Diet And Fitness Tips of Olympic Medal Beauty Dara Torres

Wow!!
Need we say more? We couldn't ignore the inspiring story of Dara Torres. She's 41-years-old, and the mother of 2-year-old Tessa Grace.

And Dara Torres just picked up a silver medal in the swimming relay last night. She's got 10 Olympic medals. That's right. Nine medals from 1984, and now this one! And she competes in the 50M freestyle soon. My money's on Dara. In addition, Dara Torres broke a century-old Olympic record last evening, by becoming the oldest swimmer in the Olympic games.

How are Dara's Olympic accomplishments an important beauty tip?

Just take a look at the photo. The body is rock-solid. She's 41, and had a baby. That just goes to show us all, that a super body can be developed at any age, with the perfect amount of dedication, nutrition, and fitness.

Dara is close to 6 ft. tall and weighing in at 149 lbs. And we have Dara Torres' diet and fitness tips.

Dara doesn't count calories, because she says she had an eating disorder in college (bulimia). She told MSN.com, that for breakfast power, she drinks a Living Fuel Shake (berry-flavored) with milk and fruit.

As we get older, our bodies change, when it comes to diet and fitness.

"The biggest change is recovery. I don’t recover as quickly as I used to, so now I try to eat more foods—lean protein in particular—that help me recover quicker."

Dara's favorite meal?

"A mixed green salad, turkey-spinach lasagna, garlic bread and green beans. My favorite cookbook is one I got in college—Where’s Mom Now That I Need Her?"

Dara also cheats, probably not too often, considering the superior shape she is in.

" It’s OK to have bites of food that probably aren’t the best for you because that way you won’t deprive yourself and then want more of that food. I eat what I want, when I want, but I exercise so I can do that."

This Olympic medal winner trains very hard. Gearing up for the summer games, Dara had a head coach, sprint coach, strength coach, two stretchers, two masseuses, a chiropracter, and a nanny for her daughter, all at a cost of $100,000 a year. And we can see by the results and her big silver victory, that the grueling and challenging work has paid off.

"I spend two hours in the pool, five days a week, and I weight train four days a week—two days of lower-body and core and the other two days upper-body and core. I also do resistive stretching three days a week."

Here are Dara Torres' favorite cheat snacks:

1. Root beer float "It has to be made with IBC root beer and Breyers vanilla ice cream."2. Vanilla cream cookies "They're so good I don't even bother taking bites. I just put the whole cookie in my mouth."3. Blocks of milk chocolate from Fresh Market "This is real, no-BS chocolate." 4. Lime Tostitos "They have a kick to them. I love to munch on them before dinner." 5. Fresh-squeezed lemonade "I keep it in my water bottle."

New Beauty Collagen-Enhancing Gadget By Dr. Perricone

We love beauty products. Who doesn't? And we, here at BeautyTipToday.com, also get excited over new beauty gadgets. And boy, do we have a cool, little hand-held beautifier right here.

Skin guru and cosmeceutical giant, Dr. Nicholas V. Perricone, has just introduced a new collagen-enhancing gadget with red and infra-red light. It isn't the cheapest item on the block. But at $335, you could consider this a key beauty investment for your skin.

It's called the PerriconeMD LIGHT Renewal. And Nordstrom stores are offering this little beauty gadget exclusively (also online at http://www.nordstroms.com/).

So, what does the PerriconeMD LIGHT Renewal do?

According to Dr. Perricone, this beauty gadget is really good at rejuvenating your skin and boosting cell regeneration:
Key benefits: Stimulates collagen and elastin. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Imparts radiance.

It's Dr. Perricone's first hand-held at-home light-therapy treatment. And he claims it comes pretty close to in-office procedures. It's convenient in size. It's totally portable. And you can repair your skin in the privacy of your home, office, vacation spot, and so on.

The PerriconeMD LIGHT Renewal is easy to use. Just aim and zap! For best results, use 2 hours a day, spread over4 consecutive days a week. Within 3-7 weeks, you will notice healthier facial skin.

"By using measured doses of red and infra-red light at specified time frames on targeted areas of the face, a renewed appearance of contour, tone, and texture presents itself on the surface, particularly around the eye area where significant studies were established."

The good thing to know, clinical trials have been done on this little Perricone beauty gadget, and at the moment, the statistics look pretty solid. Trials focused on the eye area and the wrinkles present there:

Clinicals:- 84% reported improvement in the appearance of skin tone¹- 83% reported a softening in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles²- 75% reported improvement in the appearance of skin smoothness²- 74% reported visible changes in fine appearance of lines and wrinkles¹- 68% reported improvement in the appearance of skin firmness¹- 84% rated the product very easy to use¹¹Based on 12 week clinical study of periorbital wrinkles²Based on 9 week clinical trials of periorbital wrinkles.

Our List Of The Best Undereye Concealers

Do you have them, and hate them?

According to dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Frederic Brandt, 9 out of 10 us have dark, undereye circles to some degree. But don't blame yourself. Sometimes, your DNA plays a key role in giving you those dark, unattractive shadows. Have any relatives that have the same problem? We bet you do.

Then there's the capillary science. We all have capillaries, or tiny blood vessels. And many of us have leaky capillaries under the eye, which in turn, leave behind those dark blue-black shadows. And because the eye area is made of delicate skin, you see the dark circles more easily.

Even the famous Mayo Clinic has been researching dark, undereye circles. Their advice: Buy over-the-counter beauty products to help diminish the darkness. The clinic suggests applying eye creams that contain vitamin C or K, or alpha hydroxy acid, or kinetin. All these can be beneficial to the thin skin that is found along the eye area.

Meantime, let's get down to business. We all could use some undereye concealer. Don't fool yourself. Even if your skin is near perfect, this is an essential beauty item to use daily.

Important Beauty Tip Today: Always apply concealer AFTER putting foundation on.

And we compiled a list of our Best Undereye Concealers:

1. Stila Illuminating Concealer ($22, http://www.stilacosmetics.com/). This little number comes in a liquid formula, filled in a tube with an applicator brush. It gives sheer coverage but is able to neatly cover up dark circles and discoloration, even blemishes. We love it because it contains mica particles which refelct light to fool the eye.

2. Nars Concealer ($21, http://www.narscosmetics.com/). Nars pakages their concealer in a lipstick-like tube for easy, quick application. The product is nice and creamy, but still lightweight, offering good coverage. Made with nourishing stuff like vitamin E. Long-lasting, and resists creases.

3. Benefit Erase Paste ($26, http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/). Brand new this year, an instantly blendable camoflager. Very creamy consistency. Comes in a little pot with a spatula and step-by-step directions. Great at brightening skin and hiding imperfections, all at once.

4. Prescriptives Camoflage Cream ($17.50, at Macy's, http://www.prescriptives.com/). A weightless, creamy undereye concealer that covers all your little imperfections quite perfectly. Never creases. Comes in 9 shades. Can also be used as an eyeshadow primer.

5. L'Oreal's True Match Super Blendable Concealer ($8.99, at drugstores, http://www.ulta.com/ ). An oil-free concealer with vitamins E and B5 to revitalize delicate undereye skin. The brand new formula also comes in 9 shades. Easy to find the right shade. Great coverage for dark shadows and acne blemishes.

Muscle Milk The Newest Health Craze In A Bar

Okay, this health/beauty tip comes from a very good source. Check this out: Muscle Milk.

Haven't heard of it yet?

If you're into bodybuilding or hitting the gym frequently, then you might have caught the buzz on it. Seems like everyone is chomping on these nutrition bars.

My very good friend, Philip, a serious weightlifter with a handsome physique, brought me one to sample.

And I have to say, it's delicious, well, for a protein bar. Muscle Milk contains 25 grams of Protein in its 2.57 oz. bar (or 73 g). You can pick up these healthy bars at fitness/nutrition stores, and now at Rite-Aid. I ate Vanilla Toffee Crunch. Mine cost $2.79. The bars also come in-- Banana Creme Yogurt and Chocolate Peanut Caramel.

According to CytoSport, which puts out these delicious lactose-free energy bars, there is proven science behind them:

"Muscle Milk Bars are an evolutionary muscle formula for promoting a lean body, lean muscle growth and fast recovery from exercise. Metabolically favorable ingredients stimulate growth and recovery in a similar manner to mother's milk nourishing a baby."

We all know how important protein is to the body, and women especially, do not get enough protein. This bar provides lots of energy, nutrition, and a full, satisfied feeling in the belly. And it's covered in a natural, chocolate coating. Plenty of good crunch, too.

CytoSport says that Muscle Milk Bars make a healthy, nutritious snack any time.

"They are the perfect solution for people who want to feel better and improve their performance while on the go."

How To Get Rid Of Your Funky Ink Tattoos

This stunning tattoo of a tiger belongs to stunning actress and new mother of twins, Angelina Jolie. Rumors say that Angelina has about a dozen tattoos. And she's not alone.

Tattoos can be beautiful works of art. And sometimes, the allure has worn off. In other words, you want to get rid of your funky ink.

But you're afraid of the pain, the time, and the big amount of money you need to rub away or zap away your tattoo.

Many women and men love their tattoos. And getting ink, is still hugely popular in this country. In the 1990s, tattoos were big business, and it appears that our love of ink, isn't fading away anytime soon. These Hollywood celebrities also love their tattoos: Kelly Ripa, Pamela Anderson Lee, Jessica Alba, Gisele Bundchen. Look at former Posh Spice cutie, Victoria Beckham. She sports 5 stars on her lower back. One for each family member. And she has her husband's initials 'DB' onthe underside of her left wrist.

But there might be a time you regret getting that big, ugly tattoo on your right thigh, for instance. Look at Angelina Jolie. Remember that unattractive 'Billy Bob" tattoo she was showing off on her left arm? That has since been lasered off, according to several reports. We're sure that her significant hunk other, Brad Pitt, wouldn't want to be staring at the Billy Bob tat each and every day.

To be honest, most plastic surgeons and dermatologists would advise you to undergo tattoo laser removal. That's the best method in ink removal. Yes, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up into the thousands of dollars, depending on the size and location of the tattoo, the number of visits involved, and so on. The lousy thing, medical insurance will not pay for tattoo removal since it is considered cosmetic in nature. Plus the procedure is a bit uncomfortable. Well, then again, they say that getting a tattoo is uncomfortable, too. (P.S. I don't have any ink).

During laser tattoo removal, the procedure causes the pigment in the ink to fragment, or break into smaller particles that are then removed by the body's immune system.

If you want to avoid a costly surgical procedure, you could try a chemical peel. Such peels are generally used on the face to rejuvenate the skin, and peel away dead, thick layers. The American Academy of Dermatologists suggests that chemical peels can also succesfully remove tats.

And then there is a fading cream for at-home tattoo removal. One of the popular brands is Wrecking Balm (1-800-671-3936). For about $200, you can get a 2-month supply that will slowly fade away your unwanted ink. No burning, and you can sign up for their 'risk-free trial.'

Some folks swear this balm works, but there are others who claim it doesn't live up to the hype.

Do your homework. Ask some friends with ink how they have removed unwanted tatoos. Visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and show them your funky ink. Get their advice. And good luck.

Calvin's Secret Obsession Too Sexy For American TV

The sexy woman in the photo is actress Eva Mendes. This was the tamest image we could post here.

Eva is Calvin Klein's model for his newest fragrance, due out in mid-September. The women's perfume is called, Secret Obsession. It's been described as a 'floral oriental' scent.

Just one, tiny problem......the too steamy commercial has just been banned by American television networks. Coty, Inc. (the fragrance manufacturer) and the Calvin Klein company are fuming, of course.

But then again, everybody's talking about Secret Obssession, lovely Eva Mendes, Calvin Klein, and this too-hot-for television ad. In other words, super publicity. And when the sexy fragrance hits department store counters this fall, Secret Obsession is expected to gracefully rake in more than $120 million globally in just its first year.

The women's fragrance is exotic and sensual.
Top Notes feature: Plum, Rose, and Mace.
Middle Notes include: Egyptian Jasmine, French Orange Flower, and Tuberose.
Base Notes round out with: Burnt Amber, Cashmere Woods, Madagascan Vanilla, and Australian Sandalwood.

Let's not kid ourselves, Calvin Klein is a superstar fashion designer, who also happens to develop beautiful fragrances for men and women. He is a brilliant marketer, and he's been in the business for a long time.

Eva Mendes discusses why she was excited to be part of Klein's Secret Obsession fall ad campaign.

"To me, Calvin Klein has always represented sexiness and a freedom to express yourself," said Mendes. "That was especially important for me, because I felt very awkward during my teen years. When I was approached by Calvin Klein, I thought that it would be so satisfying for me to be part of a campaign where I could show women and girls that it's okay to be different. I remember when the Obsession ads with Kate Moss came out — I thought she was so gorgeous. Kate wasn't a conventional beauty, her teeth weren't perfect and she wasn't blonde; my friends and I could relate to that. If I could provide that encouragement for someone with the Secret Obsession campaign, that would be amazing."

Coty, Inc. realizes the star power of a new Calvin Klein fragrance.

"Obsession put Calvin Klein on the map in 1985 and continues to be an integral piece of the brand portfolio," added Michele Scannavini, president of Coty Prestige. "Over two decades later, we see it come full circle with Secret Obsession. While Obsession epitomized the overt glamour and sexuality of the Eighties, Secret Obsession will become the meaning of what is sexy today — more personal, sophisticated and intoxicating. Eva Mendes is a reflection of how things have changed over the past 20 years."

We're excited to wear this new fragrance, Secret Obsession. We have always loved his other Obsession. We are sure, this scent is going to go the extra distance!

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

Burt's Bees Is More Than Great Lip Balm

When many folks think of Burt's Bees, they are reminded of that wonderful, smooth, beeswax lip balm with the 'peppermint tingle.' But this proud American company is so much more than great lip balm.

Every beauty product Burt's Bees puts out, is natural and earth-friendly. As they say at their website:

"With Burt's Bees, what you see is what you get. To us, the word 'natural' means only one thing. It means 'harvested from nature.' And that is what we are."

We like the sound of that. And this is why we were so excited to sample Burt's Bees new Naturally Ageless skin care line. The bright red pomegranate fruit plays a key role in the creation of these fine 'ageless' beauty treatments. What's so super about pomegranate, you ask?

Pomegranates hold a lot of power in their small fruits. They are full of anti-oxidants, which in turn, battle the free radicals that damage and prematurely age our skin.

Also present in the 'ageless' formula, are more wonderful, natural ingredients to repair our skin:

White Birch Bark. The bark is taken from this tree and used in a purified , powdered extract. This bark treatment increases skin firmness.

Magnolia. This lovely flower has nice anti-inflammatory properties to it, and has the ability to reduce dark undereye circles.

Para Cress. The extract from this plant helps to smooth skin and relax expression lines.

Borage and Evening Primrose Oils. Oils from these flowers are full of Gamma Linolenic Acid. This essential fatty acid helps improve skin firmness and fight skin's aging effects.

Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Collection includes:

Line Diminishing Day Lotion ($24.99, 2 oz.)

Firming Nite Creme ($24.99, 2 oz.)

Line Smoothing Eye Creme ($24.99, 0.5 oz.)

Intensive Repairing Serum ($24.99, 0.5 oz.)

The great thing about Burt's Bees, you can find them at your favorite stores...Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Whole Foods.

And there's a lovely scented hair care selection, too:

Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo and Conditioner (7.99, 12 fl. oz.).

We love this entire Naturally Ageless skin care line. The beauty treatments are natural and feel so good being massaged into the skin. Our skin took on a healthy glow. We especially adore the Intensive Repairing Serum. That little number really smoothed our skin and seemed to soften our fine lines.