Root Touch-Up In A Spray Can? Is It A Perfect Match?

Let's be honest.....Millions of women do color at home, at least once in a while. It's expensive to have your hair dyed in a salon. We would agree with the experts however, that a pro handling your locks will always do a better job. But when it comes to those annoying gray roots that pop up over and over again, well, sometimes you have to take charge fast!

Today, we are looking at root touch-up in a spray can.

Don't laugh. There are a few celebrity stylists who have introduced the same concept under their own brand at a much higher pricetag.

We've found a cheaper version called, Gray Away. Nope, haven't tried this one yet, but we would give it a few spritzes.

Gray Away is not a dye. There is NO ammonia, NO peroxide. It is actually a color powder cosmetic made from mineral-derived pigments and emollients. And it lasts until your next shampoo.

Gray Away sells for $19.99 for 2 cans. It sounds like a lot of money, but there are about 40 touch-ups per can.

There are 4 shades to choose from that cover a range of colors:
Blonde.
Auburn.
Light Brown.
Black/Brown.

Gray Away guarantees that their specially developed color-match formula WILL blend in with YOUR unique hair shade perfectly.

Has anyone tried this hair product?

We are ready to spray away the gray in the New Year!

Sofia Bubbly In A Can: Elegance And Beauty With A Sipping Straw

Have you ever thought of ringing in the New Year with bubbly in a can?!

Don't laugh. This is so true. Sparkling wine in just the right size (6.32 oz.).

It's called Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs ($5 per can) by Francis Coppola Winery of California. You know the famous movie stardom last name and you definitely know of the equally stylish Sofia Coppola. And as the story goes....."When his daughter was a little girl, Francis Coppola made her a promise that he would someday make a sparkling wine and name it after her."

We love these super cute single-serving cans of bubbly. You can pick them up in 4-packs. What an adorable hostess gift or New Year's gift for someone special.

We found some at Whole Foods store. And each can of Sofia Mini comes with its own sipping straw. How classy is that?

One Sofia Mini contains 11.5% alcohol.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Sofia Blanc de Blancs is a unique blend of Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Muscat. Think of it as a delicate sparkling wine elegant for any celebration, even with a simple plate of fried chicken. It features seductive sweet flavors packaged with a feminine, pink flair.

TASTING NOTES
Sofia Blanc de Blancs offers up tender aromas of pears, peaches, and tangerines along with a layer of honeysuckle. Light and elegant on the palate with fruity hints of pineapple, quince, and green apples.

To learn more about beautiful Sofia bubbly in a can, click here.

Retin-A And Thicker Eyebrows: Is There A Connection?

If you suffer from skinny eyebrows, you are not alone. It's a problem many women seem to be stuck with for life. Maybe we have a simple solution. But first, let's look at how we all got here.

Over-plucking and too much waxing are usually at the root of too thin brows. But also, reaching menopause or undergoing chemotherapy treatment can leave one with eyebrows that never appear to grow back in.

Let's be honest, fuller brows are more appealing. And professional makeup artists will tell you that skinny eyebrows are more aging on a woman.

And to make matters worse, it takes forever for a single eyebrow hair to grow. You will have to wait for about 2 months for a plucked brow to grow back, or 64 days to be more precise. And one more little tidbit, the length of time can be longer if the brow hair or hairs you want to grow back in, are in their resting phase. At any given moment, 90% of the hair on our bodies is in a resting phase where it stops growing, falls out, and then starts growing again.

So, be very careful not to remove too much hair when grooming eyebrows, because the follicles can be permanently damaged and you're left with skinny brows.

Our simple solution?

Retin-A cream. Yes...the SAME prescription stuff you use on your face and neck to soften fine lines and wrinkles. We have been a Retin-A user for about 4 years now.

We used to avoid rubbing the cream onto our eyebrows, until about 3 months ago. We had read that Retin-A cream encouraged hair growth, so we thought we'd take a chance.

And although we don't have Brooke Shields brows, growth is occuring, and our eyebrows are slowly getting thicker! We don't have to struggle with a brow pencil for so long. We still draw in a few hairs, but our brows are much better than before.

Retin-A is not a miracle, but it has helped our skinny eyebrows start to look like average brows once again. And for that, we are grateful. If you're looking for a solution, give this a try, especially, if you are already a Retin-A user.

All That Glitters Is Gold For Holiday Manicures: Think Metallic

At just $6 a bottle, you can't go wrong. And if you're looking to brighten up your New Year's Eve style, then all you need is a little gold....Gold Flash by American Apparel, that is.

Maybe it was reality star Lauren Conrad who started the mad dash for a set of golden tips, but whoever or whatever amped up this trend, we can tell you, that this inexpensive AA nail polish is now OUT of STOCK at the American Apparel factory. However, the silky Gold Flash is available at all AA retail stores, so get moving ASAP.

This isn't a tacky shade of gold or a chunky, glitter-y juvenile polish. American Apparel has put out a nice line of metallic nail polishes, and Gold Flash is perfect to ring in the new year.

All you need are 2 coats of this elegant lacquer to warm up your style. Plus, AA shades are manufactured right here in the USA, and are cruelty free, DBP, toluene and formaldehyde-free. In other words, kind to the environment.

A little gold goes a long way, and accessorizing your nails is a super way to shine on!

Effective At-Home Hair Removal Laser: Is There Such a Thing?

Maybe you didn't get exactly what you wanted for Christmas, but maybe you did score a fat wad of cash. So, let's go shopping for 2012!

Would you like to be permanently 'hair-free' in about 6 months?!

And would you prefer to stay at home, while you're zapping unwanted hair?

The TRIA Hair Removal Laser is the ONLY FDA-cleared laser that is designed to work in the comfort of your own home. Yes, permanent results in the privacy of your own home. And it's advertised as safe and effective as an in-office treatment.

The TRIA laser is a beauty investment at $395, plus FREE shipping.

But when you think about the time, effort, and money it takes to keep your legs stubble-free over a life-time, well, the TRIA Hair Removal Laser sounds like a smart beauty purchase, because the science behind it, is precise.

Let's see how you use the Tria gadget:

Step 1: Prepare
Thoroughly cleanse, shave, and towel-dry your skin. Then, unlock your laser with the skin sensor to make sure the laser is safe for your skin.
Step 2: Customize
Select the highest setting that suits your comfort level.
Step 3: Apply
Hold the hair removal laser tip on the skin and listen for the beep. With every beep, move the laser over the skin in one continuous "overlapping" motion. Repeat until you've treated the entire surface of the desired area.

Smaller areas, like your bikini line and underarms, take 10 to 15 minutes to treat. Upper and lower leg may each take up to 20 minutes. Continue laser treatments once every 2 weeks for up to 6 months, or until the hair stops growing back.

If you've heard anything about laser treatments, getting zapped by a laser feels like a rubber band snapping against your skin, or a warm, prickling sensation. But it isn't anything you can't handle. And we like the advertised results: NO more hair....permanently.

Double Duty Beauty With Goody Ponytailers

If you ever get your hair out of the way, and put it in a ponytail, then you should buy a package of these.

We love Goody's Doublewear 2in1 Ponytailers, just $5.99 for 3.

The cool thing about the Doublewear concept, is this:

The ponytailers also make for a sleek black bangle bracelet. Let's face it, how many times have you made a ponytail during the day, and then wanted to take your hair down, but didn't know where to put the elastic, since it didn't look so stylish around your wrist?

Well, the Goody Doublewear DOES look like pretty arm candy. These are made with trendy metallic charms that look great with any outfit, and are available in both Silver and Gold.

You can find them at Walgreens, Walmart, and Target.

Scarlett Johansson: A Makeup Girlie-Girl

Scarlett Johansson, the star of the new movie, 'We Bought a Zoo,' has been doing the publicity rounds to bring attention to the flick. So, all eyes have been on the 27-year-old beauty.

If you think that Scar-Jo, as she's called by the media, hits the streets without a stitch of makeup on and dresses down, you would be so wrong. She recently told InStyle magazine this:

"I always like to put a little bit of makeup on," Scarlett says. "I’m not the kind of person that just slops around in sweatpants. I like to feel a little more together — you never know who you’re going to see out there!"

Of course, when you've got such stunning bone structure like Scarlett has, then a little makeup makes her beauty pop in a big way. And her favorite, go-to cosmetic is bold lipstick:

"My absolute must-have is a really rich and vibrant red lipstick", she tells InStyle. "I always keep red lipstick in my bag because I never know when I might show up to an event and be completely underdressed. I feel like red lipstick is the cure-all for everything.".

Another beauty tip from the blonde actress has to do with a jar of honey. It's simple, old-school, and a bit messy, but it works:

A good, old-fashioned honey facial. "I use Manuka honey," Scarlett reveals. "You just warm your face so that your pores are open (you can steam your face right after getting out of the shower), and then you just take a spoon and apply the honey directly to your face and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes."

The result? "It really adds an amazing glow and your skin is so soft afterwards. It pulls out the impurities."

We found a jar of Manuka Honey, on sale at drugstore.com.

Thanks for the great beauty tips, Scarlett Johansson!

Need To Bring An Attractive Holiday Dish To The Party? We've Got One

Since Christmas is just around the corner, we thought we would talk about beauty food today. No moisturizers. No lip gloss. No eyeliner.

Let's talk 'orzo'.

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that can be found in your neighborhood grocery aisle. It is used in many Mediterranean recipes. It's low in fat with zero cholesterol. It's higher in carbs, but hey, it's not too bad. Plus, it has a wonderful chewy texture and somewhat nutty taste.

And if you're bringing a holiday dish to the party, but don't know what in the world to bring, we are sharing our favorite orzo recipe with you. Bring this dish and you'll be a star!

GREEK ORZO SALAD:

1 cup orzo
6 Tbsp. olive oil
5 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
salt, to taste
ground pepper, to taste
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. dried dill
garlic powder, to taste
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 English cucumber, diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
12 Kalamata olives , halved and pitted
6 oz. feta cheese

Cook orzo to box directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, and place in 2-quart serving dish. Toss with 1 Tbsp. of the oil.

Whisk together remaining olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano and parsley, dill and garlic powder. Pour over orzo. Then toss in the onion, tomatoes, cucumber, celery, green pepper and olives with orzo mixture. Stir well. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Cover and chill for at least 2 hrs. Serves 8.

Enjoy! Yumm-o!! Colorful and tasty for a holiday feast.

An Eye Cream That Feels Like Velvet? Exuviance Has One

Eye cream.

Up until several years ago, we rarely used such a product. But, boy oh boy, were we wrong.

Yes, an eye cream should be right front and center in your daily/nightly beauty routine. At least that is what smart dermatologists say. And there are tons of eye creams out there, that claim to do a multitude of wonderful things for your eyes.

As we have stressed here at BeautyTip Today, over and over again, the skin around the eyes is thin and dry, and quite delicate. The eye area shows aging very quickly, unfortunately. But eye creams have come a long way and the beauty science is much stronger. Now there are formulas that lift, tighten, and help to fade or soften existing fine lines and wrinkles, and de-puff tired undereyes.

We have one eye cream that can perform all that and more:

Exuviance Age Reverse Eye Contour ($72, at NeoStrata.com).

Maybe not the cheapest eye cream on the market, but a wise investment, for sure. This ia a superb eye cream. We have enjoyed using this product, thanks to the folks at NeoStrata. And we must say, the Exuviance Age Reverse Eye Contour feels like velvet. Your eye area becomes soft and smooth, and those pesky fine lines and wrinkles become less pronounced. And there is a nice definition to the entire eye area.

Bye-bye bags and sags.

So, what's in the Eye Contour cream:

Peptides help replace collagen and firm skin around the eye area, targeting droopiness and sagging.
Maltobionic Acid/ PHA(Polyhydroxy Acids) alleviates appearance of crow's feet.
Fortifies skin's protective barrier.
Caffeine deflates puffiness around the eyes.
Botanicals refresh and soothe.
Optical diffusers brighten and illuminate.

We have very sensitive eyes, but we are happy to state, that the Exuviance Age Reverse line is very gentle. You will not end up with red, itchy eyes.

The NeoStrata company is widely-respected around the globe, so you know that the beauty products you are buying, have the science to back them up.

Every Gal Needs A Pair Of No-Nonsense Rain Boots

If you live in New England, like we do, then you encounter all kinds of nasty weather days ahead come winter. If it isn't the mounds of snow or the mud and slush and brush and yuck left behind, there is something on the ground that can ruin your favorite leathers.

That's why, you NEED a pair of rain boots. We're not talking about a fancy, $400 duo. Just 2 no-nonsense boots. Ones that are lined inside and will keep your feet totally dry once you hit the raw, cold winter elements.

We have ruined many a pair of nice leather shoes and yes, even leather boots walking through all kinds of stormy terrain. You've been through this, too. Big, unsighlty salt stains, leather that has been beaten up and eaten up.

Our advice: Buy a cheap pair of vinyl/rubber rain boots. And carry your favorite leathers with you to change into at your destination. Most rain boots are designed with a 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch heel with good traction, so you don't slip and fall on the winter ground.

We found a great classic pair here, on sale for just $14.70 in sizes 6-10. The Shiny Rain Boot in Red or Black. Check out our photo.

Sometimes, you just have to slip into a pair of no-nonsense footwear until you reach your destination. Not super pretty, but, oh-so practical.

Feet Need Extra TLC? Try These Little Buffers In a Box

We've talked about our feet a few times before. And it's always during the cold, harsh days of autumn/winter, that we find ourselves wishing for softer, smoother soles.

We have stumbled onto a product that's designed to multi-task your pretty feet routine. Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffers can do all this:
Cleanse. Exfoliate. Massage. And moisturize.

Gotta love thse. And the adorable, little buffers in a box make the perfect stocking stuffer. Get it? Foot. Stocking.

Definitely a spa-worthy gift at $14.99, at drugstores and Spongeables.com.

The Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffers are unique, in that they feature 2 different textures---a scrubby side to exfoliate, smooth away the rough spots, and massage the soles. And a soft side to cleanse and moisturize your little tootsies.

These amazing foot buffers are infused with rich ingredients like shea butter and olive oil. And you get your choice of Lavender-Tea Tree Oil Aromatherapy or Citron-Eucalyptus Aromatherapy. We adore the Lavender.

Spongeables also offer a variety of other spa-in-a-sponge products for the bath and body. Plus, these sponges last a long time, and are healthy to use, again and again. Here's what their website says:

A hypoallergenic, anti-microbial sponge is an attractive replacement for bacteria filled loofahs.

A patent pending technology permits many, many pleasurable uses, with products designed to provide 3+ to 30+ showers.

And Spongeables come in lots of pretty colors, too.

The Little Red Dress Puts You Front And Center This Holiday

We're all used to the LBD or 'Little Black Dress'. But how about the LRD?

The 'Little Red Dress' for the holidays.

Red NEVER goes out of fashion, but this season it's really HOT. And lately, that's the bold shade we're seeing many celebrities putting on. Jennifer Lopez knows that red means attention. And if anyone knows how to work a little red dress, it's Jenny-from-the-block.

If you DON'T want to be noticed, then, by all means, do NOT wear a red dress. This color definitely turns heads.

A red cocktail dress is a super choice for the holidays. You don't have to go as dramatic as Jennifer in this one shoulder, ruffled Temperly London number. We found a sexy 'LRD':

Victoria's Secret Red Ruched Crewneck Dress, now on SALE for $49.50.

Talk about Va-va-va-voom! This adorable mini (photo2) is a body-hugging dress with sexy ruching detail at the shoulders and along the sides. It's made of 100% soft cotton, and measures 17" from the waist.

We found a lot of cute little red dresses at the VS website, including this v-neck ribbed sweater dress in Volcano red (photo3).

Red will put you in the holiday spirit!

If You Could Have, Would You Have Bought A Liz Taylor Gem?

If you like really nice gems, then we are assuming, you would die to own a piece of Hollywood history, right?

And if those sparklers came from the jewelry box of legendary Elizabeth Taylor, well, then, it's a no-brainer.

The bidding at Christie's New York is now over. The Elizabeth Taylor jewelry auction smashed records with nearly $116 million in sales! And Merry Christmas to you.

Please, just one beautiful colored bauble would have been plenty for us.

Yes...if we could have, we would have ponied up some major $$$$ for a little piece of iconic Hollywood's Golden Age, when movie stars were, just that----movie stars, with all the glitz and glamour befitting royalty.

So, what celebrities took home a little Liz Taylor?

We know that reality star Kim Kardashian was quick to bid and win 3 Lorraine Schwartz bangles, spending $64,900 for the striking jade bracelets. "It’s not just a piece of jewelry," Kim K. told InStyle.com. "She wore them constantly during the final years of her life and I believe they carry her spirit."

We think this is a savvy business investment on Kim's part.

The New York Post also reports that Bulgari anonymously bought back a stunning $20 million worth of jewels, including a 52.72-carat sapphire-and-diamond sautoir for $5.9 million and an emerald-and-diamond necklace for $6.1 million.

Wow---what an amazing collection of jewlery by an equally amazing woman.

Janet Jackson Weighs In On Nutrisystem Diet Plan

We have to admit, this one caught us off guard:

Janet Jackson has been named the new face of the Nutrisystem diet plan.

But maybe there is a clever strategy here.

The talented singer joins two other famous divas in the weight loss TV ad wars---Mariah Carey with Jenny and Jennifer Hudson with Weight Watchers.

Janet Jackson is appearing in two 60-second Nutrisystem ads, which will be officially broadcast starting Dec. 26. Oh yeah, just in time for the New Year. The commercials were shot in Australia during the singer's recent worldwide tour.

The sister of the late Michael Jackson isn't saying how many pounds she is still trying to lose. Apparently, the singer initially did not lose weight on the Nutrisystem diet, but she is sticking to the plan now, and signed up with the brand, she says, because "weight is something I’ve dealt with it all my life."

Janet's theme urgers dieters to 'Get On It,' in the “Success” program being introduced tomorrow by Nutrisystem Inc.

But here is another angle to Janet's mission, and we like it:

Nutrisystem and Janet Jackson are creating Nutribank to distribute meals to the hungry, launching with $10 million in company food contributions for 2012. The company has pledged one dollar’s worth of company food for each pound lost by Nutrisystem customers next year.

Pretty incredible!

Let's be frank....weight loss diet programs are HUGE business, and adding another iconic name to the competition is smart thinking, because people DO care what celebrities endorse, and DO admire when a celebrity has to get in shape just like everyone else.

Bravo, Janet Jackson! We look forward to the TV ads.

Jen Aniston Has One: Would You Use A Heated Eyelash Curler?

Eyelash curler.

Maybe you own several, like we do. Some work well, and others do not live up to the promise.

Then there's the cadillac of the group-----the heated eyelash curler.

We don't have one yet, although we are tempted, especially since golden girl Jennifer Aniston uses one. The movie star says in the January issue of InStyle magazine this:

"I hate wearing mascara, so I tint my eyelashes every 3 weeks. I have long lashes, so I just put on a conditioning gel from Talika and curl them up with a little heated curler from Japan."

Okay, we won't go there, regarding Jen's distaste for mascara. We believe that ONLY mascara can give you INCREDIBLE lashes. But having said that, let's investigate further the "little heated curler from Japan."

Japan seems to make a lot of heated eyelash curlers. The actress did not give us a particular brand, but we found one. We read about several, but couldn't hunt them down.

Koizumi Heated Eyelash Curler from Japan ($28.38).

Here's the description:

# Enhance the beauty of your eyes.
# Multi-functional, compact, lightweight and easy to use.
# Create look with curly, long and thick eyelashes.
# Two lines of heating system curl eyelash from the base.
# Anti-damage system on heating area avoids any harm when curling eyelash.

If any of you have any experience with little heated eyelash curlers from Japan, please offer your comments.

Jessica Simpson's New Skin Care Company Hopes To Be Breath Of Fresh Air

Her new venture is a skin care company called BeautyMint.

Jessica Simpson already has a billion dollar empire, selling shoes, accessories, bathing suits, jeans, makeup, and a whole lot more. So don't worry about the star slacking off these days, just because she is pregnant.

Jessica is all over the celebrity map, even creating a tween fashion line with sister Ashley.

BeautyMint is a concept based on personalized skin care. The blonde beauty and celebrity aesthetician Nerida Joy recently launched the new online destination that sells anti-aging skincare.

Remember when a younger Jess was doing the Pro-Activ skin care line to battle her acne days?

She is modeling BeautyMint after that personalized complexion program in some respects.

But BeautyMint doesn't just clear up the pimples. The skin care system also claims to perform these beauty goals:

Anti-aging
Environmental damage control
Defend against effects of time
Sun protection.

The botantical ingredients are also effective and 'high-tech,' in the science of beauty:

Marine collagen
Elastin
Aloe Vera
Chamomile
Cucumber extract
Acai fruit
Mulberry extract
Green tea
Shea butter
Peptides

To learn what BeautyMint products are right for you, there's a free consultation form to fill out online.

Shiny Face Or Matte Face: Are You A Powder Puff Gal?

"Excuse me. I have to go powder my nose."

We've all heard that line before, and maybe you REALLY do powder your nose.

What's the point?

Many makeup artists will set the face with powder as the final step in a beauty routine. The powder helps makeup last longer and takes away shine, and gives a polished, matte finish.

We do the powder, too. We believe it helps the skin look flawless, or as near perfect as one's complexion can be. And we also have uber oily skin, so this is a MUST in our beauty bag.

But there is a powder difference. We aren't wild about the compact powder. We think that application can be a bit telling. In other words, it builds up on your face and the texture of your makeup can look cake-y or heavy.

What you want to buy is loose face powder---one that is colorless and sheer. And we have the favorite of many makeup pros:

Coty Airspun Face Powder in Translucent ($7.19, at local drugstores).

What's so wonderful about Coty's powder?

Celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle sums it all up:

"It goes on incredibly evenly and easily; it's always been one of the best-textured translucent powders on the market," Kristofer Buckle.

Kristopher has powdered the faces of many A-listers-----Mariah. Madonna. Blake Lively. Mary J. Blige, and so on.

Coty Airspun Face Powder in Translucent is a cheap and very effective beauty product.

Don't be left in the dust. Powder is a gal's best friend.

Jennifer Aniston's Secret Beauty Tip Involves 'Fig'

We love when good-looking celebrities start spilling all their beauty secrets. Okay, maybe they won't give out all their tips, but we are happy to see famous beauties drop a few brand names and favorite shades of makeup, etc.

Today, we are looking at Jennifer Aniston, and how 'fig' fits into her beauty routine.

Jennifer has such an appealing girl-next-door look. Nothing over the top---makeup is always fresh and natural. And the actress' smile is soft and attractive. In other words, you won't catch the movie star with bold, red lips. That's not her style.

Jennifer spoke to InStyle magazine recently. In the January 2012 issue, now on newsstands, the youthful actress talked about her looks, and we were surprised to see her mention a favorite cosmetic:

Estee Lauder's Automatic Lip Pencil Duo in Fig ($23.50, at fine dept. stores).

Says the actress: "I've used this Fig lip liner for god knows how many years. You can mix anything with it."

This is how to use the Fig Duo Lip Pencil, according to the folks at Estee Lauder:

Versatile, double-ended pencil with twist-up color on one side, a lip brush on the other.

Color tip is always perfectly shaped—never needs sharpening.

Use the lip brush to apply your lipstick or other lipcolor; creates a defined, professional look.

Comes with an initial color cartridge plus one refill. Additional refills available.

Pencil me in: For longer-lasting lipcolor, fill in entire lip area with pencil, then top it off with your favorite lipstick.

A super, no-nonsense beauty tip from Jennifer Aniston!

Fashion's Charlotte Ronson Also Designs Beach Hair

Textured and tousled hair, with mega-shine.

Who doesn't want that?!

Of course, there are tons of beach and surf-styling sprays out there. Some work well, some fizz out, and others get discontinued. And now that mermaid waves are really hot this season, everyone seems to be looking for the perfect hair product to amp up the waves and gloss.

We've stumbled onto a Perfect Mess Beach Hair by designer Charlotte Ronson ($20, at Sephora. The story goes, that the fashion designer 'designed' her OWN styling spray to keep her long, enviable wavy blond locks beach-y all day long.

If you look at the customer reviews at Sephora.com, you will find that most women adore Charlotte's styling spray. It gets a 3.5 out of 5.0 rating.

So, what makes this surf spray effective? This is how her company describes a Perfect Mess Beach Hair:

"To develop waves and texture, spray it throughout wet or moist hair. Marine botanicals give hair bounce, flexibility, and long-lasting hold. Infused with LFT™ (Light Filter Technology), it delivers an unbeatable beach shine that automatically adjusts based on your lighting. Plus, its light scent is reminiscent of a perfect beach day—taking you back to summer, all year long."

The spray contains some interesting ingredients like---sea salt, jojoba, algea, and green tea extracts.

Gypsy Global Boutique Jewelry: Exotic Faraway Style

Gypsy. Exotic. Bohemian.

Those words say a lot about a woman's style. And when it comes to jewelry, it's a look that's unforgettable.

Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings that evoke a place faraway, hold a wonderful mystery about them.

Maybe it's just us, but we adore exotic jewlery. The detail, color and craftsmanship speak volumes. And today, we are looking at Gypsy Global Boutique.

Celebrities like Lindsay Lohan (check out those gorgeous chandeliers), Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz, the Kardashian sisters, and many others, are drawn to the beauty of the Gypsy Global collection.

Such stunning statement pieces! And although not cheap, Gypsy's jewelry is well-made and a smart investment, since the pieces are timeless and look like they cost much more than a few hundred dollars.

According to the Gypsy website......"The collection is handcrafted in Istanbul by skilled artisans using centuries-old techniques. The painstaking process and attention to detail renders each piece an extraordinary work of art."

Take a long look at the Gypsy Global Boutique collection. We can't take our eyes off the unique pieces.

Popular British Nip+Fab Skin Care Line Arrives at Target

Just last May, we were writing about a popular, new skin care line that British beauties were raving about:

Nip+Tuck.

And now, the skin care collection that had long waiting lists for their SOLD-OUT wrinkle creams in the U.K., has launched the brand right here in the U.S.. And all you have to do is visit your neighborhood Target store.

Plus, Nip+Fab is really fab when it comes to affordability. Prices range from $5 to $19. And the skin care line includes 20 products for the face and body----from cellulite-busting cream to dark circle serum and more.

The most popular Nip+Fab item that British women claim hides wrinkles, is their Nip+Fab Frown Fix, a Botox copy-cat. This is a gel-based, firming topical cream. Read on:

We found this interesting article online at the UK's Daily Mail:

"The cream, which the company says is 'clinically proven' to reduce lines and wrinkles by up to 50 per cent, contains Grant X, a natural alternative to Botox.

While the cream was initially designed as a wrinkle filler - to sit in expression lines and minimise their appearance like a posh Pollyfilla - users found the cream had a cumulative line-reducing effect, with fine lines and wrinkles being significantly reduced over time.

The product is said to work thanks to muscle relaxing properties, collagen synthesis stimulation, and a light-diffusing action that hides and softens wrinkles."

By the way, a tube of Nip+Fab Frown Fix costs 10.25 in British Pounds or $16.67 in US Dollars. Not a bad price.

But an even BETTER price here in the states. We found a tube of Nip+Fab Frown Fix for just $9.95 at Target.

Can you say, another beauty stocking stuffer?

Bella's Breaking Dawn On-Set Beauty Tips

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1 has captivated so many movie-goers with its incredible cinematography and story-line.

Twi-hard fans are also crazy over Bella's beauty and how actress Kristen Stewart comes across on the big screen.

Today, we have a couple of good beauty tips right from Kristen's makeup artist, Stacey Panepinto. And the look is fresh and natural, and something you can add to your makeup routine:

1. Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream ($40, at drhauschka.com). This is an excellent, light moisturizer for those with a dry complexion. If you're looking for organic ingredients, then look no further....Extracts of anthyllis, witch hazel and calendula combine with nurturing oils to deliver soft, healthy skin.

2. Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment, SPF 15 ($25, at fresh.com). Another wonderful beauty product that allows you to look natural and pretty. This tinted treatment glides on to lips like butter, for a very soft, protective base with a hint of sheer color. Nothing heavy or greasy. And yes, sugar is really in this lip tint, for added moisturizing power.

We're not saying you will find yourself next to Edward after putting on the moisturizer and lip treatment, but you will be wearing 2 great brands of skin care that offer natural, healthy formulas.

Tyra Banks Loves $100 Hobo Clutch For Holiday Gift-Giving

Who doesn't want a sleek new handbag for the holidays?!

We know we would like to receive one, especially the gorgeous hobo clutch that model Tyra Banks was showing off this morning on GMA.

The good news----the Lauren Wallet/Clutch by Hobo International is a classic and a smart investment for $100.

And by the way, the lovely model has the hobo clutch on her list:

Tyra Banks' 7 Must-Have Holiday Gifts.
You can see her entire gift-list-- here.

We adore this very feminine, Lauren Hobo/wallet/clutch all-in-one. It's well-made, can go solo as a bag or can be tossed INTO your bag, and has these amazing features:

Secured center panel features ID window, three credit card slots and large zip pocket.
Double frame interiors fully lined in paisley fabric with Hobo signature credit card wall, bill pocket and zip security pocket.
Italian top-grain leather, extra tumbled for a unique ‘broken-in’ look and beautiful shine.
Brushed Nickel Hardware.
8.5W x 5H x 1D.

Plus, the Lauren comes in a pretty rainbow of colors.

Miss Tyra Banks, we give you an A+ on this one.

How To Look As Sexy As Halle Berry---Well, Sort Of

We wish it were that simple to look as sexy as Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry.

But what if we could have a manicure just like Halle Berry? And how about putting on Halle Berry's favorite lipstick shade?

That's about as far as we can get you today, but these are 2 excellent Beauty Tips from Halle that we can all copy. And best of all, if drugstore makeup is good enough for her, then we can all learn a lesson here. Just because a lipstick costs under $10, doesn't mean it isn't a great lipstick. And Revlon, especially, takes pride in its lipsticks---82 shades infused with Liqui-Silk technology.

Of course, Halle Berry only wears Revlon makeup, because she is one of their spokespersons for the iconic brand. But we also think that Revlon has quality cosmetics, and by the way, we wear their ColorStay liquid foundation every day.

Have you seen Halle's newest magazine ad for Revlon?

The 40-something mom of one, has never looked better, so we were curious as to what lipstick and nail shades the stunning actress had on in the advertisement:

Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick 520 Wine with Everything. Halle has commented several times before, that this is her favorite go-to lipstick shade.

Revlon Nail Polish Black Lingerie. A sophisticated, classy manicure.

Beautiful Hair Bling With Holiday Sparkle At Super Low Prices

Hair bling for the holidays.

We can't think of a prettier way to add a little romance and sparkle to the spirit of the season.

It's cheap and just a couple of lovely hair combs or bobby pins can boost your do into the elegance category. Just look at actress Diane Kruger. She loves playing with hair accessories and braids and up-dos to show off her beautiful blonde locks and strong bone structure.

And you don't have to go budget overboard, either. Faux crystals, silver filigree, and rhinestones add lots of sparkle, too, on all kinds of hair texture, length, and style.

These hair bling accessories also make for very nice Christmas gifts, in case you're looking for a few ideas.

We found some here:

DCNL Crystal Flower Mini Combs, at Sally Beauty stores, for $7.99 a pair.

Karina Renaissance Filigree Bobby Pins, Silver, at Amazon.com, for $6.00 a pair.

Just a reminder: When wearing hair bling accessories, keep the rest of your ensemble simple. Don't add a strong piece of jewelry that competes
or clashes with your sparkling do.

Even Angelina Jolie Wearing Butt Pads?! And How's Your Badonkadonk?

Lately, all we hear about and see, are stories regarding ample butts, and how to acquire one. We, at BeautyTipToday, wrote about the butt obsession,too. Just check our November archive and the padded panty article.

Meantime, we are re-visiting the badonkadonk discussion, because Star magazine printed a convincing photo of actress Angelina Jolie at a recent event, dressed to the nines in a sexy, red satin gown wearing a, er, padded panty. Allegedly.

We were shocked. Angelina Jolie is so lovely, that we never thought she would resort to any kind of faux curves. And of course, we cannot prove that she is wearing a foam, padded panty, but according to Star, the 36-year-old Academy Award winner is "flat in the back." And, "She wears butt pads to give her skinny figure some curves, but they show if she wears silk," says an insider. "Some companies don't even want to lend her clothes for events anymore."

Not sure we buy the part about designers not wishing to let the gorgeous brunette wear their gowns on the red carpet. We find that hard to believe.

Let us also say, that if that is a 'panty booster,', well, the woman is still stunning, flat butt or round butt.

And might we add, too, that even A-list celebrities do not have perfect bodies. They might come extremely close, but they, too, have insecurities.

So many women are buying the padded panties, as they see curvy behinds like Jennifer Lopez' and Kim Kardashian's constantly in the spotlight.

By the way, if you desire a more ample rump, you, too, can try a little padding in the caboose. Frederick's of Hollywood has a very popular padded panty called the Booty Booster ($28, at Frederick's. And this one has gotten great reviews.

We are going to go on the record now and state, we would NOT wear a padded panty. Padded bra? We plead guilty...How about you?

Jewelry Trend: Shiny Metal Link Love

It's all about the links, ladies!

It can be bold or just a little soft, but whatever you do, show us some link love the next time you buy a piece of jewelry.

Think links.

Sportswear designer and Project Runway judge, Michael Kors, features the classic links in many of his jewelry collections, including bold link bracelets and rings.

We know, the chunkier the link, the more expensive it is. But you don't have to spend all your money on real gold or silver. We found some eye-catching jewelry that's shiny and pretty, and won't burn a hole in your wallet.

If you're on a budget, we've found a cool website that will buy you some link love at very affordable prices. It's called GirlProps.

Look at the Pewter Chain Hoops we found for just $7.99. These are beauties, measuring at 1 7/8" in diameter. Plus these earrings are made right here in the USA. World News anchor Diane Sawyer would be proud. She's urging every American to buy at least one product made in the USA for Christmas. And there you have it.

GirlProps has a nice Chain Reaction collection of shiny metal links, including chunky gold and silver bracelets and necklaces. Take a look here.

Can someone say, cute stocking stuffers?!

Must Have Beauty Tool: Darn Good Pencil Sharpener

If you have a stash of eye pencils, both slim and jumbo, then you obviously must also possess a pencil sharpener. And we're not talking about the sharpener that fine-tunes your writing skills.

Every gal NEEDS a darn good pencil sharpener. And you DON'T have to spend $50 for one, even though some brands can cost that much.

We like a dual pencil sharpener----one side for your slim eye pencils, and the other for your jumbo eye pencils.

And our advice: Don't keep the same pencil sharpener around forever. Buy a new sharpener at least once a year. These sharpeners dull over time with daily use.

Not every single eye pencil you buy is going to fit into your sharpener, but you can always buy more than one type of sharpener. And just because you purchase a certain brand of sharpener, doesn't mean you have to stick with that same brand of eye pencil. We have found, that MOST eye pencils fit into MOST pencil sharpeners.

Having said all that, we have 2 excellent, inexpensive pencil sharpeners for you to try. We own both:

1. N.Y.C. Dual Pencil Sharpener($.99, at Walmart stores). A sturdy, little sharpener, this beauty tool does deliver precision. Can't beat the price!

2. Milani Duo Sharpener($3.99). This one promises to give your pencils a very sharp point. It has a plastic cover to catch the falling pencil shavings, and even comes with a little cleaning tool. We found one at Cherry Culture.

We suppose there's just so much one can say about something as simple as an eye pencil sharpener. But many of us tend to ignore the beauty tools required to help our makeup do what it's supposed to do. And we think that a darn good pencil sharpener is a must-have in every cosmetics bag.

An eye pencil sharpener makes for a cute stocking stuffer, too. Hint-Hint.

Short Cropped Hair Is Sexy, Too: See Fall/Winter Trends

Beautiful hair doesn't always mean, how long you can grow it. In fact, some of the sexiest styles for the Fall/Winter 2011-2012 trends are the short, cropped dos a number of models were showing off on the runways.

A playful, pixie cut is not easy to wear, but for the gals who can pull this neck-baring style off, it's an amazing look, one that puts your gorgeous features front and center.

Check out the photos here, courtesy of Elle.com. From the top-- a messy crop at Anna Sui, a sexy slick-back at Oscar de la Renta, and a very feminine pixie at Cacharel.

We adore all 3 short-cropped styles! There are so many ways to wear the short do. And you save on styling time, too.

Okay, not every guy is going to dig the boy cut. Actress Michelle Williams says that, men don't like her short hair. She recently told Elle UK: "I've really grown into it - I feel like myself with short hair. And it's been a really long time since I had long hair, five years.

"Of course, the only people who like it are gay men and my girlfriends.

"Straight men across the board are not into this hair."

The actress says she keeps it cropped in memory of her late husband Heath Ledger who liked her in short hair.

"I cut it for the one straight man who has ever liked short hair and I wear it in memorial of somebody who really loved it."

Good for Michelle, and here's to short cropped hair for Fall/Winter2011-2012!

Lady Gaga's Beautiful Complexion Comes From Spinach And *** !

Lady Gaga has a beautiful complexion. At least that's what many people say when they meet the 25-year-old superstar.

A reporter for Elle magazine dared ask the talented singer how she maintains such flawless skin amidst a very hectic career and lifestyle.

And in the November issue, Gaga lays it all out, crediting 'orgasms and spinach' for her smooth complexion.

Okay, Lady Gaga is either a smart-ass or sweetheart giving out a couple of important beauty tips. We don't know what to believe. This might have been a little tongue-in-cheek, but then again, Gaga seems to hold nothing back and lets the public into her private business So, we will take the award-winning songstress at her word.

So, can eating spinach really give you perfect skin?!

There could be a point to Gaga's beauty vegetable. Spinach does contain lots of 'good anti-oxidant stuff' for skin......like lots of iron for energy, and Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, all known for keeping the skin clear and encouraging collagen/elastin production.

Take a look at the chart we found about this luscious, leafy green. Plus, spinach is LOW in calories---41 in a cup.

Do we eat it raw or cooked?

We were surprised by the answer, but, believe it or not, according to WHFoods.com, "Spinach is only one of three vegetables we recommend boiling to free up acids and allow them to leach into the boiling water; this brings out a sweeter taste from the spinach. Discard the boiling water after cooking; do not drink it or use it for stock because of its acid content.".

Read more about this amazing, beauty veggie at WHFoods.

Okay, Lady Gaga, spinach IS great for a beautiful complexion, after having seen that spinach chart above. And as far as orgasms are concerned, well, there is some truth to that, too. Some experts claim that good sex delivers nice skin, because blood circulation is improved, and that means more oxygen to the complexion, giving off a healthy glow.

Need we say more?

Champagne Diet Gets You Skinny For Holidays: Ho Ho Ho!

The Champagne Diet. You CAN drink AND lose weight!

You can either call this a screwball concept, or just pop open a bottle of bubbly and see if the lbs. disappear.

No, the Champagne Diet is not routed in deep scientific theory but it is a plan that helped one young, NYC woman melt away the fat in a tasty, healthy way.

Let's take a closer look.

December 1st arrives this Thursday, and for many, December is the most sociable month of the year. The drinks will be flowing, and what better time to raise a glass of this low-calorie beverage to celebrate and get skinny.

Cara Alwill Leyba, who works for MTV, created the Champagne Diet after struggling with her own weight for a number of years. The 31-year-old writer had been on several well-know diet plans, but none of them kept the lbs. off.

"You name it, I’d done it," Cara says. "Atkins, Weight Watchers, Dukan. I’d been chubby since I was a child and hated it. I constantly felt down about my weight.".

A friend suggested to Cara to have a flute of champagne and diet sensibly, rather than eating on the run and grabbing a glass of wine.

And when you think about it, champagne is a smart choice. There are about 100 calories or less in a glass. And the alcoholic drink is an elegant selection, one that signifies class, glam, and wealth. In other words, a sip of champagne is a self-esteem booster.

Champagne also tastes great with any kind of food. Cara suggests a diet plan that ranges between 1,200 - 1,400 calories per day.

"I encourage 'glamourizing' your meals," she says. "Don’t order the fatty cheeseburger with fries and cola. Instead, get a smoked salmon bagel with a mixed greens salad and a glass of Champagne. Start putting the best into your body."

Learn more about Cara Alwill Leyba at her Champagne Diet website. She has 4,000-plus followers and a wonderfully written blog that explores dieting, weight-loss, and life in general.