Wavy Hair, Bobs, And Ponytails for 2008

Ladies, you really have a choice this spring/summer 2008. Hair is making a statement, and this time, the lengths and textures are all over the place. And if you really crave a platinum head of hair, be brave and go for it!

Backstage at the fashion collections earlier this year, models walked the runways with some of the hottest styles going. And you know how the catwalk rules real life. Sooner or later, you begin to see the trends on the streets of cities and towns all over America.

Let's begin with the very short boy cut. Popular British model Agyness Deyn is rocking the look in a punk way( see left photo). The platinum dye is new for Agyness, but it's really grabbing a lot of attention. Orlando Pita who styled the hair for the Oscar de la Renta show, told In Style magazine this:

"A boyish cut is a good contrast to spring's brightly colored clothing and flowered prints. Short hair is also great for those who want to express a bit of their personality."

If you can't carry off the pixie sweetness of a short hairstyle, that's okay, too. If you have medium to long hair, there are several options. Namely, the loose waves. Wavy, long tresses were bouncing by the runways. Models at the Betsey Johnson show all had the look (see right photo). Long layers can create the effect. Think Jennifer Aniston. That's her trademark these days. And it's a carefree, classic style.

And then we have the bob. Victoria Beckham always has a bob of some length and asymmetry. And maybe you saw Eva Longoria on the red carpet with what appeared to be a wavy bob cut. Surprise, it was carefully coiffed by her stylist and pinned underneath to mimic a bob without losing her real hair length.

Also in vogue at the moment are ponytails. Just about everywhere. The look is young and polished. The straight ponytail is in, and also the curly tail, where the bottom half is coiled up into bouncy curls.

And lastly, the undone bun. It's not your grandmother's severely pulled back bun. This bun is modern and romantic with more loose volume and wave. It looks like it could be pulled apart at any moment. Take out a few strands slightly around the crown.

Still have bangs, and hate to 'part with them,' so to speak? Don't worry. Stylists tell us, fringe is still in. Last time I saw model Heidi Klum at a red carpet event, she had big bangs and long layered hair. Very glam.

Hairspray, mousse, gel, and anti-frizz treatments all help complete the sexy hairstyles for 2008.

Laser Lipo Melts Away Fat Permanently

This isn’t your mama’s traditional liposuction.

It’s a procedure that actually melts away fat. It’s called laser liposuction, laser lipolysis or better yet, ‘SmartLipo.’ It’s been around Europe, Asia, and South America for a few years now, and less than two years ago, the FDA here, gave the SmartLipo machine the thumbs up.

In a ‘People Magazine’ article, it was reported that, "SmartLipo may be as close as humans can come to that fat-melting fantasy."

And for that idea alone, 'SmartLipo' has become a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure these days..

Todd K. Malan, M.D., a board-certified, cosmetic gynecological surgeon at the Innovative Cosmetic Surgery Centers of Arizona, was the first west coast doctor to offer this breakthrough procedure. He has also become a national trainer of the SmartLipo device. (see photo right)

"I routinely perform 15-20 procedures per week," Malan says. "SmartLipo has been very popular in my practice with patients waiting two to three months for a consultation. I have treated patients from 36 states and five countries, and I train 10-20 physicians a month."

SmartLipo is liposuction with hardly any suction. Lasers are used to melt away fat. Traditional liposuction can remove large quantities of fat. However, it can also produce scarring, bruising and bleeding, sometimes lumpy results, and a longer recovery time.

According to Dr. Malan, laser liposuction can melt away any area of unwanted fat. Fat that is stubborn and remains even after constant diet and exercise. And not just bellies, buttocks and thighs.

"It excels at treating hard to reach areas such as ankles and knees. More importantly, SmartLipo also tightens the skin. It is the preferred method for treating fat in and around the neck, face, and arms.," Malan explains.

What’s remarkable about the SmartLipo procedure, is the control the surgeon has in creating a more perfect silhouette. First, there is the permanent removal of the targeted fat areas. Remember, adults do not form new fat cells.

Then, the laser surgery smooths out the skin and tightens it, too, promoting new collagen growth. A big plus. Lastly, a talented SmartLipo surgeon can sculpt the body like never before. And even more comforting, is that most SmartLipo surgeons prefer to use only local anesthesia.

"This is not only safer for the patient, but allows us to have the patient stand up during the procedure to re-evaluate fatty pockets in the normal, upright position, I prefer to use SmartLipo as a body-contouring tool. With body-contouring, our aim is not for weight loss but to provide a more appealing figure. If done correctly, a size 12 could in many cases, expect a three to four size drop."

So how expensive is SmartLipo? A ballpark figure Dr. Malan gave us—$2,000 per area. He says that is a very common amount charged by most SmartLipo surgeons.

To learn more about SmartLipo and Dr. Malan’s cosmetic surgery practice, visit http://www.irisdocs.com/.

Help Me Get Gorgeous In 5 Minutes

Welcome to the 5 minute face. Yes, you can apply makeup within five, tiny minutes and achieve a polished and pretty look. And all you need to have---are 5 beauty items. So stop screaming that you don't have even 5 minutes to waste. Help is on the way.

1. Foundation. Yes, we all need a little, unless your complexion is just about perfect. That means zero undereye circles, zero uneven pigment, zero zits, zero lines and wrinkles, etc. Our makeup legend friend, Sandy Linter, says that we all need some coverage for those reasons. And Sandy says that foundations usually offer some amount of SPF, so you are protecting your skin from the elements when you wear foundation, be it liquid, cream, powder, or mineral.
Try: Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex ($12.99) ColorStay comes in 12 shades and in Normal/Dry or Combination/Oily. Halle Berry is said to be a big fan of ColorStay Makeup. Okay, she is a spokesmodel for Revlon, but I believe her.

2. Eyeshadow. We could all benefit from a little color on the eyes, especially when it's classic and pretty. Go for a neutral shade and apply all over the lid.
Try: Nars Cream Single Eyeshadow in Paper Tiger (Toffee, $21). This is a nice, soft, brown-beige shade and complements most eye colors. A long-lasting cream to powder formula.

3. Mascara. Need we say more? Mascara is probably one of the more important beauty items to always include in your makeup plan on a daily basis. Why? Simply put, mascara opens up the eyes. You don't have to put on 30 coats. Just a couple and you will see the difference that long lashes and wide eyes can make.
Try: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Blaster Mascara ($7.99) This mascara is a great lash-plumper and comes in 4 intensities: Black. Brown. Black Brown. Very Black.

4. Blush. Cheek color. According to Sandy Linter, it's THE most important cosmetic to use every day. "It shows off your bone structure and gives your face depth and warmth." Blush gives you a healthy glow. A sheer bronzer can also give you the same healthy look, but with more of a tan and can be swiped all over---forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Bronzers come in a big variety of hues. But remember to keep it sheer and not too dark.
Try: N.Y.C. New York Color-Color Wheel Mosaic Powder in Pink Cheek Glow ($4.99). These mosaic wheels come in 6 pretty palettes and give brightness to underlying skintone. Each wheel contains 4 shades, but when you apply to your face, the 4 combine into one color hue. An amazing beauty item at a great price.

5. Lipstick/Gloss. The finishing touch. You don't need to waste time lining your lips. And if you can't be bothered with lipstick, a gloss is very quick to apply to your lips. Lip color comes in so many, many colors. You can go neutral, light, or stay in the pink family for a classic look.
Try: Prescriptives Rain Gloss in Watery Melon ( $18.50). A soft, sheer pink coral shade. Light and healthy, not a heavy gloss. Lips look 'dewy,' as the Prescriptives people say.

There, you're gorgeous in 5 minutes!

Carmindy And Sally Hansen Launch New Makeup Line

If you've ever watched 'What Not To Wear,' then you certainly know makeup artist Carmindy Bowyer. Carmindy has always emphasized that women need to highlight their natural beauty, instead of piling on gobs of makeup and/or not wearing cosmetics at all.

Carmindy is proud of the new Natural Beauty line she inspired under the Sally Hansen brand. It just hit store shelves in mid May at CVS and other department stores. And right now at www.Ulta.com, buy one and get the other Natural Beauty item at 50% off. Plus, use the Ulta.com 20% coupon at the website, and you get some super money-saving deals.

The Natural Beauty Makeup by Sally Hansen, is priced from $7.95 to $12.95, and features everything from lipsticks to blushers to eye shadow palettes, and foundations. And the cosmetics are made with skin-friendly ingredients, including mineral, natural extracts, and active botanicals such as--bamboo, soy, papaya, and mango.

Carmindy will be using beauty items from her new makeup line on 'What Not To Wear,' when she performs her magical makeovers. Women always look so healthy and attractive after sitting for a Carmindy makeup session.

Makeup With Elf---Cheap And Gorgeous

Okay, I had not even heard of e.l.f. cosmetics until about a year ago. I guess I just never paid attention to makeup that barely cost a buck. Well, e.l.f. (eyes, lips, and face) is a truly amazing makeup brand. And if you've never checked out e.l.f., then do so now. And be ready to save a bundle on makeup. Cosmetics are so expensive, it's nice when you can get cheap makeup and still look gorgeous.

ELF has come out with some luscious new shades and products. And they sell cheap but strong brushes, too. Imagine....an all-over face brush for just a buck. You can't beat it. Alright, some of their beauty items cost a bit more, but when you can pick up a great mineral foundation for just $5.00 with 4 skin tones to choose from, you're really on a beauty roll.

I'm in love with ELF's Vanilla Coconut Body Butter ($5.00, 7 oz). The aroma is delicious. And the body butter is made with all sorts of soft and smooth ingredients like---sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and coconut milk. And there's an entire vanilla coconut line. A body lotion. A hand cream. A hand soap. And a bath gel. The sizes are generous.

I'm also intrigued by ELF's 3 in 1 Color ($1.00). It's a blusher, an eye shadow, and even a lipstick, all-in-one stick of color. The new shades include---Pink Lemonade. Persimmon. Lilac Petal. And Toasted.

You can find e.l.f cosmetics at Kmart Sears Essentials department stores and the BigKmart department stores. Or you can order online.

Learn all about ELF here: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/.

Why not give ELF a try. Cheap makeup can be a very good thing.

How To Look Pretty In 2 Minutes Flat

Forgive me for picking on lovely actress Jennifer Garner. I've heard such wonderful things about her and Academy Award winning husband Ben Affleck. They enjoy raising their active toddler, Violet, without nannies. They lead a normal life, bringing their daughter to a public park and not being afraid to get their hands dirty in raising a little one. They seem like such a real, down-to-earth family, never showing off their Hollywood pedigree.

Now that I've said that.....a little blush or lip tint can make all the difference in the world, Jennifer. When you're past the age of 30, a subtle dab of makeup makes you even prettier. You don't have to look red-carpet-ready, but you should make an effort.

You can look pretty in 2 minutes flat! And all you need are 4 simple beauty items to get a gorgeous, natural look. Tinted moisturizer. Undereye concealer. Cream blush. Lip tint.

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude ($42.00). In Style Magazine rated this 'Best Tinted Moisturizer for 2008.' Sheer and lightweight with an SPF of 20. Instead of foundation, this is quicker to put on and you get a nice, healthy glowing complexion.

2. Max Factor Erace Concealer in Natural 213 ($5.03). Just a quick dab and you cleverly hide dark circles. Creamy and soft.

3. Maybelline's Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin ($7.09). This little pot of cream blush was voted 'Best Blush for 2007' by Teen Vogue Magazine. Satin-soft and air-whipped. It goes on smoothly and lasts for hours on the apples of your cheeks. Natural color with just a hint of shimmer.

4. Savannah Bee Company Beeswax Lip Tint in Peach ($5.75) Not only heals and protects lips, but also gives just a hint of tint. Brightens your smile. 100% all natural.

The above beauty items come in several shades. This is just an example of how to look pretty in 2 minutes flat.

The Diet For Big, Healthy Hair

Gwyneth Paltrow and Kathy Hilton share something in common. To begin with, they are both very attractive Hollywood women. And yes, both women are blonde. But what's very similar, is the beautiful head of hair they each own. And both credit their luscious locks to a healthy diet of vitamins and supplements.

Do these vitamins for the hair really work? That's been a question that has challenged many skin care professionals. Some say that supplements for the hair work wonders. And others say, the results are less than amazing.

Allow me to put a personal note on the issue. When I was a freshman in college, after having burned my dark hair with 'Sun In' lightener and other chemicals, I decided I wanted my long, healthy hair back. I can't recall the name of the hair vitamins I took, except that the tablets were big, yellow pills. But I took them faithfully each day, and within three months or so, my hair started growing and growing. I no longer take any vitamins for my hair, but after having interviewed Kathy Hilton recently, I might just start them up again.

I had asked Kathy Hilton about her favorite beauty secrets. She was more than gracious to give me several. On that list was Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplements ($50, 120 caplets). Kathy told me "They're great for the hair."

If you look at the ingredients of Vitamins A, B, C, and E, plus Omega 3 and Omega 6, the formula seems like an intelligent combination. Marie Claire Magazine has called Phyto Phytophanere a great diet for the hair.

The Phyto folks claim the supplements take about 4 months to see results. But little by little, hair becomes healthy and lustrous. Nails get stronger. Skin becomes more radiant. Lashes get longer. And the pills help prevent hair loss.

Visit: www.bloomingdales.com for more information on Phyto supplements.

Meantime, Gwyneth Paltrow (mom of two), says that when she first got pregnant, she began taking prenatal vitamins, and then discovered how healthy her hair became. And she still takes the prenatal vitamins today. Gwyneth told Harper's Bazaar in 2006, that the brand she believes in is New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal ($44.95, 90 tablets).

"It doesn't matter if you are pregnant," Gwyneth told the magazine. "I swear to God. I have double-processed blond hair, and it's so long and not damaged. Those vitamins. They are the trick."

A number of women credit their big, beautiful crowning glory to prenatal vitamins. But if you are not pregnant, can these supplements harm you? The only really worry there, is that prenatal vitamins contain a good amount of iron. And too much iron for a woman who is not expecting, can mess up her body. So it's best to check with your doctor if you decide to follow the Gwyneth diet for healthy hair.

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