Friday, December 31, 2010

Tired Eyes After Ringing In 2011 Tonight: Look Forward To New Non-Prescription Botox


Many of us will be celebrating the new year tonight, and that means plenty of champagne and spirits to go around and around, until the room starts spinning.

By tomorrow, we will have some very tired-looking eyes. And we're not talking about wrinkles. We'll get to those in a minute.

First of all, you need to plan ahead. If you're going to be in the mood to merry-make, then you will need to give your peepers some extra TLC. It's all in the eyes, ladies:

Eyes get very dry from too much alcohol. That's called dehydration. You need drops. We recommend Visine Tears Lubricant Eye Drops ($9.99, drugstores). Instantly get dry eye relief in a natural tears formula. These drops refresh tired eyes and provide coolness and comfort.

And here's some super beauty news to look forward to in 2011:

No-needle, non-presctiption Botox.
That's right. In cream form, right in the privacy of your own home. For real? Yes, indeed. In fact, hopefully, sometime in the new year of 2011, the amazing wrinkle smoother will be available in a topical cream called Revance. Say goodbye to the sting of the Botox needle and hello to a simple and painless rub-in cream. Genius, we say. Botox already enjoys a huge following. It is THE most popular cosmetic injectable.

The latest clinical trials on Revance show amazing results:
"The benefits of RT001(Revance) are clear; patients achieve meaningful aesthetic results with a simple, painless procedure" said Richard Glogau, MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at University of California, San Francisco and principal investigator for the study,
"The superficial muscles in the crow's feet area can be relatively difficult to inject; this treatment will allow physicians to obtain a more consistent result while maintaining patients' natural expressions".

This is quite a beauty breakthrough, ladies and gents! Revance has been shown to be very effective for those pesky crow's feet, which is welcome news by many.

So, for this evening, and into early tomorrow, 2011, forget about the wrinkles, and just focus on those tired eyes, and throw a little bottle of Visine in your makeup bag. You might just need it.

Happy New Year!!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Prevention Magazine Loves NeoStrata's Foaming Glycolic Wash AHA 20

Here at Beauty Tip Today, we're always on the hunt for a super facial cleanser. And we have found yet another!

Santa Michelle over at the NeoStrata skin care company located in Princeton, New Jersey, graciously dropped one at our doorstep.

It's called NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash AHA 20 ($32, 3.4 fl oz.), and worth every penny. In fact, Prevention Magazine featured the cleanser in their July issue, as part of the popular magazine's, 'Defy Your Age' challenge:

Smooth Your Fine Lines and Wrinkles!
"Smooth wrinkles with the following products and these 3 Defy Your Age basics:
1. Cleanse Every Night: Leaving dirt, excess oil, and makeup on overnight can irritate skin, clog pores, and trigger break-outs. To refresh skin in the morning, splash with lukewarm water."


This is why we adore the NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash AHA 20. It is an excellent beauty product containing 18% Glycolic acid and 2% Lactobionic acid. The formula is pH balanced and quite strong, but also gentle on skin. It is recommended for experienced AHA (AlphaHydroxyAcid) users.

We found the Glycolic wash to be very effective....It deeply cleans the skin, keeps acne away, and leaves you with a much smoother texture. And a little foam goes a long way. Quite an economical beauty item.

Let's be honest. It's time to switch to a 'big girl' cleanser. Say bye-bye to soap formulations. You must exfoliate your skin, and this NeoStrata Glycolic Wash AHA 20 does what it says on the bottle.

For more details about NeoStrata skin care, and the Prevention mag 'Defy Your Age' challenge, click here.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Trend Alert: Turquoise Chandeliers Hot For Winter Style


Hey....Look at me!

If you're wearing a pair of turquoise chandeliers, you will get noticed. Remember Samantha Jones (here) with those gigantic turquoise danglers in Sex and the City 2?! Okay, maybe those were a bit gaudy, but if anyone could rock them, it's Samantha.

When you think of turquoise, you're reminded of warm summer days and cool ocean breezes. But Hollywood's hottest celebrities are chasing away the winter blues these days with a bright pop of color.

Trend alert: Turquoise chandeliers are so in!

A-list beauties like Vivica A. Fox, Rachel Zoe, and Rose McGowan are just a few showing up at major events with some major aquamarine ear accents. And not to worry, because a little turquoise never hurt anyone-----it flatters all complexions.

We found a really cute pair of Gold-Plated Turquoise Chandeliers by Amrita Singh Water Mill earrings ($40, at Fashion Hippo) (bottom photo).

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars for great turquoise earrings, but owning one pair will help you set the winter trend for 2011.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Halogen Bulbs Best Lighting For Applying Makeup When Daylight Won't Do



This is an important beauty question.....Under what lighting do you apply makeup?

We've all heard that natural daylight is the best light for putting on your foundation, concealer, blush, mascara, liner, powder, and so forth.

Why? Because you can see every 'nook and cranny' across your face. Natural daylight is truly unforgiving, but at least you can tell when the blush is a bit much, or the powder you've applied, has been over-done and settled into your fine lines.

What you don't want to do, is put on your makeup under the nasty fluorescent lighting that you see most commonly in offices and office bathrooms. The lighting there gives off a harsh green cast, and no one's complexion looks pretty under afluorescent halo.

Professional makeup artists will tell you that halogen lighting is the best way to go when applying makeup, if you can't get a good dose of natural daylight into your room, or you are applying makeup at night.

Halogen lighting is incandescent lighting and very close to the look of natural daylight. But it gives off sharper detail.

Most of us have incandescent bulbs in our lamps at home. And the lighting that emerges is soft and yellow, and flatters the skin, but the halogen bulbs give a better level of detail, and that is key when putting on makeup.

The only bad thing we can find about halogen lighting, is that the bulb gets very, very hot. It is excellent in overhead lighting like a chandelier. But when replacing a halogen bulb, one must use caution:

"Do NOT touch the glass envelope. The salts in your skin oils penetrate and weaken the glass. The bulb not only has a shorter life, but when the bulb dies the filament doesn’t merely burn out, but rather the bulb envelope shatters."

Well, having learned all that, if you can put on makeup in natural daylight, you will always get the best and most honest lighting for your skin.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Retinoids Refresh Face And Neck: Now Add Some To Baby Hands


Retinoids.

We know some 40 years later, that these Vitamin A derivatives, most notably Retin-A and Renova, do a face and neck a lot of good.

Retinoids have the chemical compounds that can brighten skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.

So why not take a little left-over from your nightly ritual and baby your hands.

Let's be honest here.......Hands can be a dead giveaway, as we like to say. Most times, we are so busy trying to 'save' our faces and necks, that we forget to even treat our precious hands.

New York Dermatologist Heidi Waldorf has this advice:

Apply the same retinoid you put on your face and neck to your hands. And then, add a layer of Vaseline on top. Wear a pair of cotton gloves to bed.

In the morning, your hands will feel and look a lot smoother and softer. And you will be protecting them from further environmental damage. Even brown spots on hands will slowly lighten up and gently fade.

Retinoids usually come in prescription form, such as Retin-A, Renova, Avita, Tazorac, and several others.

But you can buy retinoids in creams and serums over-the-counter and still get excellent results. These might not be as powerful as Retin-A, but they are certainly less irritating. Try RoC Retinol Correxion Deep WrinkleNight Cream ($22, at drugstores).

Here's to younger-looking hands in 2011!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

How To Beat Dry Tired Skin That Results From Holiday Flying



Sometimes, the only way to get there fast, is by taking a plane. And when it comes to the holidays, you and your skin could be spending quite a few hours in the clouds trying to get to and from your destination.

So, what does flying have to do with your complexion? And what's the big deal?

If you've ever spent time on a flight, you would notice how dry your skin can feel after landing. It's all about the airplane cabin's very low humidity.

Oh, yeah. Your skin gets robbed of moisture. So, here are a few fabulous flying tips for healthy skin:

1. Sunscreen. Think about it. When you are in flight, you are sitting much closer to the sun. You need to protect your face and neck, especially. Get a sunscreen with a decent SPF. One of the best around--La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Lait SPF ($34). This company has been in the forefront for quite some time now when it comes to superior sun protection. Great for sensitive skin

2. Moisturizer. You need to nourish your skin, when traveling by air. To get rid of dry, tired skin that results from time spent on an airplane, look for ingredients that contain alpha lipoic acid. We like this one--Perricone MD Age Correct Face Finishing Moisturizer ($65). This stuff will leave your skin looking luminous and smooth.
By the way: Apply the moisturizer first; allow to dry, then apply the sunscreen.

3. And don't forget to keep lip balm nearby, too. Your lips will definitely feel the extremely low humidity upon flight. Eye drops like Visine, also help irritated, sensitive eyes feel and look refreshed. And consider saline nasal gel to battle a dry, itchy nose from spending time in the air. And lastly, bottled water always does a body good.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Come On, Anna Wintour: GaGa One Of Vogue's Best Dressed In 2010?!


Okay, we have had absolutely enough! We can't take it anymore with the 23-year-old pantless wonder. Tell her to please go away.....go very far away.....

Her real birth name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. We're talking about Lady Gaga, of course. This year ,Vogue magazine has named the very talented singer, The Visionary for her eccentric sense of fashion and her constant shocking pieces of apparel, in their Best Dressed list of 2010??!!

Lady Gaga's latest look-at-me stint happened Monday evening in Paris, as she walked into a Bruce Field store, well, pantless. Oh yeah, GagGa got a little 'cheeky,' might we add, in the freezing cold air. Apparently, her concert in the City of Lights had been canceled, so she decided to do a little Christmas shopping.

Black leather jacket, black fishnet tights, and a dominatrix collar, and Gaga was good to go.

We are just baffled at Vogue magazine. The fashion mag of all fashion mags is telling us that Lady Gaga is one of the publication's best dressed? Are you kidding us, Anna Wintour?!

Vogue magazine has enjoyed such a fine, classy reputation all these years, and this is how they continue the Vogue tradition?

Legendary model Iman was recently asked about Lady Gaga's style, whether it was good or bad. Iman politely and diplomatically answered that Gaga is an artist, and therefore, we assume, she gets a pass on her kooky trashy costumes.

We take nothing away from the young singer's brilliant work as an artist, or any outfit she might wear at a concert. But to walk around the globe trying to 'shock' people, over and over again with her tired acts of attention, well, it's a bit much.

We do not believe that Lady Gaga is a fashion visionary, and for that, Vogue, we are puzzled. We remain a longtime subscriber, but this one has us scratching our heads.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

How To Treat Your Winter Hobbit Feet With Salicylic Acid TLC


The first day of winter, and for some of us, our feet tell the whole story:
the roughness. dryness, calluses. Even blisters and corns. And cracked heels

Sadly, we call them our winter Hobbit feet. And for good reason.

If you recall the great writing of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit, then you remember the feet of these kind-hearted creatures:
"(Hobbits)wear no shoes, because their feet grow natural leather soles and grow thick warm brown hair like the stuff on their heads” (The Hobbit pg. 12).

We don't care how sexy your new shoes are, if your feet look beaten up and callused, well, it's not pretty. Dry, rough feet also make you look older.

You don't want to stop being active and healthy, so we hunted down this little beauty product for your feet It's been around for a number of years, Keralyt Gel, an over-the-counter salicylic acid ($17, 1 oz. tube).

New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf suggests in Harper's magazine to using Keralyt Gel this way:
Before heading for your work-out, apply a "thin layer of Keralyt Gel and a dollop of Vaseline to areas where your skin is thick or scaly, then put on your socks." Later, rinse off in the shower for softer, more attractive feet.

According to Dr. Waldorf, the Keralyt and Vaseline together, really help keep those nasty calluses and blisters in check.

Click here for Keralyt product location.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Great Gift Idea Under $25 For The Makeup Lover In Your Life

Great gift for the gal-on-the-go! We love this handsome Sonia Kashuk Dripping in Diamonds 8-Piece Cosmetic Brush Set at Target.

First of all, you are getting a gorgeous, slim clutch bag with pretty, clear jeweled accents. And inside, you will find every makeup user's essentials----7 fine quality brushes including: a blush/powder brush, an eye shadow brush, an angled eye shadow brush and a lash/brow comb. Just $24.99!

Hey...we just found it at Target online for only $21.99. Even better! Order it by Tuesday, Dec. 21st and get it on time.

Sonia Kashuk is a professional makeup artist well-known in the beauty industry. Model Cindy Crawford is good friends with Sonia and wears makeup from Sonia Kashuk's line (also at Target). So, if her products are good enough for supermodel Cindy, then we imagine these cosmetic brushes are quality pieces, too.

Sonia Kashuk certainly knows her way around a tube of lipstick. And she has the resume to prove it. According to Target, Sonia has worked with some of the best in the business, including designers and celebrities like Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Sharon Stone, and Britney Spears. Kashuk has also appeared as a makeup expert on television shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, and The View, and her work is regularly featured in countless fashion and beauty magazines.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Two Reasons Why Olive Oil Is Amazing Beauty Food




Olive oil. It really does a body, and face good.
And our Beauty Tip Today is a 2-fer.

You've heard about the Mediterranean diet and how sensible it is, and more importantly, that it works. And olive oil plays a major role in the diet plan.

If you're looking to keep your insides 'toned' and drop a few pounds on the outside, try this method by Karina Smirnoff of Dancing with the Stars fame. Her body is incredible. Here's her olive oil beauty tip:

Karina told US Weekly magazine that she avoids red meat, and dines on egg whites, fish, and salad. And has, "a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach to help with digestion."

And here's the food science behind Karina's diet tip:

"Research suggests that replacing other types of fats with monounsaturated fat, especially olive oil, helps people lose a moderate amount of weight without additional food restriction or physical activity. So just imagine what adding a lower-calorie diet and increased physical activity (which is always a good idea) to the consumption of monounsaturated fats like olive oil could do for your weight-loss efforts."

So, we have learned that olive oil is excellent for your body, both inside and out. But did you know that olive oil is also wonderful for the face?!

We love this tip, and just read about it from celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Jessica Wu of Los Angeles. You might want to stock up on the oil after this.

According to Dr. Wu, extra-virgin olive oil makes for a super gentle moisturizer. The oil happens to contain fatty acids similar to those found in your skin. And if your complexion is dry and sensitive from using strong, anti-aging serums and creams, then you need to reach for the oil.

When the face becomes irritated, that brings an immediate halt to your skin care regimen. Dr. Wu advises slathering on a thin layer of unflavored extra-virgin olive oil to your face and neck at night. You will see a remarkable improvement.

Two inexpensive and healthy reasons why olive oil. is an amazing beauty food

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Jennifer Garner Goes From Drab To Glam Girl-Next-Door





Jennifer Garner leads a normal life with two active young daughters. She also happens to be an adored movie actress along with her movie star/director husband Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Garner does not shy away from everyday activities, like grocery shopping, taking her girls to school, and playing with the family in a public park. She appears to be a super hands-on mom. She is a muti-tasking mama like most moms these days.

Jennifer also doesn't wear makeup when she's not on the red carpet. And we appalud her for having the confidence to dare to go bare.

Do we think she should make an effort and put on a little makeup? Yes, yes, yes! Does she care what we think? No, no, no.

But we have to say, girlfriend cleans up nicely. Jennifer Garner goes from everyday drab to Hollywood glam girl-next-door with just a few simple tricks:

Jennifer Garner is a spokesperson for Neutrogena, so we know she takes excellent care of her skin:
1. Neutrogena Original Formula Facial Bar. Jennifer loves this cleansing bar and says she has used it ever since she was a kid.

2. Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipstick SPF20. Her faves are in Think Pink and Angel's Blush. Nothing too bold, just soft, coral-pink lips.

3. Jennifer also uses a good sunblock and goes for facials when she has the time.

4. A super healthy, thick head of hair. Yes, Jennifer Garner has gorgeous hair, and knows how to work it. Check out the soft highlights that complement her long, wavy, brunette locks.

As supermodel Cindy Crawford has said, hair color is key:
"Color is the most important factor. You can get any plastic surgery in the world, but hair color is what enables women to look younger longer. I've also become more aware of hair health. I stay away from razor cuts because they can make my hair look frizzy, and I give myself a hair treatment while I'm in my sauna to keep it conditioned."

Friday, December 17, 2010

Nicole Richie Wears Ballerina Bun, Signature Doe-Eye And Marchesa Gown



Nicole Richie has a beautiful sense of style, and it shows during her recent walk-down-the-aisle to longtime love, singer Joel Madden.

Everyone's been buzzing about the stunning Marchesa gown Nicole wore with the exquisite lace, tulle, and organza. The reality star and mom of two, says she was inspired by the 1956 wedding gown of the late Princess Grace during her nuptials to Prince Rainier of Monaco.

The gorgeous Marchesa gown featured long sleeves and a more conservative and sophisticated cut.
The bottom of the gown blossoms out into a lovely ball of elegant tulle.

We think Nicole Richie resembles a delicate swan. A very ballerina-esque image. And these photos by the way, are from Germany's In magazine (the cover), and inside the pages of today's People magazine. And you can compare the Princess Grace wedding gown to Nicole's and see the similarities. You could say that Nicole has worn a modern take on the 1956 Princess Grace wedding dress.

We also believe that Nicole hit all the right notes on her special wedding day with highly polished makeup and hair.

In the cover shot, you can see Nicole Richie's signature doe-eye look. She is wearing a pretty bronze eye shadow, long faux lashes, and a dark eyeliner. Her lips are painted in a soft pink shade. And her hair is styled in a classic ballerina bun. All in all, a very feminine and classic wedding day look.

We congratulate Nicole and Joel on a long, happy life together!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Winter Nail Pick-Me-Up: Short And Dark In Garnet



Are your nails looking a bit too goth on these cold, December days?

It's time for a winter pick-me-up. Say bye-bye to very harsh nails with black or purple or blue dead undertones. And warm up your mani/pedi with a softer, Old Hollywood set of nails.

We are loving the rich, feminine, dark garnet shades for nails. Like pretty jewels for your fingers and toes.

The key here, is to keep your nails short and well-groomed. Actually, when trying to pull off such a dark shade, oval-shaped nails are best. Please...no long talons for this dark romatic, sophisticated look.

Here are 2 dark garnet nail polishes we like:

1. Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in 'Stop Whining.' ($5, at Target).

2. Givenchy Vernis Please! Nail Lacquer in Vintage Garnet ($15, Sephora stores).

This is a lovely holiday look that creates such instant drama. And if you can paint some bold, red lips on, then you've just completed a timeless vision of beauty. If you can't muster up the courage for red lips, then let your gorgeous dark garnet nails do all the talking.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Botox Maker Allergan Testing New Baldness Remedy With Latisse Formula

We are very excited about a possible new breakthrough baldness remedy!

And if it all works out, then you can thank the makers of Botox and Latisse, because Allergan, is once again, at the beauty forefront.

At this very moment, clinical trials are being conducted in Tempe, Arizona involving a group of 28 women and men —those with moderate female-pattern hair baldness and those with moderate male-pattern baldness.

What's interesting here, is that the clinical trials involve using a special ingredient that is found in Allergan's Latisse eyelash growth stimulating treatment. You've seen actresses Brooke Shields, and now, Claire Danes, both in television commercials about the Latisse lash booster.

Latisse was given the green light by the FDA back in 2008 for those with thin lashes. But do you also remember the warning that stated it can cause hair growth on other parts of the body that come in contact with the drug? A number of doctors have already 'quietly' tried using Latisse as an 'off-label' treatment for hair loss.

If the clinical trials prove to do exactly what Allergan hopes they can do, and that is, grow hair on one's head, then we are surely looking at a huge beauty breakthrough. This is very exciting and encouraging news for the many women and men who suffer from hair loss and baldness and the sometimes embarrassment and low self-esteem that results in not having a full head of hair.

We applaud the Allergan company for always remaining one step ahead in the science of beauty.

For more information about the Allergan baldness remedy clinical trials, read this.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

How To Put The Bounce And Body Back Into Dry, Flat Winter Hair

Does your hair look 'sad' these days?
You know....dry, flat, fly-away, 'winter hair?'

The cold, crisp December air has a way of knocking the life out of your crowning glory and you end up with limp locks. And if you wear a hat over your mane, well, that can also result in shapeless hair.

What you need my dears, is an effective volumizer, a hair product that will lift and put the bounce and body back, but also one that nourishes locks, too. We have tried a ton of volumizers that give you fuller strands, but also give you fly-away hair, so you're really back to square one.

Today, we're looking at the 'tried and true.' Khiel's Super Thick Volumizer ($19, 8.4 oz.) This stuff works with key ingredients like Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds, and Soy Beans, which further condition and protect hair.
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Khiel's Super Thick Volumizer works well at the roots, where hair needs lifting most. And it's easy to use:

"After shampooing, use on damp hair and direct the root-lifting applicator into hair. Mist spray at roots for maximum lift, or spray into damp hair for additional texture and body where needed. "

By the way, Khiel's has been in business since 1851, so we do trust them and the beauty products the company puts out.

To learn more about Khiel's, click here.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Jessica Simpson Fashion Empire Strikes Again With Great Christmas Gifts

Jessica Simpson is on a roll. And a big one! Not only is the singer celebrity in love and newly engaged, but her merchandising savvy is busting at the seams in terms of growth and expansion. As you've probably already heard.....

Jessica Simpson's fashion empire is closing in one the $1 billion mark.

Yes...we said, $1 billion

Go figure. For all the haters out there, well, Jess is just like, "the little engine that could.".

And by the end of the holiday season, the blonde-haired cutie could be well over that $1 billion figure. Jessica Simpson is offering shoppers tons of her Simpson-brand products. Just check out Macy's.


Jessica Simpson apparently has her finger on the fashion pulse of young America. She sells shoes, bathing suits, fragrance, watches, outerwear, and accessories.

Vince Camuto, main licensee for Simpson-branded merchandise offers this explanation:

People look at her as a style icon."

We have to admit, Jess has some super cute items that would make for excellent Christmas gifts. We like those pretty embellished suede slippers, now just $39.99 at Macy's (see Sunday's circular). We'll take them in Sand, please.



Jessica Simpson has been maligned so often in the media, that it's interesting to see how the public views the famous singer. And according to the stats, her fans absolutely adore her. If her merchandise were lousy, few would be plunking down the cash.

By the way, Jessica Simpson's net worth is estimated at $100 million and climbing quickly.

Not bad for the girl who didn't really know what was inside a can of Chicken of the Sea.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Bold Red Lips And Messy Hair Equal Gritty Glam: Can You Pull It Off?

Gritty Glam means you look cool, but didn't have to spend hours in front of the mirror. And that's what the Chanel Couture and Proenza Schouler shows were introducing when they sent their sexy models down the catwalk during NY Fashion week.

But sometimes what you see on the runway, doesn't translate so easily in real life.
Can you pull off perfect, painted-on bold red lips and messy, falling in your face big hair?! Well, that's the hot look now.

At the Proenza Schouler show, makeup artists were applying crimson lipstick to the brunette models and matte purple lipstick to the blondes.

At the Chanel Couture show, the models' hair was deliberately left care-free and a bit unkempt, with twisted pieces of hair dancing down the catwalk. It's a tousled finish for sure.

Strong lips and messy hair --Gritty glam does not work in everyday life. But you can imitate the trends in a more subtle way. Just tone it all down a few degrees. For instance, a berry shade of lipstick is still noticeable, but much softer than very dark red.

Try Revlon's Just Bitten in Passion. It's a unique 2 in 1 lipstain and balm. You end up with a flush of color and a soft, lasting kissable pout.

And for that bedroom hair, pick up a bottle from Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly line, to get those loose, natural waves...that piece-y beach look, a la Jennifer Aniston. Just mist, scrunch, and go!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Clinique Black Honey Lipstick Still Sweet Sell In Universal Way


Need a super stocking stuffer for Christmas for the beauty junkie in your life?!

Or want a sheer hint of lip color...nothing too heavy?

Want to buy the same gift for every great gal pal in your life?

Then start stocking up on this Clinique classic! Oh yeah, we're talking about Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick at $14 a tube. Maybe, you already own several tubes. Well, you can always use one more Black Honey.

The very dark lipstick looks almost frightening to want to put on, but as we all know, the pigments in Black Honey are so very sheer, and what you end up with, is a lovely, natural set of flushed lips. In fact, every woman who applies it, ends up with her own berry shine.

In other words, Clinique Black Honey is universally flattering. And did you know, that this shade of Almost Lipstick is still a sweet sell for the company? Clinique sells one tube every 2 minutes! No kidding.

So many women own at least one tube of Black Honey. Check out the review and comments page at the Sephora website. The lipstick has received a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, and has been reviewed by 1,064 women so far. Take a look here.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Simply Vera Vera Wang Expands Kohl's Line Into Makeup/Beauty


Bridal icon Vera Wang creates amazing gowns for women who walk down the aisle. Who didn't fall in love with Chelsea Clinton's stunning, classic Vera Wang wedding dress?!

And now, the very talented designer is expanding her Simply Vera Kohl's clothing and accessories label into a makeup and beauty line. We are guessing her beauty products will bear a very natural and polished stature to them, just like Vera Wang herself. She is always classic and understated.

We have been talking a lot lately, about celebrities bringing their designs to clothing and housewares to the mass market. Sure, you can head to tony Bergdorf Goodman's to buy Vera Wang fashions. But most folks don't walk into Bergdorf's every day. It's more like a guilty pleasure.

By bringing their sense of style to huge retailers like Kohl's, Target, Sears, JC Penney, and others, celebrities such as Vera Wang can offer beautiful select products at a major discount.

You will have to wait just a bit, though. The new beauty expansion won't launch until Spring 2012. The Simply Vera Vera Wang branded line of cosmetics will include make-up and color, skin care, body and bath products, and beauty accessories.

Vera Wang says, "As part of my incredible partnership with Kohl's, I will now be able to offer women all over America my own personal regimen for skincare and make-up. It is an easy, light, modern and effortless approach to beauty and creativity. As a result of my renewal of the Simply Vera Vera Wang contract, Kohl's amazing ability to grow businesses, and their unique understanding and appreciation of my aesthetic, I am proud to announce this whole new business we are about to launch! For sheer allure and enhancement make-up can inspire individuality, creativity and exploration. Like fashion, make-up is also transformational. I love the artistry of make-up to accentuate, enhance, or create a mood for any time of day or occasion."

It sounds lovely. We can't wait.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Gossip Girl Blake Lively Tapped As New Face Of Chanel


It's great being Blake Lively these days. The 23-year-old actress has just been tapped as the new face of Chanel, which means, she will star in the company's big spring advertising campaign for their much sought-after handbags. Check out the blonde beauty following a recent NYC photo shoot. And look at the hot 'double-c' hand bag she's clutching!

It's quite an honor when the French fashion house of Chanel selects you as one of their ambassadors. And Blake Lively is sitting pretty amongst an elite group of celebrity Chanel representatives......Keira Knightley......Vanessa Paradis......Nicole Kidman......Audrey Tatou, and the list goes on.

We've seen the star of television's Gossip Girl being courted, for quite some time now, by the legendary designer himself, Karl Lagerfeld. She has been wearing gorgeous Chanel gowns on the red carpet and been present in the front row at Chanel couture shows in Paris last summer.

In addition, Blake has also become a movie star and appeared on two US Vogue covers so far. Even shoe god, Christian Louboutin, adores her. And she's not even 25 yet.

Congratulations, 'Serena van der Woodsen.'

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Angelina Red Carpet Beauty: Angora Versace, Smoky Eye, Pale Pink Lips


Angelina Jolie took everyone's breath away, as she walked the red carpet at last night's NYC premiere of The Tourist, wearing an ivory low-cut Atelier Versace gown with a thigh-high slit and Ferragamo pumps.

Va-va-va-voom Versace!! Yes, it was actually a sweater dress or sweater gown. And the 35-year-old Oscar winner added to her elegant ensemble, another good-looking 'accessory'---longtime love, Brad Pitt.

She was red carpet perfection. No busy patterned gown. No dramatic frills or vulgar display. Just a simple, soft, cream-colored gown. It almost resembled a cashmere robe, but the actress wearing it, owned the red carpet last evening, and we can see why.

Let's look at Angelina's makeup. A gorgeous and dramatic smoky, cat-eye along with some faux lashes at the outer corners, along with a very soft, pink lip. And then of course, the hair, with soft brunette curls framing her neck and decollete, a half-up, half-down hairstyle with height at the crown.

Want a soft, pale celebrity lip like Angelina? Then try Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Crystalline ($28). Let your lips shine with the same gloss Angelina wore in her movie 'Salt'. Check it out at Nordstrom's.

Angelina has never looked better, and for a mom of six, well, what can we say. She appears at a healthier and a much happier person.

The Tourist opens this weekend, on December 10.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Sophia Vergara Ready To Ink Deal As New Face of K-Mart

Sophia Vergara not only stars on one of television's hottest shows, 'Modern Family,' but she's also one of Hollywood's hottest women. The curvy Latina is having a very good year. She recently earned an Emmy nomination. And now, the ink is almost dry on an estimated $8 million deal to become the new face of K-Mart!

For 25 years, former Charlie's Angel's beauty Jaclyn Smith, has been the face of K-Mart, or at least, the face of K-Mart fashion. But now, the sexy Colombian-born starlet is ready to add her own brand to the retail giant, with a line of Sophia Vergara hair, clothing, accessories and beauty products.

As we always say, "Strike while the iron is hot!" So we applaud sexy Sophia on her latest venture, and we're sure she will bring a fresh, modern vibe to K-Mart. Now, whether her almost-always-on-display-bosom will be toned down and covered up for the ad campaign she will be doing for the retailer, we're not so sure. We are also quite interested to see what kind of fashion she adds to the department store, and the age group she will be targeting.

ABC's 'Modern Family' is a huge hit and Sophia's spicy role as trophy wife Gloria Delgado-Pritchett is wonderful. She combines, beauty, humor, perfect comic timing, and a very heavy accent, all rolled into one beloved character.

Celebrities enjoy doing a major fashion or beauty or home gig at a retailer like K-Mart, because the money is very good, and the attention is valuable when building up one's celebrity empire. Look at Cindy Crawford with JC Penney. Daisy Fuentes at Kohl's. And now Jennifer Lopez and hubby also at Kohl's.
It's a good thing.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Katie Cassidy Loves SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum


Television's Katie Cassidy is only 24-years-old, but smart enough to know, that maintaining beautiful skin is essential, even at her young age.

Take a look....not only does she have good genes, but a gorgeous and healthy complexion. So, how does the actress look so amazing?

She just told US Magazine that she swears by one brand of beauty products:

"I try a lot of SkinCeuticals products," Katie says. "The C E Ferulic Serum is my favorite! You put it on your face at night, and it makes your skin glow."

Okay, so it isn't cheap, at $142 for a small bottle of serum, But it's excellent stuff. The C E Ferulic Serum contains a "breakthrough antioxidant combination of 15% pure L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha tocopherol, and ferulic acid for advanced antioxidant performance.

And we like this: Once the serum is absorbed, it cannot be washed off or rubbed off. And it is excellent for use in conjunction with suncreens.

You can learn more here about SkinCeuticals' special serum.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Beauty Tip Today's 3 Favorite Skin Care Lines That Really Show Results



Beautiful Skin. Let's be honest. We all desire it. Really now.....who wants wrinkles, sagging face, uneven skin tone, and sun damage?!

There are some women who appear to be blessed with perfect skin....tiny pores, a healthy glow, and a taut, smooth complexion with no lines in sight. When we're in our 20s and even early 30s, our skin should really be at its best. After 40, well, we're all on our own. And the battle to stay young and wrinkle-free becomes a daily challenge. Some women are able to fight the good fight by investing in beauty products that have the advanced science to back them.

Sadly, there is no such thing as a facelift in a bottle, but----we CAN correct signs of damage to the skin and CAN bring back more youthful-looking, healthy skin.

BeautyTipToday examined a lot of over-the-counter skin care products and sampled quite a number. Here are our 3 Favorite Skin Care Lines that really Show Results:

And in no special order, by the way.....

1. Vivite by Allergan (same company that brings you Botox Cosmetic). This is an incredible line of products available only through physician offices. Vivite Skin Care features GLX technology, "a unique, ultra-charged formula matrix that helps infuse the skin with a glycolic compound and antioxidants to help optimize skin rejuvenation."
Our fave: VIVITÉ® Night Renewal Facial Cream with 20% glycolic compound. ($79).

2. Exuviance by NeoStrata. Another clinically approved skin care line whose special formula contains "a patented bionic blend of highly evolved Polyhydroxy and Alpha Hydroxy acids." NeoStrata's products are recommended and highly regarded by skin care experts around the world.
Our fave: Exuviance Vespera Bionic Serum ($60).

3. Osmotics Cosmeceuticals. In the Osmotics skin care philosophy, there are 4 steps to beautiful skin: Cleanse. Correct. Defend. Protect. And the website even has a Clinical Studies page to explain to readers their scientifically proven skin technology.
Our fave: Eye Surgery Undereye Rejuvenator ($68).

Products from these 3 excellent skin care lines really show results......skin with a healthy glow.....more even texture.......clearer skin.......firmness.........reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles......brightness to the complexion.......and protection against further skin damage.

These skin care products would make great beauty Christmas presents.