Lip Gloss Equals Skin Cancer?!

The headline is out today:

Lip Gloss Can Invite Skin Cancer.

Hmmm. Are you buying it? Some dermatologists have come out with that very warning. And yet, no studies have actually confirmed the lip gloss-skin cancer link. It's a theory, but many derms feel it's a strong theory.

How could this be? According to NYC dermatologist, Dr. Bruce Robinson, it's the moisture in the gloss that attracts the sun's harmful rays. "Take a magifying glass and put it over your lips." When you apply shiny lip gloss and go out into the sun, "that's essentially what you're doing."

The shiny gloss can actually raise your risk of developing skin cancer. At least that is what some skin experts are saying.

So what's a gal to do? Dump your lip gloss and wear lipstick. Or layer a lip balm with an SPF of 30 under your gloss. Try Chapstick's Ultra30. Or just wear a lip balm with a high SPF. Don't go out in the sun with bare, naked lips.

MSNBC.com took a poll, and here are the results from 7,281 responses:

If you wear lip gloss, are you worried it will raise your risk of skin cancer or cause other lip problems?

48% No, not enough to change my ways.

35% A little. I'll try to make sure mine has SPF.

17% Yes! Shiny lips aren't worth the risk of having no lips!

In case anyone's wondering, I voted with the 48% majority.

NARS Cosmetics makes some of the prettiest and sexiest lip glosses around. Just ask Hollywood beauty and E channel star, Kim Kardashian, about NARS. She told us that NARS Lip Gloss in 'Turkish Delight,' is the one beauty item she could not live without (24.00 a tube).

Turkish Delight is a soft, Pink Sorbet hue. Perfect with daytime bronzed skin or complimentary to a smokey eye look. Turkish Delight is a cult favorite at NARS, and once again, is currently out of stock.

Oops! My Hair Is Too Dark!!!

You've heard of this one: Color Oops. It's a hair color corrector, and In Style Magazine calls Oops, one of its beauty breakthroughs for 2008.

What Color Oops can do, at just $12.99 a bottle at drugstores like Walgreens, is lift the color dye errors you have made. For instance, if you've dyed your light brown hair a shade of deep chocolate brown, and it isn't attractive to you, try Oops. This product is said to perform near miracles on darker dyes. It might not lift your Cleopatra black tresses completely, but, you will be able to lift your hair a few shades lighter.

Now if you dyed your hair platinum, well, Color Oops can not help you there. That initial process has involved bleaching, and the reverse coloring cannot be accomplished with this method.

The beauty of Oops is its gentle formula. It's bleach and ammonia free. You apply it to your hair, and after 20 minutes, you rinse away your dark dye molecules.

Some women claim Oops works best on newly colored hair mistakes. If you have dark dye in your hair from years ago, well, it might not lift as many shades as you would like. Still, the stuff is worth trying, especially if you're sitting there with orange and brown clown hair and crying your eyes out.

Please, follow directions to a "T." And as the experts all advise, please do a strand test.

MaMa Lotion Is TLC For Skin

It sure is popular. MaMa Lotion has been the top seller for two years now at skincarerx.com.

What exactly is MaMa Lotion? It is simply an AHA in skin talk, or an alpha hydroxy acid formula. It's main job is to exfoliate and moisturize skin. The 'MaMa' means mandelic acid and malic acid gel.

Many women and men swear by MaMa Lotion. It is formulated to get rid of acne and breakouts, to even skin tone, to tighten skin and pores, to reduce fine lines, and even reduce the symptoms of Rosacea.

MaMa Lotion ($44.50 for 1.67 fl.oz) can be found at internet retail stores like http://www.skincarerx.com/. (See Ad to right of article).

The lotion is actually in the texture of a gel. MaMa is said to be wonderful for all skin types and skin colors. The lotion works like Retin-A, in the sense that it takes a serious attack on damaged skin like wrinkles, acne, and large pores, and is worn as a nighttime treatment, But the makers of MaMa Lotion, MCK Labs, claim that the formula is much easier on the skin than Retin-A. Retin-A can cause redness, swelling, itchiness, and peeling when overused.

When you first apply MaMa Lotion on your face, you will note its sticky texture. And it can sting for the first 40 seconds. But after it is absorbed into the skin, it dries nicely and skin feels very smooth.

To read testimonial after testimonial on the beauty of MaMa Lotion, check out skincarerx.com.

Shiny Hair With Color Glaze

We all want hair that is shiny and smooth. For years now, the only true way to achieve that level of glossiness and texture, was a trip to the hair salon with a high-end glazing process.

The experts at John Freida have developed a new treatment that promises salon-quality glaze at a very reasonable price. And all it takes is three minutes in the shower to turn lifeless, dull locks into mega-watt shine! It's called John Freida's Luminous Color Glaze ($8.97). In four beautiful ways to glaze: Clear Shine, Sheer Blonde Color Glaze, Brilliant Brunette Color Glaze, and Radiant Red Color Glaze.

So simple to use, too. Just hop in the shower and after shampooing, squeeze out excess water. Apply the Clear Shine Gloss through your wet hair, from root to ends. Leave on for three minutes, then rinse. Style as usual. The result is hair that has that mirror-like shine. Damaged locks have 'filled in' and the texture is silky and smooth.

Want to add some vibrant color with that high-power shine? Try the color-enhancing shades of Luminous Color Glaze. You will get a gradual boost of color. After 6-8 daily uses, you haircolor will see more and more richness and depth.

The good news: John Freida's glazing treatments are very kind and gentle to your hair. No ammonia. No peroxide.

Shine on, everyone!

Deal Of The Day: Sephora Mini Brush Set

This is a super deal for a tiny price: The Sephora Mini Brush Set. Just $6.00!! How cute is that?!

Every gal who wears makeup should have a set of makeup brushes. Okay, I'll admit, I haven't always known exactly which brush was for what part of the face. But with the Sephora Mini Brush Set, you're getting the basics. And it really isn't too hard to figure out.

First of all, the five smooth, professional-quality brushes are very convenient to tote around. They measure a small 3 3/4 inches long. The brushes come neatly packaged in a clear Sephora signature cannister. This brush set will easily fit inside a very small makeup bag.

You get a mini goat hair blush brush and an eyeshadow brush made of goat hair. You also get a pony hair eyeliner brush and a lip brush made of pony hair. Lastly, you get an eyeshadow applicator made of US scott 110ppi foam.

You probably couldn't even make this mini brush set for $6. Why not get it from the pros at www.Sephora.com. Better hurry, because this little brush set has been sold out several times now.

Surfer's Secret Sand Eliminator

A product that gets rid of beach sand quickly and effectively. Without using water. Now why couldn't I think of that? Darn.

Surfer's Secret Sand Eliminator. A bottle will last you all summer. You can't hate this product. With it being 'Green Week,' this is an excellent item to promote. First of all, it's safe for everyone and biodegradable. It's made of soothing and natural things like: cornstarch, grapeseed oil, and aloe vera. Plus, it's wonderful for the whole family. Sand in the diaper? No problem. Sand in your bikini? No problem. Sand all over your feet, and you're about to step into your new Mercedes? No problem at all.

This product rocks, dude, and yeah, surfers love the stuff. Surfer's Secret Sand Eliminator comes in two sizes--- a 1.5 oz bottle for $3.50, and a 6 oz. bottle for $7.00. Even the price is right.

So how does it work? All you need to do is squeeze a quarter-size amount into your hand and wipe it over the area caked with sand. Or you can apply it on a towel and wipe. The sand just glides off. Amazing. And you're left with smooth skin, thanks to the grapeseed and aloe moisturizing benefits.

Be sand free this summer. The stuff even wipes away grass clippings, hair clippings, and more.

Visit http://www.surferssecrets.com/ for more information.

Makeup Bags By Anna William

How many makeup or cosmetics bags do you own? And what if I told you, you could design your own makeup bag at http://www.annawilliam.com/.

Look, I've got about five or more makeup bags. A couple are from Victoria's Secret, and the others are from department and drug stores. The cosmetics bags I own are not pretty enough, and certainly, are not roomy enough. I guess I pack a lot of tools. High maintenance. And no, I cannot live without a makeup bag.

Anna William is a home and handbag boutique nestled in the bustling, seaside community of Newburyport, Massachusetts. There, you can design or 'build' your own makeup/cosmetics bag. The family-owned store offers many gorgeous fabrics to choose from. For $39.00, you can design your own large cosmetics bag that comes with a zipper. And for $79.00, you can build your own spacious, travel cosmetics bag.

Both styles offer plenty of room inside, especially for those bigger makeup items.

The large cosmetics bag is 8 1/2" wide x 5 3/4" tall. The travel cosmetics bag measures 11" wide x 8 1/4" tall x 6" deep.

I designed my own makeup bag in the sophisticated 'City Chic Collection,' using black and ivory colors (see photo). How beautiful is that?

For more information, check out annawilliam.com. You'll get lost in all the beautiful fabrics, and end up with a most unique and useful makeup bag.

Rebuild Your Skin With Copper Peptides

Is There Hope In A Bottle? Can Copper Peptides Promote Better Skin?

Dr. Loren Pickart strongly believes so. His special line of skin and hair products don’t come wrapped in fancy boxes with aggressive marketing campaigns. Instead, his line of Skin Biology products arrive with sensible packaging, smart scientific knowledge, and reasonable pricing.

Who is Dr. Pickart? A biochemist and a brilliant one at that. You could call him a beautiful skin pioneer because it was Pickart who discovered the role that remodeling copper peptides play in the repair of human skin and other tissues. This peptide is called, GHK-Copper. And it is being cited as a new weapon in the anti-aging arsenal.

“I have studied methods of reversing human aging for my entire career,” Dr. Pickart said. “It was from these studies, that the human GHK-Copper was found.”

And today because of his inventions and GHK-Copper, giant companies like Neutrogena, have products based on his discoveries. For instance, the Neutrogena Visibly Firm line of cosmetics, including their popular Night Cream and Eye Cream.

What Can Copper Peptides Do For Your Skin?

Without getting too technical here, because the subject of skin can be very complex, the skin remodeling copper peptides, or SRCP’s, can nicely improve skin density and firmness over time. Studies have shown a marked repairing in cases of laxity, clarity, fine lines, coarse wrinkles, and overall skin appearance. The copper peptides work below the skin’s surface.

When first using Dr. Pickart’s line of copper peptide products on their faces and necks, most people have noticed a healthy glow to the skin. The treatments are quite powerful, so a tiny few dabs or few drops are more than enough.

According to Dr. Pickart’s website— http://www.skinbiology.com, there is a 2-step program to rebuilding one’s skin. Think of it like this—out with the old and in with the new. In other words, an exfoliant(mild hydroxy acids) is applied to the skin in the morning. What the exfoliant does is slough off the old skin cells. The copper peptide is then used in the evening, working its magic to encourage the production of new, healthy skin cells. That's it---just 2 beauty items needed.

How Long Does It Take To See Results ?

Everyone’s skin is different. And although Skin Biology’s copper peptides and exfoliants are strong treatments and work naturally and safely, patience is required. Yes, patience is a virtue, in the skin remodeling business. Results will occur, but when?

“At least six months,” Pickart said.. “We have some women, mainly in their 50's, who have used our products for five years now, and say their skin is great. Going slow is better, but no woman ever believes that.”

Skin Biology, Inc. is one biotech research company that is on the cutting edge. Trying to reverse aging is one tough mission, but Dr. Loren Pickart has surely put some hope in a bottle. Visit: www.skinbiology.com.

Aubrey Organics For Earth Day Beauty

Considering today is Earth Day, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about 'going green,' and not just for cars and lightbulbs and recycling.

Let's talk beauty. Do we really know what chemicals are present in the makeup we wear, day in and day out? Wouldn't it be nice, to at least, consider going green from head to toe in the beauty department?

Aubrey Organics can talk the talk. For almost 40 years now, the popular company has been developing green products for the entire family. Aubrey Organics is proud to be "100% natural hair, skin, and body care." The folks at Aubrey say they are the first to be certified organic. That means no synthetic anything. Lots and lots of herbals from around the globe are carefully blended into the many fine aubrey beauty treatments.

Aubrey Organics has a natural item for everyone. There's baby care, hair color, skin care, makeup, men's stuff, and even pet care products.

So on Earth Day, why not check out Aubrey's. The Eucalyptus Rejuvenating Bath Soak(8 oz., $8.98) is a lovely and invigorating formula. The eucalyptus aroma is so wonderful and the bath soak is amazing. Your soft skin will thank you for the experience.

For more information, visit: http://www.aubrey-organics.com/.

Amatokin: A Real Stem Cell Youth Cream

Amatokin is the name of an anti-aging skin cream that has been out on the market for more than a year now. It was developed by Russian scientists in a secluded and security-guarded laboratory. The beauty emulsion is based on 15 years of research. And it is made up of stem-cell activating properties. The cream was originally designed to help burn victims with seriously damaged skin. And results have been impressive. And sales are still brisk.

At $173 for a single month’s supply, or one fluid ounce, Amatokin better do something splendid for your skin. By the way, Amatokin is pronounced, ‘Am-a-TOKE-in.’

Voss Laboratories, licensed distributors of Amatokin, boast that this beauty emulsion is “unquestionably, the most profound advancement in the skin care sciences in more than three decades.”

The super ingredient in Amatokin appears to be polypeptide #153, or, a 153-amino acid peptide chain. In simplest terms, the Amatokin wrinkle cream wakes up or stimulates your own resting or dormant adult stem cells, to spring into action and begin repairing skin.

The product claims that long term use “will result in a generation of new skin cells, firmer skin with a 45 percent reduction in wrinkles, and increased long term skin clarity.” And more importantly, states that Amatokin, “effectively resets your skin’s ‘aging clock’ by a minimum of five years.”

Amatokin comes in a pump bottle, which is very handy. It resembles a white cream of medium consistency. It’s highly concentrated, so only a pea-sized amount is advised for the entire face.

Pea-sized? That’s actually a tiny amount, and some women have complained that Amatokin’s texture also makes it difficult to rub or absorb into the skin.

Amatokin is wonderful for both women and men, and on all colors and types of complexions.

Within a couple of weeks, many women have reported a luminosity and clearness to the skin, as well as a softening of fine wrinkles.

Is Amatokin the ‘face of the future?’ Or the ‘promise of youth?’ Only time will tell.

For more information, visit: www.amatokin.com.

Sephora Book Full Of Beauty Tips

Sephora has done it!

There's a new beauty bible in town. It just came out. And if you can't have a live-in makeup artist, hair stylist, and dermatologist, 24/7, this book is the next best thing.

Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, And Hair From Beauty Authority by Melissa Schweiger. ($27.95, Hardcover). Available at Barnes & Noble and other fine book stores.

Okay, so the title is long, but the book is also long and full of excellent beauty tips and tricks from dozens of pros. Famous names like Fredric Fekkai, Dr. Perricone, etc. Brands like Smashbox and LORAC. More than 220 pages of beauty talk.

From A to Z, there are tons of beauty tips....like creating the perfect smoky eye, or beautiful red carpet hair, sunscreen advice, and much, much more.

Sephora: The Ultimate Guide, is a great investment for beginners and pros alike. It's an easy read with wonderful cosmetic tidbits. Author Melissa Schweiger definitely knows what she writes about, having been a former beauty editor ar Sephora.

How To Create Your Own Lipstick Shade And More

How many times has this happened to you?
You find this gorgeous shade of rose lipstick. You wear it over and over again, because the color is perfect for you. Then 3 months later, you're in the drugstore looking to buy more, only to discover that your favorite lipstick has been discontinued. Such a horror.

Believe it or not. There is a company that can clone or re-create your favorite makeup shade, even from a small, paint chip sample you send them in the mail. That's pretty impressive.

Three Custom Color Specialists can create discontinued shades for your lips, cheeks, eyes, and face. Or you can custom-design your own shade, in whatever color you wish and the experts will take it from there.

Three Custom Color Specialists is based in New York City. They also sell their own brand of high-end makeup. The color palettes are quite beautiful to see. The three founders include:

Trae Bodge, creative director. Scott Catto, managing director. And Chad Hayduk, training director.

The company even boasts an archive of discontinued shades at their website. For instance, type in the color or brand name you are hunting for; Revlon Mauve Mystique 05 lipstick. Or how about Estee Lauder All Day Pink lipstick. No problem. Three Custom Color Specialists can clone those shades for you. Or you could always send them a sample of your favorite lipstick to re-create. A dime-sized shape of your lipstick will do.

Their website is fun and full of wonderful colors and makeup and great-looking brushes and applicators. Visit: http://www.threecustom.com/.

Solano Blows Away The Other Hair Dryers

Okay, so you can't see yourself spending almost $100 on a hair dryer or blow dryer. What if I told you that Solano, handcrafted in Italy, beats out all the competition? And that Solano can give you super straight, gorgeous hair? Time and time again?

Sure, you can buy a hair dryer for under $25, but how long will it last? And for how long can you stand a really loud piece of equipment? Or can you afford a simple, $50 blowout at a salon every month?

The Super Solano X ($89.95) has been voted best blow dryer for four years now. Professional hair stylists love it. It's 1875 watts of powerful blowdrying superiority with a super veloce motor. It features two speeds, five temperature settings with a cold shot button and a standard 10 foot cord. The blow dryer also includes a 1-year warranty and is easy to clean. The dryer also feels comfortable in your hand.

The Super Solano X comes in the familiar red and black color combo or solid black. It's also available in 220 volt for global use with a standard two-round-prong plug.

The Super Solano X is an amazing hair dryer for its ability to give you a salon quality blowout. Okay, if you're a novice, you might not be able to achieve a look as great as your hair sylist can give you. But this blow dryer does the job and does it faster than a cheaper dryer. And it is quieter with a long motor life. Yes, this baby has durability.

Emu Oil For Softer Younger Skin

If there's one word you need to remember, it's this one. Emu. Emu oil could someday hold the key to eternal youth. But for the time being, it can improve the skin you're in because this oil is an excellent emollient with strong transdermal properties. In other words, it can nicely penetrate the skin's layers. It doesn't just sit on the surface like many expensive moisturizers do.

Emu oil comes from the emu, a large flightless, ostrich-like bird. Maybe not the prettiest animal on the block. But Australian aborigines were said to have discovered the benefits of extracting this oil thousands of years ago. And what researchers have come to learn is that there is something in the oil that is compatible to human skin.

Leigh Hopkins, PhD. explained it in this manner. "The fatty acid composition of emu oil is very close to the correct composition of the fats as found in normal, human skin."

Above all, emu oil can make your skin softer and glowing. It is also anti-inflammatory, won't clog pores, and is odorless. Over time, studies have found that emu oil can plump up your skin and help diminish wrinkles and age spots. It has also been proven to be very effective on first and second degree burns and radiation burns. It takes away the pain, and scarring and blistering are greatly reduced. And wounds heal alot faster with emu oil.

First, you need to purchase 100% pure, certified emu oil. Although, it feels greasy and thick, it rubs in smoothly. Just massage a few drops into the desired area. It absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy feeling. You can also blot with a tissue to remove any trace of oil. Remember, you don't need gobs of emu. A little goes a long way.

For facial skincare, use emu oil as a moisturizer after cleansing. Just smooth a few drops over the entire face and neck. And emu oil can be added as a top layer to skin re-building products like copper peptides and glycolic acid. By using emu oil as the very last layer on your skin, this aids in the absorption of other topically applied products. Thus, the emu oil must always goes on last.

Most internet sites sell 100% pure, certified emu oil for about $10-$15 for a 2 oz. bottle.

Yoga Shoulder Stand ---Keeps You Skinny

Here's some excellent news for those of you trying to stay skinny:

The yoga shoulder stand. It does a body good! No kidding.

Many yoga students have experienced incredible weight normalization with the aid of the shoulder stand. The thyroid gland is stimulated during the pose. The shoulder stand helps to promote the correct functioning of the thyroid by increasing the blood supply into the throat area.

Not only is the shoulder stand great for weight control, it also helps those suffering with asthma. As Raghuram, a yogi who has taught yoga to some 16,000 asthmatic patients worldwide, explains it, "In this posture, the diaphragm muscle is strengthened because it has to work against gravity. This opens the chest and improves lung capacity."

The yoga shoulder stand is also good for those with varicose veins, since it allows the blood to flow out of the legs. The exercise pose does wonders for your belly and legs, too. It strengthens them and tones them up.

If you can do the shoulder stand for 2 minutes, once a day, you will gradually pick up the benefits. Start out slowly, and be sure your chin is pressed against your chest during the pose. Breathe slowly and deeply.

Do not attempt the shoulder stand if you suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or slipped discs (always best to check with your doctor before trying). And do not get into this position during your period. The inversion of your body can cause dizziness or nausea. However, doing the shoulder stand when you don't have your period, is said to relieve menstrual cramps in the long run.

Botox and Restylane With Dr. Brandt

First there was Botox, and now there are fillers to plump you up. Learn what Dr. Frederic Brandt has to say about the hottest shots around-- Botox and Restylane.

They say Dr. Frederic Brandt is so sought after, that he has a mile long list of celebrity clientele. No, he’s not naming names, but the Hollywood A-listers flock to him at his Miami and New York City offices, and so do unfamous folks.

It’s been noted that Botox procedures have jumped some 400% in the last several years. Botox cosmetic is really from the botulinum toxin type and continues to hold the distinction of number one injectable in the United States. Dr. Brandt isn’t surprised at its popularity.

“Botox cosmetic has revolutionized our field,” Dr. Brandt says. “Botox is easy to administer, safe and effective, and not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but also has the effect of preventing the future formation of wrinkles and fine lines if used appropriately.”

Dr. Brandt has been credited with creatively injecting botox to “lift” the face and make patients appear several years younger and refreshed. “The Botox cosmetic is used to create a ‘face-lift” by raising the eyebrows and tightening the neck platysmal bands and diminishing the appearance of the horizontal lines of the neck. As always, these procedures have to be performed by trained physicians.”

Restylane is a newer injectable on the block, and like Botox, it is a non-invasive procedure. Restylane does something Botox does not, and that is, add fullness to skin that is aging.

Restylane is still one of the most popular FDA-approved injectables out there. Dr. Brandt explains. “It is a filler, so it is different from Botox. Restylane is used to restore volume and fill in the wrinkles and folds temporarily. Botox is a paralyzing agent–it does not have an effect on volume. However, the combination of these therapies creates amazing results without the potential of surgery. Patients love these therapies since they get results or ‘instant gratification’ with one or only a few treatments.”

Restylane is a cosmetic filling agent made of Hyaluronic acid, which already occurs naturally in the body. It’s effects on the skin last up to 9 months.

With the right set of injectables like Botox and fillers, Dr. Brandt suggests that an adult can erase 5 to 10 years from their age. In the meantime, he says we could all benefit by being sensible about the sun and general lifestyle.

“It is important that patients take care of their skin by avoiding sun exposure (always use an UVB-UBA sun screen). They can be using a very expensive repair cream at night, and then the following day, they play golf or tennis under the sun all day without proper protection. Clean your face extremely well, especially before going to bed, and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine,” Dr. Brandt says.

Dr. Brandt has his own skin care line at: http://www.drbrandtskincare.com.

Madonna, is said to be a big fan of his products.

How To Look Younger By Bobbi Brown

We all want to look younger, and yes, the right makeup can take us there. Women love Bobbi Brown's no nonsense makeup routine, and her healthy, natural approach to looking good.

And as Bobbi would remind us all, try to be the best you can be. Don't try to look like someone else. When she was growing up, all-American model, Cheryl Tiegs, was Bobbi's beauty icon. Cheryl was tall, slender with blonde hair and blue eyes. Bobbi Brown looked nothing like her and was disappointed in not resembling Cheryl Tiegs, until she saw actress Ali MacGraw with her long dark hair and eyes. Bobbi then finally "saw the possibilty of my own beauty."

Well said.

Bobbi has more advice on how to look younger instantly. She told Harper's Bazaar Magazine:

"Use color to bring out your cheeks. Everyone should have a beautiful pink blush. As soon as you put it on, you won't notice anything else. Playing up your features will draw attention away from lines."

Try Bobbi Brown's Pink Satin Collection Blush in Pale Pink ($20).

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

Bobbi Brown's lifestyle appears at her website. This is the philosophy she tries to follow:

1. Always be on time.
2. Look people in the eye.

3. Tell the truth.

4. Don't smoke.

5. Drink lots of water.

6. Exercise.

7. Eat healthy.

8. Read.

9. Be nice.

10. Never give up.

How To Lose Weight During Your Menstrual Cycle

Ladies, we all want to lose a little weight, but it can get complicated because of our menstrual cycle. There are many ups and downs, days of bloating, days the body doesn't want to move, etc.

What if there were a way to learn exactly when your body burns the most fat?

Wouldn't you pay a high price for that precious nugget?

Muscle & Fitness Magazine did an article on the female fat cycle. And according to researchers from Australia, all women are equal and alike during certain times of their menstrual cycle. For instance, one study found that,"the female body burns much more fat, especially during high-intensity aerobic exercise, during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle than it does during the follicular phase."

In other words, you will lose more weight during days 14-28 of your period than during days 1-13 of your period. It has to do with the estrogen and progesterone levels during a woman's cycle.

Now to take advantage of your own fat burning machine, do lower-intensity exercise when you get your period. Use about 60%-70% of your maximum heart rate for about 40-60 minutes per session for days 1-13. Do cardio on the treadmill or elliptical climber.

Around day 14, switch over to high-intensity exercise, where you use 80%-90% maximum heart rate for about 30 minutes per session. Do that tougher exercise regimen for days 14-28. Push your cardio on the stationary bike or stair-stepper.

This plan will help you really strip the fat and lose weight.

Yogurt For Natural Beauty

Sometimes, our mothers and grandmothers knew best. Yes, yogurt is really good for you and is a wonderful natural beauty treatment. And it's delicious!

Yogurt delivers lots of vitamins and minerals to the body. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium and as most of you already know, yogurt maintains good gastro-intestinal health.

Here are two perfect reasons to eat yogurt for natural beauty on the outside:

1. For clear skin. If you suffer from acne, try plain yogurt.

Some women find benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid to be rough on their sensitive skin. And there are others who don’t like putting such ‘chemical’ treatments on their faces.

Just add plain yogurt with live cultures to your diet. The acidophilus present in yogurt is that of ‘friendly’ bacteria. It will clear up your skin and also prevent vaginal yeast infections. Well, that’s what some women swear by.

2. For healthy gums. Any flavor is fine for periodontal purposes.

According to a recent study at Japan's Kyushu University, researchers found that those who ate fermented milk products such as yogurt (at least 2 oz. a day), had significantly improved gum health. The key 'magic' ingredient being calcium.

Of course, you would want to choose your yogurt carefully. We're talking natural and organic.

Celebrities like Cindy Crawford have given thumbs up to Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt.

Cindy makes a smart choice, too. Stonyfield Yogurt has been around for 25 years and is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The popular yogurt brand adds six live cultures to its yogurts to help keep folks naturally balanced. And with flavors like Black Cherry, Key Lime, and Lotsa Lemon, what's not to love?

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

Face Serums And How To Use Them

Serum or cream? That's a skin care choice that many women become confused about. Usually, women with oily skin, select the face serum, because it is lighter and won't clog pores. Those with dry skin, pick the face cream because it's heavier and provides moisturizing effects. But not always....

If you want to battle the signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin, always opt for the serum.

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

Here are 3 top-notch face serums:

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement, 1 fl. oz, $60. http://www.bobbibrown.com/.

Good for all skin types. Bobbi brown's face serum is made with white birch extract to reduce the look of fine, dry lines. Grape extract is also featured in this serum, to brighten the complexion. After one month, you should see firmer skin with a smoother surface and a lovely glow.

Skin Biology Super CP Serum, 1 oz, $23.95. http://www.skinbiology.com/.

Skin Biology's Super CP is a strong skin remodeling face serum made with its patented copper peptides. Just a few tiny drops smoothed over the face in the morning, followed by an hydroxy acid at night. Skin will tighten up and complexion will brighten after a few weeks of usage.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum, 1 oz, $19.99. http://www.neutrogena.com/.

A highly concentrated formula with a good amount of Retinol combined with anti-oxidant multi vitamins. After four weeks, you should notice a healthier glow with smoother skin, and wrinkles appear less noticeable.

Perfume. Design Your Own Fragrance

Ladies, let's be honest. Perfume is a very personal thing. Your fragrance is your own. In fact, don't you hate it when you're smelling your own perfume on the woman behind you in the checkout line?

I once complimented a friend on the cologne she was wearing. She told me the label, how unique a fragrance it was, and that not too many women knew about it. Then I went out and bought some. The next time I bumped into my friend, she smelled the fragrance on me. And she was fuming that I had stolen HER scent.

You get the picture. Well, now you can design or create your own perfume! How wonderful is that?! Check out www.perfumelab.com.

Perfume Lab is a company located in France. For 30 euro, or about $47, you can 'build' your very own fragrance. And for about 75 euro, or $118, you can receive your individual perfume creation kit.

According to Perfume Lab, a single perfume can contain up to 300 ingredients and take up to 2 years to create. But Perfume Lab has made the process so much easier.You can choose from 21 ingredient bases, like vanilla, amber, and citrus. You also get an education in fragrance-making. Perfumes have top notes, middle notes and end notes. You choose the amount of this and that.

The only drawback to such a special website like perfumelab.com, is its inability to provide smell-a-vision. You cannot inhale the aroma of your creation. However, the folks at Perfume Lab are more than happy to assist your in your fragrance design.

Come on. How romantic and lovely would it be to receive your own perfume! Wouldn't this make a super gift?

Chanel's Blue Satin Is It For Nails

Dark nails are still ruling the runway, the boardroom, the suburbs, and beyond.

And the trendiest nail going at the moment is navy. No, the black polish boom is still here to stay, but Chanel's Blue Satin ($19) is the 'it' shade. And some of the hottest women in Hollywood are sporting the true blue hue. Blue Satin is not always easy to find. It's sold-out in many stores. But Ebay is always a good place to search for those-hard-to-find beauty items.

Dark nail polish has become a rather acceptable fashion accessory. And it isn't just for the 20-something crowd. If you keep nails short, then navy, black, or deep purple polish, looks smart, sophisticated, and sexy, for all ages.

Maybe we should blame it on Chanel's Vamp. It seems to have started about 13 years ago. Remember that one??? With the deep red undertones? It seemed almost ‘witchy’ or ghoulish to be wearing it at the time. A delicious, naughty-girl fashion trend.

Vamp had not really taken off, until designer Karl Lagerfeld sent his models down the catwalk, strutting boldly with the bold Vamp nail color. After folks caught sight of the striking and unusual nail shade, Vamp soared in popularity. And according to Chanel's international director of makeup creation, Dominique Moncourtois, Vamp remains "the 9th or 10th best seller of Chanel’s 30 colors."

You don’t have to spend $19 on a bottle of Chanel's Blue Satin nail polish. OPI has a lovely polish with marine undertones and at a cheaper price tag ($8.50). It's called Yoga-ta-Get This Blue.

And if you prefer to drench your nails in a much lighter but more vibrant shade, pink colors are also hot for the spring/summer season. Just take a peek at OPI's India collection( http://www.opi.com/) , and you will see fuchsias, corals, oranges, and reds. How about ElePhantastic Pink for your toes?

Whichever nail shade you choose, remember to have a little fun expressing yourself.

Fabulous Facials For Practically Free

Tiny pores. Smooth texture. Firm and plump. With a lovely glow. These are just a few words to describe healthy skin. From paraffin masks to stone therapy massage to papaya enzyme peels, facials are not just for the super wealthy these days. Yes, we all can afford some kind of fabulous facial, and it doesn’t have to come from a day spa.

Facials don’t come cheap. An average facial costs about $75. And this is what basically happens. Your skin receives a deep cleansing. Exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin cells, is next. Massage follows. There is extraction of impurities like blackheads. And lastly, an application of products that zero in on your skin type, such as dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. This of course is done by a professional. And it feels heavenly to lie back and let someone else give you the star treatment.

Facial Kits To Try At Home
Here are two different facials that are quite reasonable in price, and can be used in the privacy of your own home:

Kaz–The Steam Facial
This portable little machine is a unique item that works with vaporizer technology. As the Kaz makers explain, "It produces a cloud of gently controlled vapor that deep cleans your pores."
And this little steamer can be found for under $30. And you can use it over and over again. A product that really works. All you need is some water.

Alpha Beta Peel Home Facial
This jar by MD Skincare is just another wonderful way to smooth out your complexion and leave you with a silky glow and texture. It consists of a two-step peel chock full of hydroxy acids and antioxidants.

The Alpha Beta Peel Home Facial in a jar contains 30 applications and costs $72. Still a good deal and goes a long way. You can find it at www.SoftSurroundings.com.

Famous Spa Home Facial Recipes
The following facial recipes are actually 10 years old and still work beautifully. A friend cut out these recipes from a magazine and sent them to me long ago. These home facials are courtesy of the Ole Henriksen of Sweden Salon in Los Angeles. These treatments are simple and will save you the high cost of a Hollywood facial.

"Pick Me Up" For Dry Skin
1. Mix jojoba and/or sesame seed oil together.
2. Add 2 or 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel ( can buy at health food stores).
3. Smooth mixture over damp, freshly washed skin.
Note: Be sure to apply to damp skin. Helps to lock in moisture.

"Pick Me Up" For Oily/Acne Prone Skin
One step.
1. Smooth aloe vera gel on freshly washed skin, twice a day. Facialist Cheryl Pereira, says that aloe vera gel is the best thing for oily skin.
"It mattes oils that accumulate on the skin’s surface, but doesn’t dry out skin, which can cause irritation and blemishes. "

Nourishing Mask" For All Skin Types
1. Combine 2 to 3 heaping Tablespoons of plain yogurt, an equal amount of honey, and I egg yolk.
2. Slather the mixture over dry skin.
3. Lie down on your back and rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse off thoroughly with cool water.
This mask not only nourishes the skin, but tightens it. And we all know that means, a more youthful appearance.

Restylane Can Lift Sagging Earlobes

Ever since plastic surgeon Allan E. Wulc went on ‘Good Morning America’ to show off his new cosmetic invention, women have been buzzing about the results. With a quick needle prick or two, sagging earlobes are plumped up! Earrings hang beautifully once again.

It seems rather simple, and yet, Dr. Wulc, a suburban Philadelphia plastic surgeon, was the only expert to figure it out. If you’re suffering from sagging earlobes, damaged pierced earring holes, or even wrinkled lobes, you’re not alone. And now there’s a cure that will make you smile from ear to ear. Just a quick and painless shot or two, and the lobes plump up. Yes, chandelier earrings hang better. And those brilliant, sparkling diamond studs no longer point south.
It’s called ‘earlobe rejuvenation,’ and Dr. Wulc says women are grateful for his clever idea. His magic weapon? The popular filler or injectable known as Restylane.

Heavy earrings aren’t the only reason. Ladies, I hate to break the news, but our earlobes, and even our nose tips, sag with age. Add heavy earrings, year after year to originally pierced ears, and well, they contribute to the problem. Apparently, our earlobes don’t have the firm tissue found on other parts of the body. So, even creases can form on the earlobes with time.

"The emphasis today, is on lifting, by filling up areas that are sagging, and volumizing, rather than tightening," Dr. Wulc explains. "I use Restylane, or fat, if the patient desires a more permanent solution, to rejuvenate and volumize the face. Restylane lasts for up to a year. I have patients where it has lasted for up to three years. And it is structurally solid enough to actually support and lift. It’s like adding supporting columns, so it can be used to elevate the corners of the lip."

As far as injecting into the earlobe, Dr. Wulc has been performing the quick procedure since June of 2006. And his careful injections do not disrupt the pierced hole. In fact, the vertical elongation of a pierced ear can be improved.

So far, after some 9 mos., none of his patients has requested a secondary injection. "I do think we will get results up to a year, but would hope that it would be longer. In general, I add Restylane everywhere I feel it is needed in the face. The earlobes are injected at the end of the procedure, when most of the other areas have been rejuvenated. In general, we send patients home immediately after the injection with their earrings on. We clean them first and place antibiotic ointment on the earlobe."

Most plastic surgeons charge $600 for Restylane treatment that can cover most areas of the face.

And by the way, yes, you can handle a couple of needle pricks. The pain isn’t enormous. And according to Dr. Wulc, allergies to Restylane are "exceedingly rare."

To watch Dr. Wulc perform earlobe rejuvenation, and to learn more about his practice, visit: www.drwulc.com.

Makeup...Even Celebrities Need Some

Need we say more?

Just a little dab will do some good. Okay, maybe we won't ever look as amazing as these celebrities. But a tiny bit of makeup is a good thing. Maybe it's just gloss on the lips. Or a sweep of brown eyeshadow. Or even a few strokes of black mascara.

Makeup enhances your looks. It even performs magic for these beautiful celebrities. Many actresses and models look almost average with bare skin. It kind of levels the playing field, wouldn't you say?

In case you don't recognize them..... The bottom photos show Sharon Osbourne with makeup and without makeup. The center photos feature Kelly Ripa's Before and After (top). And Eva Longoria Parker's Before and After (bottom). The upper right photos are all of Rebecca Gayheart with and without makeup.

Think Pink And Rihanna For Spring Beauty

Want to look soft and pretty?

Think pink this spring. We'll get to Rihanna's beauty tips in a moment.

As makeup artist Trish McEvoy once said, "Certain shades of pink are universally flattering. They tend to be pinks with a hint of brown--which are very natural and will blend with most skin tones. And any transparent pink is also easy to wear."

There you have it. A super beauty tip from Trish McEvoy.

A touch of pink can do wonders for your complexion, giving you a lovely glow. Pink is also a color of playfulness, youthfulness, and passion.

Pink can range in bright candy shades to light dusty, barely pinks. There are so many choices, and there is a pink for everyone.

Bobbie Brown's Pink Popsicle Lip Gloss ($19) is a wonderful daily lip shine. Adds just enough punch of color. And how about Bobbie Brown's Eye compact! Her limited-edition compact has four neutral tones for eyes, including a very soft pink ($55).

Another gorgeous lipstick to try-- Cover Girl's Tru Shine Lipcolor in Powderpink Shine ($6). Sultry singer and Barbadian beauty Rihanna, also a Cover Girl spokesmodel, loves to wear that shade of pale pink.

A bronze blush with a pink shimmer, complements Rihanna's sexy pink lips. Try Hourglass Blush Duo in Brazilian ($58).

When she performs at night, Rihanna loves a vivid pink for lips. She loves Cover Girl's Lipshine in '14 Carat Ruby'.

If your hair is warm in shades of golden-blonde, red, or auburn-brunette, choose a yellow-based pink. For cheeks and lips, for example, try a vibrant coral or pale beigy shade of pink.

If your hair has a cool tone to it, like ash-blonde to dark brown to black, then you need a pink in the bluer tones. Choose a pink cheek or lipcolor in the magenta, mauve, and fuchsia families.

Still not sure? Then select the transparent pink, like Trish McEvoy suggests. Try Rihanna's Powderpink Shine Lipcolor and wear a clear gloss over it. Beautiful!

Beauty Buys For 2008....It's Serendipitous! Oprah Loves This!

Here are five great beauty buys for 2008. A luxurious shampoo. An intelligent blusher. An amazing mascara. A true whitening toothpaste. And a chocolate-laced cologne.

1...Philip B. White Truffle Shampoo...Almost Good Enough To Eat
Some of you have probably tasted a decadent truffle oil on a meal you’ve enjoyed. Well, this time, it’s been bottled for your mane. You want thicker, bouncy, and shinier hair? Then nourish your locks with Philip B. White Truffle Shampoo. No kidding. The shampoo contains 23.2% of pure plant extracts made of ‘the finest Italian white truffle oil.’
Philip B. White Truffle Shampoo is full of good stuff like Vitamin B5. Just one shampoo, and you’ll notice the difference.....8 oz....$54.00

2...Almay Smart Shade Blush.....It’s Elementary!
Finally, a cream blush that matches your skin’s own natural blush. All you do is smooth the cream across your cheeks with your fingertips, and that’s it. Almay Smart Shade Blush has created ‘microscopic shade-sensing color beads,’ that complement your individual skin tone.
For soft, rosy cheeks, give this new Almay beauty product a try. In three tones of warmth: Natural, Pink, and Berry. $9.00 a tube.

3...Kiss Me Mascara.....It Does A Bride Good
Bride Magazine ranks this lash lengthener in its own top 10 beauty list. It’s cleverly called, Kiss Me Mascara. This is a great find, especially for those who wear contact lenses, and for the happy bride on her important day. There is no irritation. It is not an oil-based paint like traditional mascaras. Instead, the formula lengthens your lashes with water resistant ‘tubes.’ It lasts longer and yes, you can even sleep with it on.
Kiss Me Mascara won’t smudge, run, or flake, and comes in 3 luscious shades.....$24.00 tube.

4...Super Smile Whitening System.....Still One Of The Leaders
I once read, that the late Princess Diana loved using Super Smile whitening toothpaste. For what it’s worth, the brand enjoys a fine reputation, and as I recall, Princess Di had a beautiful, white set of teeth.
The Super Smile Whitening System is a simple, foolproof way to a whiter smile. All you do is brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice daily. Forget the goopy trays and mystery ingredients that claim to brighten your teeth. This system is really gentle on enamel, and really works.
The Super Smile set includes 1.2 oz. of accelerator and 1.75 oz. of toothpaste....$33.00

5...Serendipitous.....It’s Cocoa You Can Wear!! Oprah Loves This One!
Not an easy word to spell, but boy oh boy, what a delicious indulgence. Serendipitous by Serendipity 3 is a cologne with a rich, cocoa scent. It’s chocolate you can wear. There are also subtle hints of sweet orange and Tahitian vanilla nicely blended together.
Ever hear of New York City’s famous ice cream parlor, ‘Serendipity?’ This cologne is a sweet addiction with zero calories, and it smells nice on both men and women....1.7 oz.......$38.00.

Cheap Makeup...This Stuff Really Works

Dime store versus expensive makeup counters. Can we look as good wearing cheap? I say, "Yes, we can!"
Here are 3 of my beauty bargains:

It’s been noted that one tube of Maybelline's Great Lash mascara is sold every 1.6 seconds in the United States. Wow! Well, someone’s wearing the stuff because it is the most popular mascara in the country. And it is by far, known as the #1 choice of make-up artists.

For under $5.00, you can build great looking eyelashes with Maybelline's thick, conditioning ingredients. Yes, you could buy upscale. Lancome claims to be the leader in prestige mascara with its exclusive French formula. And at $22 a tube, it’s a lovely product. And Christian Dior also features a lash lengthening mascara at $22 a tube.

But why not stick with Maybelline's Great Lash? It is a superior product that does the job. Thick, dark, long lashes at a tiny price.

Tired of buying expensive lipsticks that disappear so quickly? That is a common problem among women who brighten their lips. "Where did the color go?" And after spending $8.49 on a simple tube of lipstick, well, you kind of feel cheated. Many make-up artists will tell you that lipstick is a girl’s best friend, especially for women over 40. It adds instant color and makes you look alert, even if it’s a simple shade of pink.

Estee Lauder sells many lip colors in every shade imaginable. Some tubes go for $22 a piece. And guess what? They disappear quickly, too, even though they claim to last and last. Clinique also features top lip shades at their cosmetic counters, and unfortunately, they too, might not last through breakfast. But there is a much cheaper way. This one gives you bang for the buck! And the beauty editors of these respected magazines–Marie Claire, Latina, Redbook, Cosmopolitan and OK! all choose N.Y.C. New York Lip Wear.

Who could resist lipsticks in colors like these: Sugarplum, Caramel, English Rose, Flirty, and more. Check out N.Y.C.'s Ultra Last Lipstick for $1.99 a tube. No, it doesn’t last long either, but the shades are pretty and the ingredients are full of moisture. And you can find N.Y.C. Lip Wear at Target, Walmart, ULTA, Eckerd, Rite-Aid, and other popular department stores. N.Y.C. Also makes an entire brand of cosmetics for face and eyes at very reasonable prices—eyeliner, shadows, foundations, blushes, and much more.

A face that’s firm, firmer, and firmest. La Mer has a line of beauty products that many women feel is ‘worth the splurge.’ Sixteen ounces of one of their famous Creme de la Mer moisturizing products will run you $1,200. Their lifting serums will cost you $210 for one ounce. They are made from a rare blue algae.

Closer to home, in the real world, a quick trip to the drugstore and a beeline to the Neutrogena aisle might be just as effective Who really knows? Copper peptides have been found to be crucial to the remodeling of aging skin. Biochemist Dr. Loren Pickart told this writer, that his products work, and that Neutrogena also features a good line that includes his patent in the field of copper peptide research.

The Neutrogena Visibly Firm Face Lotion and Night Cream are two such choices. The price is very reasonable at $17.99 an oz. with active copper.

There you have it. Just because a beauty product has a big price tag on it, doesn’t mean it’s perfect or far superior to the lesser known brands. It just takes a little muscle and research in trying to find the right balance for you.

Makeup Tips For Brows And Eyes By Sandy Linter

New York City makeup artist, Sandy Linter, is a legend when it comes to creating beautiful faces. We love interviewing Sandy because she has so much beauty knowledge she is willing to share. Sandy has been working professionally since 1972, and has put makeup on many famous faces--- like models Heidi Klum and Elizabeth Hurley, actress Eva Longoria, Jacqueline Onassis, and the list goes on and on. Linter has done flawless makeup for magazine covers like Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, New York, Arena, and Shape. And she shares a few simple tips here.

According to Linter, thin brows are the biggest mistake she sees women make, time and time again. And with thicker, more defined eyebrows back in vogue, now is not the time to be plucking.

"I don’t like overly thin, trying to be perfect brows," Linter says. "I like a fuller, more natural looking brow. It is not an L.A. brow, but more like a ‘model’s brow. Look at the models, not the actresses in the magazines for correct brow shapes."

Linter explains that thin brows are more aging on a women. She advises to use brow pencils. "Kevin Aucoin has one that is perfect for any medium to dark brow and Lancome has perfect colors for the lighter blonde brows. Make sure your brow technician does not use any wax. If you think your brows are getting too thick, just use the tweezers. And don’t make the ends too short. It’s tricky, you don’t want the eyebrow to go down at the ends. This is where mistakes happen. Take off as little as possible. I try to get as much mileage from their natural shape that I can."

And if you have an eyebrow disaster, Linter advises to leave them alone. Be patient and allow them to grow back in. She believes it is best to learn to groom your eyebrows yourself, rather than go to an eyebrow technician, where many of them take off too much of the brow to try and make them perfect. Over-tweezing and snipping will leave you very little brows by the time you reach your 40s.

Another interesting tip: Grow bangs to cover thin eyebrows. That really makes them look thicker than they are. And by the way, bangs were everywhere on the runway. So fringe is in.

Lined eyes are fine....Just don’t end up with raccoon eyes. Just a few months ago last fall, most of the runway shows were featuring heavily, kohl-rimmed eyes, a much darker, edgier look. And other shows had models wearing cat eyes, with a very exaggerated liner wing at the outside corners of the eyes. And some models wore vibrant eye shadows in jewel- like greens, and blues, and purples. But for every day appearances, a lighter, more subtle touch goes a long way.

Linter suggests that the average woman should be wearing eyeliner and mascara, for a cool look to the eyes. Not a dark eye, she says, but a defined eye. It takes some practice, but when done right, the eyes pop open wide.

"Pencil. Blend with a brush," Linter suggests. "Or the MAC gel liner is superb. It is a little tricky to apply. You need a stiff brow brush. Once on, it stays on all day. Flick the ends up with a wet, pointed Q-tip."

A defined brow and eye are just two beauty tips that will really enhance your attractiveness.

Smartskincare.com....Don't Go Anywhere Else

Skin care is such a personal thing. Some women have large pores. Others complain about a dry complexion. But there is something we can all share in---www.Smartskincare.com. This is an amazing website. If you have a question about anything regarding skin, you’d be a fool, not to visit there.

Skin care has come a long way, and the advances in anti-aging techniques and the development of new serums and creams, have truly improved how people can look, even after years of sun damage, hard living, and merely natural aging. But do you really know what product or procedure works for your particular skin care need?

Dr. German Todorov can guide you. He is a well-respected medical researcher who specializes in cell biology and anti-aging medicine.

Trust me. His website is impressive. It is an education in skin care and anti-aging. Drop by. You won’t be disappointed.

Dr. Todorov’s website proudly displays this quote at the top:

“Intelligent anti-aging skin care based on independent research. Lose wrinkles and keep your bank account.”

Dr. Todorov does not pressure the reader into buying a certain anti-aging brand product, nor does he favor a particular cosmetic treatment, such as liposuction or a facelift. He doesn’t sell or endorse anything.

“Our goal is to help you work out the smartest possible strategy for your personal skin care and rejuvenation,” Todorov explains. “Our main sources of information are clinical rejuvenation studies conducted by independent research institutions and published in peer reviewed biomedical journals.”

And wouldn’t you love to know, how dozens of women feel about the same product you have just purchased?

For example, let’s say, you are interested in buying Victoria Principal’s line of skin care products. At this moment, there were 14 consumer reviews at Dr. Todorov’s website. Five of the reviews rated Victoria Principal’s beauty treatments as, “Excellent.” Three rated them as, “Good.” Another three as, “Adverse effects.” And the last three as, “No effect.” Then you could click on to each review and read more details, as to how the consumer reached her or his personal conclusions..

There are tons of beauty products with reviews. From a cheap jar of Vaseline to a very expensive cream by La Mer. You might be surprised at some of the ratings. Expensive doesn’t always mean, “excellent.”

There is also a community forum at http://www.smartskincare.com/. You can ask Dr. Todorov a question and receive his professional opinion.

As we’ve all been told, “Knowledge is power.” You have nothing to lose, but great-looking skin to gain.