How To Care For Your Over-processed Over-blown Fried Hair

Dear Drew Barrymore:
Please forgive us for using your photo as an example of over-processed, over-blown, fried hair. Actually, we think you are quite pretty and look very Marilyn Monroe here, at the recent Golden Globes awards show.
Sincerely,
BeautyTipToday

We adore talented actress Drew Barrymore. Her newly blonded hair? Well, a number of stylists were quite critical of the shape her processed locks were in. Some were using words like: straw. fried. damaged. brittle. bird's nest. You get the picture.
We have all suffered from some form of damaged hair. It can come about from bleaching the daylights out of dark hair. Or from perming and then coloring over. From too much blow-drying. From chlorinated pools. Brushing through wet hair over and over again. And so on.

Fried hair. No shine. Dull. So what's a gal to do?

Hair experts always say the best, instant remedy----a cut! Yes, we're talking scissors here. Sometimes you just can't salvage an overly-processed head of hair. You might have to lose a few inches.

And then, to nurse your locks back to good health, you must follow some basic steps. And we learned ours from the King of Color, Louis Licari, the legendary celebrity stylist. We have read a couple of his books, and trust us, he knows hair very well.

Louis Licari recently told Vogue Magazine, that you can manage your over-processed, over-blown, fried hair at home. It all begins with washing your hair. And most of us don't do it right.

"Women use too much shampoo. Wash with conditioner every other time."

Sounds too simple, but Louis is the master.

You can color your hair. But try and stay away from ammonia. Buy gentler products like Clairol's Perfect 10, which will cover grays and be kinder to your roots.

You can blow-dry and/or flat-iron your tresses. But look for ionic styling machines that deliver less damage to hair. And please, do not brush through wet hair. Use a big-toothed comb.

Sensible hair tips from a smart hair guy. Thanks, Louis.

Dr 90210 Making Women Beautiful With New Skin Line

Dr. Robert Rey. You sure are handsome. And you try to make women more beautiful, so we can't find too much wrong with you.

The most popular plastic surgeon on E!'s Dr. 90210 reality television show, has the world of beauty buzzing with his new skin care line for women:

Dr. Robert Rey Sensual Solutions.

"The only skincare approach to ageless, timeless beauty for women who want doctor's office results with no appointment necessary."

Alright. We like the concept behind this skin care line: No needles. No scalpel. No downtime.

But ladies, let us remind you. This is a hot plastic surgeon, known for his minimal scar surgeries, with a practice located in gorgeous Beverly Hills. These aren't cheap beauty treatments from the Harvard Medical School trained Dr. Rey.

The prices are steep, especially if you are pinching pennies like most of us these days. But the Brazilian doctor has put together some very effective skin care products.

Nordstrom's is offering an exclusive starter kit from Dr. Robert Rey's Sensual Solutions line. It's cleverly called---'Let Me Introduce You' Starter Kit ($150, at nordstrom's fine dept. stores).

Before you pooh-pooh the cost, let's take a look at the variety you will be getting:

Set includes Body Liftox™ Anti-Aging Body Lift Cream with AActive6-Exotics™ (1.7 oz.)

Face Up to It™ Gentle Oxygenating Cleanser with AActive6-Exotics™ (1.5 oz.)

Eye Full™ Contouring Wrinkle Filler with AActive6-Exotics™ (0.25 oz.)

From Your Lips™ Instant Lip Plumper with AActive6-Exotics™ (0.03 oz.)

and Inhibitox™ Instant Wrinkle Erase with AActive6-Exotics™ (0.5 oz.).

Curious about the AActive6-Exotics ingredient? According to Dr. Robert Rey, this formulation is in his beauty treatments because of it's strength in fighting wrinkles. This 'exotics complex' is made up of "six potent natural anti-aging ingredients from the Brazilian rain forest."

Come on, we believe Dr. 90210's Robert Rey. He seems so sincere. We are giving his new skin care line the green light!

Hematite From Magma Rock Rejuvenates Mature Skin

You can even find hematite on planet Mars! Go figure.

Not exactly science fiction, but we have to love the beauty technology that develops each passing day.

Maybe you have already read about hematite extract, an iron oxide, and how it can bring back the resiliency and tone to mature skin. Hematite, when extracted properly and formulated into a skin care treatment, is able to slo-wwww down the aging process. There is something in this energy from the earth, that can re-activate pro-collagen synthesis.

Collagen gives our skin suppleness and elasticity. And as we get older, collagen production is on the wane.

Obtaining and then mixing hematite mineral complex into a beauty formula probably isn't easy. That's why you will notice this little gem of a rock is not cheap. But here are 2 fine hematite extract serums for you to try:

1. PurMinerals 'While You Were Out' ($49.50, purminerals.com). A 2-step anti-aging kit that rejuvenates and repairs skin while you are fast asleep. Includes an evening peel and recovery duo. The hematite extract helps firm the skin, and the formula helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.

2. Bieux Skin BioNaturals Regimen Introduction Kit ($115, beauty.com). This 3-piece collection includes a power lift and repair serum. 24-hour treatment moisturizer. advanced eye treatment cream. Again, the emphasis is on tightening and improving the skin. What you get back is a radiant complexion.

Miss Pakistan World Representing New Generation Of Women

Natasha Paracha is both smart and stunning with a good head on her shoulders, as they say.

The 24-year-old raven-haired beauty has been enjoying her reign as Miss Pakistan World 2008.

We got to learn more about the Islamabad-born pageant winner on a recent Good Morning America segment. She is living in New York City and working for the United Nations. And she was gracious to let us interview her about her favorite beauty tips and dreams for her Pakistani countrywomen.

"I work for IREO, which is a renewable energy organization at the United Nations. I hope to continue to promote the use of alternative energies throughout the globe."

Natasha Paracha, is an ambassador for the new generation of Pakistani women.

"Participating in Miss Pakistan World has opened many doors for me. This pageant has provided me with a platform to be an ambassador for my country and represent Pakistan at an international level. I am honored and humbled with my new role."

Life in Pakistan can be quite a challenge for girls growing up with dreams and goals, because of conservative Islamic views. There is still much work to be done for Muslim women to achieve as equal a footing as men. The Miss Pakistan World pageants are actually held in Toronto, Canada. Women like Natasha Paracha and founder of the Miss Pakistan World Beauty Pageant, Sonia Ahmed, are courageous and anxious for opportunities to spread their wings. They are representing the next generation of modern Pakistani women, trying to create a new role for Muslim women in society.

"My family has a long standing history in Pakistan; it is where we have basically spent our childhood. Also, all of my extended family lives in the Lahore or Islamabad. I want young Pakistani women to know that they can succeed in any facet of life that they choose. I don't want to be cliché, but the world is your oyster and our time is now to take advantage of that. "

In the meantime, like many of us, Miss Pakistan World 2008, enjoys wearing makeup and living a healthy lifestyle. Although she has makeup artists for special events, Natasha usually applies her own cosmetics. And let's be honest here, when it comes to lining eyes perfectly, South Asian women have the upper hand.

"I only started wearing make-up recently. If you are in a rush, there are really only two things that one needs: mascara and eyeliner. My go to products are the Dior Black Out Mascara and Mac Eyeliner."

Natasha also adores brightening her lips with these popular brands.
"I am a lip-gloss fanatic. I'm actually in the process of starting my own lip-gloss with a few of my friends. My favorite brands right now would be Nars and Dior Addict."

As far as her crowning glory, that long, shiny dark hair, Miss Pakistan World 2008 doesn't get caught up in the chemical processes of coloring or perming.

"My hair kind of has a mind of its own. During the winters it becomes stick straight and during the summers it's wavy. I try not to use any products in my hair, but if I'm going for a certain look I stick to organic hair products. Coming from a Pakistani background, I think we have some very unique homemade beauty treatments. When I was younger, my mom would put coconut oil and eggs in my hair. It was classic, I have not done that in a while though. I think the secret is just avoiding too many chemicals or products, just keep it simple."


Natasha is proud of her Pakistani roots and her exotic features, and would hope that women everywhere, both young and older, could learn to love how they look. The world is a big place, and there is plenty of room for every set of features.

"I think every woman should feel comfortable in their own skin. And it's wonderful to be unique. Even in Pakistan, we have all kinds of looks: light eyes, dark eyes, blonde hair, brunettes and many unique looks. Since you are a Greek yourself, you must have heard of the Kalash people of Pakistan, who are Greek. So Pakistan is like the melting pot of many looks as we are surrounded by many countries."

In closing, Miss Pakistan World 2008 had this advice for her Pakistani sisters:

"Pakistani women have come a long way and the Miss Pakistan World pageant is a platform for the new generation of Pakistani women to represent themselves. My message to those women would be to take that chance and avail the opportunity. Thank you."

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

Raspberries Possibly Holding Key To Beautiful Skin

As you know by now, we like exploring the world of beauty:

especially when it comes to our skin. Both inside and out.

We have previously researched the benefits and power of red raspberry tea for taming cellulite and slimming one's figure.

We learned this in an interview with world-famous cellulite expert Anushka:

"Raspberry tea. It's wonderful for women in general," Anushka says. "In addition to acting as a diuretic which helps reduce bloating (leading to a slimmer silhouette), it also helps alleviate menstrual discomfort and cramps, reduces heavy bleeding, promotes healthy skin, bones, and teeth. And when combined with peppermint tea, can help with morning sickness."
http://www.beautytiptoday.com/2008/03/anushkas-special-tea-fights-cellulite.html

And now we have dug a little deeper. According to the science out there, raspberries contain lots of Vitamin C, and more importantly, ellagic acid. This acid is a potential cancer fighter, and many people have reported that raspberries have helped them reduce and/or wipe out their skin cancer.

Today, we are looking at one of the more popular raspberry extract gels that claim to support beautiful and healthy skin. It's a 2 oz. jar called Raspex SPF 30 Skin Gel ($24.95, at http://www.smdi.org/).

"Rub this cream on pre-cancerous spots or even skin cancer. No pain. No Scarring. The Raspex Skin Cream contains ellagitannins from Raspberry Extract, is an excellent sun protection lotion having an SPF of 30 and will repair sun burns if applied within 4 hours. Shows excellent results for burns, age spots, moles, warts, rosacea, rashes etc. Boosts the skin's immune system, maintains skin suppleness, reduces wrinkles, promotes healing, reduces scaring and improves fine capillary blood flow."

We haven't tried this little hope-in-a-jar for beautiful skin yet. But the science is intriguing us. Just remember: Do not expect instant results. We all seem to be impatient these days. Give any skin care jar of serum, cream or gel at least 6-8 weeks before tossing the bottle against a wall in frustration.

And if you can get your hands on some fresh raspberries, enjoy them. They are a healthy and delicious fruit.

No Room Left: What Containers Do You Store Your Makeup In?

This is a big problem for us. How about you?

Simply speaking---there is no room left. So, what containers do your store your makeup in?!

No, this is not our supply of Estee Lauder makeup (we wish).

Maybe you have a small apartment in the city, and there is a limited amount of space. Or maybe your husband has little room left on the dresser because of all your beauty stuff. Could it be you are just not organized and you can't always locate your fav MAC makeup?

We have heard horror stories from some of our girlfriends on where they store their beauty products:

under the bed in a box
in makeup bags under the bathroom sink cabinet

in an old cigar box in the drawer

crammed into the one bathroom cabinet

in the car glovebox

here, there, and everywhere

And then there are the lucky gals who have armoires to nicely and neatly store their beauty stuff in. Or beautiful, covered seagrass baskets to tuck away their cosmetics. How about spacious vanity tables. A separate bathroom from him. In a big, walk-in closet with lots of little shelves to organize makeup.

Trying to keep your face and body clean, along with makeup supplies and makeup removers, and skin care treatments, and so on, we are all running out of space!!

We'll be honest. We have some small wicker and rattan baskets we toss our beauty stuff in. And even an old, wooden jewelry box. And in some milk glass bowls. And then try to jam some beauty treatments in the closet inside more wicker containers. In the narrow bathroom closet. Folks, it can be a nightmare.

And now in the the new year, we promise to take inventory of our beauty stuff. We swear we will throw out beautiful things we never use, are past the expiration date, etc. And we are going to find some new containers to store our makeup in.

How about you? For some great container tips, visit: organize.com for tons of containers.

Still Good To Be Gisele Even If Not Engaged To Tom

Is she engaged, or isn't she?