Friday, July 17, 2009

5 Beach Bag Beauty Items To Toss In And Go


It's summertime and it's hard to completely avoid the strong, harmful rays of the sun. So we are not going to preach about limiting your play time. Beach and summer go hand-in-hand. So we've put together a small list of 5 beach bag beauty items to toss in and go!!!!!

1. Let's protect our precious and delicate lips. We found an unique medicated lip balm called Aloe Gator. It includes an SPF30. Paba-free and flavored in yummy Pina Colada. And only $1.99, http://www.rei.com/. This little balm glides on smoothly and is the 'ultimate defense for lips against sun, wind, and cold.'


2. One of our faves forever: Bazooka Bubble Gum. Classic and fun, delicious to chew. Get a box cheap....only for a dollar at the Dollar Tree store. Chewing gum actually burns calories, and it's better than chomping down on a calorie-laden snack.



3. We discovered this wonderful and smart beachtime must-have last year. It's called Surfer's Secrets. It's quite simply, a sand eliminator. A 6 oz. bottle, just $7, http://www.surferssecrets.com/. Made from natural stuff like grapeseed oil and aloe vera. It removes the sand sticking to your skin. Just squeeze out a dollop, about the size of a quarter and wipe away. Great for the whole family. No more sand in the bikini or all over your feet.


4. John Frieda's very popular Frizz-Ease, $7, drugstores. This tube is full of silky softness. If you've spent a day at the beach, then your dry locks will love you for smoothing on some of this hair TLC. Get rid of the nasty frizzies. This product is tried and true. Not greasy. Light and marvelous. If you have a curly perm, your hair will drink this up.


5. How about a sultry solid perfume by k hall designs. Egyptian Jasmine pictured here. On sale for $19.50. Made with absolute jasmine oil. Beautifully gift boxed and made with a blend of beeswax, jojoba oil, essential and/or fragrance oils, and vitamin E. This compact perfume travels well and is loaded with scent. A super idea after you get off the beach and want to embrace an intoxicating scent. And these solid perfumes come in a lovely variety:
Orange Amber. Fig. Peony. Sandlewood. Etc. Find them here at http://www.khalldesigns.com/.
These 5 beach bag beauty items and a great book are all you need for a day in the sun!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Arden B. Has Amazing Accessories At The Right Price

We love Arden B. stores and their online site, too. http://www.ardenb.com/.

And we especially 'heart' their accessories.

Just take a look at some of the beautiful and stylish items we found for you. Snake clutch. Zebra bustier. Twill fedora. And the prices won't overwhelm you. Arden B. believes in knocking down prices and we like that. So check back often for some really super summer deals.


This elegant Short honeycomb bib necklace caught our eye. Comes in gold or silver ($24). All the celebs are sporting bib necklaces.

We're hooked on this oversized mustard-colored Woven stripe tote. Nice and roomy with lurex and stud detail. 16"w x 11"h x 4.5" d ($58).



We so-ooo want these Enamel fan chandelier earrings ($24). Enamel finish with delicate pearl drops. Makes a lovely statement piece(s).



And don't you just love this Beaded hinge cuff? Quite ornate and pretty bold with striking stone and beaded detail. Final sale on this item ($28).

A beautiful accessory, be it a strong piece of jewelry, or hat, handbag, headband, or belt, can make all the difference. It can update your look instantly!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Heidi Klum Sans Makeup And Not Afraid To Show The World


We've always adored supermodel and Project Runway Host Heidi Klum.

She's a breath of fresh air and seems to have her stuff together---with a great family in husband Seal, three adorable kids, and another on the way.

Heidi Klum is 36-years-old and a beautiful model.

Please forgive us for showing these photos, but Heidi doesn't mind. She was snapped a few days ago at a Broadway show, The Lion King. And she happily smiled for the cameras.

We love these photos of gorgeous women sans makeup. Zippo. A naked face. We even zoomed in closer to Heidi's eyes, so you could see that even she, is only human. Yup. Even a supermodel over 35, can get fine lines and wrinkles.

Heidi Klum has said before, that she has not had work done, and is proud to grow older. Apparently, she is telling the truth.

Look how she explained it to Ocean Drive magazine in their April issue:

“Most people go to the doctor and do Botox, Restylane, and silicone. I’ve never done anything to my body or face. I want to grow old; I don’t want to change my appearance.” Heidi Klum tells the magazine. “Everyone has the right to do what they wish, but personally, I would rather use good products.”

We still think Heidi Klum looks radiant and healthy. And except for a few lines around the eyes, her skin looks bright, clear, pimple-free, and youthful.

Of course, we prefer to see Heidi Klum the supermodel all glammed up, but this was an interesting and honest new supermodel to see. And we respect that she's a confident woman and not ashamed to show the world that even she, gets a few lines and wrinkles.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

4 Best Anti-Aging Products You Need Says Harper's Bazaar


We get a little suspicious when major beauty magazines give your their list of the best beauty products to buy. Granted, most of the items being featured are very good, and it's nice to be given a heads-up when the newest and latest beauty treatments arrive. But don't you sometimes wonder if these beauty magazines are talking only about their main advertisers, and hoping you, the reader, will be enticed into purchasing these creams and serums?

For instance, the May 2009 issue of Harper's Bazaar included their tiny list of the best anti-aging buys. Included are huge names in the skin care business: 1. Chanel 2. Oil of Olay 3. Lancome 4. Estee Lauder

We have much respect for Harper's Bazaar. We subscribe to the magazine, and have for years, so let's get that out there.

The 4 beauty products to fight the signs of aging, according to Harper's, includes a sunscreen, an eye cream, a glycolic-based moisturizer, and a wrinkle-reducing cream.

We believe that is excellent advice. As any dermatologist worth his or her skin would say, 'never leave home without putting on a decent sunscreen.'

And yes, an effective eye cream is also key. Since fine lines and wrinkles love to show up around the eye area, you need to protect this special skin because it is thinner, delicate and very dry.

As we age, we need a super moisturizer. Our cellular turnover is slow-wwwing down, and our skin texture is getting duller and rouigher. A good glycolic-acid base would really help improve the complexion.

And lastly, we would agree that an amazing wrinkle-reducing cream or serum couldn't hurt. It's nice when a cream can go in and soften those pesky lines, and help plump up the skin to make it appear more youthful.



Here are Harper's Bazaar magazine's Best Ant-Aging Buys, as pictured:

1. Chanel Precision UV Essential Protective UV Care SPF30 ($48, fine dept. stores)
2. Olay Professional Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex ($45, local drugstores)
3. Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate ($78, fine dept. stores)
4. Estee lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Creme SPF15 ($58, fine dept. stores)


If the beauty products you are using, are not any of the items Harper's Bazaar has listed, you are not alone. You might have 4 very similar beauty treatments that do the same job for your skin.

And if you are looking for another opinion on anti-aging, or merely want newer products to battle the signs of aging, then this list might just be perfect for you. In any case, Harper's makes intelligent beauty sense, with 4 products that target specific skin areas.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Rachel Weisz Hates Botox But Adores Photoshopping?


Yes, we can all see that British actress Rachel Weisz is a stunning woman at age 39.

But does she have to go on and on about the badness of Botox, as she discusses in the August 2009 issue of Harper's Bazaar UK?!

Rachel Weisz is the mysterious, sexy model gracing the cover of Harper's as you can see her here in black velvet. And this is what she was quoted as saying in the magazine interview:

“It should be banned for actors, as steroids are for sportsmen,” the Oscar-winning actress says of Botox. “Acting is all about expression; why would you want to iron out a frown?” As for fashion, Rachel says, “I love the way girls in London dress; it’s so different to the American ‘blow-dry and immaculate grooming’ thing.”

Tongues are wagging that the lovely actress was photoshopped like crazy, here for the magazine cover. Her waist and all-over silhouette appear much tinier. Which brings catty remarks from some women as to, how is Botox bad, but photoshopping is not? Why didn't she demand the editors keep her figure curvier, as we all know Rachel is blessed with?

Good point. It's okay not to use Botox. Actress Jennifer Aniston, who recently turned 40, claims that she, too, will not use the stuff. But to declare that a few needle pricks of Botox should be banned for all actors, is quite silly and bizarre.

Botox is not invasive surgery. It's not a facelift. It is a cosmetic procedure, one that most doctors would consider mild. It is known as an injectable. And Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles so that you can't make frowning expressions. As a result, wrinkles appear softer. Forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines all disappear, more or less, for about 3-4 months.

Sure, some people go overboard, where it seems almost mannequin-like. You can't readily tell if the person is happy, angry, or any emotion in between. But most women and men who receive Botox injections subtley erase deep frowns and look healthier and rested.

Botox has also been used under the arms to stop excessive sweating, and has been used for many years prior to its cosmetic value, as treatment for a number of neurological disorders.

Botox is actually a new kid on the block. It's only been 7 years since the FDA approved the injectable for cosmetic purposes.





What we can say, is that Botox is extremely popular and does plenty of good for women and men who want to temporarily erase some of the sun damage and natural aging process. In fact, Botox was the top non-surgical cosmetic procedure in 2008.

We cannot tell actress Rachel Weisz to be quiet and stick to acting. Er, well, of course we could, but we won't. We would like to check back with Ms. Weisz in 10 years when she turns 49, and see if she has changed her mind about this popular injectable, known as big bad Botox.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Get Bikini Beautiful By Zapping Ingrown Hairs

If you've never had an ingrown hair, congratulations! You are one of few.

And since it is bikini time, you'll want to zap those nasty ingrowns before you slip into your sexy swimsuit.

Ingrown hairs mainly come about through shaving. And since shaving is the quickest and cheapest way to remove hair, these little red and sometimes painful razor bumps are common to both men and women.

By the way, did you know that people with curly hair tend to have more ingrown hairs than do those with straight hair?!

An ingrown hair forms when a shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or where the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin. And when it happens near the bikini line, it can be quite uncomfortable.

There is a simple and effective way to fight back----Bikini Bump Blaster by Completely Bare ($32, 60 pads, http://www.completelybare.com/). You can also find the Completely Bare line at many spas and salons.

Just wipe and go!

Bikini Bump Blaster Pads prevent and get rid of ingrown hairs. So-easy-to-use pads keep 'just waxed' skin super smooth. The magic ingredient is Glycolic acid, which clears away the dead skin cells that clog pores and hair follicles that cause ingrowns. Toss in some salicylic acid, which blocks bacteria buildup by reducing sebum production in pores. And zap those nasty ingrown hairs!

Meantime, here's some advice from Mayo Clinic Dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson:

Shave hair a little longer than you normally do
Avoid repeated razor strokes over the same area
Shave in the direction of hair growth
Use a moisturizer to soften the hair and make shaving easier


Saturday, July 11, 2009

Organize Your Jewelry In Beautiful Jewelry Boxes

Let's be honest. Have you ever stored your jewelry all over your bedroom? In ashtrays? On the dresser? In the drawers? On the nightstand? In a closet? Etc.

Well, you are not alone. Sure, some gorgeous rings, chandelier earrings, and ornate gold bracelets might look pretty on display, but only if you carefully arrange them on pretty trays or crystal bowls. You get the idea.

We think the best way to look after your precious jewelry, is by simply buying a beautiful jewelry box.

You can go high-end or low-end. Trust us, there are some stunning jewelry boxes to be found. Take a look at the asian wooden jewelry box. This little antique is at a starting bid of $29.99 on Ebay.

There are tons of jewelry boxes on Ebay in so many styles and sizes. We have purchased a few there and these boxes are really attractive and so useful.

You can also buy jewelry boxes new with lined compartments to gently store your delicate and more expensive gems. Take a look at the lovely lacquered jewelry boxes by http://www.westelm.com/. This beauty features metal hardware and velvet lining. On sale now for $59.99.

Really examine all your precious pieces. And then organize your jewelry.

Separate the broken ones from the perfect ones. And do your jewelry maintenance. Learn how to clean your gems.

Read our article on keeping jewelry shiny and new on a budget.

There you will learn the different ways of keeping gold, silver, platinum, pearls, and other jewelry in tip-top shape, and nice and sparkly!http://www.beautytiptoday.com/2008/11/today-were-talking-about-jewelry.html