Jessica Who? Little Sis Ashlee Simpson Emerges With New Chic Style

These days, it seems like all eyes are on very pregnant Jessica Simpson.

But that might have changed in an instant, following Sunday evening's 2012 SAG Awards Show. Jessica's little sister, Ashlee, walked the red carpet with a new man on her arm, Vincent Piazza, but more importantly, with a brand new, chic style.

We have to say, wow! She's the buzz around Hollywood.

For the Simpson sister who always seems to be in Jessica's shadow, this is a great comeback for Ashlee. The newly divorced singer and mom to toddler, Bronx, has emerged from the ashes and nailed one of the Best Dressed + Best Hair awards in our humble opinion.

Ashlee Simpson has always been labeled the edgy Simpson sister with her rock-n-roll fashion vibe, wilder hairstyles and chameleon color dye-jobs. She's been Goth-haired, golden blonde, bright auburn, medium brown, and just about every shade in between.

But on Sunday's SAG red carpet, Ashlee was the epitome of class with a gorgeous, sleek, almost platinum short do. Gone are the over-the-top hair extensions.

Ashlee Simpson told E's Giuliana Rancic that she loves her current hairstyle because it's easy to maintain and it matches little Bronx's hair.

Her makeup was also flawless, both delicate and classic. And look at Ashlee's black, flowing Jenny Packham gown. It had both an old Hollywood, new modern glamour.

Nice job, Ashlee Simpson! Sophistication looks great on you.

Weekly Hydrating Mask---Good Thing This Time Of Year

Moisture.

We all need it, even the oily-skin gals.

This time of year, when the cold winds blow and the temps drop in a big way, you need to arm yourself with a little hydration. Winter and dry air rob the skin of much-needed moisture.

But there is a smart way to battle back. And all it requires is some 15 minutes a week, when you can sit/lie down and put on a hydrating mask. Yep, just a few minutes, once a week, and your glowing complexion will thank you for it.

Plus, it's a cheap investment. For less than $5 a tube, you can pick up a great mask at the drugstore.

Queen Helene's new Olive Oil Masque.

Okay, so it isn't the super expensive La Mer Hydrating Masque, but this one does a GOOD job. And if your skin is very thirsty for some nourishment, applying this mask is a great way to infuse hydration deep into your pores.

Queen Helene's Olive Oil Masque is so nice and creamy, it just bathes your skin in olive oil, along with soothing chamomile and sage extracts help calm and restore softness, while the mask plumps skin to deliver suppleness and elasticity.

You deserve a beauty break, and your complexion could use a little more TLC on these cold, bitter days ahead. Try a soothing hydrating mask. You will feel and see a difference.

A Perfect Foundation Match? J.Lo Wears L'Oreal W6

We don't believe there is a PERFECT foundation match out there.

We don't care if it's liquid, powder, cream, airbrush, or any kind of other foundation mixture. You can come very close to matching your makeup to your complexion, but absolute perfection? We don't think it exists.

So, why wear foundation?

It's simple. Foundation is the building block to your makeup routine. Blush, concealer, eye shadow, etc., all look more polished with a base underneath it all. Plus, foundation, evens out your skin tone and adds a subtle warmth to your face and hides minor imperfections.

We can't help you match your foundation to your complexion. It's very hard to do. You can test a shade by applying some to your neck first, to see how the color blends in or doesn't blend in next to your face. We can't even get it totally right, so you are on your own. But, the cosmetics industry has come a long way, and foundations are on the forefront for finding your perfect match.

We just noticed Jennifer Lopez in a new, glossy magazine ad for L'Oreal's True Match superblendable foundation. And it states:

The Story Behind My Skin:
100% Puerto Rican
Jennifer Lopez, 100% True Mtach W6Sun Beige.

L'Oreal's True Match foundation claims that after 7 years of research and working with 57 ethnic backgrounds, they've developed 33 foundation shades, including---your perfect match.

Also, L'Oreal says you are 100% guaranteed to FIND your perfect match. We found some at drugstore.com for $11.49 a bottle.

We have not tried True Match, but when it goes on sale, again, we will pick up a bottle, and hopefully find our OWN true match.

In the meantime:

The Story Behind My Skin:
100% Greek
J. Tania Stylianos, Revlon ColorStay Soft Flex, Nude.

Not that anyone should care.

Not a PERFECT match, but the best we have found so far, for our light olive skin.

Brow Gel: A Little Dab Is Necessary Says Eyebrow Expert

Eyebrows.

If you're a faithful reader of BeautyTipToday, then you've seen a number of articles about brows, and the challenges that go with achieving the perfect, full set.

Since we used to pluck like a mad woman when we were younger, we've been frustrated for years trying to grow out our anemic-looking hairs. And these days, we have had better success by leaving them alone and rubbing in a little Retin-A cream over the brows, which appears to make them grow faster.

Meantime, like many women, we apply a little pencil to fill in any open areas. And today, we are examing clear brow gel, and its importance to a beautiful, polished set of eyebrows.

Nicoleta Barbarasa, a brow technician at the Jose Eber Salon in Beverly Hills, tells People magazine, this:

"I can't live without brow gel. Not only does it keep your brows looking perfectly maintained throughout the day, but it also helps direct hair growth in a flattering direction."

Great beauty brow tip!

And you can find clear brow gel in every neighborhood drug and beauty stores around.

We stumbled onto the Sephora store online and found a super deal on a very good beauty brand. Anastasia Beverly Hills, Clear Brow Gel, a set of 2, at a low price! Regularly, a $42 value, ON SALE now for $30.

We all know that Anastasia is the queen of the perfectly groomed and arched brows, so this is a quality brow gel. And this is what the product can do for you:

"This set of two clear gels for all hair colors help you set, define, and shape your brows all day for a lustrous, natural look. Formulated with conditioning botanicals, this gel keeps unruly brows in their place without any flakiness."

Just a dab will do you, and you're set for the day.

Even Iconic Supermodel Says 'Filler Up' To Injections, Allegedly

She will turn 46 in February. She's the mother-of-2-children. And yeah, she still looks darn good.

We're talking about iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford, the girl with the mole who turned the modeling industry upside-down with her killer curves and unique beauty.

Ever since the new year began, there's been lots of buzz about Cindy and her new face. Many people have observed, that she 'looks different.'

Let's observe. The top photo shows the model 20 years ago, in 1992. And the other photos show Cindy and husband Rande Gerber at a Lakers game about 2 weeks ago. Gorgeous couple!

According to the beauty experts, Cindy's been saying, 'Filler-Up' to injections.

We know the supermodel believes in her own skin care line, Meaningful Beauty, but even the best anti-aging serums and lotions can do just so much to stop the fall of gravity. And as genetically-gifted as Cindy Crawford is, everyone gets older. All faces lose volume and flatten out, and a jawline that was once sharp and contoured, squares off.

So, what did she allegedly do to her face?

"Her cheeks are a lot fuller. She definitely had something injected in her cheeks. Most probably Radiesse or the other option would be Sculptra," California dermatologist, Dr. Ben Behnam told Radaronline.

"They're both designed to give people higher cheekbones. It's very popular in the industry and her cheeks are visibly higher and fuller.".

No. We cannot say for sure if Cindy has resorted to fillers to give her striking features a more youthful buoyancy. But, so what if she has. These days, such injections are used for subtle beauty maintenance.

New York City plastic surgeon, Alan Matarasso told More magazine that a little filler goes a long way:

"The whole key is doing subtle, incremental things that keep up with the aging process rather than going for a homerun."

Not easy to get older, especially when you have to do it in the public eye, and even more difficult, when you are heralded as an iconic supermodel.

Cindy Crawford is a very intelligent woman, and we think she knows where the cosmetic enhancement limit lies. So, to her credit, we think she looks fab.

How To Get A Kardashian, Lopez, Vanderpump Butt--Well, Sort Of

Lately, all we see are butts. And we're not talking small, flat or pancake-looking behinds, either.

Oh, no! It's all about the bigger, curvier, more ample booty. And these days, 3 celebrities are leading the way-----Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Lisa Vanderpump.

Wha-aaa?

Yes, Lisa Vanderpump, one of the Beverly Hills Housewives. And at age 51, the reality TV star puts many of us to shame.

So, here we have 3 beautiful women with 3 great butts in these age ranges:

30's. Kim Kardashian
40's. Jennifer Lopez
50s. Lisa Vanderpump.

There have been tons of rumors that all 3 celebrities have fake butts, or butt implants.

We are not here to judge, and we would like to believe that Kim, Jennifer and Lisa, have amazing behinds because of some amazing genetics.

We also understand, that all 3 women work out to stay in shape, which brings us to this:

We can all 'build' a better butt with some exercise discipline that targets the caboose.

Andie Hecker, a former New York City ballerina-turned Hollywood trainer, has this exercise for a toned booty:

The Butt Blaster
Stand with your torso upright, hands resting on a countertop or chair back. Lift one leg behind you as high as you can, while keeping your hips square to the front, and pulse up 50 times.

Not easy to do, but, er butt, this little exercise will do wonders in no time.

Are you in?

We are!

For more information, visit BalletBodies.

Would You Do The Nicole Richie Retro Ponytail Do?

Everyone's still talking about Nicole Richie's retro ponytail do from Sunday's Golden Globes Awards Show.

You couldn't miss it. As petite and waif-like in stature the celebrity is, her long blonde hair stood out-----cascading downward like a waterfall.

We loved her beauty style even more than her sleek, sparkly beaded silver gown. Nicole emphasized her big, beautiful eyes with bold liner and settled for a beige-y pink muted lip color.

And if anyone can carry off a sultry 60's vibe, it's Nicole. She reminds us a lot of the late actress, Sharon Tate, a blonde, petite beauty with big, doe eyes like Nicole Richie.

So would you 'do' the Nicole Richie retro ponytail do?

Many women would say, yes, but then again, how the heck do you do this do?!

We have the answer from the Suave Professionals. Stylist Jenny Cho has the hair details, courtesy of nrichienews.com:

1. Sleek, smooth styles are all the rage. Nicole Richie worked it, thanks to the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion System. Copycat it quickly: Spray Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo directly at the root, crown and front of hair. Use your dryer to work in excess powder, and brush through to refresh hair before styling.
2. Pull-up and section-off hair around crown, then tease to create volume; set aside.
3. Use a brush to smooth-out the hair on the sides and back. Pull the back section of hair into a ponytail, securing it with an elastic.
4. Take a side section and wrap around the ponytail, securing with a bobby pin. Take the opposite side and also wrap around the pony, securing with a bobby pin. Lastly, take the teased crown section and lightly smooth and brush back over the ponytail.
5. Work a dime-size amount of Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum into the palms of your hands, then delicately smooth ponytail strands and eliminate flyaways.

By the way, Nicole Richie has been named, the new face of Suave Beauty.

Congratulations!

Secret Weapon Used By Celeb Stylists To Make Big Shiny Hair

We are going to buy a bottle of this tonight, and see if we can create a super blow-out. We're talking about Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. It's only $4.49 for a whopping 8.5 oz amount at Walgreens.

We've read about this hair product through People's BeautyWatch and Allure magazine. And we just found out, that Rihanna's stylist, Ursula Stephen, uses this long-lasting drugstore formula before stars hit the red carpet.

Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion is really a triple-threat secret beauty weapon. And here's why:

"I use it as a (1)primer before a blow-out, as a (2)texture enhancer to scrunch and shape waves, and as a (3)setting lotion for roller sets," Ursula explains.

Now, that's what we call a versatile hair product. Plus, the lotion is a big shine-booster. And as we all can see, Rihanna knows how to work a hair-do. She's a true beauty chameleon, never afraid to change it up, again and again. At the moment, she's sporting darker, wild curly locks.

All you do is shampoo first, then massage a bit of Motions lotion through your locks, and then style as you please.

It's not sticky or stiff, and the collagen amino acids product holds hair in place, giving you lots of body and bounce!

Learn more here at Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion.

Get Gorg Like Gwyneth With Her $425 Glam GOOP Cleanse

There's Gwyneth Paltrow at the beach in the Caribbean last year, showing off a tiny blue bikini surrounded by an incredibly toned body.

And this year, the actress and mom-of-two, still looks svelte with a flat tummy. Plus, she's 39-years-old. Now that's pretty amazing.

And apparently, the Oscar winner would also like you to look like her, too, by investing $425 in the GOOP brand colon cleanse. It's a 21-day detox cleanse kit, a method that Gwyneth swears by. She's selling the detox kit from her popular newsletter website Goop.

But heck, it sounds pretty tasty to us---1 low-calorie meal a day, 2 protein shakes, and some vitamins.

Some nutrition experts are pooh-pooh-ing (couldn't resist), the actress' cleanse kit since she is not a doctor or expert in that field. However, Gwyneth really DOES do a 21-day cleanse often.

Three years ago, we learned about Gwyneth's cleanse, developed by her doctor and detox diet specialist, Dr. Alejandro Junger. It is made up of two liquid meals a day with a solid one (no processed foods, dairy, sugar, etc) in between.

But this $425 cleanse the actress is selling under her GOOP brand is a bit different from Dr. Junger's cleanse, although she designed the GOOP cleanse with him. So, you know it is legit.

If you have an extra $425 lying around, and you REALLY need to detox-diet, then by all means, plunk the cash down. But seriously, we think you can make your very own poop cleanse the old-fashioned way, with some healthy foods and beverages.

We're not knocking Gwyneth Paltrow. She is a very disciplined and health-conscious woman. But $425???

Fujifilm Goes Global With Anti-Aging Beauty Line: No Foolin'

Smile, ladies!

Your face can now look younger, thanks to the experts at Japan's Fujifilm photography corporation. Scientists have learned to harvest a special collagen to turn back time, along with an added natural ingredient known as astaxanthin, which is believed to protect the skin from ultraviolet light.

What's even more bizarre, is that Fujifilm developed, so to speak, the Astalift beauty line idea from it's use of collagen in the making of traditional photographic film.

Did you know that collagen is used in photography to stop old photographic images from fading?!

Wow! This is fascinating beauty science! And apparently, the pros at Fujifilm have been studying this stuff for quite a while:

Andrzej Brylak, director of Fujifilm's European beauty and health division, says that, "Collagen only started being used by the cosmetics industry relatively recently.

"It is a key ingredient in film emulsion and we have a very long history of research in this area. Preventing oxidisation from light exposure is also a big issue in protecting film and a similarly big issue in preventing skin damage."

In Japan, the award-winning Astalift skin care line has been around since its debut there in 2007. And the company has recently launched the line in Singapore. So many women are raving about Astalift. Prices begin at $42, and the beauty products include day and night creams, cleanser, eye cream, collagen powder, and more. And now the European market is next to try Astalift. Lucky you!

The sales of Astalift skincare products will start in February, in France, with UK, Germany, and Spain to follow throughout 2012.

We are certain, that the U.S. will also get its chance to try the cutting-edge Astalift line. We will keep you posted! In the meantime, Ebay is selling a few Astalift skin care items here.

New Wrinkle Eraser Hits The Market: Just Like Cousin Botox

Botox.

We all know how popular the cosmetic injectable is. Wrinkles and lines one day. And Poof---gone the next day, with the sting of a needle.

And now, we are welcoming Botox's new cousin----Xeomin to the war on aging.

Xeomin has been called the 'Botox alternative', and it's the new wrinkle eraser for 2012.

So, what's the difference?

Like Botox, Xeomin treats the 11 lines between the eyes, forehead wrinkles, and the crow's feet by the eyes. But unlike Botox, which can develop resistance over time, this new Botox alternative is LESS likely to do so.

This is still wrinkle-erasing by needle. So, OUCH, the minor discomfort is still present. And the prices are still similar at the moment, usually about $500-700 per session, although pricing is expected to fall because of the competition between Allergan, Medicis, and Merz Aesthetics--the maker of Xeomin.

Probably one of the biggest differences between the 2 injectables is this:

Xeomin has a longer shelf-life than Botox and does NOT require refrigeration like Botox. Great for the physician, but not much of a big deal for the customer.

The way we see it, Xeomin is another FDA-approved injectable, just like cousin Botox. It's wonderful to have a choice when it comes to beauty products, treatments and procedures out there.

In the meantime, we will wait and see how the public reacts to this other new wrinkle eraser, and see exactly how this injectable performs.

Softer Skin With Grapeseed Oil: Why Emma Stone Is Right

Beauty Tip Today just featured actress Emma Stone in our Tuesday post about Revlon's new PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation.

And now, the 23-year-old 'It' girl is making beauty headlines once again.

Emma Stone has revealed to Style.com this precious nugget:

"I just use natural grapeseed oil from the grocery store on my face as moisturizer.

"After the shower, I pat it on, and then I’ll use it throughout the day and at night.

"I pretty much smell like grape all the time."

The pretty redhead also uses Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing Serum on her ultra-sensitive skin - which she says, is allergic to everything.

We believe that Emma Stone might be on to something. She DOES have a nice, clear peaches and cream complexion. And okay, most women have very smooth skin at the young age of 23. But there IS something to grapeseed oil, besides it being an inexpensive and natural product for about $3.00.

Let's dig a little deeper.

Grapeseed oil is made by cold-pressing the grape seeds, after they have been used to make wine.

Grapeseed oil, which you can find in your grocery aisle, is a super anti-oxidant. And it is rich in these essential and non-essential fatty acids: linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, a-linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid – all of these are key to healthy skin and a healthy body.

Grapeseed oil is light in texture and easily absorbed by the skin. In other words, it's an oil that WON'T just sit on the top of your complexion.

Emma says the oil keeps her skin pimple-free, and this is why-- It helps fight acne due in part, to its content of polyphenols, which feature anti inflammatory properties, and also because grapeseed oil helps to clear out the pores.

Grapeseed oil doesn't really have a scent, so we're not sure why Emma claims she smells like grape. Just a little humor from the star, we figure.

And we're just saying, we bet that many women will be picking up a bottle of grapeseed oil today. And instead of putting it in the kitchen cupboard, the oil will probably find its way into the bathroom cabinet.

How Trial Size Beauty Products Can Make A World Of Difference

Let's be honest here....When it comes to skin care, taking care of your face and body isn't cheap.

Anti-aging serums and creams can cost a lot. Yes, most of them are formulated with the latest in beauty science technology. But some, unfortunately, are made with big dollar signs in mind, and are probably doing as much for your complexion as the little, inexpensive jar of moisturizer you'll find at the corner drugstore.

So, what's a gal to do?

First, do your beauty homework. Learn what kind of skin you have, its strengths and weaknesses.

Then, you're on your own. Read up on what new and effective products are out there to keep your complexion youthful, glowing and protected. Read our Beauty Tip Today articles here, too. We can learn together.

And after that---look for the trial size beauty products available.

Why?

Samples are the BEST way to try out a skin care product. First, you save major money this way. Second, you are trying a formulation you hope will benefit your complexion. But since each person's skin is unique, what works for Mary Sue might not work for you. And if the trial size cream doesn't suit you, you can just toss away, and not feel guilty about the dollars you would have plunked down for a full size beauty product.

We call this, 'Trial by beauty.'. It's a great way to sample mini size beauty products until you hit the right one for your facial needs. And we like shopping at this website, PlatinumSkinCare.

99% of Platinum Skin Care products are available in trial sizes. You can't beat that. Plus, it is an excellent skin care company that offers beauty from a to z.

And this is how their trial size packaging works:

"You will find that we have a few different packaging options in our trial sizes. Some products need to be bottled, some need to be in jars, but most are fine in our new packets. Packets are more "eco-friendly" and we will try to put most products in them. *No matter what type of packaging the product is a 1/4oz (2 dram) sampling unless otherwise stated as a single-use packet. Generally speaking liquids and serums generally yield 3+ uses, and Creams will give 2-4 uses."

We have sampled some super serums and chemical peels through Platinum Skin Care's trial size offerings.

In addition, the company also gives away trial size freebies! Check this out:

"Whenever you place an order with us you can choose a free trial size product from our drop down menu. You will find this in our shopping cart checkout process. As long as the sample is in stock it will be shipped to you."

If you've ever been afraid or truly hesitant to explore new beauty products, then go the trial size route. You're saving lots of money, and at the same time, finding better ways to protect and rejuvenate your skin.

American Idol Returns Tonight: All Eyes On Jennifer Lopez

If you tune into American Idol this evening, you WILL be watching the prettiest judge---Jennifer Lopez.

The sexy singer demands attention, but then again, Jennifer has quite an amazing presence. And with all that's gone on in her busy life for the past few months, well, most will be curious to see how the mom-of-twins looks, what she's wearing, and what she'll be saying.

The style icon will probably mix in a few pieces from her Jennifer Lopez clothing line from Kohl's. And she will also be featuring the hottest new makeup/hair looks from Revlon, to which she is a spokesperson for.

At age 42, women want to know how the Latin beauty looks so youthful. We've found out a few J.Lo beauty tips:

1. Stay out of the sun! Or if you hit the beach, do so in moderation. Jennifer has learned to fake a fab tan from her makeup artist Scott Barnes.

"Stay out of the sun! He (Scott) really nailed into my head. Bronzer and self-tanners are so worth it. Stay out of the booth, girls! And boys!" Jennifer has said previously.

2. Treat your complexion to a great moisturizer. You have to protect and nourish the skin, and one of the TV star's fave beauty go-to products is this one---Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream, ($42.95, at soap.com). Formulated with rose petals and avocado, this organic cream helps the skin balance its moisture level.

3. Putting on a mask is a good thing. Jennifer is known to be a fond user of this unique age-defyer----placenta collagen masks from Plazan Skin Care Products ($64, at plazancosmetics.com).

Apply the mask onto your face and relax for about 20 minutes. Then remove.

Maybe J.Lo is on to something, because this instant beautifier helps to "reduce wrinkles, relaxes tense and 'fatigued' skin, moisturizes and nourishes skin with low-molecular components and improves complexion."

We're not sure that placenta protein alone, does the trick, but whatever Jenny-from-the-block is doing, she looks incredible, and her fans will be watching closely tonight.

Emma Stone Wears It: New Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation

Foundation.

You either wear it, or you don't. But actually, you SHOULD put some on.

Makeup artists will tell you, that EVERY woman can benefit from a little foundation. It evens out skintone. It hides blemishes and other little problems, protects the skin from the harsh elements--sun, wind, cold, and gives the complexion a healthy glow.

But you also want a foundation to do its job in the lightest way possible. In other words---you don't want to feel it's sitting on top of your skin, and you want it to look as invisible as a makeup can.

This is where Revlon's new PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation comes in. It promises to feel as 'light as air.' and deliver a 'smooth, poreless look.'

Okay, we're in. We will try this one. We love Revlon foundations, and have been a fan of their ColorStay SoftFlex liquid foundation for a number of years now.

But we're intrigued by the PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse ($13.99, at drugstores) because of, well, the mousse. Just press the button gently to release a lightweight air-infused foam mousse that supposedly blends seamlessly. It's got a 'whipped texture' for easy blending.

Who doesn't want an airbrushed face?

23-year-old actress Emma Stone is doing commercials for the new Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse.

We're not 100% sure this new Revlon foundation can do the job, but we like the beauty advancement and beauty science that goes into creating new, better makeup. So, we say, it's worth a BUY.

Golden Globes 2012: Who Were Your Favorites?

We have to say, we really enjoyed the red carpet show for last evening's Golden Globes Awards 2012. And although it seemed that a sea of ivories and nudes ruled the Hollywood runway, there were also jewel-tone pops of color like red, midnight blue, green and yellow.

So, maybe there were a few fashion mishaps as there always are, but for the most part, we thought the ladies looked lovely.

Our 2 Golden Globes favorites:

Jessica Alba in Gucci.

Heidi Klum in Calvin Klein.

Jessica just gave birth to baby daughter #2 just a few months ago, and check out the sexy mama's figure! There she poses in a stunning strapless barely pink or lavender embellished gown.

What's not to love about this number?! Jessica looks very elegant and shapely in Gucci with side-swept bangs and uncomplicated up-do along with minimal makeup featuring soft lipcolor.

Heidi Klum never makes our humble opinion's best-dressed list, but this time, we really liked the simplicity of her nude-hued Calvin Klein gown. Some would say that this is boring style/color, but we would disagree, because once you turn around in the gown, you get a plunging peek-a-boo back.

Heidi Klum sets off the sleeveless simplicity with a gorgeous turquoise statement necklace and jumbo cocktail ring. The cut is a basic look---actually quite minimal in the front, but with a supermodel body like Heidi's, well, you don't have to do much else but just show up on the red carpet.

We think her blonde locks worn down and loose along her shoulders, gives the entire look an effortless chicness.

This just goes to show, that women who have children, like both Heidi and Jessica, CAN get back their super-fit figures and rule the red carpet, again and again.

We can't wait for the Academy Awards, when celebrities will kick up the fashion/glam to a whole new plateau!

A Must-Have In Every Makeup Bag: Undereye Concealer

Being of Mediterranean heritage, we understand the whole dark circle thing. It's just part of our genetics. We have light olive skin, and still, wake up with dark undereyes. Frustrated, but we accept the problem.

According to Susan Van Dyke, a dermatologist from Paradise Valley, Arizona, there is a reason.

People with darker complexions, like those of Mediterranean background, tend to have more prominent dark circles underneath their eyes because they have more pigment, or melanin, in their skin. "Darker people tend to have darker circles," Dr.Van Dyke says.

But let us expand this whole beauty science one step further:

Most women have dark undereye circles. Period. And other culprits that trigger the circles are certain medications, skin under the eyes is thinner causing blood vessels to appear more noticeable, allergies such as pollen,and aging skin with loss of fat pads casts shadows, etc.

So, in other words, undereye concealer is a MUST-HAVE in every gal's makeup bag. And sure, it is difficult to get a perfect match for your unique dark circles BUT---trust us, NOT applying anything UNDER the eyes looks much worse. At least covering up those circles with a little foundation makes a world of difference.

30 Rock star Jane Krakowski can't live without this undereye helper:

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22, at Sephora. The product is special, because it sets your undereye concealer and adds a luminous boost to the . And the Secret Brightening powder comes in 2 shades:

Color #1: for fair to medium skin tones.
Color #2: for medium to tan and darker skin tones.

Cheap Cover Girl Cheekers In Classic Pink A Great Go-To Blush

For 5 bucks or less, depending on where you live, you CAN pick up a cheap, but great blush at the drugstore.

Okay, so the small rectangle container isn't so amazing, nor is the miniscule brush included, BUT----the powder blush in Classic Pink is very nice! Look for # 110.

This shade looks almost bubblegum pink, but don't worry, there is nothing tacky or juvenile about this hue. It is a soft pink color that is buildable and looks pretty up and down the skintone range. We have a light olive complexion, and CG's Classic Pink warms up the cheeks with a healthy glow.

It's a matte pink blush. It isn't buttery soft, but it is a hard-pressed powder and sheer enough, when applied. And it lasts for several hours when you put it on.

We like to say, 'Even though it's drugstore makeup, that doesn't mean it isn't high quality. Sometimes, cheaper is just as good.' And in the case of CoverGirl Cheekers Classic Pink blush, you won't be disappointed.

Marriage May be Over But Katy Perry Launches False Lashes Line With Eyelure

It hasn't been easy for singing superstar Katy Perry to escape prying eyes on the heels of divorce from funnyman Russell Brand.

And if she's been crying, well, her tears will look even prettier, now that she's launching a false lashes line with Eyelure this February.

In just a few weeks, you will be able to walk into an Ulta beauty store nationwide and choose from 4 types of long, sexy Katy Perry faux lashes.

Hey---the Kardashian sisters aren't the only celebrities walking around with fab eye fringe.

The 27-year-old 'Teenage Dream'singer is collaborating with the Eyelure brand.

An Eyelure company press release says: "As a false lash lover herself, Katy (Perry) had a very clear idea of what she wanted to achieve and was involved in every step of the design process. We were keen to create a range of lashes that were a direct extension of her own personal style."

We think this is a great beauty project for Katy Perry to immerse her vivacious self into, as she tries to mend following the sudden breakup of her marriage. She already has created 2 successful fragrances and become a global ambassador for the ghd hair products brand.

No word yet, on how much the Katy Perry eye fringe will cost.

Critics Pan Halle Berry's Bucking The Trend Emerald Engagement Ring

Fact #1. Halle Berry has recently gotten engaged to Olivier Martinez.

Fact #2. The ring is NOT your typical diamond stunner. Instead, it's an emerald AND diamond stunner nestled in a wide gold band.

So, we ask....What's wrong with Halle Berry's engagement ring??

We think it is gorgeous AND different. And yet the critics from far and wide, continue to knock the green gemstone as if it weren't a worthy choice.

Consider this---a high grade emerald in all its vivid green beauty can rival that of a sparkling diamond.

Jewelers say that if you find an emerald that is of top color and top clarity, don't be surprised to learn, that an emerald of that caliber is more expensive per carat than a diamond of the same carat weight.

We've since found out, that in many cultures it is the emerald hue that represents love, spring, rebirth and new beginnings. And don't forget that for 4,000 years and counting, the emerald was first adored by sultans, pharaohs, kings, queens and many rulers of the world.

Look what else we found about emeralds from GreenInGold.com:

"Larger emeralds are rarer than smaller ones and very difficult to find in mines. On average, they have to remove 5 tons of dirt to find an emerald over 1 carat in gem quality. That is why a 3 carat emerald will cost more than three emeralds of 1 carat each of the same quality.

"When you work with colored stones the really important part is the COLOR more than the size. Put two emeralds together, one in 1 carat and other in 2 carats. If the smaller one has better tone and saturation than the larger one, I can guarantee, your eyes will go directly to that one. Your attention and your admiration will be focused on the smaller one."

Congratulations, Halle Berry. We'd take an emerald engagement ring in a heartbeat!

Bethenny Frankel Skinnygirl New Face/Body Line: Good Or Go Away?

You've heard the saying, 'Strike while the iron is hot.'

Well, reality star Bethenny Frankel sure knows how to do that, and then some!

The TV star has expanded her Skinnygirl brand even more, by debuting a collection of natural, raw ingredients for the face and body. Oh yeah....Skinnygirl skin care.

But, we are starting to wonder.....Is the Bethenny Frankel image and skinnygirl trademark a bit too much? Has the savvy businesswoman and mom of one, gone into the over-exposure range?

Is one more Skinnygirl product good? Or is it time to 'go away?'

Some folks are sick and tired of seeing the Kardashian family peddling their clothing, jewelry, fragrances, books, skin care products, and so on, ad nauseum. The photogenic sisters appear on magazine cover after magazine cover. And yes, you could say that Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, and mom Kris have 'jumped the shark,' so to speak. But the K-sisters aren't backing down now, and they keeping going to the bank.

Let's be honest, the Skinnygirl name and concept is a brilliant one, conceived by the self-made Bethenny millionairess. And she has tons of adoring fans. So, if it's Skinnygirl faux ponytails or Skinnygirl shapewear they want, Bethenny Frankel will design and hawk it.

Her latest venture includes, the Skinnygirl Margarita Bath Kit, just $15 at your neighborhood Walmart. And it is a generous kit, including Skinnygirl shower gel, bath scrub, and body lotion, all in a wonderful sweet-smelling scent.

Now, we can all exfoliate together Skinnygirl-style, and later, put on our Skinnygirl intimates, read our Skinnygirl cookbook, and share a Skinnygirl cocktail or two.

Excuse our sarcasm. We're just having a little fun. Bethenny Frankel is a one-woman dynamo marketing machine. And she isn't about to retire the Skinnygirl brand anytime soon. We have to respect what Bethenny told Women's Wear Daily last summer:

"A $150 eye cream is ridiculous and absurd," she said. "[Promises like] 'you're going to look like Heidi Klum in two days' or 'like you had a face-lift' have always bothered me.

"I don't want people to think in three days they'll have no cellulite. That's not going to happen," she added.

The Skinnygirl Face & Body Solutions line is organized into 4 groups: lip treatments, face products, body potions and gift sets.

New Shampoo Uses Oil To Remove Oily Build-Up: Crazy?

There's a new shampoo in town that actually uses oil to remove oil.

We know, it sounds very 'loco' to us, but the folks at She Uemura surely know what they're doing in the beauty department. So, lets' take a closer look.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Cleansing Oil Shampoo ($55, at SheUemuraArtofHair-Usa.com

The aim is to cleanse and purify the scalp. This high-tech shampoo is formulated with musk rose oil, camellia oil, argan oil, jasmine oil, and black cumin oil.

So, this begs the question:

Does oil remove oil???

Apparently so. We've written previously about facial oil cleansers. And those work effectively. And Shu Uemura has also had a facial oil wash for years now, a cult fave.

Thus, as bizarre as it may appear, Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil Shampoo will get rid of the hair gunk---the nasty build-up of hair product on top of hair product. And it performs in an oil-to-foam manner.

Plus, it's gentle for all hair types.

Rachel Zoe raves about this oil shampoo in her Zoe Report. Read what she says about it here.

We know.....55 bucks for a bottle of shampoo?!

Think of it as a very smart beauty investment.

When Celebs Want Affordable Jewelry, They Shop Here

Even rich and famous celebrities like a good deal. And when it comes to great-looking, affordable jewelry, celebs won't pass it up.


We're talking about RichRocksNYC.com. Model Gisele Bundchen is rockin' a cool, gold bracelet. You can buy the same one for $40 here.

And look at the popular 'Boehmian Style Double Disc Earrings in gold-plated metal ($70). We want a pair of these. Maria Menounos and Lindsay Lohan are just 2 of the celebs who have been spied wearing these pretty 2" x 1" earrings around town.

What's the deal with RichRocks?

We love it because all the jewelry offered by the company is priced at $100 or less.

As Robin Rothfeld, founder of RichRocks believes, women don't have to spend huge amounts of money to look amazing. In the company's 'About Us page', Robin talks about blending RichRocks with fine jewelry:

"In this economy, jewelry doesn’t have to cost a lot to look great. Style is about mixing and matching, taking a risk and feeling confident, which is the vision behind RichRocks."

Nicole Richie Admits She Buys Maybelline Mascara But Can't Apply Makeup

We believe that Nicole Richie has one of the best pairs of celebrity eyes around.

In fact...her big eyes are magnificent!

So we were taken aback, when we read that she's all thumbs when it comes to applying her makeup. She relies on a professional artist to make her public appearances.

Look at what she recently told InStyle magazine:

"I actually don’t know how to put on makeup — at all," Nicole she confesses to InStyle.com. "I have to get it done every time I want to wear makeup. I do not know how to wear it at all. It’s so bad."

"I don’t even own it," she continues. "I only own under-eye concealer, Maybelline mascara, and an eyelash curler."

Okay, first, let's give props to the petite beauty who owns at least 3 beauty items. And the 3 are designed to boost the gorgeous doe eyes she already has.

We have reported before, about Nicole Richie's inability to put on her own makeup well, so we also admire her honesty. And once again, she has mentioned Maybelline mascara as her go-to brand.

This is what she said in an interview to a Japanese publication, ViVi, back in 2009>:


Q: What’s your favourite eye make-up brand? [ViVi model/Laura]

Nicole: For eyeliner, M.A.C’s liquid type, and Maybelline for mascara! The truth is, I’m not very good at make-up and have no idea what I should do with it! All I’m decent at is eyeliner. Whenever I use a professional make-up artist, I always have them stick false lashes on me, but I could never do it myself [laughs]! So I love mascara! Maybelline is great because it’s inexpensive and easy to use!.

Pretty revealing stuff. Nicole Richie is no different from many wealthy celebrities who hire makeup artists for all their public and red carpet events.

We just assumed, that if we had a professional makeup artist paying us a visit several times a month, that we would pick up a few easy tips to help us put our best face forward on our alone time.

Here's something Nicole Richie is really good at doing solo----"I can do my own hair," she explains.

Now, that's where we struggle daily.

DASH Named The Best In 2012...And We Ain't Talking Kardashians

DASH has been named The BEST, for the 2nd year in a row.

And no, we are NOT referring to the KARDASIANS this time around.

We're talking about The BEST diet plan by US News & World Report, which conducted the research for BEST overall diet around.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

And it's a weight loss plan that should appeal to many people, because it features lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. And it's physician-recommended and approved by these prominent organizations:

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (one of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human Services)
The American Heart Association (AHA)
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
US guidelines for treatment of high blood pressure
The 2011 AHA Treatment Guidelines for Women
The Mayo Clinic

The DASH diet appears to be a very well-balanced plan that can be designed around the entire family. Just look at the DASH diet tips we found at their website:


1. Use grocery store salad bars for lots of cut up fresh vegetables.
2. Frozen vegetables make it easy to add 2 or more servings of veggies to your meal.
3. Double up on veggies. A serving is 1/2 cup, so a full cup makes 2 servings.
4. Berry-licious is having fresh berries on your cereal.
5. Nonfat fruit yogurt, artificially sweetened, makes a wonderful snack or quick breakfast.
6. All nuts are heart healthy. Making yours salt-free boosts their DASH benefits.
7. Some convenience foods make your DASH diet great. Look for bagged ready-to-eat cut up veggies, like baby carrots, broccoli sprigs, lettuce, cabbage slaw, broccoli slaw, cauliflower tops, etc.
8. Make your plate colorful. Add 1 - 2 cooked vegetables and a side salad with more than just greens.
9. Make your coffee a latte with 8 ounces of skim milk.
10. Smoothies made with skim milk, fresh fruit, and no added sugar make a fast way to maximize the DASH potential of your diet.

If you have a few pounds to drop and are looking for a solid diet that's big on results in a healthy way, then consider trying the DASH diet plan.

For more information, click DASH.

Do-It-Yourself Cosmetics: A New Way To Make Pretty In 2012

We had heard about this fascinating beauty website before, and then we saw more about DIYCosmetics.com on the Today Show this morning. So, we thought we would do a little research on "Do it yourself cosmetics, a green boutique."

If you know your skin tone, skin type and what colors and beauty products look best on you, then you would really appreciate a site like this one, that shows you how to actually MAKE your OWN cosmetics.

No fooling! You DON'T have to have a degree in beauty chemistry. DIYCosmetics provides all the raw materials, the pigments and fillers, the presses and molds, the pre-made bases, and a whole lot more, including thorough directions.

For instance, you can buy your own DMAE and Vitamin C Ascorbyl Palmitate....2 skin-care items that are featured in high-end products by Dr. Perricone's skin care line. And you can blend them into your personalized beauty serums.

There are also wonderful flavor oils that you can add to your do-it-yourself lipsticks and lip balms.....like Bavarian Creme and Black Raspberry.

And if you're hunting down Vegan products, they've got them, too. Plus, the DIY company also offers cute little powder pots with puffs, pretty compacts, syringes, lipstick/gloss barrels, etc., to put your custom-made makeup inside.

You must check out DIYCosmetics. There's nothing else like it!

Jason Wu Unveils Target Budget Clothing Line In 30 Days

In exactly 30 days, well, 31, to be completely accurate, one of the First Lady's favorite designers will launch his budget fashion collection to Target Dept. stores.

Jason Wu is excited to bring his eye for beautiful clothing to the masses, at much lower prices. The look is French chic.

"My goal was not to duplicate anything from my main collection," explains the Chinese-born designer, who says that inspiration for these "gamine chic" pieces came from French New Wave films and the actress Jean Seberg. "Instead, I designed completely new clothes and accessories that reflect my taste and have a voice of their own."

Take a peek at Jason Wu for Target in the photo. Here we have the Riviera cotton striped A-line dress ($40) and canvas satchel($50).

The Target line looks very feminine, delicate, and sporty, all at once.

We all remember when Michelle Obama dazzled admirers at the Inauguration Ball when she entered the hall in a custom design Jason Wu one-shoulder ivory gown. Many say that she made the designer famous in an instant.

We're wondering if there will be another Missoni for Target dash to the retailer, come February 5th. Remember how crazy that was? There wasn't a piece of Missoni in stock after that launch. Not sure if the Jason Wu for Target collection will attract such huge throngs of designer-crazy shoppers. Then again, Michelle Obama adores Jason Wu fashion, and whatever the elegant First Lady puts on, people take notice.

Stay tuned!

Love It Or Hate It: Cameron Diaz Gets New Ellen Barkin Bob For 2012

Is Cameron Diaz' sassy new bob part of her next movie role? Or is the actress just sporting a new look for the new year?

Either way, we think the 39-year-old beauty looks great, and even resembles actress Ellen Barkin, whose signature do is a sexy bob cut.

Cameron was photographed in Hawaii recently, frolicking on the beach with friends and showing off a super-toned bikini body. The new haircut is also a lot blonder than we've seen on her before.

It hasn't been an easy week for Cameron Diaz. Her ex-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez has gone public with his new gal-pal, WWE cutie Torrie Wilson, and her other ex-ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, has supposedly, just proposed to longtime squeeze, Jessica Biel.

A bob cut is a classic hairstyle with a playful edge, and we think it suits Cameron nicely. It's a look that NEVER goes out-of-style. Remember when Jennifer Aniston chopped off her blonde locks into a long bob last year? She even lightened up her blonde shade, too, with the new cut.

Whatever the case, Cameron's hair looks healthy, full and chic.

We know that most people equate long hair with sexiness, but that isn't always true. A sassy,above-the-shoulders bob cut is also very appealing.

Would you follow Cameron Diaz' trend, and go for the bob in 2012?

Taking Care Of Teeth Never Looked So Glam: Try Flossbox

Imagine this:

A dental flossing kit complete with a mirror and 16.5 yds. of floss, and it all fits into a small and skinny as a credit card container?!

Believe it. This is a cool trend for 2012. It's called, Flossbox, and it's a glam new way to keep your smile healthy and fresh. And we love the sheer flatness of this flossing kit. This is a MUST for every makeup bag. And besides, what girl doesn't love a mirror to make sure everything is where it's supposed to be or not to be---like that spinach stuck between your teeth.

And it comes in a variety of gorgeous packaging. Check out the leopard, just $4.99. Plus, you can personalize it at Flossbox.com with a message for fun and inspiration.

Let's be honest....Flossing your teeth can become quite the bore, but we all know that it's a very important step in our daily healthy teeth routine. So, why not make it a bit more exciting. These tiny Flossboxes are ADORABLE and would make for great gifts. And they're avaliable at your neighborhhood drugstore.

For more details, visit Flossbox.

Paper Facial Masks: Asian Beauty Trend To Hit Sephora Stores In 2012

Paper facial masks.

Hmmm. We like to believe that we are up on all the best beauty and skin care science out there, but this one, clearly got away from us.

Paper facial masks are big in Asia, and now that trend is headed our way. Sephora stores will begin launching these single-use facial masks in March.

It reminds us of papier mache, the fun school craft we excelled at, where thin strips of paper are dipped into a flour/water glue paste and applied to a balloon, for example, as the base of the project you are making.

Paper facial masks are much less complicated. These individually-sized facial packets are friendly to the environment---made of bio-degradable ingredients, like cellulose, silk, bamboo fibers, or thin paper.

And just like a clay mask, you put it on and relax for about 20 minutes. After that, just peel the paper mask off. Then toss it away.

Korea is known for its great paper masks. And these instant beauty fixers are cheap over there---some as low as $1.00 each.

We did a little digging online and found a few shopping beauty sites offering paper facial masks, including popular Sasa.com. Some were quite inexpensive---just $2.00!

We also found a popular paper facial mask brand in Vancouver called, MyFaceWorks at Zuneta.com. From rose water to aloe vera, there's a paper facial mask for you, each one infused with effective anti-oxidants to give your complexion a firm lift and healthy glow.

BeautyTipToday will keep a sharp eye out for the Sephora launch this March. We are intrigued by the entire paper mask concept.