Maksim Still Tangled Up In Dancing Stars Weight Scandal

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!! And since it's a fun day, we thought we'd mess with the scandal everyone's buzzing about:

ABC's Dancing With The Stars 'weight' scandal won't go away. It's a menage a trois of sorts. There are basically three dancers involved, and some alleged hurtful comments being tossed around. And Maksim Chmerkovsky keeps adding more fuel to the fire.

A few weeks ago, TV Guide featured an article about the hit reality dancing show, and Maksim was quoted:

"When I first saw these women this season, I said, 'Guys, you know the camera adds 10 pounds. You have to do something about this."

The two attractive women dancers he was referring to, are Cheryl Burke and Lacey Schwimmer.

That started a nasty battle, and veteran dancer Cheryl Burke defended herself by saying she had only gained a few pounds and is a size 4. "I want kids or women out there to realize, you don't have to be anorexic to be beautiful," Cheryl told People magazine. And other media reports were swirling, saying that Cheryl was out partying too much over the summer and looked bloated.

Today, Maksim has made his first comments since the scandal broke. And he tells People, he was misquoted and that he was talking generally about how "excess weight on the body takes its toll on the joints, the lower back," but insists he "never criticized Cheryl or Lacey."

Hmmm. Oh really? So how are things between him and Cheryl and Lacey?

"We're fine. I'm dancing with Cheryl next week," he says, while reinforcing that this is all a big misunderstanding.

"I do not condemn how people look," he says. "It's sad how all of this got spun."





We don't know the full story here. All we know, is that dancers work incredibly hard and have beautifully toned muscles for all that effort. Dancers have regal postures and healthy physiques. Dancing is probably one of the best forms of exercise and art that one can do to build long, lean muscle.

We are certain that both Cheryl and Lacey are quite slender in person. They are not fat, and yet the camera is unforgiving for people on television. Yes, the camera can add 10 to 15 pounds, unfortunately. Those are the plain facts.

But what has become so sad in our society, is that people on television have become thinner and thinner. Extremely skinny. When we see an average-sized person on TV, he or she can appear to be much heavier in person, almost mammoth-sized, when in reality, they are not.

Moral of the story here.....if you are going to be on television regularly, then the pressure to look skinny, is that much stronger. You have to be ultra-thin in person just to look Hollywood-good on camera. And we're not sure that's a great lesson to be teaching our daughters and sons.

Target Sells Cosmetics From 3 Top Makeup Artists

Okay, for those of you who might chuckle when you hear that some women buy their makeup from a not so high-end department store like Target, well,laugh no more.

Target is aiming their bull's eye on some great beauty products. And the store is bringing mass appeal right into their shopping aisles. Thanks to 3 new collections for Target, you don't have to go running around looking for your favorite specialty products. Yes, the prices on this makeup are higher, but you are still getting excellent quality at a cheaper cost than fancy department stores.

Famous makeup artists: Jemma Kidd, Napoleon Perdis, and Petra Strand, want to bring sophisticated cosmetics to women who might not wander into a Sephora or a Bloomingdale's.

You have a choice from 3 very pretty makeup lines:

JK....Jemma Kidd collection
NP Set....Napoleon Perdis
Pixi....Petra Strand

We took a look at Pixi's Water Blush in Chestnut Stain ($20).

This liquid stain for cheeks and lips gives your face a healthy, warm awakening that lasts all day

Apply directly onto apples of the cheeks and dab onto lips
Liquid Blush from Pixi
Light-Translucent Coverage
Can Be Used Alone or Over Foundation
Ideal for All Skin Types
No Animal Testing

We liked Pixi by Swedish makeup artist Petra Strand best, when we examined all 3 collections. Her makeup ranges in cost from $12 to $49. We also like the ease of her cosmetics. As she put it: "Pretty, simple is my design mantra. Pixi makes it easy to wake up and go."

Armani Wants Women To Wear Luminous Silk Foundation

Giorgio Armani has dressed some of the most legendary women in the world, like Sophia Loren. You could say his clothing is breathtaking and elegant. He is a master at creating a beautiful silhouette for a woman's body.

But his talent goes beyond the designer outfits and accessories. At 74, with his trademark deep tan and silver locks, Giorgio Armani is also creating a big name in the world of cosmetics. Mr. Armani understands makeup and the powerful impact it can have on a woman's appearance. His attention to detail is incredible.

Giorgio Armani has been known to be a perfectionist. He can take over a fashion show before it even gets off the ground. If the makeup isn't right, he'll do it himself, and he's constantly adjusting the angle of hats on his models, or fussing over buttons. He can be tough to work with. But hey, the man understands women and makes them appear gorgeous with his incredible eye for beauty and style.

And now Mr. Armani is making makeup easy for women to put on. The company's best-selling foundation is Luminous Silk ($58). The liquid foundation comes in 15 shades to choose from. And it's one of the most popular makeup items around. Luminous Silk is the winner of the Allure 2008 Best of Beauty Award. InStyle Best Beauty Buy Award. And Cosmo's Beauty 100 Award. And lots of women say his foundation shades work well on hard-to-match skin tones.

So what's so divine about this Armani foundation??

Well, we couldn't get him to sit down with us, but he did one interview with Allure magazine(October 2008 issue). And this is what he said about wearing makeup. There are two beauty items you absolutely need to put on: foundation and eyeliner.

"Makeup that becomes like a mask is good in a (fashion) show, but day to day, it must be there, but it must not be visible," he tells Allure magazine. "The makeup has to help the face show its best aspect and cover the negative."

As for the defined eye, Mr. Armani notes that this beauty product most improve's a woman's appearance, "a small eyeliner line. It is fundamental because it gives depth to the look and a sense of mystery---but it must not be noticeable."

Very fascinating look at such a talented human being. For more information on Armani makeup, visit: http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/.

Heidi Klum Very Sexy Limited Edition Makeup Line

The uber supermodel herself, Heidi Klum, is wearing a really big smile these days, and who could blame her?!

It seems like everything she touches, turns to instant gold, including her new signature makeup line for Victoria's Secret. Even the packaging for the 4-product Very Sexy makeup line is done up in gold.

Heidi Klum was wowing fans when she turned up at the Victoria Secret's store--The Grove, in Los Angeles recently, to debut her cosmetics line. The funny and stunning Heidi brought a little Halloween twist to the event, by dressing as a fairy. How adorable is she?!!

The makeup is quite affordable, and brings fashion-conscious women together with a sophisticated makeup look.

This signature Very Sexy makeup line by Heidi will not last forever, though. It's a limited edition, so best to get your hands on it now. She created the 4 makeup items with VS's own official makeup artist Linda Hay.

Mosaic Eyeshadow ($18). A 4-shade compact with colors of pink, ivory, taupe, and brown.

Glitter Eye Liner ($10). Gives your eyes a gentle, sparkle, that extra 'pop.'

Perfect Lipstick ($12). In a pretty pink nude color. Very subtle, natural.

Lip Gloss in Hot Coco ($12). Has a hint of chocolate taste. Yummy. You can wear it over the lipstick or alone, for a sheer pink effect.

And for all you Heidi Klum fans, the supermodel and mom to three, has even autographed each of the 4 beauty items. Pretty cool!

Dr. Yazdanfar Toronto's Top Surgeon For Beautiful Breasts

If you take a look at the statistics, you would see that many people are getting cosmetic surgery.

In the United States alone, there were more than 403,000 liposuction procedures performed and more than 383,000 breast augmentation surgeries recorded last year.

Cosmetic surgery isn't just for the rich and powerful anymore. It isn't just a Hollywood thing. Cosmetic enhancement is global, and everyday people are doing it.

Just ask Dr. Yaz. That's what Behnaz Yazdanfar is affectionately called by her many patients.

Dr. Yazdanfar has been listed as one of the top physicians in Toronto. She performs liposuction and breast augmentation at the Toronto Cosmetic Clinic in North York.

When some women think of breast implants, they think of a woman going from a 34A to a 36D. And although there are patients who might request that, breast procedures are much more than just wanting a big chest.

Dr. Yazdanfar knows that women who come to her might want to improve their bustline after having children. Or others who have always been embarrassed with uneven breasts. Or women who have lost a breast to cancer.

Look at actress Christina Applegate who recently underwent a double mastectomy at age 36 after learning she had breast cancer. She had tested positive for BRCA, or the breast cancer gene, and decided she would take such a dramatic step.

Another deciding factor was that after much research, Christina found that they can make "some pretty boobies" these days. She has saline expanders in her chest to make space for future breast implants.

As you can see, cosmetic surgery does some wonderful things for women, both inside and out.

Breast augmentation procedures at Dr. Yazdanfar's Cosmetic Clinic in North York start at $6,000.

Another very popular cosmetic procedure is liposuction, where a slimmer silhouette becomes a reality in just a matter of hours. And the Toronto Cosmetic Clinic is the first clinic in Canada to offer 'Smart Lipo.'

Dr. Yazdanfar is helping women and men shed the fat in a unique way. It’s a procedure that actually melts away fat. It’s called laser liposuction, laser lipolysis or better yet, ‘Smart Lipo.’

Smart Lipo is liposuction with hardly any suction. Lasers are used to melt away fat.

What’s remarkable about the Smart Lipo procedure, is the control a surgeon like Dr. Yazdanfar has in creating a more perfect silhouette. First, there is the permanent removal of the targeted fat areas. Then, the laser surgery smooths out the skin and tightens it, too, promoting new collagen growth. A big plus. Lastly, a talented Smart Lipo surgeon can sculpt the body like never before.

How expensive is it? Dr. Yazdanfar's liposuction procedures begin at $2,500.

Dr. Yazdanfar is proud of the fine cosmetic work she has done for her patients. Dr. Yaz is the recent recipient of Excellence in Cosmetic Surgery Education. She was recognized by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

There are always new technological advances in the field of cosmetic surgery, and Dr Yaz never stops learning. She attends international congresses, symposiums, live surgery workshops, and many professional meetings with world leaders in breast augmentation and liposuction, as well as other body contouring and facial techniques.

For more information, visit: http://www.drbehnazyazdanfar.com/.

New Vivite Skin Brightener As Good As Hydroquinone?

Okay, we are intrigued by this expensive, little 1 0z. cream at $119. And now everyone's talking about it.

It's called Vivite Vibrance Therapy by Allergan. Yes, the same folks who brought you that phenomenal stuff called, Botox.

At $119 for a small amount, we know you want to walk away. But just consider this:

Some dermatologists claim that Vivite Vibrance Therapy is just as good as prescription form hydroquinone for skin brightening or pigment lightening. And this one, can be bought over the counter. We love these advances in skin care!


We've talked to women who are afraid to continue wearing hydroquinone for fear that it can be harmful to the body and possibly cause cancer. But we've all been told that the 4% prescription was actually the most effective skin lightener around, until now.

Ladies, if you have dark spots like melasma and sun spots you want to get rid of, you ought to give Vivite Vibrance Therapy a chance. Controlled clinical studies have been done on the new Allergan skin brightener, and the news looks good. The cream delivers, and with a safer, active ingredient called, methyl dihydroxybenzoate. The magical compound fades discoloration by halting the nasty enzyme that produces excess pigment.

Vivite Vibrance Therapy also contains a number of anti-oxidants like grape and soy extracts. And also effective, anti-aging ingredients like green tea, licorice extract, glycolic acid and retinol. It's a bright yellow cream. But don't worry, it's easy to rub onto your skin, and the bright color disappears quickly, along with the somewhat 'sour' odor.

You can purchase Vivite Vibrance Therapy at online stores, www.skinlite.com. And yes, you can even find it on Ebay.

Linda Wells Knows Smart Women Like To Look Good

Allure magazine has been called the 'Beauty Bible' by some. And since the mag was launched some 17 years ago, women have been eagerly consuming its pages for tons of beauty tips and intelligent, bold articles that probe the world of beauty.

Allure gives women much more than the perfect shade of rose lipstick, although they do that very well, thank you. And with Linda Wells as editor-in-chief since the very beginning, Allure has been warmly received as a super Conde Nast publication.

We like Linda Wells because she takes a serious look at beauty, but doesn't take herself too seriously. She loves beauty but always seems to balance the frivolousness of pampering and self-adornment with a practical edge.

Her monthly 'letter from the editor' in the pages of Allure, is always a delight to read. In this month's October 2008 issue, Linda talks about how 'more is less.' She's referring to the multi-layered packaging of expensive beauty treatments, and how wasteful and crazy it's all become. Too much shiny cellophane, thick cardboard, excess plastic containers, and so on.

"Some cosmetics companies seem to believe that all these layers create a sense of luxury, that they make the product look precious, like a Valentine's present from Harry Winston. But that idea is passe," Linda Wells writes.

So true.

You can sense Linda's no nonsense approach to real beauty, in a 2006 Associated Press interview with reporter Samantha Critchell:

She acknowledges even with access to every new product under the sun, her own look changes very slowly. "My range is A to B. I don't change my look much but I can appreciate someone who does. If something is really ugly, we don't write about it, or if we identify a trend we won't say you should wear it," Linda Wells explains.

But she is on a bit of a personal crusade to get women to put on fragrance and a little lipstick before they leave the house. "Beauty is in some ways a courtesy. People have to see you and smell you. 'Casual Friday' isn't 'Don't-take-a-shower Friday,' and getting dressed for someone's dinner party is a way of showing respect," she says.

In the meantime, pick up the Allure October issue. It is jam-packed with Allure's Best Of Beauty--the 182 winning products. From volumizing shampoos to clump-proof mascara, and more. It's their biggest issue ever!!

Ivanka Trump Launches Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers

The Trump name seems to be everywhere these days. And with good reason.

We like to call it, 'smart business.' And Ivanka Trump is following in daddy's mogul footsteps. She knows a super deal when she sees one.

Ivanka has partnered up with ConAgra's Healthy Choice, and just launched their Fresh Mixers food line.

ConAgra says it's getting into business with Ivanka Trump to "change the way people think about eating lunch at work." And at $3.49 a piece, it's not a bad way to re-think the art of brown-bagging a lunch.

"I'm excited to be partnering with Healthy Choice on the launch of Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers, because I know how difficult it can be to try to find a healthy luch during a hectic day," says Ivanka Trump. "Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers are convenient, fresh-tasting, and easy to store in my desk drawer, so I never have to skip lunch."

At the moment, ConAgra is offering a choice of 6 prepared microwave meals in the new Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers line. And they all look delish to us:

Rotini & Zesty Marinara Sauce
Szechwan Beef with Asian Style Noodle
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Southwestern Style Chicken
Ziti & Meat Sauce
Sesame Teriyaki Chicken

Meantime, we included a close-up of Ivanka's healthy and pretty face. Look at girlfriend's makeup.....gorgeous. Look at Ivanka's hair......shiny and in fine shape. She presents a very polished and attractive appearance. Wish we could take a peek inside Ivanka's makeup bag.

The New Botox Drug That Grows Longer Eyelashes

Allergan, the fine people who brought you Botox to smooth away frowns and wrinkles, are now hoping the FDA will finally let them market Lumigan. The new Botox---a drug that grows you long-gggger eyelashes.

Allergan has been conducting clinical trials, investigating the use of Lumigan as a cosmetic drug.

Lumigan (trade name) or bimatoprost has been around for many years. It's actually a glaucoma drug. And one of the delightful side effects: growing long lashes. And some glaucoma patients says the lashes get so long, many trim them with a scissors!

But there are other not so pleasant side effects from using bimatoprost. Some people get blurry vision. And others get very dark, undereye circles. And probably most alarming, there are those who say their eyes have darkened permanently with long term use. Blue eyes that have dark brown spots, and so on.

Still, Allergan has filed a new drug application with the FDA for Lumigan, and hopes to market it for cosmetic use in the near future. We're not sure how the Botox kings will address those ugly possible side effects.

It's one thing to desire long, thick eyelashes. But is it worth the possible chance of darkening your irises, or getting blurry vision?

We'll have to wait and see how the Allergan Botox people make a better Lumigan for cosmetic enhancement.

Meantime....ladies, there is super mascara, like Maybelline's Great Lash. Still the best eyelash lengthener by our standards.

And false eyelashes. Look at Kim Kardashian. She has amazing peepers. Okay, she has a professional makeup genius in our friend, Stephen Moleski. And Kim isn't ashamed to admit, that she sometimes uses false eyelashes to bring her dark eyes to the next hottest level. It's really okay to wear fake lashes.

No one's perfect. And not everyone has been born blessed with super long, luscious lashes. But it doesn't mean we can't create them through makeup and a skilled hand.

Ulta 65-Piece Makeup Chest For Less Than $20! Wow!

Your Beauty Tip Today is simple:

For less than $20, you can receive 65 beauty tips!! That's quite a makeup chest. And it comes to you, courtesy of ULTA.com. Only $19.99 after the $5 off coupon at http://www.ulta.com/. A $195. value.

If you love playing around with makeup and like to choose from dozens of different colors and makeup items, this ULTA 65-piece blockbuster makeup chest is definitely for you!!

29 eye shadows
12 lip colors
6 cheek colors
4 full size lipsticks
2 mini lip glosses
2 pot lip glosses
2 shimmer powders
2 undereye concealers
2 eye pencils
2 eye quads
1 lip quad applicator
and more beauty stuff all neatly tucked away in a 3-tier patent leatherette makeup chest. (choose from colors black, pink or white).

ULTA beauty stores are located in most states across the country. But if you're not close to one, their website is packed with tons of delicious beauty products. And ULTA puts out their own quality makeup, too.

Unfortunately, we don't have access to an ULTA beauty store where we live---we have to drive one state over to find it, at least an hour and a half away. Same with Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Alaska isn't home to an ULTA store, either. Maybe that's why the RNC or Republican National Committee has just released figures on what it has spent so far, to keep 44-year-old Gov. Palin looking glamorous on the campaign trail.

According to the latest numbers, the RNC has dished out more than $150,000 on clothes and accessories for Gov. Palin and her family. Apparently, sources say she was a drab dresser prior to being surprise selected by Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain in late August. Who cares, she looks polished and stylish wherever she travels now.

The RNC spent $4,716.49 on Gov. Palin's hair and makeup through September.

No wonder we noticed shiny, caramel hairlights through Sarah Palin's hair. And her makeup is really quite pretty and very well done for a professional woman on the go. Nothing is overdone, but you do notice she wears makeup, which is really okay and actually, quite refreshing. You can be both smart and attractive.

Our point being----it's okay to be high-maintenance, especially if you're running for the 2nd highest position in the country. Maybe a little Botox and/or Restylane injected here and there?! Gov. Palin appears to have firm, clear skin.

We aren't trying to be political in the least here, and we aren't suggesting any skin treatments, either. Presidential candidates' wives Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain also set the right tone in the numerous campaign appearances they attend. They, too, always look neat and pretty with makeup nicely done. We're not sure if these 3 women all have makeup artists, but whatever they are doing, they all look glam but approachable.

Dare To Wear Black Lipstick Trend For Fall 2008

Nope. We certainly haven't tried rocking the new fall trend of 2008---black lipstick. And we probably won't try, either. Sure, it's goth and kind of sexy, but we'll let the fashion runways wear the edgier looks.

Not so fast.......There are plenty of women out there who really desire this sexy lip shade. And if you don't believe us, just head over to:
LimitedEdition/product_info.html">http://www.yslbeautyus.com/WHAT'S-NEW-MAKE-UP/c70_95/p372*NEW-YSL-GLOSS-PUR-BLACK*
Limited-Edition/product_info.html.

YSL(Yves St. Laurent) Gloss PurBlack ($28) is SOLD OUT!!! And has been for some time. So there!

Vogue's Sept.'08 issue had an interesting article on the 'lip look of the season: pitch-black gloss.'

Stefano Pilati created the dramatic, yet elegant black gloss shade for YSL's Fall runway shows, according to makeup artist Tom Pecheux.

"If pure black is too intimidating, add a few drops to your lipstick to deepen the color," Pecheux told Vogue magazine.

YSL Gloss Pur Black is being described in this manner by the fine folks at Yves St. Laurent:

"Mysterious, sensual, luminous... For fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, black is THE color. And as a make-up artist, lips are THE focus. YSL GLOSS PUR Black unites these two facets of his art in a superb Limited Edition.From plum to ebony, it dresses lips in an infinite range of shades, depending on how it is applied – feather light or rich and bold. Transparent yet intense, it plays on the depths of black and the pure shine of a sparkle-free formula.Besides being the must-have make up item for Fall 2008, Gloss Pur Black is a preview of a new formula which will launch in Spring 2009, in 6 radiant shades, full of pure color and high shine. "

Meantime, if you're having a tough time trying to get your lips on the YSL, why not try Lancome Piha Black Color Fever Lip Gloss. Well, hate to spoil your party, but the Lancome has been sold out, too. Best to try Ebay.com.

And then there is Estee Lauder's Black Truffle Lipstick. Also sold out at the moment.

Our point being, someone is buying and rocking the black lipstick trend for fall 2008. That's what we find so wonderful about beauty and fashion. The rules can be broken and one size does not fit all.

Wexler Improves Women's Skin With MMPi20 Serum

Patricia Wexler is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience. She has seen it
all, because she is in high demand as a skin expert to the stars.

Manhattan and Hollywood A-listers flock to Patricia because her primary goal is to improve their skin. And she's on the cutting edge when it comes to women's skin care. Patricia Wexler has appeared on countless television shows and inside magazines and newspapers as a skin expert. She has an anti-aging line at Bath & Body Works stores.

Check out one of her most popular beauty treatments (top photo). It's called:
MMPi20 Skin Regenerating Serum ($55, 1 oz.). It works to lift sagging skin, diminish age spots, and the general signs of aging. And look at the pretty pink color. We've never seen a cooler looking serum than that one.

MMPi.20™ anti-aging technology blocks the damaging effect of all 20 knowm MMPs (skin destroying enzymes that break down production of collagen and cause skin to sink, sag, and wrinkle) and prevents the production of new MMPs, correcting the signs of aging you see today and preventing future damage

Boosts skin's own regenerative powers to diminish the visible signs of aging

Visibly reverses the lines, sink and sag

To use: After cleansing, gently massage serum evenly over face, neck, and decollete 2 times daily

We counted more than 30 different anti-aging products in Patricia Wexler's skin care line for Bath & Body Works. Quite a vast collection of good stuff for your skin. Moisturizers. Lip treatment. Undereye circle brightener. Resurfacing Microdermabrasion System. Wrinkle Smoother. Acne Solution, and so on.

Her credo is “Dermocracy. All skin recreated equal.” We like how this woman thinks.

Japan Going Bananas Over Popular Banana Diet Craze

Diet plans to lose weight are always popular. And if the diet contains a food or food group that tastes good, then folks become hooked. Everyone jumps on the bandwagon, hoping for major weight loss. If it sounds too good to be true, then maybe it is. The cookie diet, the pineapple diet, the same colored food diet, etc.

But in Japan, bananas are becoming hard to find in supermarkets. Even Time Magazine is seriously reporting about the new Morning Banana Diet.

What is it?

Very simple. If you love bananas, then this is the diet weight loss plan for you. Maybe.

A pharmacist in Osaka, Japan says she created the diet for her overweight husband. Sumiko Watanabe wanted to speed up her hubby's metabolism to burn fat, and she did it by feeding him bananas. Mr. Watanabe says he lost 37 lbs!

According to Time, the Morning Banana Diet follows just a few rules:

"The Morning Banana Diet consists of one or more bananas with room-temperature water for breakfast; an optional snack at 3 p.m.; and anything you want for lunch and dinner. The catch: You can't eat desserts after meals, dinner has to be consumed by 8 p.m. , and you have to go to bed by midnight."

We all know that bananas are rich in potassium. But the yellow, creamy 100 Calorie treat is much more than that. Bananas are pretty close to being a perfect food. They are packed with fiber, iron, and protein, Vitamins B6 and C. And Bananas also stop your craving for sugar. And the fruit is high in minerals that reduce cholesterol. And they are great for pregnant women, because they contain good things that help keep blood sugars up.

Even model Cindy Crawford has talked about eating bananas as a healthy, filling snack.

Whether this is just another fad diet remains to be seen. We're not sure what kind of impact the Morning Banana Diet will have on diet-crazed people here in the U.S. At least, we have plenty of bananas to go around. In Japan, good luck trying to score some:

"Large stores don't have any bananas from noon, and even Ito Yokado (a major supermarket chain) runs out of them after 3 p.m.," said Tomoyuki Horiuchi, sales representative of Tokyo Seika Boeki Co., Ltd., fruit and vegetables wholesale company.

Over the past four months, Dole Japan has boosted its banana imports by more than 25 percent, but stores are still running out, Time said.

Hey, it beats eating a Pop Tart for breakfast.

Neutrogena New SkinID For Personal Acne Solution

Do you ever feel that your skin needs special, individual attention?

Think about it. When you're suffering from acne and breakouts, the same cleanser might not work for your roommate like it works effectively for you.

Acne is tough to deal with, and you are not alone. Statistics show that 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 have acne. And acne still erupts in those of us in our 30s and beyond.

Still frustrated?

The good folks at Neutrogena 3 have developed a very smart and dermatologically-sound plan for you, me, and all of us. The best part, it's an individually tailored SkinID Acne Solution.

You don't need a prescription for it. It's a 3-product regimen for $39.90. And there's a 100% money back guarantee. What we think is intelligent, is SkinID's evaluation. Simply visit the website, and take the thorough and individual evaluation.
http://www.skinid.com/econsumer/clearskin/index.view.

For instance, you answer questions based on important factors like these:

1. The state you live in.
2. The kind of acne you have---blackheads, whiteheads, etc.
3. The amount of sunlight you get every day.
4. Whether you pick at your face or not.
5. Whether you have rough patches of facial skin.
6. Where on the face you are oily.
7. Stress and if it is a factor in your life.

The experts at Neutrogena Dermatologics then tailor make an acne plan for you, and you alone. And the pros there have gone through thousands of SkinID individual evaluations and matched them with the best advanced products for clear skin.
http://www.skinid.com/econsumer/clearskin/about.view?sid_body=/clearskin/pages/about-story.html.

You don't have to suffer with acne forever. Neutrogena has done a lot of homework to develop this unique and individual Acne Treatment. It's like an in-office visit with your very own dermatologist.

No two pimples are alike. And Neutrogena is wiping out acne with a simple 3-product regimen.

Mineral Makeup Goes Liquid With Neutrogena

Kinder and gentler to skin. Clean and breathable.

That's what mineral makeup is supposed to be about. No we haven't tried it yet. But some of our friends seem to love the loose powder foundations and blushes.

Neutrogena always seems to be on the beauty forefront, and for a couple of months now, has been pushing its new Mineral Sheers Liquid Makeup.

Mineral makeup is very popular these days, and for a number of good reasons. That's why big names in the biz, like Jane Iredale and Bare Minerals sell it:

Battles dryness
Unclogs oily skin + pores
All natural, finely ground minerals from the earth
Allergy-free
Good for sensitive skin
No fragrances, no dyes
Protects skin from the sun

Neutrogena's Mineral Sheers Liquid Makeup ($13.99, drugstores, http://www.ulta.com/) comes ready with a silky brush for buildable coverage. Although it's in a liquid form, it is still light and airy, according to the brand. We love that it has an SPF 20. And it comes in a dozen shades, which is pretty generous. You have quite a range to select from.

There are also foes of the mineral makeup boom. Some women swear this makeup actually accentuates fine lines and wrinkles. And there are those who say their acne got worse after wearing this kind of makeup.

We like to say that everyone is an individual. What works for you, might not work for her, and so on.

We have one friend who works out hard four days a week, and she wears mineral makeup to the gym. She says the foundation hasn't failed her yet. It stays on throughout her exercise routine.

We are going to try the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Liquid Makeup in a few weeks. We are attracted to the liquid foundation aspect of it. We hope it glides on easily and mattes our oily skin.

Rembrandt Really Keeps Teeth Whitest And Brightest

Rembrandt.

The name has been around for a number of years now. There have been many teeth whiteners that have promised you this and that, and produced average results. And some have quickly disappeared off store shelves.

But Rembrandt Teeth Whitener has endured for one simple reason: It delivers a whiter and brighter smile. Period. And Rembrandt has three powerful yet gentle-to-your-mouth products to maintain that beautiful smile.

Let's be honest here---your smile says plenty about your physical attractiveness. You don't need big, chicklet-sized veneers to be pretty. Look at Julia Roberts. Her mega-watt smile has opened many doors in Hollywood. And her smile is real, and her teeth are white. Nothing fake or phoney.




We took an honest look at Rembrandt's 3-pronged attack for the whitest and brightest at-home teeth whitening products:

Rembrandt 2-hour Whitening Kit ($20.25. Save $5. Visit: http://www.rembrandt.com/). You need molding trays and whitening gel to get the brightest smile around. The kit includes it all. Simply mold the trays to your mouth. Apply the Rembrandt whitening gel to the upper and lower comfy tray applicators. Wear them for 20 minutes. Remove the trays for 10 minutes. And repeat for 4 applications and a total of 2 hrs.

You end up with a visibly, gorgeous new smile. No more waiting months or weeks. One day in just 2 hours! The only company that can make that claim is Rembrandt.

And Rembrandt makes it easy to maintain your new bright smile with 2 more products:

Rembrandt Whitening Rinse with Fluoride ($5.99, 16 fl. oz.) Fresh mint flavor. The only rinse out there that "whitens teeth while actively restoring tooth enamel." Use it every day to protect your teeth and make them stronger.

Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste with Fluoride ($7.49, 3 oz.) The third teeth whitening product in their line. An amazing toothpaste that "prevents plaque build-up, tartar, and gumline erosion." Clinically shown to lift those stubborn coffee and red wine stains. It, too, restores tooth enamel with special micro-polishing particles. Users remark that the toothpaste leaves your mouth very clean, just like a trip to the dentist.

As the folks at Rembrandt say: "Take care of your mouth. It can be brilliant."

Less PMS With Relaxing And Happy Saffron Spice

Saffron.

Most of you have heard of this exotic and ancient spice. And many of you have tried Saffron rice. But did you know that Saffron maybe be the answer to improving PMS or premenstrual syndrome? We had heard about this a couple of months ago, and just saw an item in October's issue of Allure magazine.

Saffron has been used in traditional Persian medicine for many years. In fact, Iran is the world's largest producer of saffron. And it is exported to more than 45 countries. And it certainly isn't cheap at $800 per kilo of saffron. The reason for its high cost? It's very difficult to farm. Saffron is harvested from the fall-flowering plant Crocus sativus, a member of the Iris family.

The word saffron comes from the Arab word zafaran, meaning 'yellow.'

According to a recent study that was noted in Allure, 50 women with a history of PMS, and ladies, we know who we are, were given two 15-milligram saffron tablets twice a day for two menstrual cycles or placebo pills instead.

76% of the women who were assigned the saffron tablets, had at least a 50% improvement in PMS symptoms. Those taking the placebo pills saw only an 8% improvement.

Scientists find that saffron calms down the stomach, and also acts as an anti-depressant, in the same way that Prozac does. And new research show that saffron is just as effective as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression.

Before you begin any treatment for PMS, please check with your OBGYN. You want to make sure the spice does not interact with other medication you might be on. In addition, too much saffron can be deadly and leave one in a deep narcotic sleep. Of course, that would mean taking very large amounts. It's always best to check with your doctor before trying to begin a new treatment program yourself.

Still, quite a fascinating story about a farway, exotic spice, and how premenstrual syndrome could be connected.

Mia Hamm And Athletes Wear Mission Product Skin Care

Let's make this clear:
You don't have to be a super athlete like soccer legend Mia Hamm to wear Mission Product.

We stumbled across this exciting company recently, and decided it was time more people heard about Mission Product....Athlete Engineered Skin Care.

X-Games Gold medalists Gretchen Bleiler and Ryan Sheckler joined forces and developed Mission Product...skin care treatments designed by and for athletes.

These skin care items are effective, sweat-proof, and water-proof for the active woman and man on the go.

Mia Hamm loves the Mission Product Daily Offense Stick (Sun Stick) with an SPF 30($9.99, www.missionproduct.com, and sports stores).

This compact Sun Stick is perfect for your nose, cheeks, ears, lips, and neck. Just rub it in all over your face and go!

"SPF 30 offers broad long lasting protection from damaging UVA/UVB rays.
Nourishing oils, butters and Vitamin E moisturize, condition, heal your skin.
Dries quickly upon application, non-greasy, non-sticky, won’t sting your eyes and works perfectly with any skin type.
Pop it in your jersey pocket, seat bag or hydration pack for easy transport.
Preservative and paraben free ."

Mission Product also carries in its skin care line, these excellent treatments to battle the elements and soothe active skin:

After-Sun Revive Gel
Anti-Friction Cream
Foot Synergy Gel
Lip Protector SPF 20

Judge Throws Out Silly Hair Dye Suit Against L'Oreal

This one really caught our eye. It's been the buzz around hair salons the past few days.

Our Beauty Tip Today: Carefully examine all products bought in a box, before doing at-home beauty treatments.

Trust us...this will make sense in a moment.

Ever use a box of hair color bought at your local drugstore? No, it's not embarrassing to admit you dye your hair by yourself. There are millions of women who home-color.

This incident took place in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Charlotte Feeney had bought a box of L'Oreal hair color. Charlotte claims she purchased a box of blonde hair color. But what came out, was a head full of brunette dye. Charlotte says that the wrong shade was in the wrong box---a bottle of deep brown hair color was what she found instead. But Charlotte had no idea the dye was allegedly tampered with and proceeded to color her hair. This occured in 2005, by the way.

Charlotte was so devastated, she tried suing L'Oreal, according to the Associated Press:

"Charlotte Feeney of Stratford says she can never return to her natural blonde hue, a shock that left her so traumatized she needed anti-depressants.

She says she suffered headaches and anxiety, missed the attention that blondes receive and had to stay home and wear hats most of the time."

The Superior Court judge tossed the lawsuit against L'Oreal out of court last Monday, saying that Charlotte, "never proved her allegation that L'Oreal put brown hair dye in a box labeled as blonde."

And the L'Oreal hair color/cosmetics giant also had disputed the claim.

What's the lesson here? We believe Charlotte's story. It is very possible the hair dye was accidentally placed in her box or mislabeled as blonde color. Or someone could have purposely tampered with the bottles as a cruel joke.

Maybe Charlotte didn't pay attention to the color itself as she was applying it to her hair. Maybe she had never used this particular L'Oreal hair color before. She obviously didn't do the strand test. We're all supposed to do the strand test each time we color. But do we???

There are a lot of 'maybes' here. The least L'Oreal could do, is pay for the woman's visit to a professional hair salon to have her hair restored back to her favorite blonde look. L'Oreal is a major force in the beauty world, and should kindly help this poor woman out, out of court.

But as we stated at the beginning of our article, we must all be smart and alert when using any kind of at-home beauty treatments. Seriously. If you're going to do your own chemical peel, for instance, you want to make sure you follow the instructions to the letter. The same applies to at-home hair color, waxing procedures, and so on.

Carefully examine all products that come in your at-home box. It could mean the difference between beauty and disaster.

And as a dark-haired gal, well, deep brown isn't all that bad. We have fun, too.

Bobbi Brown's Simple Solution For Tinted Moisturizers

We love Bobbi Brown's no nonsense approach to looking our most attractive (read her caption above). She gets it, and by that, we mean that Bobbi Brown isn't forcing women to adopt a one-makeup-skin-care- look. She maintains a 'realistic' way of beauty.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics aren't overdone makeup. Bobbi gives customers the basics. Nothing gaudy. And you don't have to buy an entire line. Her emphasis is on learning to love your look. She explains it best in her own words at her website, http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/:

"Makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident."

Today, we are looking at one of Bobbi Brown's most popular skin care products, one that caught the discerning eye of Cosmo magazine---EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($50, 1 oz.)

"Featured in "Cosmopolitan" Magazine (Oct. 2008). EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm is an ultra-rich, luxurious formula that blends easily. Gives skin a dewy, glowing look with light coverage. Ideal for when skin feels dry or dehydrated, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Dermatologist tested. "

And EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm comes in 8 great shades for a healthy, natural glow.

Did Angelina Jolie Tummy Tuck Or Not?!!!

We know....shame on us for looking at the tabloids and actually believing everything they say. But the rags do get some parts of a story correct. Look, both publications have noted how swiftly Hollywood's favorite glamorous mommy has bounced back from giving birth to twins, not even three months ago. See mommy's ultra flat tummy. Hmmm.

Did Angelina Jolie tummy tuck or not?(Actually called abdominoplasty in doctor talk).

Who knows. And do we care? Well, yes. There is a fascination of sorts, with celebrities who make life look so easy in the birthing department, exercise routines, and the hair, wrinkles, and makeup sessions.

Women do want to know if Angie got a tummy tuck after her c-section to deliver twins 11 months ago. Those double procedures are quite common in Hollywood these days.

Angelina and Brad swept through New York City recently, to promote Angie's new film, Changeling. Folks were in awe at how lovely the new mom appeared, according to Star magazine:

"Angelina looked drop-dead gorgeous in a tight black strapless Versace dress," says an awestruck onlooker who saw the actress attending the film's premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre with Brad on Oct. 4. "My first reaction was, 'Holy cow, how did she get so thin after having twins?'"

Sources tell Star that the 33-year-old actress fretted over the size of her stomach while she was pregnant with Knox and Vivienne. "She doesn't like to talk about it or admit it, but Angie told some friends that she had a 'mommy tuck,' " says a family insider. "She likes the way that sounds better than tummy tuck."

We are not here to state that Angelina got a tummy tuck or 'mommy tuck.' We are just here to tell our readers that celebrities always look perfect, because they have the big money and resources to maintain that Hollywood ideal. In other words, celebrities are not born perfect. They have similar problems that all of us share. Maybe those generous lips of hers are not exactly her own, either, if you believe the tabloids.

According to most plastic surgeons, a tummy tuck can be performed right after giving birth by c-section, although it's best to wait for healing to take place. Surgeons at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery in the Denver metro area in Colorado, explain what the procedure can do for a new mom:

"When there is extra skin on your tummy after pregnancy, an abdominoplasty is generally the best means of managing it. The procedure tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin leaving you with a flat abdomen. The c-section scar is removed during the procedure. Often, women choose to have liposuction of nearby areas such as the flanks (love handles), hips, back, or thighs at the same time to improve their overall look."

Buy Jane Iredale In The Pink And Help Fight Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we here at beautytiptoday.com, wish to celebrate all women at all stages of life.

And we also applaud beauty companies that take up the important battle against this awful disease. We are making significant strides, but the war is not over.

Thank you to Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. The very popular makeup brand has created a new, soft and lovely pink lip color called, In The Pink, PureGloss for Lips ($19, http://www.janeiredaledirect.com/) for this purpose.
Jane Iredale makeup is also sold at salons, spas, and medical offices around the globe.

"With each lip gloss sold, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics will donate $2 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness, education, and research.
Together, we can give all women living with breast cancer hope and a bright future.
In The Pink PureGloss™ for Lips is a universally flattering translucent pink gloss."





Also, be sure to check out Jane Iredale's new collection for fall-
Light Your Fire.

The Best New Ways To Fight Shiny, Oily Skin

We seem to mention oily skin often at this website. Some of us here, suffer from the constant shine. It might not seem like a big deal to our drier skinned sisters, but trust us, a shiny, oily face is a frustrating 24/7 problem.

But because we are proud owners of a beauty website, we are on the prowl, trying to hunt down the best solutions to every day beauty dilemmas many of you face. And now we have found 2 new products to control facial shine.

Both beauty treatments cost around $40 each.

You don't need a prescription with either oil control product. And both claim to:

Reduce shine for up to 8 hours.
Control sebum production.

Give you a more even and smooth complexion.
Retain the skin's natural moisture.

One is a gel. The other is a lotion. And even the two tubes of oil control magic almost look alike, in shades of blue.

OC Eight Professional Mattifying Gel by Biopelle ($40, 1.6 oz., http://www.bebeautiful.com/, and other online beauty stores). "A little dab will do ya," as the saying goes. Just smooth the gel over your face before applying makeup. Oil becomes trapped, leaving behind a more flawless complexion.

"OC Eight represents a new level of shine control. Products like powders and blotting papers may only provide temporary shine control and astringents may irritate sensitive skin. OC Eight works mechanically to invisibly hold oil off of your face throughout the day, without causing irritation."

Hit show American Idol even uses the product on the American Idol contestants. Makeup artist Mezhgan applies the mattifying gel to the singing contestants, and is amazed at its oil control uniqueness and how smooth their complexions look on film.

"OC Eight works like nothing I've tried before!"

Medit-Matte by Cosmedicine ($42, 1.35 fl. oz., http://www.cosmedicine.com/). This oil control lotion has an SPF 20. And it, too, is a mattifying treatment. And the company has the clinical data to prove it:

"92%, 88.5%, 96%. In clinical studies, women who tried individual Cosmedicine products strongly agreed: their skin was firmer, softer, better hydrated, more radiant and revitalized. They saw reductions in lines and wrinkles and improvements in skin discolorations. And in most instances, 3 out of 4 panelists said they would recommend Cosmedicine to a friend. Many skincare companies would be satisfied with results like that. But not us.

We are much more impressed by numbers like these: 32%, 41% and 22%. Why? Because those numbers represent the true statistical changes that objective science measured on skin. The numbers may appear low compared to traditional beauty results -- but they reflect a very high (and new) standard.

Sensory tests, which are the cosmetic industry standard, tell you only what improvements women "saw", "felt" or "reported", those results are called subjective opinions. Cosmedicine claims are based on objective, measurable results - which means that you can count on them to see a real, measurable change in your skin."

These 2 breakthrough oil control beauty treatments are worth trying. They cost quite a bit more than most mattifying products, but because of their unique oil-fighting formulas, this just might be the answer to a smoother, non-shiny, non-oily complexion.

Buy A Real Non-Surgical Nose Job For $34.95??

Okay, we have to be honest here. We are mildly fascinated by this pair of small, weird-looking, but flexible nose splints, called the Nose Secret.

Yes, indeed. " A cosmetic nose corrector that works!"

At least, that is what their website claims. And you can 'buy' a non-surgical nose job for only $34.95 (3 prs., and free shipping, http://www.nosesecret.com/.

The photos above look good. No, we can't prove the 'before and after' photos aren't from real surgical nose jobs or rhinoplasty, as the correct medical term is used. The website claims these are photos depicting the altered noses wearing Nose Secret.

Apparently, Nose Secret has been in business for more than 20 years, with international success. The product is now available here in the United States. The company explains that these small splints can save you lots of money and comfort from rhinoplasty surgery, and can give you results immediately. And they suggest---really wonderful results. A prettier profile:

"The Nose Secret corrector consists of a pair of smooth and comfortable splints that are temporarily placed in the nostrils to gently lift the tip of the nose resulting in a narrower and straighter look that enhances your facial features. Since the product is not visible when in place, nobody can tell you are using them(see photo above.)

Its anatomic form and flexible material allow easy adjustment without discomfort. The best part is that you can put them on and take them off whenever you want.

Nose Secret comes in three different sizes, small, medium and large to optimize fit and comfort."

We are sure that most rhinoplasty specialists would be steering people away from this flexible nose corrector. We do not believe that Nose Secret is harmful to your nose, but whether it really alters one's nose appearance, is another thing.

We're just bringing you some information in the world of beauty. Maybe we can do a follow-up article in the future and sit down with a real nose surgeon to get his take on the odd, but intriguing little non-surgical nose job device.

In the meantime, you are on your own. Place in nose, at your own risk. We'd be curious to know if there are any proud Nose Secret wearers out there.

Nestle Introduces Non-Chocolate Beauty Drink

Nope. These ain't your mama's Nestle's Toll House Cookies. Not even close.

Can you believe that the longtime chocolate makers/food and beverage giants have now gone into the beauty biz?!!

Yes, it's true. Nestle has introduced a beauty drink called, Glowelle.

Nestle claims their drinkable fountain of youth will deliver" nourishment and hydration to the skin." And it also works overtime to fight the signs of aging.

Looking pretty ain't cheap, either. The colorful bottled Nestle beauty drinks come in 2 flavors:
Glowelle Rapsberry Jasmine and Glowelle Pomegranate Lychee. Each bottle costs $7.

High-end department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus have already stocked up on the anti-aging fighters. And both stores have been handing out free Glowelle samples to passersby.

And so far, some women say the drinks are just not palatable. One women claimed the drink tasted like watered down perfume. One tossed hers down the drain. Another said to stick only to the Pomegranate Lychee, and not to even try the Raspberry Jasmine.

Gee, are these Nestle beauty drinks that awful? You would figure that the chocolate kings could come up with a smoother-tasting beauty beverage?

Well, we've all heard this one before: "You must suffer to be beautiful."

Okay, then, 'bottoms up!'

Directions say, to drink one Glowelle bottle a day for a month, to see a difference in skin. That runs up to $210 a month, according to my math. Yikes.

For more information, Nestle has created a website for their new anti-aging drink. Visit: http://www.glowelle.com/.

Add FitFlax To Diet And Crunch Your Way To Skinny

Our readers sometimes drop me a personal email and beg me to find them new ways to lose weight and get on a healthy diet.

Well, here's a wonderful new diet item to add to your weight loss battle plan. It's crunchy and tastes like sesame seeds. And it's so simple to use. No pills to pop that make you shaky all over. No powder mixes that taste chalky, either.

It's called FitFlax by SmartThingz ($12.95, http://www.smartthingz.com/). It's been written up in magazines like O, and weight loss experts have given it the thumbs up, too.

What we like about FitFlax---it's a food. You can eat it. And it tastes delicious. Try it on peanut butter and crackers. And it's gluten-free.

FitFlax is ready to eat and consists of whole seeds made of roasted golden flax with chia. It's got lots of good-for-you reasons to crunch and munch these seeds, according to their website:

Our proprietary blend & unique roasting process promotes weight loss, energy & wellness.

FitFlax™ delivers greater Omega-3, protein, fiber and antioxidants than conventional flax products.

No more grinding! Enjoy healthy FitFlax™ straight from the bag!

Our special roasting process enhances both the quality and the natural nutty taste of the seeds. Toss it on salad, mix it in yogurt, sprinkle it on practically anything to add taste, texture and fiber!

We also love this product for the super healthy ways it can improve your body, and we're not talking, just for losing weight. FitFlax can make sure you are functioning properly inside and out:

Lowers blood pressure + cholesterol
Increases metabolic rate
Promotes lean muscle mass

Reduces Body Fat

Promotes healthy skin
Reduces cravings for sweets + junk foods
Promotes regularity + colon health
Stabilizes blood sugar
High in soluble + insoluble fiber
Improves cardiovascular health

Reduces risk of cancer

Now, that's a pretty decent list of why you should try FitFlax, as you crunch your way to skinny.

Hef And The Girls Next Door With A Nude Pam Anderson

The girls are back with a very naked Pamela Anderson balancing a birthday cake on a tray, wearing only a pair of high heels.

We're talking about the very popular E! network reality television show, The Girls Next Door, that launches its 5th season at 10 PM tonight.

Cameras follow Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner around and his 3 girlfriends--Kendra, Holly, and Bridget. Tonight's premiere episode takes place at the Playboy Club in the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas. The former Playmate and Baywatch star Pamela Anderson surprises Hugh Hefner at his 82nd birthday.

No, we do not watch The Girls Next Door. Okay, maybe once or twice we have.

You must be thinking, what beauty tip today, could we be talking about??

Alright, maybe Pamela Anderson walking around shamelessly naked is kind of raunchy, but who are we to judge?

We just heard one of Hef's girls next door, we can't remember which one, but we believe it was Holly, who said that, "Pam Anderson has NO cellulite, anywhere on her body."

Now that is amazing. First, Pamela Anderson is 41-years-old. Second, she is a mother of two. To look that good at that age, and not have any cellulite and to be confident to walk around naked in a room full of people, well, that is gutsy. No, we weren't there to see if Holly were exaggerating, but we will take her word that Pamela Anderson is cellulite-free.

The beauty tip today: Enjoy your body. Be proud of yourself, especially over age 35. You can still have a nice figure if you work hard at it. No, you don't have to have a double D bra size to look good. And if you have some dimpled pockets of fat, you are not alone. About 90% of women have cellulite.