Can A Universal Shade of Makeup Work For Everyone

We all hate trying to guess which shade of blush works with our complexion, or which color of lipstick really looks nice, or if this eyeshadow complements our hazel eyes, etc.

Makeup companies realize the frustration and guesswork that goes in trying to select cosmetics. So some experts try to offer us a simple solution---universal shades of makeup. In other words, one product fits all.

It sounds almost too good to be true, and yet, we easily fall into the trap and buy the makeup, because we are tired of trying to pick the perfect match. And many times, we are disappointed.

Can a universal shade of makeup really work for everyone?

How about a success rate of 97% for all skin tones?!

That's how Cover Girl rates their TruShine Lipcolor collection. The makeup giants at CG, using a special device called a spectrophotometer, measure the visible wavelengths of the skin. And this instrument claims to be able to determine the exact skin color and undertone of hundreds of women. Based on those stats, CG offers a collection of 24 sheer lipstick shades for every 97 out of 100 women.

Oh, really? Hmmm. Let's put Cover Girl's TruShine Lipcolor to the test.

We first saw Bahamian beauty Rihanna wearing TruShine Lipcolor in Powderpink Shine ($6, drugstores). Rihanna claimed it was one of her favorite shades---a soft, pale pink. And it looked so natural on her.

So with CG's 97% match to all skin tones, we thought we'd give it a try.

We ended up looking like a pair of frozen, icy lips--- almost a deathly shade for our Mediterranean light olive skin tone. Nope. The universal shade did not complement our skin tone. We were quite frustrated. We were out 6 bucks. But there is a money back guarantee with Cover Girl's TruShine Lipcolor collection.

Our advice: Take your time and try different shades of makeup. That is really the only method that works by trial and error. Sometimes, you're blowing a few dollars here and there, but when you find the right shades, your face will know it. Don't always trust the makeup companies to do all the work for you, because they are not always right. There is no 'one size fits all' in the beauty world. And thank goodness for that.

How To Keep Jewelry Shiny And New On A Budget

Today, we're talking about jewelry. And if you've been watching the fashion/beauty headlines, then you know that necklaces are in---bold pieces, cascading gems, big stones, etc.

Why wear any jewelry? Simply, because it's pretty. It can make an outfit. And jewelry illuminates your face. A nice pair of pearls can make your skin glow.

But if your jewelry doesn't shine like it used to, try these easy, on a budget recipes to bring back their brilliance. Most households already have these products in their cupboards. And the Jeweler's Association recommends these steps.

Professional jewelers use sonic cleaners to remove dirt and grease from fine jewelry. Sonic cleaners feature vibrations, in combination with water and a jewelry cleanser to nicely battle grime. But not all types of gems and baubles are appropriate for this machine.
Remember this: Jewelry and Chlorine Bleach Spell Disaster!!

Diamonds, especially, do not fare well when coming into contact with bleach. Remove diamond rings and pendants, pearls and platinum, gold and emeralds, and silver, too, before getting into a chlorinated pool or hot tub. Even hand washing clothes with a little bleach can ruin your diamond ring. The chlorine-based products may damage and discolor the mounting. And bleach also can eat away at gold and platinum, as well as erode the finish and polish on many gems.

Cleaning and Storing Diamonds
You have two simple options here. Place your diamonds into rubbing alcohol or a mixture of equal parts ammonia and cold water. Let them soak for a few minutes. Then take a brush with soft bristles, like a baby toothbrush, and gently clean your diamonds. Rinse off. And lay them on a tissue to dry.

You should store your diamonds individually to prevent scratching other diamonds or gold, or softer gems. Don't just throw your gems into a jewelry box and pile them on top of each other. You must take care in keeping fine jewelry sparkling and blemish-free.

Cleaning and Storing Cultured Pearls
Pearls are delicate and precious, and the more you wear them, the better it is for their luster because your natural skin oils are absorbed each time you put them on. Within 24 hours of wearing pearls, take a soft cloth and moisten in a mild soap and water solution and clean each pearl, one by one. Wipe off with a damp, cloth and allow the pearls to air-dry overnight.
Pearls do not belong in plastic bags for storing. Pearls need air to retain their glow. Place them into a chamois bag, wrap in tissue, or even better, a satin-lined box. And remember-perfume, cosmetics, and hairspray before you don your pearls

Cleaning and Storing Gold/Platinum
Gold and platinum are strong and lovely, but can dent while doing housework. And soap can make such metals look dull, so best to remove while showering. A nice way to restore the brilliance of gold or platinum is a quick dunk into some rubbing alcohol. Rinse off and then dry. If you have a little more time, mix a solution of dish-washing liquid in a small bowl of warm water. Soak gold/platinum for about 15 minutes, then gently clean with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with lukewarm water. Then dry and buff your gold or platinum with a soft cloth.

Once again, you want to avoid scratching, so wrap your gold/platinum individually or apart from other pieces

Cleaning and Storing Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is the kind of jewelry that benefits by frequent wearing because it helps prevent tarnishing. If your pieces are tarnished slightly, rinse them in very hot water and pat them dry. Otherwise, a mild soap and warm water solution soaking works nicely to restore shine.

Wrap or store your sterling silver items individually in a closed box or tarnish preventive bag. Silver does not do well in dampness or air.

Cleaning and Storing Colored Gems
For colored beauties like rubies, sapphires, amethysts, and quartz, make a solution of a few drops of mild dish-washing liquid into a warm bowl of water. Soak each piece and clean with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse off and pat dry with a soft cloth. Treat your emeralds the same way. But have emeralds oiled by a jeweler every few years in order to maintain their special luster. And keep colored stones away from saltwater, too, which over time, slowly erodes the finish and polish.

Stored colored gems separately to prevent the chipping of softer items nearby, like gold and pearls.

Ladies: Wearing Red Equals Sexual Attraction

We know you caught wind of a recent study that focused on the power of red. Now, let's figure it out.

The immediate advice was this: If you want to be sexy, try red.

Apparently, many women in Hollywood and those in politics, already understand the effect this hot hue has on the male libido. Helen Mirren knows. As does Kate Beckinsale. Anne Hathaway. And even Alaska Governor Sarah Palin often wore a red jacket to campaign stops for Republican Presidential nominee John McCain. And whenever Barbara Walters hits a Broadway show, she dons a bright red jacket.

So, ladies: Code Red!!!!

What's so powerful about the color red for women??!!

According to a number of experiments on college students, psychologists learned that red has a strong influence on sexual attraction. In other words, the shade acts a 'primal mating signal.' Oh my!

When men were shown photos of women wearing red shirts or photos of women with red backgrounds, men went gaga! And they were even more than happy to spend more $$$$ on the women.

The study shows that the men were not aware of the effect that red had on them, and they did not rate these women as more kind, intelligent, or likable. But somehow or another, the men just knew they were hot for the ladies in hot, sizzling red.

The authors of this experiment also noted "preliminary evidence that a display of red on a man indeed increases his attractiveness to women." However, women did not score other women in red as more attractive.

So, the science here, is that the color signals a man/woman mating thing.

Red is always appropriate for the holidays. Why not add a little, and conduct your own sexy experiment.

Watch Your Weight WithTanita's Body Composition Scale

Hey, now! This is what we call a scale!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, if you're frustrated with your health plans because the diet seems to be on track, but the weight isn't slipping off, then you need a scale with some smart science attached to it.

We've been searching for some super new beauty and health products, and this one looks like the cadillac of all scales:

Tanita (Ironman) BC549 Body Composition Montior ($149.99, http://www.thecompetitiveedge.com/).

You don't have to be an Olympic athlete to use a scale like this beauty.

What we find fascinating about this health/weight gadget, is its intelligent readings.

All you do is step on the scale, and find out how many pounds are actually bone and muscle. Plus, you get readings on other cool things:

Weight
Body Fat %
Body Water %
Muscle Mass
Physique Rating
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Metabolic Age
Bone Mass
Visceral Fat Rating

Exclusive Ironman™ Features:
New transparent electrodes
Automatic scrolling of results
Backlit icons

How technologically advanced is this weighing machine??!! Wow!

You learn where those extra pounds are located and exactly where those calories are being burned.

And here are some other important stats for the Tanita (Ironman) BC549 Body Composition Monitor:

Capacity: 330 lb (150 kg) Weight Increments: 0.2 lb (0.1 kg) Body Fat Increments: 0.1 % Power: 4 x AA batteries (included) 8 mm square glass platform 4 person memory Easy-to-read 2.25" LCD display Recall function: weight, body fat %, body water %, and muscle mass

Let's be honest, this isn't a cheap scale. But it could become a very important motivating tool in your health, weight, and diet plans. This scale truly lets you see what's really going on inside your body.

How Nicole Kidman Tames Her Long Curly Hair

There are lots of pretty girls with curls in Hollywood. Debra Messing. Keri Russell. Andie McDowell. Minnie Driver. And of course, the elegant Aussie, Nicole Kidman.

We think curls are beautiful, but there are women who will tell you, that trying to tame a big mass of curls, and sometimes frizz, is a major undertaking. And don't even mention the humidity. Don't go there.

We did a little digging, and found 2 brands Nicole Kidman uses when she wants to create a sleek hairstyle. But do take note, this major movie star also embraces her curls. She switches up the hairdos often, and even goes from her natural light red hair to a blonde mass of locks.

1. Phyto Hair Care line. "PHYTO is a complete and comprehensive line of hair care products that employs the synergy of plants to treat a variety of hair types and conditions. PHYTO uses the most effective active ingredients available in the botanical world to maintain healthy-looking hair and reveal its natural beauty."

Try the Phytodéfrisant Relaxing Botanical Balm Professional, Size 5.9oz, $32.
You can check out the Phyto hair care line at http://www.beautysak.com/.























2. Bio Ionic Hair Care Products. Kerry Warn, Australia's own celebrity hair stylist (takes care of Nicole Kidman's locks), uses and recommends the Bio Ionic products to his clients.

"These products use the Trinity FX charge to shatter water molecule clusters by up to 10 times their size and keep them apart, allowing the properties to penetrate deep into the hair shaft." You end up with straight, silky, smooth hair.

Visit http://www.kabuki.com/, to see the line of Bio Ionic hair styling items.

Victoria's Bras Have A Nasty Little Secret? Formaldehyde?!

Pictured above is a Victoria's Secret model wearing an Angels Secret Embrace bra.

You can see why the underwear label is extremely popular. Their bras make extremely sexy cleavage.

But VS is in some hot water these days. A possible class action lawsuit could be on their doorstep for the holidays. It seems like their bras are being called 'dangerous.' Is Victoria's hiding a nasty little secret tucked away in the material of their bras?

Remember biology lab class dissecting frogs? Remember the horrible odor of formaldehyde?

That's the chemical that's alleged to have been found in two of their popular bra collections:

Angels Secret Embrace

Very Sexy Extreme Push-Up

And apparently, a number of women have stepped forward to say the bras are causing health problems. Itching. Swelling. Hives. And even rashes that 'lead to scarring.'

A 37-year-old woman, Roberta Ritter, is leading the charge after purchasing two of the bras last January----- a black satin Angels Secret Embrace and a pink satin Very Sexy push-up model -- for $42 apiece from the Victoria's Secret store at the Parmatown Mall in Ohio. Roberta made the talk show circuit with an appearance today on ABC's 'Good Morning America.'

Roberta claims it all began with an itch in her bosom. It continued for several days. The itch turned into a rash. And the rash turned into ugly, red hot welts. Very painful.

"I flipped out," Ritter said. "I knew it had to be the bra. I had perfectly shaped burns where the cups were."

A dermatologist told her the cause was likely formaldehyde. The chemical is often used as a preservative in fabrics to help retain their shapes. Hmmm. We never knew that. Did you?

Victoria's Secret is standing by their sexy cleavage-raising bras and issued this statement:

"We are sorry that a handful of people have had an issue and we want to help them determine the cause. While some people claim that formaldehyde is involved, we want to be clear that we do not use formaldehyde in these products."

Victoria's Secret says it will continue to sell the bras while the lawsuit is pending.

Ladies, until we settle this problem, wear your VS bra at your own risk.

Easy To Use Yoga Toes Develop Fabulous Feet

We know. You're walking around in 4-inch stilettos from sun-up to sun-down. Yes. You look sexy. Your legs are a mile long. Those shoes are so %$!!!**^## beautiful!!! Wow.......until.....you go and take them off.

Your feet are killing you!!!!!!

Maybe your fabulous feet need YogaToes. We have an acquaintance who just told us she wears them after a long day at work, and the little pair of foot things really works.

If you haven't heard by now, YogaToes by YogaPro.com is a patented exercise and therapeutic device that soothes your tired feet ($49.95 a pair, in lots of cute colors to choose from, and engineered to last a lifetime).

You slip your toes through these gel-like pads and walk around in them, after a long day in shoes. The design of YogaToes is a unique one, in that it stretches and separates the toes. In just minutes, your feet feel so relaxed and refreshed.

If you have painful toe conditions like bunions and hammer toe, YogaToes can help bring relief and improve your situation. Just check out the testimonials at www.yogapro.com. Teachers believe in them, runners, stiletto-wearing goddesses, and so on.

YogaToes Can Help:
Exercise your feet to stay healthy & in shape.
Improve & prevent foot problems by stretching & aligning your toes.
Ease the discomfort of Hammertoes, Bunions & Plantar Fasciitis.
Recover from stress, strain & overuse.
Improve foot strength, flexibility & appearance.
Increase circulation, straighten bent toes, & realign joints.
Improve & reduce the aches & pains associated with poor posture.

Just don't wash the YogaToes in the dishwasher. Ew-wwww! That was clearly pointed out at their website.