Why Detox Foot Pads Like Kinoki Are A Bad Idea

One of my New York girlfriends was urging me to research an article on detox foot pads or detox foot patches. You've seen the commercials on television for these adhesive foot pads by Kinoki. You place them on the soles of your feet at night. And when you arise next morning, the pads have turned brown. Yuck. Those are the actual toxins being eliminated from your body. So they say.

We finally got around to examining this popular item, and whether it's just bunk, or a true cleansing experience that benefits the body.

My friend is so concerned about her cute, little, perfect feet. In college, she was always bragging about her straight toes and beautiful arches . She was constantly pedicuring, and sloughing away tiny callouses.

Well, we of the size 9 hooves, ha ha, are happy to report, that detox foot pads appear to be nothing but a waste of money. Yes, we are aware that many people love these foot patches, and claim their migraine headaches disappeared, arthritis pain was relieved, stress evaporated, and energy was gained.

Who's to say the consumer is wrong?

So we dug a bit deeper, and found Dr. Z's Medical Report (http://www.healthtalk.com/). Dr. Ed Zimney went a step further and called the Kinoki foot pads a scam, unsupported by any credible science.

"They make a big deal about how the pads go on clean and white and come off dirty and brown. What else would you expect from applying vinegar-soaked adhesive gauze to the bottom of your feet? It’s bound to pull off dead skin, dirt and debris - but toxins, parasites, cellulite, heavy metals, and the like? No way. I’m sorry, but you can add your comments below if you think I’m closed-minded, unknowledgeable or otherwise deaf to a new miracle cure, but these things are just not coming out of the bottoms of your feet! No I haven’t tried them and no I have no hard data to back up my assertion that they don’t work, but here it is anyway: they don’t work! The skin doesn’t work that way, the lymphatic system doesn’t work that way. The immune system doesn’t work that way. There is just no physiologic mechanism for these types of things to pass through your skin, regardless of what you might apply to it (even “double-distilled bamboo vinegar!)."

We have no proof these detox foot patches/pads don't work. These pads can't hurt you, as far as we know.

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

Long Hair Loves Herbal Essences Split-End Protector

Ooo la la! Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship hair care line has been selling like hotcakes, especially to girls with long hair!

Maybe it's the sweet and sexy scent of red raspberry or framboise rouge.

What we adore about this newer Herbal Essences hair care line, is the Leave-In Split-End Protector
(only $3.99, 6 0z., drugstores). Nothing to rinse out.

You get a soft and shiny velvety shield against split ends. It goes on creamy, and blends into hair lightly. Not heavy or greasy like other leave-in hair treatments. You need just a little to smooth away damaged locks.

And the fragrance is just heavenly.

Team up the Leave-In Split-End Protector with Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship shampoo and conditioner, and pick up shine, bounce, and thicker hair, all in that wonderful red raspberry scent. Long hair gals, especially, will really benefit from this hair line.

Clairol's Herbal Essences has a hair care line for every woman around. They have revamped many of their formulas and perfected each bottle. Kim Kardashian told us in an interview a few months ago, that she, too, loves the Herbal Essences hair care line. And Kim certainly has the long, shiny, raven hair to prove it.

And at $3.99 a bottle, you can't beat it.

"Tout est bien qui finit bien."

No, silly. That means: "Let's stay together to the end."

It actually says that in english and french, on the bottle.

Ellen DeGeneres Is the New Cover Girl....Really!!

Okay, at first, we weren't sure if she were kidding, but it's no joke. Funny gal Ellen DeGeneres is the new Cover Girl. Yes, for makeup. Duh!!!

Come January 2009, Ellen DeGeneres will be featured in Cover Girl Cosmetics ads. Exactly what makeup she will model, no one has the scoop yet. Will it be a new line of lipstick, foundation?

The newly married, award-winning television star, is very excited about her modeling side gig.

And 50-year-old Ellen has already had a cover shoot.

She adds, "It’s a very cool thing I’m honored and the photo shoot was 'easy, breezy, beautiful CoverGirl."

Cover Girl says Ellen is a great match for the well-respected makeup brand.

"Ellen is the quintessential CoverGirl," said Esi Eggleston Bracey, vice president and general manager, Global Cosmetics, for Procter & Gamble Beauty."She is smart, confident, natural, and beautiful from the inside out. Her beauty and down-to-earth personality fit perfectly with what CoverGirl represents."

We hear that the fresh-faced comedienne will work alongside Christie Brinkley, the original Cover Girl. The makeup giant is gearing its cosmetics at an older target group.

We know that some people are not pleased with Ellen DeGeneres achieiving Cover Girl status, because she doesn't wear much makeup and doesn't fit the beautiful model image. However, we think it's wonderful that Cover Girl is trying to reach as many women as it can. Diversity is the key here.

Ellen joins an exclusive club of recent Cover Girl spokespeople like--- Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, and Rihanna.

We like CG's makeup. The brand has been around a long time and consistently puts out a solid bunch of cosmetics. They are fashion-forward, always updating the look, and trying to appeal to real women, rather than just another pretty model-next-door.

Julianne Moore Votes Natural With Burt's Bees

Julianne Moore is a talented actress with striking red hair and a healthy glow. And now Julianne is taking wing with skin care giant Burt's Bees. She's trying to keep it real, or in other words---go natural when it comes to beauty and skin care products.

Julianne is all for toxin-free beauty products. And to keep that emphasis strong, Burt's Bees has hooked up with the National Products Association, and together, have created a Natural Seal. The green-colored leaf seal is placed on products that are at least 95% natural.(seal is pictured above). Look for the Natural Seal on products starting later this year.

The National Products Association has been around since 1936(www.nnfa.org/).

"As the leading voice of the natural products industry, the Natural Products Association's mission is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maintain and improve their health, and for the rights of retailers and suppliers to sell these products."

Julianne Moore just became the first person to 'Vote Natural' on the site, and support the case for toxin-free skin care items (http://www.votefornatural.com/).

Julianne explains her support for going au natural in the beauty department:

“When I had my first child, I became far more aware of the importance of the products we use in and on our bodies, in our homes, and more broadly, that affect our footprint on the environment,” she says. “It’s important to me to raise my children in a healthy environment, while preserving our environment.”

Cast your vote at http://www.votefornatural.com/ and win some super Burt's Bees prizes.

Julianne Moore has taken a stand, and hopes you will join her, too.

"I have been and will continue to make choices in my life and for my family to be as healthy as we can. Today I voted to renew that commitment and pledge to take the best care of my body for my well-being. I encourage each and every one of you to do the same—not just for your skin or for your health, but to improve your and your family’s overall well-being."

StriVectin Proves It's More Than A Stretch Mark Cream

Most women are familiar with StriVectin-SD, the still hugely popular formula for stretch marks and wrinkles. But the folks at Klein-Becker USA, have recently launched more beauty treatments to consistently remain a key player in the anti-aging skin care market around the globe. Not bad for a company quietly based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Klein-Becker USA has created an entire arsenal of anti-aging beauty weapons. They've got you covered nicely from face to neck to decolletage to fingertips, and all those fine lines, in between.

How do the StriVectin people do it? Let's face it, their anti-aging products aren't the cheapest skin care items to buy. For instance, the StriVectin-SD formula for stretch marks and wrinkles costs $135 for a 6-oz tube. And yet, women continue to stock up on the treatment all over the world. Some try to find it for less on Ebay.

Klein Becker USA will tell you they have plenty of clinical trials to support the effectiveness of their anti-aging products, so the real science is there. In addition, StriVectin products are launched across the world by a very savvy group of public relations and marketing executives. And the rest is history.

We've seen women eager to try StriVectin Neck Cream, one of their newer skin care treatments. High-end department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, and many others, are carrying this $90, 1.4 oz. jar.

Hey, who wants a turkey neck?! A combination of botanical extracts from sweet almond, soy, and rye, blended perfectly with functional ingredients derived from pine tree and yeast, can do remarkable things. Instantly tighten and tone the neck skin and decolletage. Increase skin elasticity, firmness, and balance out skin tone.

StriVectin-SD Eye Cream ($59, 1.3 fl. oz) is another favorite in this beauty arsenal, containing the patented pentapeptide that produces amazing results. Reduces crow's feet. Reduces the appearance of dark circles. Restores collagen and smoothes skin in the orbital area.

Two newer Klein Becker items include---StriVectin-WF Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler ($59, .78 oz) and StriVectin Phase 2 Topical AntiOxidant ($109, 3.4 fl.oz). Again, these latest additions are flying off store shelves.

How do you know if your anti-aging treatment is really working? How long does it take? Are you wasting money and time on StriVectin?

Fair questions.

What if we suggested to patiently wait for your beauty treatment to work. At least a few months. That's what the professionals tell us. Beauty treatments take time to work.

Dr. German Todorov, a researcher with a lengthy background in biology and chemistry and keen interest in anti-aging science, has written an article at his website. Here is an excerpt from- What To Do If Nothing Seems To Improve Your Wrinkles:

"Another potential pitfall is a lack of patience. Skin changes do not happen rapidly. Keratinocytes, the cells of the epidermis, the skin's outer layer, are replaced about every four weeks. Changes in the dermis, the deeper layer where wrinkles originate, usually take longer. Even under the best of circumstances (i.e. proven treatment and responsive patient), changes are usually barely noticeable after one month. Most experts feel that 2-3 month is a reasonable trial period for anti-aging/anti-wrinkle products. Keep in mind that slow and gradual changes are hard to notice. Sometimes, a person may think that a product is not working even when it does. Unfortunately, objective measurements of treatment effects are hard to perform without a research lab. Some people resort to split face testing but that may be impractical over a span of 2-3 month. Another alternative is to take before and after photos. However, such photos are useful only if taken in reproducible, well-controlled lighting and camera conditions. This is doable but requires a substantial degree of diligence."(http://www.smartskincare.com/)

For more information on StriVectin skin care products, visit: http://www.strivectin.com/.

How To Get Gorgeous Hair The Terax Way

Terax Hair Care Products have been around for some 25 years now. It's the Italian way of delivering beautiful hair. Yes, Terax hair care products come from Bologna,Italy.

The company enjoys a grand reputation because celebrities and models are devoted to the brand. Your hair becomes the 'mane' event.

If your hair is damaged, and trust us, we all abuse our locks in some manner, at least once in a while, hop on the Terax bandwagon. The products are all free from sulfates, sodium chloride and artificial colors.

The most popular Terax hair care treatment enjoys a cult status:

Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner ($22, 6.7 oz. tube, www.drugstore.com, and several online stores).

How does Terax Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner deliver gorgeous hair?

With smart science and a couple of minutes in the shower. Then rinse out the conditoner, and you get shine, healthy texture, bounce, and beautiful hair.

Here's how the Terax people describe their award-winning moisturizer:

A moisturizing conditioner developed to help repair hair from the inside out. When used daily, Terax Original Crema™ revitalizes all types of hair, including severely damaged and chemically treated, by:

Detangling
Reducing static buildup
Improving elasticity
Calming frizziness

Not tested on animals.

InStyle magazine is always putting Terax Crema on its 'Best List' of hair care products to buy. Who needs another bad hair day, when all you have to do is apply, rinse, and style. Getting gorgerous hair just got easier.

Nivea Visage Products Now Discontinued Here In U.S.

Just an update to yesterday's article on the Nivea Visage Q10 beauty products. Boy, this one took us by surprise!

We were eager to tell you about the Nivea Visage beauty item that has been rocking the U.K.--Nivea Visage Anti-wrinkle Q10 Plus Day Care Cream. All our British beauties were saying such kind words about the dynamo cream. It sells for about $23 U.S. dollars there.

And we were looking all over to find it here in the U.S., but were only being offered a Nivea Visage beauty line excluding the British Q10 Plus product. So we were wondering if the U.S. and U.K. Nivea Visages were the same items with different labeling.

Hmmm. We couldn't get a straight answer. But here's the zinger:

If you were having trouble finding the Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer Cremes in our country, there is a good reason for it. Nivea is discontinuing their Visage line because of poor sales. Here is the email they sent us:

"Thank you for contacting us about Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer Day Creme. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this product, and all NIVEA Visage products, are being discontinued in the U.S. It is a difficult decision to discontinue the production of any product, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We currently do not sell our products directly, but the health & beauty aid website www.drugstore.com may still have inventory. You may also be able to place an order with them by phone, 1-800-378-4786.Please call us at 1-800-227-4703 if you have any other questions or comments. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm EST.We appreciate your interest in Nivea Visage.

Cordially, Sam

Consumer RelationsBeiersdorf Inc."

Sam did not tell us in the body of the email, why the Nivea Visage line was being discontinued here in our states, but we made the 1-800 phone call, and spoke to a woman there, who quite tersely, told us poor sales were the reason for the discontinuation. The Nivea Visage line continues to thrive in Great Britain.

So, how do you get your hands on a jar of Nivea Visage Anti-wrinkle Q10 Plus Day Care Cream??? Good question.

Try http://www.britsuperstore.com/. We saw a bunch of Nivea Visage beauty products being offered. But we didn't see the Q10 Plus Day Care Cream. Instead, we saw the Q10 Plus Night Cream. Still, we are sure they could get it for you. And that one was being offered for only about $17.00, if my math is correct.

Hopefully, one of our beautiful British readers will chime in here for their opinions.

Never a dull moment in the high stakes of the beauty business. As model Heidi Klum likes to say:

"One day you are in, and one day, you are out!" Or something like that.