How Vitamin C Serum Creates Younger Smoother Brighter Skin

There are so-oooooo many beauty products out there, all advertising to deliver younger, smoother, brighter skin. You will find them on drugstore shelves, in expensive spas and salons, and in prescription form at the dermatologist's office.

Not all products work. Everyone's skin is different and unique. But there are some beauty serums and creams that most dermatologists would agree, give you the best bet for a clear, smooth, firmer complexion.

And one of these beauty products is Vitamin C serum. Simply put, topical Vitamin C in the form of Ascorbic Acid has been shown in a number of studies, to brighten skin, decrease the depth of wrinkles, and stimulate collagen.

Vitamin C serum is a worthy beauty item to add to your anti-aging product arsenal, because it protects the skin from sun damage. And trust us, we could all use another weapon against the strong rays where we all like to sun in and play in.

One important note: If you are a Retin-A or Renova user, do not use a retinoid and Vitamin C serum together. The two can clash. Instead, use the Vitamin C serum during the day, since you are exposed to the UV rays that time. And apply the Retin-A or Renova products at bedtime.

Dermatologists suggest you use a Vitamin C serum with about a 10% Ascorbic Acid base or a little less.

Today, we are talking about a new Mario Badescu beauty product: Vitamin C Serum ($45).

This Vitamin C Serum contains 7.5% Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) to reduce discoloration and brighten skin. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's natural moisture and Collagen to enhance skin's firmness and elasticity. Apply 3-4 drops on clean skin every other night. May be used under moisturizer or alone.

Like we explained earlier, if using a retinoid, use Vitamin C serum at opposite times of the day. Otherwise, go ahead and apply the serum at night.

By the way, if you enjoy using a night cream and don't want to give that up, then layer. The Vitamin C serum would go on first, and that would be followed by your favorite night cream.

To learn more about Vitamin C serum, visit http://www.mariobadescu.com/. There is plenty of excellent information about skin care.

Mario Badescu products are available at retail locations across the United States.

2009 Emmys Saw Beautiful Gowns And Spanx Underneath

Okay, we can't prove it, but we can bet the lovely ladies were all wearing Spanx at last Sunday's 2009 Emmy Awards.

Beautiful gowns like this turquoise bustier style worn by Ugly Betty's Vanessa Williams, was designed by Rafael Cennano. And invisible Spanx could have been working their magic underneath.

We happen to know that gorgeous Vanessa Williams adores Spanx. It's her secret to looking slender and sleek.
Vanessa revealed to Access Hollywood her celebrity secret, "On the red carpet, I've always got my SPANX from under-bust to mid-thigh. On set, I wear them all the time just to keep things pulled up and tight, especially when wearing skintight stuff."

Even women who religiously work out with a fitness trainer, still put on some Spanx, when they want their bodies to look svelte at an important event. And the women of Hollywood are most likely reaching for their Spanx before hitting the red carpet to look picture-perfect.

Spanx are invisible under-clothing body shapers, bras, panties, camis, hosiery, etc. These light garments give a woman both confidence and comfort. They tuck in this, and pull up those, and firm up that. You get the idea.

To support this year's Emmy-nominated actresses as they glided down the red carpet, Spanx sent each one of them an official SPANX Red Carpet Slim-ulus Package to further enhance their lovely silhouettes in body-hugging couture gowns. We love the title of that one!

That meant celebrity favs like Christina Applegate, Tina Fey, Kristen Chenoweth, and Amy Poehler were all looking uber sleek and sexy.

Check out the photo of Spanx' new Slim Cognito Shape-Suit ($98). In nude or black. This is what it can do for you:

Perfect under skirts and shoulder-baring dresses
Removable underwire gives "the girls" a lift
Adjustable straps ensure comfortable fit
Silky-smooth yarns won't cling to clothes
Cotton double gusset for convenience

If you can't locate a Spanx store near you, try http://www.spanx.com/.

Jenny McCarthy Loves Emu Oil For Anti-Aging Benefits

We've talked about the benefits of applying emu oil before. Simply said, if you want softer, smoother skin, try emu oil.

We just saw an item in the National Enquirer under Gossip with Mike Walker. And he claims, that it's emu oil, that keeps 36-year-old Jenny McCarthy looking "Playboy"-perfect.

We didn't believe the Enquirer, so we did our own digging, and we owe Mike Walker an apology. Jenny McCarthy loves applying emu oil.

Jenny was interviewed by Chicago's Michigan Avenue magazine, and she told them for non-surgical beauty:

"Emu oil. It's great for antiaging and it's my favorite thing to put on my face because there are no perfumes or dyes."

So, what exactly is an emu and emu oil?

Emu oil comes from the emu, a large flightless, ostrich-like bird. Maybe not the prettiest animal on the block. But Australian aborigines were said to have discovered the benefits of extracting this oil thousands of years ago. And what researchers have come to learn is that there is something in the oil that is compatible to human skin.Leigh Hopkins, PhD. explained it in this manner. "The fatty acid composition of emu oil is very close to the correct composition of the fats as found in normal, human skin."

Emu oil is an excellent emollient with strong transdermal properties. In other words, it can nicely penetrate the skin's layers. It doesn't just sit on the surface like many expensive moisturizers do.

You want to look for pure certified 100% emu oil. Here are two respected and popular brands to try:

1. Pure Certified 100% Emu Oil by Platinum Skin Care ($14.41, on sale. 2 0z.) at http://www.platinumskincare.com/.

2. Dremu Oil Triple Refined Emu Oil($77, 1 oz.). A favorite of Oprah Winfrey's. http://www.dremu.com/.

And if you would like to read more about emu oil, dip back into our archives here:

http://www.beautytiptoday.com/2008/04/emu-oil-equals-softer-younger-skin.html

How To Feel Pampered And Beautiful During Pregnancy

We've all heard about the lovely, natural glow that pregnant women have, and it's certainly true, because you can see the glow on women who are expecting.

And pregnant women around the globe all want to feel pampered and beautiful during this time.

So, we took a look at a few products to help moms-to-be keep their skin soft and pretty.

Pictured above is a very pregnant Angie Everhart. The gorgeous redhead gave birth in late July to a cute baby boy named Kayden Bobby. Angie is a first-time mom at age 39. Congratulations!

The actress/model has been asked to star in a new ad campaign for Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks.

Palmer's is a popular stretch mark cream softener, and at just $6 at drugstores, it's a great deal. And it's formulated with good ingredients like Vitamin E, collagen, and elastin.

Another product you can enjoy is called Glowology Elasticity Oil ($42, http://www.noodleandboo.com/). And you can also find some on Ebay.com. This is a nourishing oil for the body, and nicely improves the skin's resiliency.

And here's a beauty item that all women have come to adore from Avon. Bust Sculpt Contouring Cream ($17.50, http://www.avon.com/). Avon says their Bust Sculpt Contouring Cream is based on a unique formula they call--Virtual Bra Technology. This concept blends special ingredients that form a network of support around the bosom. And the longer you use the cream, the better the results.

Breast-feeding moms say this cream firms and lifts the bust.

Actress Brooke Burke, whom you might recall from her successful Dancing with the Stars title victory in 2008, is a mom of 4. And she wants moms-to-be, to feel good about themselves at this very special time. Brooke has a super website at http://www.babooshbaby.com/.

Brooke Burke says this about babooshbaby.com:

"Babooshbaby is a place to visit and find hip, practical and necessary items. It is a place to learn, laugh, and have a little fun. Check the "What's New" section often as I introduce new items that will make this motherhood journey a bit easier."

Ann Taylor Debuts New Look With Modern Legacy Line

Ann Taylor. The name has come to symbolize classic, impeccable style. There is a rich history woven into their fabrics.

Did you know that Julia Roberts was discovered for the movie Mystic Pizza while working as an associate for Ann Taylor?

And that, Ann Taylor's cashmere was voted best quality by InStyle magazine? Fans include Tina Fey, Ann Curry and Rachael Ray.

We found these interesting Ann Taylor fashion nuggets on the Ann Taylor Facebook page, http://fr-fr.facebook.com/AnnTaylor

And we're also blown away by the beautiful and sophisticated new look to Ann Taylor with their Fall Modern Legacy line, in stores next week. And you can shop for the collection online right now at http://www.anntaylor.com/.

Here is how Kristin, Ann Taylor's new Style Director describes Modern Legacy:

"Our new Director of Design Lisa Axelson has inspired the new collection with a sense of Modern Legacy—a chic, sophisticated take on our heritage with a decidedly feminine twist. Think couture-inspired styles, luxe fabrics, impeccable details and brilliant accessories. (Oh, did we mention the to-die-for shoe collection?)"

These pieces easily go from work to dinner to family and friends. Gorgeous shades in plums and purples, greens, browns, grays, and blacks for Fall.

You can also find Ann Taylor's new Fall 2009 ad campaign featured in the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle and more.

If you've been missing AT's classic, sophisticated style, worry no more, Ann Taylor has returned to it elegant roots, and this time with a feminine, modern twist.

New Hand Perfection Cleanser Restores Moisture And Softness

Let's be honest. With continued talk about the H1N1 virus, there's a lot of attention being paid to our hands.

Even schoolchildren are being re-taught how to correctly wash their hands.

Everyone is washing their hands, over and over again, upwards of 15 times per day, according to a Hand Perfection survey.

Who is Hand perfection, you ask?

Hand Perfection is a new collection of hand creams, developed and designed by Ellen Sirot. Her company knows plenty about good grooming when it comes to our hands. Ellen Sirot has been a hand model for 20 years now, with an impressive portfolio. Advertising shots range from Dawn dishwashing liquid to Elizabeth Arden skin care to jewelry with Ross-Simons, etc.

And we learned recently from Ellen, that plain, old water can do a number on the appearance of our hands. Every time we submerge them into water, we are drying out the delicate skin on our hands.

And now Ellen Sirot has created a wonderful HandPerfection Moisturizing Cleanser for Hands ($30, use code CLEAN25 for special offer)

Ellen swears by this excellent hand cleanser:

"Though necessary, repeated hand washing with conventional soaps contributes to skin aging. Our creamy formula gently cleanses your skin while moisturizing, leaving hands looking and feeling their best. Mild, coconut-derived cleanser combined with super conditioners helps preserve skin’s delicate balance of water and natural oils. Hands are protected, refreshingly hydrated and soft. Especially suited to sensitive skin. Use in place of soap."

And if you would like to see photos of Ellen Sirot's beautiful model hands, click on her website. She has a lovely collection of products to keep hands looking ageless:
http://www.handperfection.com/.

One 'N Only Colorfix To The Rescue For Hair Color Mistakes

If you color your hair at home, mistakes can happen. And yes, even hair color mishaps can occur at the salon, once in a while. OMG! My light brown hair is now black!!! Or, help! My golden blonde hair is now mahogany!!

That's why you need the One 'n Only Colorfix by Jherri Redding ($13.39, www.sallybeauty.com).

Colorfix is a gentle dye reducer. In other words, it is not a hair stripper. It removes unwanted permanent hair color. Controlled usage allows color correction to specific areas. Designed for full or slight color corrections.

If your hair has been dyed and it's now jet black, and you hate it, well, Colorfix might not be able to 'lift' away the ultra darkness completely, but, it will probably bring you to a dark brown level that is warmer.

Robert Craig, a famous hair stylist, raves about Colorfix at his wonderful and educational hair website, www.robertcraig.com. He advises using the dye reducer only in the slight correction method. That way, a non-professional can get good results and not mess up the condition of their locks.

In this method, the gentlest application process, you mix up 1/4 oz. each from bottle 1 and bottle 2 with 1 oz. of shampoo. Create a lather and leave it on damp hair for 10-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and shampoo.

The product does not contain ammonia, or formaldehyde.
It gently reduces the size of color molecules, allows for easy color removal.
No unpleasant odor.

Well, there is a smell of sorts. Not pleasant, but not horrendous. Just an odor like you pick up when you are getting a perm. And it disappears after you wash it out, so don't worry.

You can also head to the folica.com website and read some 329 reviews for this 4-star rated dye reducer, http://www.folica.com/one__n_only_Col_r312_1.html. You will get many tips from women around the globe who have suffered hair color traumas, but have successfully 'lightened up' their hair mistakes.

Some salons use One 'n Only Colorfix on their clients. And yet, some hair professionals would also tell you, that stripping the hair correctly, is the true but expensive method to use.

We can say, that if you choose Colorfix in the slight correction method, it is a very gentle way to proceed, and your hair will look healthy after you perform this correction. And you can re-Colorfix 2-3 times in one day to get at stubborn sections of hair that didn't lighten the first time around.

If you're really upset with your current hair color, at least read all about Colofix first, and then go ahead, but hold your nose and open the windows!