Makeup A Breeze With Bobbi Brown's New Nautical Collection

We are falling in love with Bobbi Brown's new Summer 2009 Nautical Collection.

We are ready to set sail (excuse the pun) for the warmer days ahead, with a simple and sheer makeup plan.

"I love sheer colors for summer - they're wearable, easy and look good on everyone."- Bobbi Brown

And if you are even a bit shy about putting on makeup, don't be, not with these natural and sheer shades. You can't miss. There is nothing complicated. Just pretty and breezy. Here's how makeup legend Bobbi Brown describes her new Summer 2009 Nautical Collection:

Sheer Color Gloss

Our newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. The see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season's punchy shades. Available in four shades ($20).

Sheer Color Cheek Tint

Bobbi's NEW Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The

translucent, lightweight formula glides on and blends evenly onto skin. Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application. Available in six shades($22).

Perfectly Defined Mascara

Perfectly Defined Mascara makes the most of every lash. In one easy sweep, this ingenious mascara lengthens, separates and curls lashes for perfect definition. The secret? A unique multi-comb brush and equally innovative formula, working together to enhance each and every lash. The flexible, long-wearing formula resists flaking, doesn't smudge and stays in place all day. And best of all, it removes easily with warm water ($22).

To learn more about Bobbi Brown's new Summer 2009 Nautical Collection, just click here:

http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/popups/nautical.tmpl

Kim Kardashian Poses In Bikini Without Airbrushing

One great thing about Kim Kardashian, she isn't afraid of not fitting into the size zero and size 2 Hollywood mentality.

In fact, she actually embraces her curves. And now she's posing with cellulite and no airbrushing for the cover of Life & Style magazine, hitting newsstands today.

Let's be very honest, here. There's a lot of airbrushing going on. We don't care how stunning, and skinny or rich and famous the celebrity is, when that cover shot or lay-out is printed, all you see are perfect, slimmer lines, wrinkles gone, flab zapped. Even the whites of their eyes are as white as a sheet of paper. So not real.

What we love about Kim Kardashian, is her honest admission, that yeah, she has cellulite,
and as she has responded, "So what!"

"I love my body the way it is," Kim told Life & Style. "I'm not perfect. I have cellulite, so what ... I chose to do the shoot because I am so sick of people giving me a hard time for those photos that came out in Complex. I wanted to say, 'This is me, take it or leave it."

Kim is actually 5'3'' and petite. But because she is curvy, she appears much larger, when the truth is, she's not a big girl. She says these are her stats, and we will take her at her word:

"I'm 35-26-40. My dress size is a 4 or a 2/4. I wear a size 4 skirt and size 27 jeans."

Do you know how many women have cellulite?! Most women on the planet. Sadly, you can never get rid of cellulite permanently, but, you can halt its further progression and reduce its dimpled appearance.

Anushka of New York City, is the best cellulite pioneer that we know of. She has been studying this dimpled fat for decades now. She advises that women drink raspberry tea, to
help slim the silhouette and fight cellulite. (Read our article here:)
http://www.beautytiptoday.com/2008/03/anushkas-special-tea-fights-cellulite.html.

To read more of the Kim Kardashian interview in Life & Style, visit here:
http://dynamic.bauerpublishing.com/mt-search.fcgi?IncludeBlogs=2&tag=Kim%20Kardashian&limit=20&IncludeBlogs=2

Bye-Bye Back Fat! Newest Plastic Surgery Procedure

Ladies, if you often worry about the size of your rump, well, it might be time to look behind you, but in a different area of the body. We couldn't believe this when we stumbled onto an article at lemondrop.com.

The plastic surgery procedure takes about an hour. And it's actually called a bra-line back lift.

Can you imagine? We have come this far, and now, we are removing the "dreaded back fat rolls and lumps."

What's next? We're afraid to imagine. Apparently, society won't let women be human. Every extra inch of flesh has to be removed and the rest tightened, it seems, until the perfect, ideal silhouette has been artistically designed.

The ASPS, or, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is introducing this new plastic surgery procedure to the world. The surgery has been performed on 20 women for the past few years now, and studied closely, and has been deemed a safe and effective surgery.

According to the ASPS:

"The study concluded that the procedure is a safe and powerful method to contour the middle and upper back – literally removing all of the back rolls and folds. By placing the scar within the patient's bra-line, it is easily concealed even by a two-piece bathing suit, according to the study.

"This is an exciting new procedure that gives patients concerned about this area of their body a possible new option to discuss with their plastic surgeon," said James Wells, Chair of the ASPS Public Education Committee. "As with all new procedures that are not yet widely practiced, patients need to choose an ASPS Member Surgeon who has a comprehensive understanding of how bodies change over time, the impact of environment and lifestyle and the know-how to develop the best treatment plan for the best result."

Now, some would say to get off your rump and exercise away the back fat rolls and bulges. But it isn't that easy to firm up that particular part of the body:

"For many patients—even the very fit ones, such as an aerobics instructor—the upper to mid-line back where the rolls and bulges form was very frustrating," said senior author Joseph Hunstad, MD and ASPS Member Surgeon. "This redundancy of skin occurs generally from aging and cannot be exercised away. For those who desire to wear form-fitting outfits, this procedure eliminates the problem."

So there you have it: the new bra-line back lift.

To read the article at lemondrop, click here:
http://www.lemondrop.com/2008/09/12/plastic-surgery-for-your-back-fat/

America Ferrera: Ugly Betty's Beauty Favorites

Who doesn't adore Ugly Betty?

The beloved but frumpy fashion assistant character has won America Ferrera an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

At age 25, America Ferrera also has legions of fans, and many of them love her just as she is---not a size zero, or 2, or 4. America has a real body. She's petite and curvy, and naturally pretty.

We found out in the May issue of InStyle magazine, that Ugly Betty's America Ferrera loves to get glam for red carpet events, but when she's not working as an actress, America doesn't wear makeup. And she doesn't like to exercise, either.

"My workout situation is pretty grim at the moment," America tells InStyle. "But I do take my two dogs to the park."

We love her already!

Meantime, here are America Ferrera's beauty favorites:

1. Rodin Olio Lusso moisturizer ($135, http://www.store.nydg.com/, http://www.oliolusso.com/). This is a sinfully elegant liquid moisturizer, blended with 11 essential oils. Makes your skin soft and dewy. America says, "It's so luxurious."

2. YSL Golden gloss No.2 (Golden Prairie) ($29, fine dept. stores). This is a lovely golden neutral shimmering lip gloss. If you're addicted to gloss, YSL is one of the best.

3. Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil in Cruella ($24, http://www.narscosmetics.com/). This jumbo crayon in the bold Cruella shade is a must for America at her red carpet appearances. Provides a creamy, highly pigmented color that lasts and lasts. This shade allows America's pretty features to pop. And who doesn't love Nars makeup? Duh!!

How To Get Big Plump Angelina Jolie Lips...Well, Sort Of

She has one set of impressive lips. We are, of course, talking about Hollywood's own Angelina Jolie. And many women desire big, plump, sexy lips.

Are Angelina Jolie's lips artfully engineered? Who knows. Most beautiful women on the silver screen these days, have had at least one or two things done to look more stunning.

Well, now we have one, tiny thing you can do, to enhance the beauty of your lips. Okay, this beauty product won't give you a set of Jolie lips, but it will take your smacker to a whole new level.

It's by Physicians Formula. The makeup geniuses there, have developed a cool way to instantly grow some fuller, sexier lips, all in 60 seconds!!

Physicians Formula has recently introduced Plump Potion Needle-Free Plumping Cocktail ($9.75, at drugstores, like http://www.cvs/ and http://www.walgreens.com/).

We like the concept. And no needles, ladies. If you've ever felt the sting of a collagen-filled needle, slowly and deeply piercing the skin of your lips, well, this Physicians Formula lipstick plumper would be a very welcome procedure. Maybe not the perfect substitute, but surely, a natural and instant way to get big, plump Angelina Jolie lips, well, sort of.

This is how Physicians Formula describes their popular, new plumping cocktail:

"Lip plumping lacquer formulated with a high-tech cocktail of non-irritating ingredients to transform lip's appearance, contour, size and color so they look and feel fuller, smoother, sexier. 3x Plumping Effect:
1) Instant Plumping Effect
2) Instant Hydrating & Smoothing Effect
3) Younger, Smoother & Fuller Looking Lips with continued use."

For more information, visit:

http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/lips/02702.html

Clairol Adds 24 New Shades For Gorgeous At-Home Color

It's always best to visit a salon when it comes to coloring your hair, especially if you are making drastic changes or trying to maintain a complicated two-tone process.

However, at-home coloring is big business, and we know some women who do it very well, and their hair always looks so darn pretty and shiny.

Since we are all trying to be the best recessionista, that we can---- you know, a very stylish chick who can live within her budget, then at-home coloring can be just the perfect match for you. Whether you home-color in between your salon visits, just to touch up roots, or even to go glam with a new shade, dyeing hair can be a wonderful adventure.

And the folks at Clairol are adding new color to your life! 24 new shades of beautiful!!!!

That's right. Clairol is introducing 24 new shades this season. And you can find these pretty colors at your local drugstore. From permanent to semi-permanent to a quick root fix, there are even more shades to choose from.

Clairol Balsam haircolor has debuted a new Signature Browns Collection.

Clairol Natural Instincts has introduced its new Champagne Indulgence Collection.

And more shades have been added to Clairol's Perfect 10, Nice 'n Easy, and Root Touch-Up collections.

For more hair color information visit: www.clairol.com .

Countess Gives Advice: From Table Manners To Touching His Arm Lightly

We adore the Countess. She's bold, sassy, beautiful, and stands out.

We are talking about LuAnn deLesseps. And yes, she is a real Countess! If you have tuned into Bravo's reality show, The Real Housewives of New York City, then you certainly know the Countess.

And now there's plenty of buzz about her new book, "Class with the Countess": How to Live with Elegance and Flair. The book is now available at bookstores nationwide.

We thought we'd take a little peek into this modern book on manners and etiquette. If you head to her book website, http://www.classwiththecountess.com/, you will find lots of fascinating items, and Countess LuAnn's blog, where she talks about table manners to touching his arm lightly. Yeah, that's right. The Countess has strong opinions on how to act with class, and how to hold a man's interest.

We hope The Countess doesn't mind us quoting from her blog:

....."It is possible to be a strong, accomplished woman in matters of business, yet be soft in affairs of the heart. Men respond positively to women who dress like women (a flirty skirt and high heels might do the trick). Men love when women speak softly, listen intently, and act flirtatiously. A date should not be treated like a business meeting – it is a chance to be engaging, sexy and whimsical. It is by being elegantly provocative that a woman communicates her interest to a man.

Tip: Here a few ways to turn up the heat during your next encounter with a man who intrigues you:
• The gaze – look into his eyes a few beats longer.• Talk in a soft, low, provocative voice – you will both need to lean toward each other, drawing attention to your lips.• Keep up the banter – being light and playful keep the energy high.• Touch his arm lightly – only the briefest of touches and only above the belt unless you’re playing footsy!• Show him you’re interested in him without giving him your business card. If he wants your number he’ll ask for it. • Leave him wanting more."
posted by LuAnn deLesseps

Okay, maybe some of you are snickering, but we think the Countess has a lot of common sense. And there's nothing wrong with wanting to share what you've learned, especially for a woman who has traveled the globe, meeting royalty, and encountering many different social situations. She wants to show you how to be comfortable in the world, and this book is a wonderful guide.

Countess LuAnn deLesseps is the mother of two children, Victoria and Noel. Her 16 year marriage to the Count Alex deLesseps is over. The couple has been separated, and as of this writing, we are told the marriage is no more.

(website photo of The Countess and Count, in happier times)