ck Calvin Klein Sees Purple Plum in Fall 2008 Makeup

We've seen it everywhere, purple reigns supreme! From the clothing on the runways to the makeup on the models, this is the shade to be seen in. And classic designer Calvin Klein wasted no time in putting out his Fall 2008 makeup collection. And everyone's still talking about it.

The beauty palette is quite sensuous, bold, and modern---featuring deep purple shades for eyes and rich, juicy plums for lips.

The makeup was re-created from the runway looks and the luscious purple and plum fabric colors at all the Calvin Klein fashion shows. A rich set of jewel tones.

Check out ck's Purple Variation Eyeshadow Quad ($35, now at http://www.sephora.com/) Gorgeous purple hues to create a soft, but smoky look.

And for lips, try ck's Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick in Plum Berry ($18, now at http://www.sephora.com/).

You can learn more about ck Calvin Klein's makeup collections at Sephora.com.

Elnett Finally Arrives Here In The U.S. And Target Has It!!

Okay, are you a hairspray freak like us?

There are hairsprays, and then, well, there are hairsprays. You know what we mean. Some spray a gentle mist. Others blast you with a frozen lacquer. And some don't even keep your bangs still.

We've all heard of L'Oreal's Elnett. But we just couldn't get our desperate hands on this phenomenal hairspray. Only the hair gods like Garren could get their fingers on the uber gold can, and just in meager quantities.

But now, it's 2008, and Elnett has finally arrived here. And Target dept. stores are selling the 11 oz. cans for $14.99. Available in Elnett Stronghold Hairspray or Elnett Extra Stronghold Hairspray.

We saw our friend Nina a couple of weeks ago. Not only did her hair look great, but she smelled nice, too. "What cologne are you wearing," we asked her.

Nina laughed. "It must be the Elnett hairspray I just bought. I love it. And it's now available at Target."

We love the smell of Elnett hairspray. And yet, some women have been complaining about the odor. That it's 'old lady,' or 'too strong.' And others are begging the good folks at L'Oreal, to develop an unscented Elnett.

What's so amazing about Elnett???

It's always been big in Europe, and many British women adore it. Garren, the famous New York City hairstylist claims the hairspray offers "the finest mist." And that Elnett isn't sticky or dull. It gives hair memory and great hold, and you can brush through it, and it always bounces back with volume.

Garren used to hoard the few small cans of Elnett he would get from his European pals, and he would use them on photo shoots.

The only minor thing that has arrived along with this so called phenomenal hairspray to the American market, is a slight altering of the original Elnett formula. See, our U.S. Elnett has a more eco-friendly hydrofluorocarbon propellant. European Elnett is allowed to have higher levels of VOCs or volatile organic compounds.

Too scientific for our minds. All we know, is that L'Oreal's Elnett has finally reached our shores so women everywhere can have big, glossy, movable hair. And we can now find it in department stores like Target.

How To Wash Away Wrinkles With The Right Cleanser

You've been told to remove all dirt and grime when you wash your face.

You've tried the soaps, the scrubs, the creams, and the list goes on.

But are you really effectively cleaning your face? Are you getting rid of the clogging layers that can build up over time? Are you cleansing but stripping your natural oil content?

Dermatologists say that if you use the right cleanser, you will not only wash away all the dirt and grime, but you will be washing away wrinkles and brown spots, too. Alright, maybe we are exaggerating a bit, but honestly, the perfect cleanser can minimize the lines and spots we have developed over the years.

So before you take another wash and splash to your face, let's look at 2 powerful ingredients that work to rejuvenate your skin:

1. Glycolic acid
2. Lactic Acid

Glycolic acid is a wonderful anti-aging product to add to a cleanser. Dermatologists will tell you that it helps to zap dead skin cells. And glycolic acid also binds with water to help exfoliate skin. That in turn, minimizes pigmentation and softens wrinkles. Perfect for oily, acne-prone complexions.

But be careful about the strength of the glycolic acid cleanser you are using. Anywhere between 5% and 10% is good. And leave it on the face for at least a minute before rinsing off with water, according to our derm.

If the cleanser is too high in concentration, it can sting your face and irritate. So go slowly and use just a small amount, about the size of a dime, to cleanse face and neck.

Lactic acid is the other excellent choice. It, too, is an exfoliater, but does so in a gentler manner. Lactic acid deep cleans, but also adds nice soothing, moisturizing properties for dry, aging skin. Whatever you apply after a super clean, exfoliated face, will have a much better chance at penetrating. So if copper peptides are your next step, for instance, they will work more effectively.

A concentration of 5% lactic acid is excellent for removing dead skin cells, and also nourishing the skin. The added moisture helps create a 'plumper' skin and protect the outer layer.

Here are 2 great anti-aging cleansers we like from http://www.platinumskincare.com/:

10% Glycolic Acid Cleanser ($15.95, 4.5 oz.)
5% Lactic Acid-Anti-aging Dry Skin Cleanser ($15.95, 4.5 oz.)

Both cleansers last a long time. 'Just a little dab will do ya,' as the saying goes.

We all want beautiful, smooth skin. The right daily cleansers can help us get there.

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.