Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Olsen Twins: Double Fashion Faux Pas Hall Of Fame



The Olsen twins: Mary Kate and Ashley. At 24, the young celebrities have built quite an amazing financial fortune. And the sisters have their own clothing label, the Row. Plus, they hang in some very sophisticated fashion circles. Photo 1 shows the sisters covered up in fur coats at the recent CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in NYC.

But when it comes to style, well, the tiny twosome could be voted into the Double Fashion Faux Pas Hall of Fame!!

Sure, we here at BeautyTipToday celebrate uniqueness and individual style. But seriously, folks, what is going on here?

Mary Kate and Ashley are cute as buttons, and barely stand over 5 ft. tall. And yet they continue to dress in sizes too big. In other words, their clothing 'wears them.' Their fashions overwhelm their delicate, very petite bodies.

And of course, their love of fur has gotten them in lots of trouble with PETA(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The group calls them the 'Trollsen Twins' and even has a nasty website dedicated to their so-called 'Fatal Fashion.'

But we are certainly not here to judge anyone for wearing fur or not wearing fur. We're just concerned about the Olsen twins' idea of proportion.

Some people have said that the twins look like they raided mommy's attic and played dress-up. Others say the two resemble homeless rich girls, if there ever were a term. And yet, the tiny twosome continue to influence the fashion world in a strong way.

Even Harper's Bazaar is intrigued by the Olsen Twins. Check out some of the fashion magazine's interview with the sisters back in August:

.....While you might guess that the Olsens' sartorial preference—a long, covered-up look—might come from a desire not to be seen, you'd be wrong. Mary-Kate explains, "We've always been attracted to longer—" "Layers, silhouettes," Ashley says, finishing her sentence.

"When we were growing up, our mother taught us never to have your belly button exposed," Mary-Kate adds. This low-key, tempered sensuality is the spine of their collection. The Row lady doesn't need to put it all out there because she has something going on "in here." This mood was reflected in the Olsens' Fall 2010 presentation, just 19 looks in a simple palette, worn with the same summery flat: a black wrap coat, a precise white shift dress, a languid jumpsuit—all the pieces girls want but have a devil of a time actually finding. Resort had a similar quiet confidence, each look paired with vintage Prada loafers. Both Olsens are huge Prada fans. "Miuccia's spin always has a sense of humor, which I love," Ashley says. "CĂ©line's quite amazing too," adds Mary-Kate.....


If Vogue and Harper's Bazaar are both crazy over the kooky glam of the Olsen twins, well then, maybe they're on to something. We'll be watching the pint-sized beauties and where their road to fashion takes them.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Christian Siriano Launches Fierce New Estate Jewelry Collection

Designer Christian Siriano is known for his elegant clothing and sexy shoes, and now he's being noticed for his timeless, vintage jewelry collection.

We knew it was only a matter of time before the super talented former Project Runway winner would create some lovely accessories. And now he has launched a fierce, new estate jewelry collection, with everything just $29.95, free shipping!

"Personally, I love vintage, regal looking estate jewelry and I wanted these pieces to have that antique, vintage look—like something you can’t find anywhere else," Christian says. "I think they’re unique and different. And I love the look of gold for the Holidays too."

He's right. Gold is just beautiful for the holidays. We're loving the gold-hammered hoop Marie earrings with the amethyst stones. The 2 3/4" pair is 10k gold-plated. Check out Christian Siriano's jewelry collection at sendthetrend.com .

SendtheTrend is a new accessories website just introduced by Christian, too. It's a wonderful place to shop and learn about all the hot trends. We can't get enough of it! Accessories from a number of designers is featured each month. From sunglasses to scarves and jewelry, Christian Siriano and his team have got you stylishly covered, and just in time for the holidays!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Cold Autumn Air: Good Time To Dip Into The Mud: Do You Fango?

Wild wind and temps dipping down to 20 degrees last night. And boy, did our face and body feel that. There's nothing worse than the unforgiving fall and winter months that spell dry, dull, aging skin.

It's time to dip into the mud, ladies and gentlemen! We're talking about mud masks for the face and body. And that begs the question:

Do you Fango?

Don't worry. Not all of you are familiar with Fango by the well-respected Borghese beauty company. But we're sure you've seen the playful ads that first started appearing over the summer with female and male models wearing nothing but a healthy grin and some Fango.

Borghese has been selling the popular mud masks for 25 years now, and are hoping to introduce the nutrient-rich formula to a new generation.

We have been a mud mask user for a number of years now. We love how masks tighten and cleanse and draw out impurities, leaving beind a glowing, softer, healthier complexion.

The Fango muds by Borghese are special in that their mud is drawn from the nutrient-rich earth of Tuscany. It isn't cheap....Fango plays in that pricey neighborhood by charging $33.50 for a 7-ounce tube of Fango Active Mud for Face and Body and $61 for a 17.6-ounce jar. There is also Fango Active Mud for Hair and Scalp is $37 for a 17.6-ounce jar.)

By the way, Fango muds act differently from the typical facial/body mask you often buy. Borghese masks work very fast and strangely enough----stay wet to the touch…unlike other at-home masks. There is no drying involved…just 5-10 minutes for the full treatment…and then wipe off with a damp washcloth. Say hello to revitalized skin!

There is a Fango mud for everyone. Check out some of the newest Fango muds at Borghese.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Turkey: Not Just For Bodybuilders But For Lean Beautiful Muscles On Everyone


Tired of turkey following the Thanksgiving Day holiday?! Don't be. It's the beauty gift that keeps on giving.

In other words, turkey is a dieter's dream! Bodybuilders have known for years, the benefits of including turkey in their very disciplined way of eating.

Turkey = an excellent source of protein...low in fat.....and builds lean muscle.

And turkey can be prepared a number of delicious ways. You probably have left-overs at the moment. How about a turkey vegetable soup? Yummy. We made soup today.

We did a little research, and found this beauty nugget at livestrong.com :
..."Turkey breast is a portable, no frills way to get large amounts of complete protein without worrying about fat content. A 4-oz. serving of 98 percent lean turkey breast contains more than 20 g of protein, reports PeerTrainer.com.

Besides sandwiches, lean turkey breast goes great on top of pizza, as part of a salad, or even on its own as a high-protein snack. The one downside of turkey breast is that it tends to be very high in salt, which may increase the risk of hypertension in salt-sensitive people. Instead, opt for low-sodium versions of turkey breast."

Let's be honest...the holidays roll around and the food and high calories keep coming our way. If you're trying to stay on the skinny side, then you need to choose wisely, and turkey gives you the green light.

We women, especially, do not get enough protein in our diets. William Evans, director of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Exercise Laboratory at the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging at the University of Arkansas explains why:
"Roughly 25 percent of adults over age 20, and 40 percent of those age 70 and up, fall below it, according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, let alone eat enough to protect bones or muscle. And thin women, dieting women and elderly women--who are especially vulnerable to the ravages of bone and muscle loss--are notoriously low on protein. "Losing muscle causes older people to become weak and frail," says Evans...

So, ladies, how much protein is enough??

According to the stats----.25 to .5 g of protein per pound of body weight is adequate for the average woman.

Remember: Turkey is not just for bodybuilders, but for lean beautiful muscles on everyone.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Celebrities Batting Big Sexy False Lashes Trend At Red Carpet Events





Let's face facts: The big, sexy false lashes trend is red-hot on the red carpet these days. Celebrities like Country singing sweetheart Taylor Swift was batting a 'bad-girl' pair at the CMA's last week, along with her bangin' new sleek hairstyle and bangs.

And even Lady Gaga was going 'ga-ga' when she lost hers: The singer recently tweeted, "It is a promising morning when your eyelash falls in your Folgers"?

And let's not get started with all the Kardashian 'kuties' who absolutely don't leave home without their big, sexy false lashes....we're talking about you-- Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, and mama Kris.

It used to be, that a pair of false lashes were only put on for very special, nighttime engagements. But times have changed. Many women love having long, sexy eyelashes, all day long, and wear them to work. Some use strips of faux lashes and others apply a few individual lashes at the outer eye corners.

We would agree that it's best to have a professional makeup artist putting on your thick, long eyelashes, but most of us are not celebrities or models, so---we have to go it alone.

No, we have never worn false lashes, because we have been blessed with long, dark lashes, however, we could use a thicker fringe, and would love to see what a pair would do for us.

Meantime, YouTube has plenty of Kim Kardashian-inspired false lash tutorials, and they are very helpful. Check this one out by sccastaneda.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

How To Stay Skinny On Thanksgiving Day And Still Enjoy The Food


Don't worry, you can still stay skinny and still eat well during your Thanksgiving holiday feast.

Okay, so you shouldn't touch the fattening pecan pie. But then again...you could have just a forkful to taste that heavenly sweetness.

So, before the big day, we want to help you decide ahead of time, what you can, 'stick a fork in it,' ha ha.

First of all, there is the turkey, And you know, that's a wise choice for staying slim.

Turkey is actually an excellent dietary choice----good protein with very little fat. And if roasted, low in sodium.

And by the way, turkey contains more protein than the same size serving of chicken or beef. So, you want the breakdown, here we go:

We got this information from dietbites.com:

Roasted Turkey - 6 Ounces Dark + White Meat, Untrimmed 450 Calories.
Roasted Turkey - 3 Ounces White Meat - Trimmed (no skin, no fat). White meat contains a little less calories than dark. Add 30 more calories if you prefer dark meat 130 Calories.

1 Cup of homemade stuffing 400 Calories. 1/2 Cup of boxed stuffing prepared with no calorie refrigerated butter spray 110 Calories. 1 Cup of Giblet Gravy 300 Calories. 1/3 Cup of Giblet Gravy 100 Calories. 1 Cup of Mashed Potatoes 350 Calories. 1/2 Cup of Mashed Potatoes prepared with skimmed milk, no calorie refrigerated butter spray 100 Calories.

Stuffed Celery 1 stick 100 Calories. 1 Stick of stuffed celery prepared with reduced fat cream cheese 40 Calories. 2 Sweet Pickles 10 Calories. 2 Black Olives 2 Green Olives 25 Calories.

1 Cup of Candied Sweet Potatoes 400 Calories.
1/2 Baked Sweet Potato w/ small pat of butter, dash of cinnamon, a couple of packs of no calorie sweetener 100 Calories.
1/2 Cup of Cranberry Sauce 200 Calories.
1/6 Can of Cranberry Sauce - Jelled or Whole Cranberries 100 Calories.

2 Rolls With Butter 300 Calories.
1 Roll With 1/2 Pat of Butter 125 Calories

1 Cup of English Peas with Butter 150 Calories.

2 Glasses Sweetened Tea, Wine, Punch or Cider 300 Calories.
1 Slice of Pumpkin Pie With Topping 450 Calories.
1 Slice of Pecan Pie 650 Calories.
1 Cup of Fruit Salad 100 Calories.
1 Cup of Egg Nog 400 Calories
.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Is That Really You Taylor Swift: From Curly To Straight With Bangs


OMG! We had no idea who that gorgeous young woman with the sleek straight hair and bangs were at last night's American Music Awards show!

Is that really country singing star Taylor Swift?!

We honestly did not know who that blonde beauty was, until her name was announced to come up and accept an AMA award. Duh! Maybe we were half-asleep at the time, but really now, Taylor Swift has done a 180 degree turn with one, simple, hairstyle.

Bloggers everywhere are talking about the new, straight hair do. And a lot of fans claim it's a wig, or weave. And others swear it really is Taylor's own hair, merely blow-dried straight. A few also remarked that Taylor looks like a young Nicole Kidman.

Hmm. We, too, do not believe this is Taylor Swift's real hair, in our humble opinion. However, we think she rocks it well. And she delivers a totally different look. We also loved her makeup, including the sexy, doe-eyed false lashes she had on, along with a paler lip. She tossed out her signature red lipstick for a lighter touch.

Speaking of Nicole Kidman, who also has incredible curly locks, she, too, switches to a sleek straight hairstyle upon occasion. And this is how she achieves that look with her own hair:

Bio Ionic Hair Care Products. Kerry Warn, Australia's own celebrity hair stylist (takes care of Nicole Kidman's locks), uses and recommends the Bio Ionic products to his clients."These products use the Trinity FX charge to shatter water molecule clusters by up to 10 times their size and keep them apart, allowing the properties to penetrate deep into the hair shaft." You end up with straight, silky, smooth hair.

Whether it's curly or straight, it's nice when women have a choice.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Kinerase To Launch Cheaper Skin Care Line For Drugstores In Mid-January

Kinerase skin care products have always been a high-end line that your dermatologist provided or you bought at the top-tier spas and beauty boutiques. But starting in mid-January, you will find the Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase anti-age line in drugstores like Walgreens and at Walmart. And you will like the price range----between $10 and $35 each.

We're told it's a 10-piece line, including cleansers, moisturizers and daily treatments. And yes, the products will contain the special patented plant-based kinetin formula found in the original, more expensive Kinerase skin care line adored by many celebrities, including Courteney Cox.

The Kinerase company is based in southern California. Dr. LeWinn, by the way, is an Australian celebrity plastic surgeon.

So, you wonder, is the cheaper Kinerase line of products any good? Can it really stand up to the original?

Jen Smoot, marketing director for Kinerase's parent company, Valeant Pharmaceuticals' U.S. cosmeceutical branch, wants you to consider the new Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase line like this:

"Think of BMW," Smoot says. "They have a 7 Series, 5 Series and 3 Series. The 3 Series still has the prestige and German engineering, but it doesn't have the seat warmers in the back and speaks to a different consumer. We're reaching a new consumer."

We are all for high-end skin care and beauty products that make their way to the mass market retailers at affordable prices. Bring it on, Kinerase!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Rihanna Looks Like 'Only Girl (in the World)' With Raggedy Ann Red Hair Extensions


Okay, we can't stay mum about Rihanna's cherry red, Raggedy Ann hair extensions any longer............We caught her Wednesday morning on GMA, performing live. And although we love Rihanna in longer, straight locks, well......

She is a hot mess, as they say.

You either despise this look, or you embrace it. And because the talented singer is only 22, we are going to give her a pass once again.

Why?? Because she's young. Period. We are taking the advice of a legendary makeup artist, Sandy Linter. We have interviewed Sandy a few times, and this is what she says:
In your 20's: 1. Do experiment with color. "Crazy yellow eyeshadow? You can pull it off!" at this age, Sandy told People mag. "Break all the rules."

And that means, break all the rules for hairstyles and hair colors, too.

If you, too, want to copy Rihanna's cherry red hair, and you aren't going the hair extensions route, just be careful when you color hair red.

Oh, yeah, it ain't easy being red.

This is what celebrity master colorist Kim Vo told us:
"The biggest challenge are reds. The red color molecule is the smallest of all colors. It's like a tropical rainstorm. It's tempest and dramatic at first and then quickly fades.".

If you're going to dramatically color it red, ladies, then best to have the pros do it. The upkeep isn't cheap, either.

We most certainly prefer Rihanna with long, dark brunette locks, but at the moment, she is having fun in her neon cherry red. And with appealing bone structure like hers, we suppose she can keep breaking all the rules.

Friday, November 19, 2010

How To Get The Luxe Sportswear Style For Less Than $100


Loving the look of Michael Kors' classic, luxury sportswear, but unable to afford it?!

You are certainly not alone, given the long economic slump everyone's still crawling out of.

Great designers like Michael Kors (runway photo) are genius at creating such, feminine, elegant, and rich sportswear, but you can imitate the timeless trend this season. And we have found you a gorgeous woolen jacket for under $100!!

Check out this beauty by H & M retailers, a double-breasted, belted jacket in charcoal (top photo) for just $75!! Even Harper's Bazaar has named this little H & M number as one of their top fall finds for 2010. And we couldn't agree more. You can get more details here.

And charcoal grey is one of the classic colors to be wearing this season, along with camel. Both shades spell r-i-c-h b-i-a-t-c-h, LOL.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

JLo And Marc Anthony Launch Lifestyle Dept. At Kohl's

Model Cindy Crawford has done this at JC Penney's. And now Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony are about to launch their own lifestyle venture with Kohl's dept. stores.

Now, you, too, can dress like J.Lo, and decorate like J.Lo, too. And the men in your life can do the same with Marc's style. The super couple is introducing a womenswear, menswear, and home furnishings brand at Kohl's.

Well, we say, why not?! When celebrities launch fragrances, many of us follow, and plunk down the $50 to smell like a glamorous famous person. And the same goes for celebrity coats, pocketbooks, pillows, and bedspreads. You get the idea.

Do you recall that Jennifer Lopez did have a young women's clothing label called Sweetface. But that line quietly closed in 2009.

You could say that Jennifer and Mark are in good company with Lauren Conrad, Daisy Fuentes, and Vera Wang as celebrity Kohl's businesspeople.

And we can bet, that a super cute Max and Emme children's Kohl's clothing line isn't too far away, either. It's all in the family for J.Lo and Marc!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Is It Issa All The Way For Newly Engaged Kate Middleton?!



Is it Issa, or is it us?!

Congratulations to Kate Middleton in her royal blue Issa dress for her royal engagement to Britain's Prince William!

The blissful announcement, although expected at some point this year, was still a very welcome bit of news for royal fans across the globe. And already, comparisons to William's mother, the late Princess Diana, have already started.

Will 29-year-old Kate Middleton become the fashion and beauty legend that so many people adored in Princess Diana??

We think she can definitely set some royal trends. And we are liking her Issa fashions. Take a look at just two examples of Kate in Issa.

So, who is Issa?!

Issa is the label of Brazilian designer Daniella Issa Helayel. And the London-based designer has also introduced an exclusive bridal line with Net-a-Porter.com (pictured above). Those wedding gowns are gorgeous, and we could easily imagine the lovely soon-to-be princess walking down the aisle in an Issa wedding dress.

According to our information, the newly engaged Kate Middleton is model slim and wears a size 6.

We think Kate resembles another British-born beauty----Elizabeth Hurley. Both women share similar hair color and features. That's just our humble opinion.

Already, women around the world, are asking about THE royal wedding dress, the royal engagement dress, and everything royal and Kate, in between. We suggest that William and Kate get buckled in for a wild media blitz to come.

In the meantime, congratulation!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Are You Watching Iman and Issac On Bravo's 'The Fashion Show 2'



Is Bravo's design competition reality show, 'The Fashion House 2' as great as Bravo's original huge hit, 'Project Runway', which has since jumped to the Lifetime network?

No way! But-----when you have such dynamic hosts as iconic model Iman and super designer Isaac Mizrahi running the show, well, it's worth tuning in once again this evening at 10 P.M.

In our humble opinion, it's all about Iman, one of the finest models to ever walk the runway. And at 55, the woman remains flawless and elegant. The Somali-born supermodel was known for her stunning cheekbones and very long neck, and both features are still just that.

Many younger fans of Iman know her as the wife of British rock star David Bowie, as well as the creator and CEO of the very successful 'IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances' line. We adore IMAN Cosmetics because the collection features a wide range of perfect skin-matching makeup products for women of color. She offers 16 foundation shades.

You can take a look at IMAN Cosmetics here. The brand is available at mass retailers like Walgreens and Target
.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Katy Perry Loves Looking Pretty With These Favorite Beauty Products











California Gurl Katy Perry couldn't be having a better year. She just got married in India to Russell Brand, she's on the November cover of Harper's Bazaar, and her music keeps climbing the charts.

We all adore Katy Perry because she likes to have fun, dress girlie-girlie, and not take herself too seriously.

Plus, more importantly, she likes to fool around with makeup. And the raven-haired singer recently told People magazine about a few favorite beauty products she always keeps stashed in her makeup bag:

1. DiorShow Waterproof Mascara in Azure Blue ($24, at beauty stores like Sephora). "I carry blue mascara around with me, and I'll sort of Tammy Faye up my eyes," she tells People. And the singer has piercing blue eyes.

2. African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation
($15, at olehenriksen.com). "I use lip scrub every night, so when I wake up, my lips don't feel like they've been on a desert island." Smart girl, because our lips need extra TLC. Lips are thinner in skin structure, very sensitive, and lack protective oil glands.

3. Design Nails on the Go...in Metallic Nails: Maneater ($5, at dashingdiva.com). "I keep a pack in my purse at all times. They take less than 5 minutes to put on." And we thought it was a pro mani all the time. You just stick these on and go!

At 26, Katy Perry looks sophisticated and girl-next-door on the November Harper's Bazaar cover. Inside the pages, she's modeling some black leather pieces.

And right now, Katy Perry is proud she has curves, but didn't always feel that way:

"I'll tell you about my boobs and fashion," she says. "It can be hard to wear those looks"—like the ones shown here—"because they're best on people who have no curves or thighs. I don't have a Kate Moss body, but I'm very proud and happy with mine." And yet, at 13, she longed for a breast reduction. "I had really bad back problems and was a little bit thicker. Then I grew up and lost the baby fat and said, 'Hey, this isn't all that bad.'"

Way to go, Katy.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Celebrities Wearing Sophisticated Buns, Updos, Top Knots





Buns are so in! And we're not talking about your behind, at the moment.

Updos, top knots, ballerina buns, you name it.....If you have it styled sleek away from you face and piled high, all the more better for Fall 2010

Okay, so we aren't crazy about buns, but who are we?! Apparently, lots of glam celebrities are really defying gravity these days. And trust us--these lovely ladies aren't making their own updos. They are so lucky they have personal hairstylists at their beckon call.

The super 'kute' Kardashian sisters are rocking the bun trend all over the red carpet these days. Kim and Kourtney love the sophisticated elegance of the grown-up do.

And check out blonde beauty Sienna Miller with her extravagant pouffy updo top knot.
Maybe you can make your own beautiful bun. We're all thumbs. But we do know, there's at least one beauty product essential for rockin' a good bun, updo, top knot. And that is a super can of firm hold hairspray. It keeps every hair in place and helps your hair defy gravity. You can also spritz some on your dry mane before making your updo style. That way you add a bit more volume and texture.

Try Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray ($26 a can, Aveda.com. We like this stuff because it really holds, even against humidity, and smells pretty, too.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Retinoids And AHAs/BHAs Make Nice Skin.... But Not At Same Time

Retinoids and AHA/BHAs equal nice skin.

But how you use beauty products that feature strong ingredients like Retin-A or retinol in conjunction with AHAs like glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid, makes a huge difference.

For instance, most dermatologists would agree that regular use of Retin-A at night and AHA/glycolic during the day is perfect for skin rejuvenation.

However, combining a retinoid with an AHA or BHA at the same time, is a no-no, because the effectiveness for both ingredients gets greatly diminished.

And always remember this:

AHAs/BHAs in the A.M., and Retinoids in the P.M. Plus, plenty of sunscreen as you head out the door, every day.

By the way, always apply retinoids at night because the sun can also make the retinoid less effective.

We have learned that using Retin-A at night, which is a Vitamin A-derivative, and a glycolic acid cream in the morning, can still be quite irritating to skin. So, at least one day a week, we let our skin rest, and apply nothing at night or morning.

We all seem to be so impatient for healthy, clear, youthful skin. Most of us are anxious to rub in this or that on our faces and necks, and sometimes, these beauty products are strong and harsh. Break-outs can occur. Redness, rashes, swelling. We have experienced it all.

And be especially sensitive to the eye area. Both retinoids and AHAs/BHAs can be brutal to the delicate skin surrounding the eyes and under the eyes. Do not apply too much product. Less is better, trust us.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Need Some Beauty Attention: Try 'Girl Meets Pearl' Illuminator

The girls at Benefit Cosmetics always have their fingers on the beauty pulse, and one of their newest hot products is 'Girl Meets Pearl' Illuminator ($30, at beauty stores like Sephora). A lot of women love it. Girl Meets Pearl received 4 1/2 stars out of 5 at Sephora

Let's put it this way......Do you need some beauty attention? Do you wish you could brighten your complexion? Highlight all your sexy parts? Light up a room?

Well, try this little number by Benefit. And get your glow on!!

Girl Meets Pearl is basically a warm, subtle liquid highlighter of golden pink luminosity. Just dab a little where you want to light up---face, brow bone, cheek bones, along the nape of the neck.

Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Gisele Bundchen,Shakira, and Kim Kardashian are just four beauties who love to put on highlighter, and wear it so well.

An added 'benefit' to Benefit's 'Girl Meets Pearl' Illuminator is the luscious scent it leaves behind. So yummy in raspberry and chamomille. And ingredients like sweet almond seed firms up and smooths skin, while sesame seed oil moisturizes nicely. It feesl so silky going on.

An illuminator like this one, provides just the right amount of light-reflecting pigments. Yeah, it's radiance in a tube.

You can watch a YouTube demo of Girl Meets Pearl by theskinnyxo here

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Smoky Eyes Of Martina McBride Take Beauty Edge At 2010 CMA's

Spectacular blue eyes! You would think that maybe blue-colored contact lenses are key to singer Martina McBride's unforgettable eyes, but according to her fan website, not so:

"Those are Martina's very own blue eyes. She does wear contacts, but they're clear."

Last night at the 44th Annual Country Music Awards show in Nashville, Martina McBride's eyes were more memorable than the sparkling cocktail dress she wore. Here are a few reasons why her eyes give her the beauty edge:

1. Wide-set eyes. Martina's eyes are large and far apart, and yet, nicely give balance to her facial features.

2. Incredible smoky eye makeup with lots of mascara, and a soft, nude lip bring attention to them. We've read that Mary Beth Felts of Nashville does Martina's makeup. Well, Mary Beth gets an A+ in our humble opinion.

3. Blue eyes and brunette hair make a wonderful complimentary combination.

4. Good brows with a high arch also frame the eyes
.

If you're blessed with such striking blue eyes, we suggest doing a Martina smoky eye using colors in the charcoal or silver shades.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

How To Look Glam And Polished With High Ponytail Trend


Louis Vuitton has unveiled a new ad campaign featuring the gorgeous trio of Christy Turlington, Natalia Vordinova and Karen Elson, for Fall/Winter 2010-11.

The glam models were photographed by Steven Meisel in a New York studio, which was made to look like a Hollywood star’s old-fashioned dressing room.

The pics are so beautiful, we almost........We said 'almost,' don't even care about the luxurious Louis Vuitton new handbags! Okay, we're just kidding.

What we adore is the entire elegance and sophistication of the vintage look. The models are dressed in Marc Jacobs with feminine, corseted waists and full skirts. And those high ponytails rock! That's the hot button hairstyle we're talking about. It's the ’50s-style high ponytails right from the Louis Vuitton runway.

So, how do you look glam and polished with the high ponytail trend?!

It's easy. First, you need to pick up some Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion leave-in conditioner ($18, at Bumbleandbumble.com). This stuff is a celebrity favorite and it's easy to use.

Just spritz some B&B on damp hair. Then blow-dry with a flat brush. Gather hair at the nape of your neck or the crown, and secure with an elastic band.

It's a very classic and elegant look!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

How To Banish Blemishes Overnight With Effective Zit Zappers





A clear complexion. Who doesn't desire smooth, beautiful skin

Nothing ruins your day like a pimple. Blemish. Zit.

Let's face it-----beauty products improve every year. Twenty years ago, you didn't have too many options when it came to blemish creams. Now you take a stroll down the drugstore aisle, and you see product after product on how to zap zits overnight.

We did some hunting and came up with 4 effective zit zappers:

1. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17). This stuff has been around for a long time because it works! Celebrities love it and we can see why. The lotion is formulated with calamine and salicylic acid to dry up blemishes, especially pesky whiteheads. You can pick some up at mariobadescu.com.

2. Clearasil Ultra Overnight Face Lotion ($8.50, drugstores). This product does exactly that---it works while you sleep. This is a fast-absorbing blemish buster. It, too, includes the effective salicylic acid ingredients to reduce redness and pimple size by the time you awaken. Goes on smoothly, but doesn't dry

3. Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment ($38.50, at reneerouleau.com). When you have those hard, sore, boulder blemishes, then you need to take out the big guns. And here is one of them. The Renee Rouleau gel serum is formulated with lactic acid and ethyl lactate to attack where pimples grow deeply. It dissolves and gets rid of the bacteria and infection ASAP. Safe for sensitive skin.

4. Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment ($10, drugstores). This also contains salicylic acid and willow bark extract — This extract contains natural beta hydroxy acids, which work as "natural skin exfoliants to help unplug follicles and pores".. Erases the redness and helps prevent future break-outs.

Monday, November 8, 2010

No More Shaving With New No! No! Hair Removal System

We don't know any women that love shaving. Do you?! And yet, most of us do it, because we do not like unwanted hair. And shaving is the cheapest way to get rid of hair.

There are many, many products out there designed to make hair disappear, other than shaving. You've seen them and have probably tried some of them-----waxes, depilatories buffing pads you rub in circles, and even little beauty gadgets that claim to cut off hair at its closest end.

But do they really work well?

Everyone's been talking about the at-home No! No! Hair Removal System. This expensive gadget ($249) uses heat to zap away unwanted hair, better known as Thermicon technology.

And the theory behind it is simple, when you think about it:
NO! NO! heats the hair. The hair then heats the hair follicle, and the follicle is destroyed by the heat. The longer you use the No! No!, the better it works. In other words, over time, less hair grows back. Skin stays smoother and hair-free longer. It's a beauty gadget to invest in. And no, we have not tried the No! No!. We're just trying to research new high-tech beauty products that claim to have the science behind them.

Quick, supposedly painless, and easy. And you can zap unwanted hair, well, just about everywhere, according to the makers of No! No!........where unwanted hair exists -- on the face, arms, knees, and the bikini line, with results of up to 94% hair reduction in 6 weeks. No nicks. No cuts. No rashes.

You can look at this No! No! demo by Jalapena2007 on YouTube.

The No! No! Hair Removal System can be purchased at Sephora beauty stores.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Mary J. Blige Riding High With New Sunglasses Line: Oprah And Kim K Wearing



Mary J. Blige, a 9-time Grammy Award winner. We know that MJB knows music, but did you know she also has a passion for sunglasses?!

We just saw Oprah wearing a pair of Melodies by MJB sunglasses ($190). It was a sexy pair of Oversize Glams. These shades by MJB are hot! And Kim Kardashian was also sporting a pair. She gave a shout-out to MJB on her blog. Love these!

Mary J. Blige is always wearing sunglasses. In fact, she calls them her signature. And MJB just happens to be one of the most stylish performers around. So when she announced that she was launching her own line of eyewear, we knew she wouldn't disappoint.

By the way, Melodies by MJB sunglasses come in 4 styles of frames:
'Incognito' Metal Aviators. 'The MJ's Oversized Glam' (Oprah's fave). 'Showtime' Metal . 'Red Carpet' Oversized Round.

You can find Mary J. Blige's new sunglasses at fine dept. stores like Nordstrom's and Bergdorf Goodman's. Prices range from $165 to $225 a pair.

Take a peek here.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Most Powerful Retinol Cream Available Over The Counter For More Beautiful Skin

Here at BeautyTipToday, we are always on the search for the perfect anti-aging cream, one that actually says what it will do, and more.

Sure, some of the beauty products we mention here are better than others. And there are a few that turn out to be expensive duds. While many women are interested in over-the-counter anti-aging creams, they do want ingredients that are powerful and work fast!

Just maybe, we have found another great skin care weapon in our anti-aging arsenal. This one is called Zo Skin Health Radical Night Repair Plus. It's by famous skin expert, Dr. Zein Obagi. It costs $195, 1.0 Fl.oz. Yes, it's not cheap, but it's packed with a lot of retinol punch. And you simply rub it on your face and neck before you go to bed.

What you're getting in Zo Skin is a cream that really delivers a prescription-strength dose of retinol. We're talking a whopping 1 percent retinol. So? Well, that amount is 6x the industry average. How's that for numbers!

Like its more potent prescription cousin Retin-A, Zo Skin Health Radical Night Repair Plus will cause irritation like redness, drying, and peeling, and must be used only about 2x to 3x a week. But the results are amazing-----Smoother, more even textured, younger and healthier skin. And wrinkles and sun damage reduced.

The magic is in the retinol. It helps the skin generate new cells and produce more collagen. The old cells come up to the surface and exfoliate, leaving behind a more radiant complexion.

Is more beautiful skin worth $195 a tube? We think so, especially if the ingredients are packing a potent beauty punch.

For more details, check out Zo Skin Health products.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Cindy Crawford Puts The Super In Model As Big Crowd Shows Up For Meaningful Beauty Launch


At age 44, most models seem to quietly fade into the background. But then there is Cindy Crawford, who continues to put the super back in supermodel!

The gorgeous brunette recently stopped by the Glendale Galleria in California, to launch her Meaningful Beauty skin care line at Sephora inside JCPenney. That means her successful skin care items can now be bought in a dept. store, rather than through the website or following an infomercial.

A huge line snaked through the Gelndale Galleria to meet and hear what the ageless mom of two had to say about beauty and the value of her skin care line, Meaningful Beauty. Her best beauty advice to the adoring crowd: Do NOT smoke.

Great advice, and we have more smart beauty tips from Cindy Crawford that we've collected:

ALLURE: How do you take care of your skin?
CINDY CRAWFORD: I use a day cream with antioxidants and sunscreen, a night cream, and an eye cream.I do masks once a week, and I get microdermabrasion once a month. I'm pretty diligent with microdermabrasion because I've noticed a big difference in the texture of my skin from it. Basically, I take care of myself, but I don't want to be obsessive, and I don't want to not like who I am today. I'm all for fighting the good fight, but I don't care how much you work out or how much cream you put on-things change.

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

ALLURE: Do you try to keep your hair young looking?
CINDY CRAWFORD: 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.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Grays And Roots Be Gone: ColorMark Wins Allure's 2010 Best Of Beauty


Ask most women who color or highlight their hair, and they will tell you that stray grays or roots that pop up so quickly after a salon visit, can be a real downer. Oh yeah, hair matters to most women, and when it isn't right, neither are you.

Let's face it, most women do have color-treated hair. Many dye hair at home, right from the color-in-a-box method, but the majority let the pros handle their hair coloring/highlighting needs. And it's an expensive visit.

So when those nasty grays and pesky roots suddenly appear, you reach for something to cover them up. Maybe it's a 'jagged' hair part to fool the masses. But usually, it's an at-home-root fix-in-a-box. Or it's a temporary color crayon, 'mascara-type' wand, or powder to hide the obvious. But these only coat the surface.

Some of these temporary fixes work well, and some do not. We use a temp mascara wand color to quickly erase the grays against our dark brown locks. It covers well, until our next shampoo, but it can also get sticky and clumpy, if we are not careful how we apply the wand.

We are tired of chasing after stray grays, but those hairs are not going anywhere, so we have to deal with them. And that's why we are interested in Allure magazine's 2010 Best of Beauty List. The beauty publication has named ColorMark Temporary Liquid Hair Color as the best when it comes to hiding grays and roots.

Okay, let's see why. ColorMark comes equipped with a lipgloss-like wand. It contains temporary liquid hair color in a tube, and it is available in 12 shades:
Rich Black, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Light Brown, Ash Blonde, Light Ash Blonde, Golden Blonde, Light Golden Blonde, Strawberry Blonde, Really Red, Light Auburn and Dark Auburn..

No ammonia. No peroxide. And no sticky residue, flaking, or 'crunch' to your hair's texture. ColorMark bonds to the hair like all real hair colors do, and blends naturally. And ColorMark is economical, in that a bottle of ColorMark will last from 2-4 months, depending on the amount of gray that needs to be covered. The cost----$21.95 + Free shipping here, and also available at ULTA beauty stores.

We're going to give this little tube a try, and hope for the best.