The Hills' Lauren Conrad Shares Her Makeup Secrets

You know her as L.C.

MTV's The Hills reality show is a huge hit once again.

And gorgeous-girl-next-door, Lauren Conrad, is ready for another wild and crazy season.

Ever wonder what's in L.C.'s makeup bag? She always look so pretty and polished, never over-done. And she was happy to share her makeup secrets. One word says it all. mark. That's all she wears. Lauren Conrad is a proud spokesperson for teen brand, mark Cosmetics.

"I don't know how I would live without my mark Hook Ups. My favorites are On the Edge Liquid Liner in Cleo, Glow Baby Glow Lip Gloss in Pink Crush and Scanda-Lash Mascara in Blacklash. For someone like me who is always in front of the camera, I love these products because it fits right into my jean pocket and is so easy to pull out for last minute touch-ups. I think the idea of Hook Ups are so cool because you can actually customize products that are most important to you. Trust me there is a Hook Up combination for everyone."

And we believe her. The makeup is very inexpensive and of good quality. mark offers lots of beauty items. Makeup. Skin care. Fragrance. Bath & Body. Hairstyling. And even Fashion. Just look at this---mark Mega Volume Root Lifting Spray with Soothing Geranium ($5, 6 fl.oz.). That's a super cheap price. And the product is very good. Check out the product reviews online and order here: http://www.meetmark.com/.

If you're tired of spending big money on cosmetics that really don't do the job, you should expand your beauty horizon, and discover mark. Women of all ages can find something pretty to wear there. Just because a mascara costs $60, doesn't mean it will work superbly for you. Sometimes cheaper is better.

NARS Has Nice Neutrals For Fall 2008

NARS makeup is naughty and nice. NARS has long been a favorite of models like Naomi Campbell and celebrities like Ashley Olsen and Kim Kardashian.
And NARS' blush called "Orgasm," was launched into cult status, after being mentioned on TV's Sex and the City.

And NARS isn't just for the Hollywood elite. Women around the globe love its wearability, beautiful colors and textures, and trendy new collections.

Just look at what's coming up for autumn:

Nice neutrals for Fall 2008. As the NARS people put it: " Fall's glowing palette combines brilliant neutrals in shimmering tones for a look of intrigue and sophistication."

Nothing too bright or neon for autumn. The 8 product, 10-color fall 2008 line features lovely dusty roses for lips and cheeks, while earthy, warm metallics enhance eyes.
Raven-haired Kim Kardashian is a huge NARS makeup fan. Her absolute favorite, can't-live-without beauty item, is NARS Turkish Delight Lip Gloss.

And blonde, fair-skinned Ashley Olsen likes to wear NARS Chihuahua Lip Gloss.

If you love makeup, and you know you do, NARS keeps the new colors coming. For more information, visit: http://www.narscosmetics.com/.

Or just check out NARS Makeup on Ebay. Lots of great deals there.

Pregorexia Is The Newest Trend For Moms-To-Be

We hadn't even heard of this word, Pregorexia, until a couple of weeks ago. But apparently, it's the newest trend among pregnant women.

What it boils down to is this: a woman who abuses her diet and exercise during pregnancy to gain as little weight as possible. That is a pregorexic.

So where did this all begin? With media images of hot Hollywood moms. Women see slender celebrities, like Nicole Richie and Nicole Kidman showing off their tiny baby bumps or post pregnancy bodies, looking the same sexy way they always have. The post-baby weight seems to melt away on these slender beauties.

Doctors around the world are quite concerned with the new pregorexia trend. The average woman should gain between 25 and 30 lbs. during her pregnancy. Moms of twins should gain 45 lbs. or more.The baby in utero needs nutrition. By limiting food and over-exercising, a pregnant woman is abusing her body. The baby that arrives, faces a higher rate for developing diabetes, heart disease, and other serious disorders.

Dr. Holly Phillips was discussing this alarming new pregnancy trend on The Early Show last week.

"I think we've never before been more kind of obsessed with celebrity culture, and with celebrity pregnancies, as well. It's not unusual to see pictures of these celebrities the day before and the day after birth and they're looking super-humanly fit. They're really incredible. But you also have to remember a lot of these celebrities are just genetically blessed. ... They have the best dieticians, nutritionists, (trainers), etc. They certainly have an advantage."

There shouldn't be body shame when a woman is going through the stages of pregnancy. It is absolutely normal to have weight gain during this time. A big, pregnant belly should be celebrated, not praised for being as tiny as it can.

Red Bull And Booze Can Equal Stroke

Red Bull. It's the drink that 'gives you wings.' And something else, if you're not too careful.

The latest buzz on the high energy drink that has achieved cult status around the world:

Red Bull + Booze = Stroke.

A recent Australian study found that just one can of sugar-free Red Bull alone, can cause the blood to become sticky -- an indicator of cardiovascular problems such as stroke. And when you mix Red Bull with booze, you increase your chances even more.

Lead researcher Scott Willoughby, from Adelaide Hospital, is warning that the drink "could be deadly", for people with heart abnormalities.

While the chance of sudden cardiac death is very low, "it could be more deadly for people who have an unknown cardiovascular abnormality", Dr Willoughby said.

Red Bull is popular among the celebrity set like Britney Spears, Eva Mendes, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Audrina Patridge, Hillary Duff, and Carrie Underwood. It's got a punch of caffeine going for it, at 80 milligrams per 8.4 oz for energy. But the energy drink also racks up the calories if you indulge too often. They pack 110 calories each. Red Bull has a sugar-free version at 10 calories per can.

Maybe you love a Red Bull Cocktail, which is basically mixed with vodka. It's so popular on college campuses, that some 25% of all college students enjoy Red Bull Cocktails, if you believe those statistics.

Why such a huge following? Because when you drink a Red Bull Cocktail, you feel both drunk and wide awake.

We're not trying to be preachy. We have several friends who love the cocktail. We're just trying to make sure you know that latest buzz. Young people are being warned to treat the caffeine drink "with caution," that's all.

How To Get Bright Youthful Eyes With 3 Products

Eyes are so important to the attractiveness of your face. And eyes age quickly, since the skin surrounding them is quite delicate and thin. Wrinkles like to set up house around your eyes, where the loss of collagen and elasticity are common. And when you're tired and over-worked, your eyes will tell the story.

Sure, you should always protect the sensitive eye area by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen and a darn good moisturizer when you are out in the elements. But there are other methods to fool mother nature. And all you need are 3 effective beauty products to create youthful and healthy-looking eyes.

1. Collyre Bleu Eyelights by Verseo ($35, http://www.verseo.com/). This ain't your mama's Visine. These eye drops are used by famous makeup artists to give celebrities and models the brightest and clearest eyes around. Just 2 little drops daily, and instantly, your eyes rebound. Say goodbye to red, tired eyes. Your brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes, and so on, will look that much brighter.You get 10 reclosable plastic vials of Collyre Bleu in a box (1-month supply).

2. Brenda Christian Prima Firm Eye Makeup Base ($35, http://www.bebeautiful.com/ ). What this beauty treatment does so well, is firm up and hydrate the eyelid area. It also balances out your skin tone, while lifting the eyelid area. You don't even have to wear foundation. In moments, you get a mini eyelift. Eyes look amazing and wrinkles are softened.

3. Talika Eyelash Lipocils ($40, ). This brand is known around the world, for giving you back your long, thick eyelashes. What Talika does so beautifully, is enhance natural lash growth. And the company guarantees it. Simple apply this gentle, transparent gel formula once or twice a day along the upper and/or lower lashes. It comes in a mascara tube with a mascara-type wand for application. Within 30 days, you will see longer, lusher lashes. Clinically proven.

There you have it. Clear and brighter eyes. An eye area that is firm, lifted, and hydrated. And longer lashes to frame your beautiful eyes.

Nail Tek Swarovski Crystal Files Create Beautiful Nails

Many of you reading this, get professional manicures. So you're not worried about what kind of nail file is best for shaping and smoothing a great set of fingertips.

But for those of you who like to file your nails and keep them clean, buff, and pretty, all on your own, consider for a moment, the kind of nail file you keep on hand.

If you're like me, any file would do. For a long time, I was using a plain, old emery board. Don't laugh. Some manicurists would tell you that emery boards are more sanitary than a metal file. You can throw away an emery board when you're finished filing. And emery boards can be quite sharp, too. But you can also harm the nail if you are too sloppy filing.

An emery board is actually a thin strip of cardboard coated with powdered emery. But they do have a toughness to them. Baseball players have been caught trying to "scuff" the ball with emery boards. It gives the ball more grip and movement. That, of course, is illegal in baseball. One pitcher, Joe Niekro, was caught with an emery board in his pocket in 1987. He was suspended for 10 games.

Nail files can be made of steel, ceramic, and even, glass. We adore these:

Nail Tek Swarovski Crystal File ($20 each, at fine nail stores).

It's their Limited Edition: with authentic Swarovski Crystals! Really pretty glass file. And comes in its own convenient carrying case.

"Designed specifically for natural nails. It will not shred the nail like an emery board or ordinary file. Special patented surface seals and protects the free edge as you file and shape the nail. Prevents splitting and peeling of the natural nail.-Double-sided abrasive surface never wears out.-Washable, sanitizable and completely sterilizable.-Lifetime replacement guarantee."

We're not knocking emery boards. But if you enjoy grooming your own nails, try a glass nail file. It seals the free edge of the nail. And you can shape and smooth your nails without worrying about snagging, breaking and peeling. You don't have to be a professional manicurist to create a great set of nails.

Jennifer Esposito Credits Her Flat Belly With Zone Balance Board

Tired of doing endless sit-ups and gut-aching crunches? Why not rock your way to a flatter belly! No more lying on your back and contorting yourself into these difficult abdominal exercises.

Rock you way to a flatter belly? Yes. And sexy, slender actress Jennifer Esposito of Samantha Who? is a perfect example. She swears this little skateboard thing truly works!! The Zone Balance Pro Board($150, http://www.vewdo.com/), is a balance board. But there aren't any wheels. Instead, the platform is perched on top of what can best be described as a rolling pin. (By the way, this popular board is temporarily back-ordered).

You simply stand on the board, and rock back and forth. Sounds like a piece of cake, but it isn't that easy. The object is, to stay on the board and not fall off. Believe it or not, you get a good workout because it is challenging your abs, or stomach muscles.

Jennifer says it's "a great way to switch up your tired old routine."

Fitness expert Gabe Valencia agrees that the benefits are there, as long as you keep up with it faithfully.

"If you're consistent, 10 minutes of balance boarding 3 days a week will give you better ab definition than 10 minutes of straight crunching."

Wow! That beats crunching. And it looks like fun, especially if you have ever tired skateboarding or surfing for the first time. And you can rock back and forth on the Zone Balance Pro Board while watching television, listening to music, gabbing on your cell phone. You get the picture. It doesn't require a lot of exercise space, and it's portable.

Jennifer Esposito is in great shape, having been a gymnast and an ice skater. But even this Zone Balance Pro Board is hard for a woman with excellent balance.

"You can do some serious toning. As you improve, concentrate on different areas--using your stomach more or keeping your weight in your heels to work the legs and butt. But don't try this in Prada wedges like I did the first time. Sure, you look stylish, but no one will be checking out your shoes if you have a broken neck."