Shame On Ralph Lauren For Admitting To Severely Photoshopping Model

First, we want to congratulate legendary designer Ralph Lauren for admitting that his company was responsible for severly distorting a model's figure through photoshopping or retouching in a recent magazine advertisement.

Ralph Lauren has been honest, and wants to put this mini scandal behind him. But, we also say, "Shame on you, Mr. Lauren. You should know better."

The model is Filippa Hamilton. Take a look at the ad. And now take a look at model Cindy Crawford.

Who looks healthier?

We love the classic fashion of Ralph Lauren. But we were taken aback by his company's desire to severely re-touch a fashion print ad, so the model looks emaciated, or close to it. What's the appeal in such an image? Especially when the fashion industry has been hit hard with criticism for the past few years for featuring too, too skinny models.

Let's be frank here, models are very slender. But what is too slender? We believe. it is the Ralph Lauren photo.

We miss the days when the supermodels, like Cindy Crawford, ruled the runways and the body image standards. Cindy Crawford has gone on record several times to say she wore a size 6 and sometimes even a size 8 during her prime modeling years.

Cindy often said that she was much curvier and 'bigger' than her model colleagues. Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, for example, are size 4s. But at least, these tall women weren't size 2s or size zeros.

What is strange to the recent Ralph Lauren photoshopping scandal, are the true measurements of the model in question, Filippa Hamilton. According to a reliable fashion source, Filippa, actually wears a size 6, like Cindy Crawford.

We found our model stats through Fashion Model Directory. The website has lots and lots of information on models working here in the U.S. for top agencies. Go ahead....look up Cindy Crawford's measurements, and many other famous models.

The stats appear legitimate. Records show lists of each model's recent magazine covers, advertisements, etc.

So there you have it. You decide: Which model looks healthier?

Sexy Smoky Eyes In 4 Simple Steps--New Maybelline ExpertWear

Let's look at the fashionable facts:

Sexy, smoky eyes are bigger than ever this fall and winter, through 2010. Just check out the models on the runways.

But let's also look at another fashionable fact:

Creating a sexy, smoky eye, is not simple to do. Until now. Sure, makeup artists make it look so-ooo easy. A little smudge along here, and a highlight up there, etc.

Thanks to Maybelline's new ExpertWear Stylish Smokes Eyeshadow collection, the guesswork has been eliminated. Instead, you get a pretty 4-shade palette in a simple 4-step plan.

In other words, each eyeshadow shade in the quad is labeled: lid. crease. brow bone. outer corner.

Forgive our pixel, digital disarray here. We wanted to enlarge the Maybelline ad, so you could easily observe which shadows go where. It's similar to painting-by-numbers. Remember that? We did an earlier article last year about Cargo makeup's 4-step eyeshadow palette. It, too, had each shade in the quad labeled for application to each area of the eye.

The Maybelline ad here, shows model Christy Turlington rockin' the new ExpertWear Stylish Smokes Eyeshadow in Charcoal Smokes. And this quad is our favorite. It's really soft and lovely.

The ExpertWear Stylish Smokes come in '56 dazzling colors, 3 sumptuous finishes: matte, shimmer and high-pearl.' Just $4.99, drugstores.

What we also adore about Maybelline makeup is its wonderful website, where you can explore their makeup video-how-tos, FAQs, and makeup studio-virtual makeovers. Just visit http://www.maybelline.com/.

FitFlop Takes Big Step With New Exercise Clogs For Fall

We first told you about FitFlops in a July 2008 Beauty Tip Today article.

Back then we were looking at the FitFlop Sandal, the 'gym-in-a-sandal' shoe designed in the United Kingdom. The exercise FitFlops quickly gained popularity around the globe.

Make way now, for the FitFlop Clog.
One more way to get a workout through fall and winter as you walk with the specially designed FitFlop muscle-toning Microwobbleboard technology.

These new FitFlop Clogs are really cute and come in shearling, suede, and ultra-felt. We are showing you the GoghII Clog in grey ultra-felt. The Gogh II is featherweight and comfortable, and also water and stain repellent with a skid-resistant all rubber outsole.

You can find FitFlops here in the U.S. at a number of shoe stores and online at sites like Amazon.com and Bliss.com. In fact, Bliss.com is offering the new FitFlop Clog for $74.95 and free shipping, as advertised in their latest catalogue.

So how exactly does the FitFlop technology work?

According to the FitFlop website:

FitFlop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them.

Studies at the Centre for Human Performance at LSBU show that normal walking in FitFlop sandals(1) can help:

- increase leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity,
- improve your posture,
- mimic the gait of barefoot walking but with more muscle load,
- improve muscle tone.

FitFlop sandals wearers have also reported relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, RLS (restless leg syndrome), scoliosis and degenerative disc disease.

We happen to love clogs, and we think this is another way to strengthen our muscles and enhance our exercise routine. In other words, walking around in FitFlops can't hurt, so we give these new clogs the green light.

Imagine, you could actually lose weight wearing these FitFlops, and at the same time, develop a lengthy walking routine, and really make some killer curves out of your legs and buttocks?

We're sold!

Green With Envy Over Chanel's New Jade 407 Nail Shade

We know you want it, too. We're talking about Jade 407 ($25), Chanel's new limited edition le vernis nail color. The soft, minty shade has knocked the socks off of everyone, ever since Chanel sent its models wearing it down the Fall 2009 runway.

Good luck if you can hunt some down, because it seems everybody in town wants to rock this beautiful jade shade. And if you can find a bottle, others will be green with envy, because it has been sold-out for some time at Chanel.com and Chanel boutiques.

Sure, we tried Ebay.com, but we could only locate Jade's sister polish, Jade Rose 493. The favorite appears to be the Jade shade. Jade Rose is available at most Chanel stores and even online. The color is best described as a soft pinky-beige. Ebay was selling Jade Rose for $43.97, free shipping. But you save $$$ by buying it directly from Chanel.

We have to be honest, Chanel's Jade 407 is quite attractive. Take a closer look at the photo, courtesy of Vogue.comUK. This is the nail polish shade of the season!

And to see both Jade and Jade Rose up close and personal, check out Steph's Closet. Steph has done a beautiful job of showcasing Chanel 407 and 493.

Sure there will be some nice nail polish copy-cats. Some have suggested Mac's Peppermint Patti,which was out before the Chanel Jade 407, as far as we know. It's from Mac's Sugarsweet collection. It, too, is a hard minty green shade to locate. But we found some at Ebay.com, selling for $32.99 - $52.00! Oh my!!

At the moment, we, too, are green with envy. Our nails are bare. Very bare.

Rachel Zoe Tweets About Celebrity Secret: Egyptian Magic Cream

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe enjoys tweeting, like most of us. And we love when people-in-the-know tweet about their Hollywood beauty secrets.

We like Rachel Zoe because she likes to share her beauty knowledge. She's generous with her tips. And at RachelZoe.com, in her 'The Zoe Report,' she is more than happy to talk about Egyptian Magic, All Purpose Skin Cream ($36, 4 oz.).

Rachel loves this skin cream:

"Living up to its namesake, this olive oil and honey-based cream works magic on elbows, knees and everything in between. Seriously, hold no reservations with this stuff— some of my friends and clients even swear by it as a hair mask. My advice…use it as a moisturizer to help extend your summer tan into fall ;) xoRZ"

Apparently, a number of other famous lovelies stock up on Egyptian Magic.....like Madonna, Kate Hudson, Lizzy Jagger, Virginia Madsen, to name a few.

From 'fixing' cuts, bruises, and burns, to dry skin and frizzy hair, women are praising Egyptian Magic's glory.

This how the company's website describes their jar of skin cream:

"Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream "The People's Choice" is made with the blessings and guidance of our ancestors and with the following pure ingredients: olive oil, bees wax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, bee propolis, and Divine love. Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream "The People's Choice" is sold through upscale health food stores, homeopathic pharmacies, and estheticians' offices. In addition, gynecologists, plastic surgeons, homeopathic physicians, chiropractors from all over the world sell Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream "The People's Choice."

We haven't tried Egyptian Magic Skin Cream yet, but we adore a single beauty product that can tackle a number of skin and hair issues all at once.

You can find Egyptian Magic at stores like Whole Foods Market, and at http://www.egyptianmagic.com/.

October Means Time For Audrina Patridge's Pumpkin Facial Mask

We love when celebrities give us their favorite beauty tips. And today, we are looking at The Hills' Audrina Patridge.

We're in the month of October, and that means it's time for Audrina Patridge's Pumpkin Facial Mask.

Pumpkin has become very popular these days at expensive spas and salons. There are pumpkin facial masks, pumpkin body wraps, and so on. This time we are applying pumpkin to the skin, because it's rich in anti-oxidants ---full of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, alpha-carotene, zinc, beta carotene, and lutein.

And pumpkin acts like Alpha-Hydroxy acids. In other words, skin texture is improved, roughness diminishes, acne stays away, and skin is moisturized and smooth.

Audrina Patridge was sweet enough to give her fans 2 Pumpkin Skin Care recipes from her website. last October. And the recipes are still popular once again this fall. This is why the gorgeous actress believes in pumpkin for healthy skin:

"Fall is one of my favorite times of year, so I thought I would share with you one very fall beauty secret... Pumpkin! It is so good for your skin because it is full of antioxidants and vitamins. Here is a recipe for a pumpkin mask and a pumpkin spice scrub for you guys to try that I found at care2.com ."

Pumpkin Facial Mask. 2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin. 1/2 teaspoon honey. 1/4 teaspoon milk (or whipping cream, if your skin is very dry)1. Combine ingredients and apply to a clean face with gentle circular motions, avoiding the area around your eyes.2. Allow mask to remain on skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water, pat dry, and apply your usual moisturizer.

Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub. 1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed. 1/2 cup brown sugar. 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1. Combine ingredients in a bowl.2. Stand in a tub or shower stall and use a damp washcloth to scoop some of the mixture up. Apply to body, starting with your feet and working your way up, but avoiding your face. Scrub gently using circular motions.3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

You will definitely see a difference in your skin. Remember: good skin is not a given. You have to work at it it constantly.

Root Volume Spray And Flat Iron Create Sexy Waves

You're seeing sexy, big hair everywhere these days, and not just on the runway.

Volume is in! Curly styles and sexy waves are here to stay. So let's create some volume! Let's add lift. And let's begin at the roots.

You need to build up big hair, and it's easy to do. There are gazillions of volumizing shampoos and conditioners.

The real process begins once you exit the shower.

Step 1: While hair is damp, spritz on a bottle of root volume spray. Today, we are looking at Jonathan Product Create Root Volume, Brushable Lifting Spray ($28).

LA celebrity stylist Jonathan Antin has some knock-out hair styling poducts. And this one is full of effective ingredients:

Lemongrass Essential Water: Adds body & shine
Zero-Flake polymer: Provides strong, brushable hold
Volumizing Hold Complex: Maintains style even in high humidity
Sweet Almond Protein: Boosts volume & helps repair weakened hair
Thermal & UV Filters: Protects against color fading & damage from heat styling

Just spray directly onto damp or dry hair roots, distributing product evenly 1-2 inches in length from root. Style as usual. Also can be applied when blow-drying, lifting hair in sections while spraying product on roots where extra volume is desired.

Now you are ready for Step 2: Creating sexy waves. You will need a great 1-inch flat iron. We found the T3Pro.Straighten Flat Iron ($100, on sale + free shipping at http://www.folica.com/).

This flat iron can achieve a super style, acoording to advice we learned from Charles Baker Strahan, a New York City stylist for Herbal Essences.

"Twist a small section of dry hair and clamp a 1-inch flat iron around the ends.Back-comb the twist with the iron by slowly shimmying it up towards the roots. You will create sultry, slept-on curls."

You'll end up with masses of sexy waves. That's what we call, getting at the root of the problem.