doing to your lips when you wear gloss without SPF. Gross, I know. Dermatologists are warning that shiny gloss may up your cancer risk, since the shine causes more UV rays to penetrate directly through the skin instead of getting reflected off the skin’s surface (sort of like old-school tanners coating themselves in baby oil for extra frying power). Skin cancer on lips is serious business: an estimated 3,500 new cases are diagnosed every year. That said, if you wear a shiny gloss with a base layer of at least SPF 30, you're protected. (We like to use Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 PA

How to Avoid the Biggest Bronzer Mistakes

2010-06-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Want a subtle, sexy—and skin-damage-free—glow? Bronzer is your product. But orange streaks or color that's too dark are dead giveaways that that glow is fake. We asked the experts how to avoid the most common bronzer mistakes. (For more, check out our June issue, on newsstands now.)

Skip an all-over application. Dust bronzer across areas where the sun hits: the bridge of your nose, the apples of your cheeks, and across your hairline. Makeup artist Dick Page suggests pairing this with highlighter, "on the tops of your cheekbones, your brows, and the bow of your top lip so your face doesn't look flat."

Gels are not for novices. Go for pressed powder formulas instead, which are easier to apply. We love Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer.

Avoid bronzers with tons of shimmer. Stick to matte powders, especially during the day, to avoid looking greasy. If you wear a shimmer formula in the evening, Page suggests one with a subtle sparkle. We like Mark's discreetly shimmering Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder in Pro Golden, which gives skin a natural-looking glow.

RELATED LINKS:
Best of Beauty: Bronzer
Daily Beauty Reporter: Get the Perfect Glow
The Top 8 Idiot-Proof Self Tanners
Daily Beauty Reporter: How to Do A Spray Tan at Home

PHOTO: DAVID STESNER

Posted By Elizabeth Siegel, Associate Editor Filed Under Makeup KeywordsBronzer tips, Estee Lauder, bronzer, bronzing mistakes Print E-Mail Share Permalink Comments Print E-Mail Feeds Share NEXT POST: Are You Wearing Too Much Makeup? PREVIOUS POST: Our New Favorite Ponytail CommentsAdd a Comment Post A Comment
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Are You Wearing Too Much Makeup?

2010-06-23T06:21:00.001-07:00

Justin Bieber is too young for us—and for you, Kim Kardashian! (A joke, she's clearly not dating him, people—and People.) But when we read a quote from a recent interview about his preferring a natural beauty look, we took notice. Said the singing haircut: "I don't like girls who wear lots of makeup and you can't see their face. Some girls are beautiful but insecure and look much better without the makeup, but decide to put loads on."

Biebs has a point: If you're overdoing it, you're suffocating your natural beauty. But every time a male celebrity claims that he prefers a woman without makeup, we have to wonder: Does he even know the difference between minimal (or just well-applied) makeup and none?

Either way, a natural look can be beautiful done right. Try these tips from Allure's book Confessions of a Beauty Editor:

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Even the best makeup in the world will look like dirt if it's applied on top of skin that is dry, dull, or flaky. Regular sloughing, whether with chemicals (like glycolic acid home peels or nightly application of retinoids) or a gentle, grainy scrub, will make skin more naturally radiant—and allow you to wear less makeup.

Prime—or at least moisturize. Some makeup artists believe it's heresy to apply foundation directly to bare skin. They say makeup primer creates a remarkably smooth surface. If you don't want to add an extra step and a new product, just massage moisturizer onto clean skin. Makeup will then seem to melt into the face rather than sit awkwardly on top of it.

Finish with powder. The famous rule about getting ready, then removing one accessory before you leave the house applies just as well to makeup. After you've done your face, turn away from the mirror; then quickly turn back. You might be surprised to see that your blush suddenly looks too bright, or the shimmer on your eyes is more disco than dazzling. A light dusting of powder will tone it down.

The Best Wedding-Day Beauty

2010-06-22T22:21:00.001-07:00

This weekend, Swedish Crown Princess Victoria got married and her hair and makeup were just right. The princess kept her hair sleek but simple, and her makeup natural (a nice counter-balance to her 16-foot train). For all other soon-to-be brides, here are some simple tips that will help you look similarly flawless and naturally beautiful.

Make sure your foundation matches your face and neck. There's nothing more awkward than looking dip-dyed in your wedding photographs. And if you plan on getting a spray tan, do a trial run and adjust your makeup to match the new color.

Keep nails natural. We may be loving eggplant polish for summer nails, but that doesn't mean it's the right choice for a bride. Classic neutral colors—that don't match the bouquet--won't take attention away from your face or dress.

Go easy on the jewels. We'll let Crown Princess Victoria off the hook on this one (she is an actual princess, after all), but our usual stance on a crown or big tiara is that it's tacky. The same goes for layers of jewels a la Heidi Montag—your diamond ring is fabulous enough on its own.

RELATED LINKS:
Daily Beauty Reporter: 4 Wedding-Day Beauty Mistakes
Daily Beauty Reporter: Best Hair Accessories for Brides
Daily Beauty Reporter: How To Look Good for Wedding Season

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Our Newest Obsession: Organic Cheek Stains

2010-06-22T14:21:00.003-07:00

The cheek stain really is the lazy girl's best friend: Soft, rosy cheeks with no need for a brush—and they double as a lip color. So when we saw that Vapour Organics was launching three shades in their fall collection (on sale in September), we were super excited. The formula is quite sheer, but it smooths over the skin like a cream—and one swipe is all you need to get a flush of either pinkish berry, brick red, or orange-peach. It's easy to blend the colors along your cheekbones with your fingertips, then pat the remainder on your lips for a subtle stain. And there's a green factor to these particular stains as well: the formulas are 100 percent natural and 70 percent organic (the remainder being the minerals and vitamins that enhance the color.) We can't get enough of them.

ChocoHolicks

2009-11-15T06:58:00.002-07:00

Looking for some yummy lip glosses for the holidays? Check out Jane Iredale Holiday Promotional lip glosses called “ChocoHolicks”.

This collection of four decadent chocolate truffle lip glosses smell and taste amazing, go on beautifully, are made with 100% natural ingredients, and come in the most adorable packaging to resemble a box of fancy truffles. This makes them perfect for gift giving, stocking stuffers, or getting yourself a much deserved treat! Colors include a deep glossy pink, a chocolate brown, a sheer bronze and a shimmering copper.

For more information, visit the Jane Iredale website by clicking here.

Get sleek with Matrix

2009-09-12T09:23:00.002-07:00

So I went to Ulta the other day looking for a new "smoothing" shampoo. I have tried several, but felt like there was something better out there in the beauty world. So I approached my mom's hairstylist and asked her what shampoo she would recommend for smoothing out thick, unruly hair. She said without hesitation, "Sleek Look Shampoo" by Matrix. In her opinion, it's the only shampoo that does what it actually says it can do: "transform curly, frizzy, dry or coarse hair into a salon-smooth, sensuously-sleek style." So I bought some with the promise that if this worked, I would come back and get the conditioner too. Well, I have to admit, she was right. My hair does feel silkier, smoother, and not so many flyaways. My hair also feels more hydrated and looks "glossier." Looks like I have a new favorite smoothing shampoo...

"I feel PRETTY"

2009-09-12T09:14:00.002-07:00

I admit that some of my favorite fragrances have a light floral scent and Elizabeth Arden has come out with a new fragance I just love: PRETTY.

This has a real feminine scent with a refreshing mix of Italian mandarin, orange blossom, peach juices, musk, Jacaranda Wood and Petalia which is a new, floral molecule. It's pretty afforable as well, retailing at $49.00 for 1.7 fl oz. I have a feeling this perfume is going to be perfect for any occasion or climate. And whoever gets tired of smelling flowers?

Bring out sexy skin with just a papaya

2009-08-16T22:11:00.003-07:00

Want to bring out the sexy in your skin? All you need is one ripe papaya. Peel the papaya, scoop out and discard the seeds and mash the pulp with a fork. Massage onto your body, and pay extra attention to your elbows, knees and heels. Rinse off in the shower. Besides containing loads of Vitamin C and potassium, the fleshy fruit of a papaya also contains an enzyme called papain, which when applied to skin, helps banish dulling dead skin cells. Give your whole body a lift with this sexy skin-reviving body mask!

Beauty Quickie

2009-08-04T06:02:00.002-07:00

Want another way to defrizz hair? Use clear mascara. It instantly tames flyways. Kate Hudson and Angelina Jolie endorsed.

Five Skin No-No's

2009-08-02T20:15:00.002-07:00

Wondering why you are breaking out with blackheads, whiteheads and cystic acne? Here are some big no-no's that might be derailing your skin care routine:

No-No 1: Anti-acne regime is too harsh. If you wash too much or use too many harsh ingredients, your skin will try to compensate by producing MORE oil to replenish what has been stripped away. You don't want your face to freak out, so quit applying 5 different acne products to those pimples!

No-No 2: Too heavy-handed with creams. Too much creams and lotions can produce little while spots called "milia." Keep your products lightweight--especially your eye cream.

No-No 3: Not rinsing your back after you shower. Note to self: Leftover conditioner can clog pores.

No-No 4: Putting lip balm on before bed. Lip gloss can travel--and your chin won't be happy if it breaks out because of traveling goo.

No-No 5: Washing your hair just before you go to bed: See No-no #3: Conditioner is a common acne trigger—nuff said.

Still peeling...

2009-08-02T20:01:00.004-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I had my 4th peel in a series of 6. My skin definitely seems to have a nice glow, but I still have some breakouts. (although not nearly as bad as usual) This 4th peel was definitely the most intense. My aesthetician used a "de-greaser" and then applied the peel, leaving it on for 7 minutes. The burning sensation was at an all time high. She then applied the usual vitamin C mask, a bit of sunscreen and I was done in less than 30 minutes. Ironically, I peeled the least with this peel which surprised me. My skin looks healthy...but I am still getting the most conspicuous pimples. I will probably have acne when I am 90.

Looking to control oily skin?

2009-07-28T06:16:00.003-07:00

Looking for a natural way to control oily skin? Try this recipe:

Mix egg whites with oatmeal until you have a creamy paste. Mix thoroughly and apply to face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water. A natural way to suck up that oil and leave your skin squeeky clean!

Defrizz your hair for less than the cost of a Happy Meal

2009-07-14T19:48:00.004-07:00

Do you have unruly ends or frizzy hair? Go buy Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Hand Cream for $4 at your local drugstore. Rub a pea-size amount in your palms, smooth it onto hair, then brush. Bye, bye frizz!

Beauty Tip: How to look less tired

2009-07-08T06:14:00.002-07:00

If you want to look like you got 8 hours of sleep (but only got 3) here is a little beauty tip that makeup artists use to wake the eyes up. Dust a strip of gold shadow (one with just a hint of shimmer) onto the center of your eyelids from lash to creases. Or smudge white shimmer powder onto the inner V of your eyes. Viola! Instantly look awake!

Beauty Tip: Detox Your Hair

2009-07-08T06:11:00.003-07:00

If you are a product junkie, a good way to beat buildup is to add a teaspoon of vinegar to your shampoo bottle and shake it up. Use it weekly as a clarifying shampoo. Bye bye buildup!

Detangle Those Knots

2009-07-05T16:42:00.004-07:00

For years, I only dreamed about having long hair, until I finally decided to grow out my short locks about 5 years ago. Guys love women with long hair and there is something to be said about versatility; however, having long hair also brings with it one recurring problem: TANGLES. Having tangled hair drives me nuts, so I finally decided to invest in a really great detangler called: DETANGLER (original uh?) by L'anza. This product instantly rescues your hair from tangles and knots that create split ends. Contains Keratin, Algae Extract, Althea, Rosemary and Chamomile.
Gets rid of my knots every time and adds a silky smooth finish to my hair. Now I can grow my hair to my knees!

Superfirm Boob Tube

2009-06-23T22:10:00.003-07:00

Got Boobs?

One of the samples I received in my goody bag from spa night was Mama Mio's Boob Tube. This cream not only has antioxidants but claims to help increase the strength and elasticity of your bosom to help you keep pointing North. It's rich in Omega 3,6 and 9 with Avocado oil, Evening Primrose oil, Shea Butter and CoQ10. Safe for pregnant moms as well! So far, my boobs aren't sagging, so I guess it must be working.

For more information, or to buy this or other Mama Mio products, visit: http://www.mamamio.com/

Do I look snazzy or too rich?

2009-06-21T07:37:00.003-07:00

Most of you have heard of bareMinerals which is a pure mineral makeup line containing no preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance or other potential skin irritants. I have tried several of their products, and although I am not a big fan of their foundation, I absolutely love their eyeshadows. I am bored with my current ones, so yesterday, I went out and bought 2 new shadows: SNAZZY and YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO RICH BROWN. What I like about their shadows is that there is a variety of colors to choose from, the colors are natural, light to apply and have just a touch of shimmer to give a natural glow. You can also use them wet or dry. The gal at the counter told me that SNAZZY is their newest color and pretty popular--I bought the last one. So here is to perking up those little irises and celebrating another reason why it's great to be female.

An evening of spa luxury

2009-06-14T22:13:00.007-07:00

Last night I had the priviledge of attending a spa event at one of the top spas in America: Spa Avania at the Hyatt Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, AZ. This yearly event, hosted by Arizona Spa Girls, benefits the Fresh Start Woman's Foundation and always involves one fabulous ultra-deluxe mini spa or salon service of your choice, refreshments, boutique shopping, beauty and product demos and samples, tours and fitness classes, raffle giveaways, and fabulous goodie bags. Spa Avania proved to be a huge hit amongst the ladies, who ooed and awed over the beautiful landscaping, world class amenities and outstanding customer service. After I arrived and was given the grand tour and a luxury robe, I decided to first try out the French Celtic Mineral pool which is heated and designed to be therapeutic and relaxing. The pool lived up to its reputation and certainly beats chlorine water.

I then made my way to the Voya Seaweed Bath Experience which is basically a heated spa filled with seaweed. I have to admit that I get somewhat freaked out by having seaweed between my toes, but I sucked it up as the benefits of increased circulation and detoxifciation outweigh the seaweed "slimey-ess."

Once throroughly relaxed, I made my way to one of the treatments rooms to have my ultra-deluxe spa treatment - a Swedish Massage. Spa Avania is a holistic spa which uses a "time of day" philosophy. Different music, scents, food, teas and oils are rotated throughout the day depending on the time of the day. Even the shutters on the windows are moved to different angles to change the direction of the light. The goal of this "time of day" philosophy is to harmonize with your body's natural cycles, also known as biorhythms. Since it's in the evening when I get my massage, (the cycle of relaxation and repair) the massage oil that is used is from the [comfort zone] line entitled "Tranquility." The smell is heavenly. A mixture of amaranth, grape, vanilla and rose oils permeate my senses, and by the time my massage is done, I am practically a zombie.

I stumbled down to the next treatment room to have a eye and lip treatment executed with the same line of products which includes a soothing eye mask and lip exfoliation. After this pampering, I am truly a body of jello. The evening is topped off by raffle prizes, a fashion show and a goody bag "mecca" which includes products by "Philosophy" "Mama Mio" and [comfort zone]. There is nothing better than supporting a good cause and getting pampered in the lap of luxury. I am thankful for these Zen-like sense of serenity moments which always help to prepare me for another hectic work week!

Products experienced:

[comfort zone]

tranquility oil: a unique oil-based formula for bath and body, for a silky, regenerated skin.

eye supreme multi-active patches: innovative hydrogel patches enriched with Eyeliss™,Â Colaxyl™, Haloxyl™, aloe and Phytodermina lifting for an intensive instant treatment of tired , puffy eyes with dark circles and wrinkles.

lip blooming scrub: jojoba microspheres, orange peel wax, rose extract, distilled rosewater, apricot butter

http://www.comfortzone.it/
http://www.spaavania.com/

The Peeling Continues - Glycolic/Retinol Peel

2009-06-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my third peel at Luminous Skin Studios. I had to be painfully honest—I saw no real difference after the second peel and in fact, my skin broke out worse than before. My aesthetician assured me that this was all part of the process and that hopefully after 5 peels, the oil barrier would be broken down enough that the products I am using would be more effective and clear up my skin. This time, she used a glycolic/retinol peel which didn’t burn nearly as much as the salicylic peel, but was quite itchy-especially on the forehead. Afterwards, she applied a Vitamin C Mask and sent me on my way. My next peel will be in 4 weeks. Hopefully, I can report more positive results!

Scent of a Man

2009-06-07T15:17:00.004-07:00

Looking to buy your Dad some cologne for Father's Day? Try "Verace Pour Homme" which can be found at Sephora or Ulta for $55. With notes of mineral amber, cedarwood and geranium this scent is for men who like old-school (think Brut) masculine scents. Your mom might swooon when he wears it!

5 Cheap Beauty Problem Solvers

2009-06-04T06:07:00.002-07:00

Have a beauty problem you need solved fast and without paying big bucks? Here are 5 of my favorite beauty secrets that won't require plastic surgery or a ton of cash:

1. Want to shrink your pores? Leave egg whites on your skin for 10 minutes.

2. Need to fight frizzy hair? Pour dark beer on just washed hair or apply a weekly coconut-oil scalp massage (It's how Indian women keep their hair shiny and smooth)

3. Have dry elbows? Rest them in grapefruit halves for five minutes--the citric acid exfoliates! You can also use extra-virgin olive oil (great for heels of your feet) to soften up all over.

4. Need to stop breakouts? Dissolve an aspirin tablet (which has salicylic acid) in a bit of water to form a paste, apply to the breakout and rinse after three minutes.

5. Got oily hair? Dust a bit of translucent powder onto the roots.

Do you have a cheap beauty trick? Post it!

The Shampoo Junkie

2009-06-01T20:44:00.004-07:00

OK, so I have a confession to make--I am a shampoo junkie. I can't help it. My hair follicles seem to constantly cry out that they want something new and exciting. I rarely use the same shampoo twice in a row and I have different shampoos for everything--shampoo to clarify, shampoo to moisturize, shampoo to control frizz, shampoo to relax me, and a shampoo to "perk me up." I grew tired of my Redken products, so once those bottles were empty, I decided to focus my sights on a product line I hadn't tried in a long time- (with the exception of the hairspray) Sebastian's LIGHT shampoo.

This shampoo promises weightless shine while cleansing and purifying the hair. After trying it a few times, overall I am still undecided. The shampoo does have a "light" feeling, but I am not sure if it conditions as much as I would like it too. The smell is also a bit overwhelming for my taste (smells like cheap perfume). We'll see how the hair does in the next few months as summer approaches. If my "doo" starts to look drab, I know its either time for a haircut, or time for another new shampoo fix.

Get a Test Tube

2009-05-28T22:02:00.008-07:00

If you love trying beauty product samples on a regular basis, then New Beauty's "Test Tube" may be just for you. Sign up for the sampling program and 4 times a year you will get a big tube filled with the latest beauty products delivered to your door. Each tube costs $29.95 (plus shipping and handling) Brands that have previously appeared in the "test tube" are: Obagi, Estee Lauder, Dr. Brandt, Jane Iredale, SuperSmile and N.V. Perricone M.D. For more information visit: http://testtube.newbeauty.com/

A peel a day keeps the blemishes away

2009-05-27T22:23:00.002-07:00

Today I had my second in a series of five chemical peels at Luminous Skin Studios. (You can read about my first experience with chemical peels by clicking here.) I would say that my skin after my first treatment saw minor improvement. At least my breakouts during PMS weren't half as bad this time. Whether I can attribute that to the peel or not, is hard to say.

This time the peel was left on longer, and a glycolic peel was added to the mix. To my delight, the burning didn't bother me nearly as much (my skin must be building up a tolerance--yippee) Of course the peeling, flaking, and mild flare ups will still occur again, but I'm told that's a good thing as the sebaceous oil glands are breaking down. I also decided to purchase 2 products in the IMAGE Skincare collection: The CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Tonic and Medicated Acne Lotion. In 2 weeks, I will have my third peel and hopefully will see some marked improvement in my skin. If you would like to try one of these peels, you can't beat the $37 price tag. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.luminousskinstudios.com/

INFALLIBLE Lip Gloss is..well..fallible.

2009-05-25T14:53:00.003-07:00

In my previous post, I mentioned that I had purchased the new INFALLIBLE lip gloss by L'Oreal. Its mantra is that it lasts 6 hours, keeps your lips hydrated, yadda, yadda, yadda. After trying it yesterday, I am here to report that, "Yes" it does last 6 hours, "Yes" the colors are beautiful and "Yes" my lips were hydrated...for about 30 minutes. After that, the lip gloss, for lack of a better word, started to "coagulate." Ew. Time to return to Walgreens pronto.

Kissable Lips

2009-05-23T14:38:00.006-07:00

There is one part of my body that is not oily-and that is my lips. My lips are constantly dry. I hate wearing lipstick because it never seems to be nourishing enough and just peels into little red or mauve flakes. The best way I have found to keep color on my lips AND keep them somewhat moisturized is to apply lip liner to the lips and then apply lip gloss on top. I love experimenting with different lip glosses—here are some of my favorites...

Origins Liquid Lip Color: I have been using this brand off and on for years now. This lip gloss contains rich bran oil, aloe and Vitamin E to hydrate the lips. The gloss isn’t sticky or goopy and comes in wonderful colors such as “Lotsa Luxe” (my favorite), “Beaming Berry”, and “Wild Flower” But what I really love about this gloss is that it tastes like mint and makes my lips feel “zingy” when applied. Even my boyfriend likes this gloss when I kiss him! How can a gal go wrong?

L’Oreal Glam Shine: I love shine and glimmer which is one of the reasons I tried this lip gloss. Not only does it have a light feel and hydrates, but the gloss makes your lips look plump, pouty and kissable. “Prima Donna” is one of my favorite colors and I almost feel like one when wearing it.

Carmindy Natural Shine Lip Gloss (Sally Hansen): Carmindy is the makeup artist on the show “What Not to Wear” and she uses her own makeup line of products called “Natural Beauty” by Sally Hansen. Her lip gloss comes in 12 natural beautiful colors, lasts a long time and does a pretty nice job of keeping the lips hydrated and moisturized. Everything you want in a lip gloss and more!

They didn’t have “Glam Shine” at the store so today I decided to try L’Oreal ‘s new Infallible Lip Gloss which promises “No touch ups,” No feathering”, “No Fading” and will last at least 6 hours. I haven’t had a lip gloss last 6 hours yet so we shall see if "Infallible" lives up to the hype.

Detox Dirt

2009-05-21T08:25:00.003-07:00

As stated in a previous post, I purchased "Detox Dirt" from the JONATHAN product line at Bath and Body Works the other day for 50% off. (That's 50% off $22.00 which is outrageous for any shampoo) For those who don't know (and may not care) JONATHAN products are named after the master hairstylist Jonathan Antin who makes the rich and famous look fabulous. His "Detox Dirt" is a clarifying shampoo which claims to remove build-up and residue without stripping moisture, revitalize and strengthen the hair, protects with UVA and UVB filters and is 100% vegan. (is that why it's so expensive??) I have used Detox Dirt twice now and I must say, I like the end result. My hair is bouncy, shiny and smooth. I was skeptical however, because the shampoo doesn't have alot of lather (I am a lather junkie) and the smell, quite honestly, is a tad off-putting. But there is no denying that my hair is manageable and feels super clean. He has alot of "dirt" products, so if I can hit another huge sale, I may try the whole dirty line. Stay tuned!

Recession Proof Beauty - Homemade Facial Scrubs

2009-05-20T08:31:00.003-07:00

Don't want to spend the money on a face or body scrub? Then make your own at home! With just a few ingredients, you can customize a scrub according to your needs and save a ton of money. Here are a couple to try:

Oatmeal Scrub
A stimulating, thoroughly cleansing 3-in-1 scrub! Smooths, tones, and hydrates.

1 Tbsp. ground oatmeal (use steel cut oats, not instant)
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. yogurt

Combine and apply.
Optional: let your scrub double as a mask! Let it sit a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Banana Scrub
A very finely textured, delicious-smelling scrub. Can double as a mask.

2 tsp mashed banana
2 tsp rolled oats
1 tsp milk
1 tsp honey

Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub
1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Blend in a bowl. Apply mixture to face or body.

Honey Sugar Scrub
1 tsp. of honey
1/2 tsp. of sugar (either cane or brown — both work well)

Blend in bowl. Apply.
Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe can be slightly sticky.

Free sample of EYE HOPE by Philosophy

2009-05-17T19:50:00.002-07:00

Visit Philosophy's page on Facebook and get a free sample of their "Eye Hope Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream." Click here for all the details!

50% off Premier brands at Bath and Body Works

2009-05-16T17:20:00.002-07:00

Today I went into Bath and Body Works and was thrilled to see they have 50% off all their premier body products. This included products by 100% Pure, Jonathan, M.O.P, and many more! Jonathan products are outrageously expensive, but hey, at 50% off, I decided to try his "DETOX DIRT" Clarifying Shampoo. I will let you know what my hair thinks in an upcoming post.

Body Lotions that will lift your spirits

2009-05-15T09:07:00.018-07:00

I always like to smell good, but during the hot summer months (when the temps can reach 110 degrees) I want to smell especially refreshed. Living in Arizona where it's dry, I also need a body lotion that hydrates for the day. I have tried many different body lotions over the years, but here are 3 of my favorites:

100% Pure Body Lotion (Vanilla Bean): 100% Pure is a line of vegan products which are 90% organic and have no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins. I discovered this product line when trying the body lotion at an Ulta Counter. Ironically, some of the scents I don't care for, but the Vanilla Bean scent is absolutely divine. It's probably one of the most purest smells of vanilla bean I have encountered in a long time. Ingredients include: Organic White Tea, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Tahitian Vanilla Absolute, Organic Green Coffee, and Japanese Honeysuckle Extract. Goes on thick and smells-oh so delicious. (and vanilla is known to curb hunger cravings) If vanilla is not your thing, you can check out their other scents at 100% Pure's website.

C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream: The ultimate scent for summer, this body cream goes on super light and has a wonderful refreshing scent. Also great when you are in desperate need of some hydration. Ingredients include: lemon extracts (super charged with vitamin C), ultra-moisturizing shea butter and replenishing kukui nut oil. A great way to feel clean and fresh during the hot summer. To buy, visit your local Bath and Body Works store or visit their website at: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

Origins Ginger Souffle™ Whipped body cream: There is something about Ginger that just lifts my spirits and shoos away any lethargy. This souffle by Origins does the trick. Not only does this body cream have Ginger but it also contains Olive Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Apricot Kernal Oil to make the skin soft. Crisp scents of Lemon, Lime and Bergamot keep skin and spirits refreshed, revived and revitalized. Visit your local Origins store to experience.

Peel Away!

2009-05-13T08:49:00.005-07:00

Yesterday evening I had my first chemical peel ever--the "Acne Lift Peel" at Luminous Skin Studios. As mentioned in a previous post, this is a "resurfacing chemical peel which reduces and treats all kinds of acne while resurfacing and smoothing the skin ." After filling out the paperwork and liability forms, the treatment goes rather quickly. The aesthetician washes off any makeup, applies a neutralizer on the face to allow the peel to soak through the skin, and then applies the chemical peel. As the peel is applied, your face starts to heat up and the aesthetician will continually ask you how hot your skin is on a scale of 1-10. Believe me, your face does feel like it is on FIRE. The aesthetician quips that her teenage clients can only have the peel on for about 1 1/2 minutes before they start crying. (wimps!) The aesthetician can tell if the peel is working if the face starts to look "frothy." Normally the peel is on the face for 5 minutes, but because my peel worked so effectively, the peel was able to be washed off after only 2 1/2 minutes. I boldly exclaim that I could have easily had that peel on for 5 minutes. (not) Once the peel was removed, the aesthetician then applied a hydrating masque to soothe the skin.

After my treatment, my aesthetician informs me on what will happen to my face the next few days. My face would be red a couple of hours, then I would have some flaking for the next few days, a mild flare up of acne as all the toxins are being pushed to the surface, and the result should be more radiant looking skin. She gave me samples of products to try from the IMAGE Skincare system and sent me on my way. Too bad it's not a one time deal. This is a series of treatments--5 to be exact, spaced 2 weeks apart. And next time the peel will be on my face for the full 5 minutes. (which my aesthetician tells me with sadistic glee) Surprisingly my face isn't that red and I have yet to experience any flaking. But there is still time. Here's hoping some shedding of skin will get rid of this acne once and for all!

Make me Brown!

2009-05-12T11:28:00.004-07:00

I am white. I don't mean just "caucasian." I mean a pasty, stark, ashen sort of white. Some may see that as a plus, since tanning can lead to skin cancer and wrinkles. True, but seeing bright white cellulite in the mirror hurts my eyes, not to mention the effect it can have on the general public. Since I live in Arizona, it's almost a sin not to look "sun-bronzed", so for the past several years, I have looked for ways to give me a "faux tan." I have visited tanning booths, and although the color looks great for 2 days, after that, the tan not only fades but doesn't fade gracefully. (only thing worse than looking pasty is looking pasty and dirty) Tired of paying big bucks to look dirty, I decided to save some money and try self tanners.

Tanners have come a long way since their invention, and although they all have the same goal of making you look like a "brown bunny" they can range in price from $10.00 to $60.00 and vary in results. I have yet to find a tanner that doesn't fade in patches but three tanners I have tried have served its purpose and hopefully have fooled people into thinking I worship the sun.

Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray - The first spray bottle I bought was a fiasco. The nozzle got clogged and when I tried to fix it the whole bottle exploded on me. Ah, nothing like having brown bathroom walls to match. My second bottle was much more successful. Being able to spray makes it so much easier when trying to reach the back, but don't believe the packaging when they say "No rubbing needed" Unless you want streaks or patches, you still need to rub in to make sure you haven't missed a spot. The color was subtle and dried fast, but once again, when it faded, it faded quickly and in patches. Plus the smell could be considered replusive to some. Liked the product but not a lover.

Lancome Flash Bronzer Instant Color Self Tanning Gel - I purchased this after reading rave reviews online. It is pricey at about $30 a bottle, but I understand why everyone gushes. I would have preferred a spray version, but the results were beautiful. Golden brown, smelled lovely, and no streaking. Still faded a bit in patches but not nearly as bad as other tanners. $30 for self tanner is never worth it in my opinion, but still cheaper than going in a Mystic Tan booth to achieve a state of glorious brownness.

Ulta Self Tanning Spray--I was skeptical at first to use this product. I don't know why except maybe because I am sometimes leery of "generic" brands. However I was pleasantly surprised with the results. This also has a spray application and so the palms of my hands didn't get tan, I bought a glove for application as well. One thing I loved about this product is that it has a slight color guide so you can see where you applied the tanner. Color was a nice brown and the smell was acceptable. Too bad it faded so badly in patches. In fact the color lasted about 3 weeks on my feet and nowhere else. (I guess I could have used the Michael Jackson 'I have a skin fading disease' excuse)

As summer approaches, I know I will be seeking out another self-tanner for those swim parties and volleyball games. I may go back to Lancome's self tanner, or I may try something new. If you know of any tanners that don't fade in patches, post your fav here. I'll try it and post my results.

The "O" Blush Factor

2009-05-07T08:26:00.003-07:00

Having problems finding the right blush for your skin tone? Then try a blush made by NARS called "Orgasm." (Hey I don't name 'em, I just buy 'em) This blush has a sheer peachy pink hue that looks universally great on everyone and is NARS most popular selling blush. I have been using this blush for almost a year and it's my daily go-to shade. A must have for every gal's beauty product repertoire!

I smell like blossoms

2009-05-06T21:20:00.002-07:00

If you are looking for a fresh new perfume, try DKNY's "Be Delicious: Fresh Blossoms." It's vibrant and intensely feminine. Blend includes: sparkling grapefruit, cassis and sun-kissed apricot, sheer muguet, rose and jasmine. MMMMM........yummy. I love to smell like Spring.

Nothing like a beta-hydroxy cocktail to lift my spirits

2009-05-06T21:12:00.003-07:00

Well I have decided to take the plunge and try a resurfacing chemical peel at Luminous Skin Studios. This peel not only is supposed to treat blemishes, but it also resurfaces the skin. At $37, what do I have to lose? I just hope I am not peeling all over the place at work the next day. If you have had one of these wonderous rejuvenation treatments done before, post your experiences here!

My loyalty will always be to you, Shaper Hairspray!

2009-05-05T19:01:00.006-07:00

I have lived in both humid and dry climates, and the one thing I cannot stand is hairspray that either does not have a strong enough hold, is too crunchy or too flaky when combing through your hair. By far, the one product that I have probably been the most loyal to over the years is Shaper Plus Hair Spray by Sebastian. I am so loyal I even named one of my cats Sebastian! I have tried probably 20-30 different hairsprays over my lifetime but nothing compares to this stuff. It holds my hair in place, I can comb through it with ease and its never sticky, even when the air is damp. My loyalty will always be to you. Shaper!

FYI Tip: Its been the opinion of many that there are two different formulas of Shaper floating around. I scoffed at this idea until I bought a can at Nordstrom Rack--and there was something definitely different. To be on the safe side, I would recommend buying Shaper only at a salon.

Do you Obagi?

2009-05-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

I come by my “beauty product love” honestly—my mom has probably tried as many products as I have. She has different concerns than I do, of course, but many times we end up trying the same product. This past week, she visited Luminous Skin Studios in Chandler, Arizona for a $37 microdermabrasion. (yes, that’s right--$37. Can you say “SCREAMING DEAL" – read more about it here) She was pleased with the results although she didn’t think the suction was as powerful as other microdermabrasions she has had in the past. At Luminous they promote the Obagi skin line which is a type of skin restoration system. I have heard some great things about this Obagi, but it is pricey and my mom wants to learn more before the investment. And if Exuviance doesn’t work, I may be interested in purchasing as well. So give us some advice! Have you tried the Obagi skin care line? Yea or Nay? As Frasier would say “Talk to me. I’m listening. “

Summer Spaah Series in Arizona

2009-05-05T18:47:00.002-07:00

Every year, Arizona Spa Girls does their "Summer Spaah Series" in which they host events at eight Valley spas and salons which include mini treatments, classes, prizes, raffles and goody bags -- all in support of Fresh Start Women's Foundation. This year I am attending the one at Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch on June 14th. Expect a full report after I am done with some much needed pampering!

A Shameless Plug for Warner Nails & Spa

2009-05-05T18:04:00.005-07:00

Ok, I now must post a shameless plug for one of my favorite nail salons. If you live in Arizona, and want a relaxing pedicure or manicure at a great price, then visit Warner Nails and Spa at Alma School and Warner in Chandler. (by Ace Hardware) Not only are they friendly and efficient, but the pedicures are to die for. Their sea salt scrub and 30 minute leg massage put Dolce to shame. You can walk out of there with beautiful fingernails and toenails for only $35!

Premium Beauty Products at TJ Maxx?

2009-05-05T17:59:00.003-07:00

For those of you who like to try premium beauty products, but don't want to pay the premium price, check out TJ Maxx. They have some great deals on name brand products including: H20, BeFine, Dr. Perricone, Korres, Origins, Clinque, Bliss, Joey of New York and more! For example I just bought Korres Mint Tea Shampoo for only $3.99 (regularly around $12 at Ulta) They have frequent turnover of their products so you never know what they are going to get in, but if you aren't picky, it's a GREAT way to discover some new beauty finds.

I love to Outshine!

2009-03-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

I probably have the thickest, bushiest hair known to mankind--which worked great in the 80's, but now big hair is sooooo retro. My hair tends to have alot of split ends and cow licks as well. After trying a variety of different "hair taming" products, I think I finally found one that really flattens my hair. If you have never tried: Outshine Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk by Redken, you are missing out. Not only does this stuff use shea butter to smooth and control, but my hair always seems extra shiny when I use it. Just be careful not to use too much, or your hair will be a greasy oilslick. (tried and tested) I love to outshine!

P.S. If you don't believe me, visit www.makeupalley.com and read the reviews. Glowing!

On the path to Exuviance

2009-02-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

I had hoped when I reached my late 30’s that my acne would go away. But alas it has stayed and seems to grow more and more resistant to every product that I try. I have had pimples since the moment of conception—seriously if you look at one of my baby pictures you will see a big pimple protruding from my chin. Blemishes have been the bane of my existence and it seems I have tried everything—benzyl peroxide, sulfur, Salicylic Acid, battery acid. (kidding) The best thing I ever tried was Benazymcin (prescription only) but then for some reason my doctor couldn’t get it anymore. Ah, thanks Murphy's law.

So my quest continues. Right now I am using a product line called Exuviance. According to their website “The Exuviance brand products are designed to provide ‘physician-quality’ while also including additional skin benefit ingredients such as vitamins, marine and botanical extracts, and colors and fragrances to appeal to the prestige product user.” Oh geez why does such fru-fru language always appeal to me? I am, indeed a “prestigious product user.” After 15 minutes in Ulta, I walked out with their Moisturizing Antibacterial Facial Cleanser, the Clarifying Solution and the Acne Treatment Gel with a couple of free gifts to boot. So supposedly their soap-free Moisturizing Antibacterial Facial Cleanser should “cleanse deeply and draw out impurities and problematic bacteria” the clarifying solution should “boost my exfoliation and skin renewal with Alpha Hydroxy” and the Blemish Treatment Gel should zap those blemishes. I have been using the system for about a month and a half and I still have not gotten rid of those stubborn blemishes. But my skin DOES seem to have more of a glow and the cleanser is gentle on my skin. No peeling or flaking of any kind. But I don’t want glowing pimples—I want glowing skin WITHOUT the pimples. Exuviance, I will give you a couple of more months to work some magic. Otherwise, you are dead to me.