Consumer Reports Suggests To Blink Twice Before Using Latisse Lash Lengthener

Want longer, lusher eyelashes?

Then do what actress/model Brooke Shields does:

Use prescription Latisse.

We've said time and time again, when an attractive celebrity endorses a beauty product, chances are, the product sells big time!

And Allergan, the makers of Latisse, and the same clever folks who brought you Botox, are expected to rake in more than $500 million a year.

But a little public relations nightmare is brewing on the horizon. The FDA is not amused with Allergan, which has glamorized their ads and website, and skipped over the potential side effects. Some of which include:

Increased iris pigmentation (ie, change in eye color)
Hair growth in areas other than the treatment area
Risk of infection from applicator
Risk of bacterial contamination for contact lens wearers
Eye itching and redness

And now the well-respected Consumer Reports Health Blog is also blasting the Latisse makers for glossing over the expensive prescription drug (about $100 a month) and its misleading promotions with the very recognizable Brooke Shields.

Associate editor Jamie Kopf Hirsh said this:

"Every drug we’ve profiled in our AdWatch project is appropriate for some people, including Latisse, and some are potentially lifesaving. What we take issue with, is taking a legitimate medical condition and broadening its definition to the point where it could apply to almost anyone—often with a clever acronym like ED, PAD, or RLS to make it sound more common than it is. (We’re surprised Allergan, the maker of Latisse, hasn’t given a nickname to eyelash hypotrichosis, like Hy-Tri or something.)".

We didn't know that Brooke Shields actually uses Latisse, but she does. According to CR's Jamie Kopf Hirsh, the popular actress "has suffered from the disease of eyelash inadequacy." But a representative for Brooke did not indicate how long she has had this condition. The rep. did, however, confirm that Brooke started using Latisse in February 2009, “after consulting with a doctor who determined she was an appropriate candidate for treatment with LATISSE,” and that she is still using it.

BeautyTipToday first wrote about Latisse in our February 6th article. The product was just getting ready to launch. You can get further details there.

Meantime, dermatologists say the Latisse prescription drug is quite popular. And there are a number of women who truly suffer from weak lashes or lashes that never grow. And many women are willing to take a chance on growing longer, lusher lashes, because the serum really works wonders.

The Allergan makers are trying to correct problems in how they portray Latisse in ads, at the Latisse website. And Allergan is reportedly working with the FDA on this.

Stay tuned to this beauty news. In the meantime, why not try a non-prescription lash/brow thickener like Osmotics' FNS Nutrilash ($48, 28 applications).

Promotes fuller, thicker, healthier more beautiful lashes and brows
All natural, patented formula strengthens and conditions
Provides essential nutrients for maximum growth
Non-irritating/ocular tested - Hygenic, single dose applicators

The FNS Nutrilash also really works---safely and effectively. For more details, visit: Osmotics.

Nanny's FranBrand Skin Care Line Launches In November

We have to admit, actress Fran Drescher at 51, appears to have really nice skin.

The former star of the beloved TV hit, The Nanny, is embarking on a new role these days---sharp businesswoman.

Fran will be introducing an a 9-piece, organic skin care line on November 10th on HSN. She is teaming up with the HSN network. And Fran will go on without makeup.

We know what you're thinking. Everybody in Hollywood has a skin care line. And now, yet another!

But hold on a minute. What we like about Fran's new FranBrand line, is the way the beauty products have been formulated----with "carcinogen-free natural technology and ingredients designed to yield younger and healthier skin. FranBrand not only consists of all-natural products, but is packaged in glass containers and other eco-friendly recyclable materials."

Fran Drescher is a cancer survivor, and for several years now, has put on a courageous face to go public to try and help women coping with these challenges. “The FranBrand is a natural extension of my mission and my story," Fran explains. "I’m not glad I had cancer, but now my life has a purpose.”

FranBrand consists of these: cleanser, toner, serum, body and facial creams, eye treatments for both day and night and lip balm. In 2010, FranBrand will expand to feature hair care, make-up, sun care and bath and body.

Classic Cleanser ($19.90)
Terrific Toner Gel ($19.90)
Sensual Serum ($32)
Luscious Lip Balm ($16)
Beautiful Body Cream ($24)
Fabulous Face Lotion for the day ($29)
Fabulous Face Lotion for the night ($32)
Excellent Eye Gel ($24)
Excellent Eye Cream ($26)

"Women are schmearing stuff on their décolleté, wondering why we're all getting breast cancer. Once you wake up and smell the coffee, it's hard to go back to sleep. So I'm sounding the alarm," Fran told The Cut.

And more good news: a portion of the proceeds from FranBrand products will benefit Fran Drescher's foundation, Cancer Schmancer.

Join the always funny and charming Fran Drescher live Tuesday, November 10th on hsn.com.

How To Pick The Right Blush For That Rosy Glow

Yes, we could all use a little blush.

You've read about it here, time and time again:
Blush. Cheek color. According to legendary makeup artist Sandy Linter, it's THE most important cosmetic to use every day. "It shows off your bone structure and gives your face depth and warmth."

Blush gives you a healthy glow. Even if you rush out the door without making a bother, Sandy says to run back in just for a couple of quick swipes of blush.

And yet, some of us find blush, cheek color, a bit intimidating. Find the apples of your cheek, and simply apply there, the pros tell us. Hmmm. Not always that easy. Over-do the blush, and you can look clownish, even doll-like.

When it comes to cheek color, well, that's another complexity thrown in. We all have unique skin tones. So where do we go from here?

Let's take a look at one of Smashbox's popular beauty products: Smashbox O-Glow ($26, at makeup stores like Sephora, or http://www.sephora.com/) . This is a clear gel you apply onto your cheeks with your fingertips. And it delivers a naturally-pink hued gel cheek color.

O-Glow is a universally-flattering cheek blush, in a way. The cheek color looks individually pretty on each face across the globe. Really?!

Oh no....here we go again with these so-called 'universally flattering' makeup products. But Smashbox claims this intuitive cheek color reacts with your personal skin chemistry to transform from a silky clear gel into the shade you blush naturally.

We don't want to criticize a super makeup giant like Smashbox, but this natural-looking pink flush of color appears to be the same rosy hue for everyone and everything. Go ahead---apply the O-Glow to a piece of paper. It's the same shade when you apply it to your cheeks.

The good news: The blush is a lovely 'naturally-pink hued gel cheek color.' It is soft and attractive. Not a powder, so it's fresher-looking. And we like that O-Glow is formulated with Smashbox's 'exclusive Goji Berry-C Complex™, ginkgo biloba, pomegranate seed for antioxidant protection, and revitalizing marine botanicals for added healthy-skin benefits.'

O-Glow picked up 4 stars out of 5 stars by women at the Sephora beauty website. Here's a sampling of one recent review:

"...I apply a tiny drop over the apples of my cheeks and quickly blend out; it's bright pink for a moment but then it softens to my natural shade. The texture is nice too; the gel feels almost powdery so you don't have to wait for it to sink in. I apply it first, even before concealer, so that it doesn't brighten any red spots. And, to top it off, it doesn't make my ridiculously sensitive skin break out. I can't even imagine using another blush now that I've tried this."

Don't ask us exactly where to apply our blush. We're still trying to figure that one out. We just smile and assume we're hitting the 'apples.'

Try LimeLight Laser To Gently Zap Sun And Brown Spots

If your skin is just about perfect, then you don't have to read this. You are already in the 'limelight.'

But if you have a few facial spots or actually, spots anywhere on your body that you would like to make disappear or lessen in appearance, then read on.

For instance, we have a maze of small sun freckles dotting our decolette area--- you know, the skin below the neck and above the breasts. Too much sun exposure in our youth.

Or maybe you have one or more of these:

Uneven pigmentation
Brown spots from sun damage
Broken capillaries
Redness
Enlarged pores
Age spots
Acne scarring
Dull complexion
Rosacea

Then you are probably a fine candidate for an effective and non-invasive skin care procedure done by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. It's called the LimeLight PhotoFacial. And what it does, is use a light laser to zero in on a problem area of skin. The laser delivers a gentle pulse of light and, within one to three weeks, the zapped spot will flake off or fade.

The most popular locations targeted include the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and arms.

And dermatologists say that dramatic results are normally achieved after one or two LimeLight PhotoFacial treatments. For very large or dark spots, additional treatments may be required.

There really isn't any pain involved. When the light is applied to the problem area, a mild pinching sensation has been noted by some patients. Other than that, no topical anesthetic is required, and there is no down time.

A date with the LimeLight PhotoFacial generally costs about $500 a visit. We like that, if you can tackle a bad spot in one shot. Especially for those of you tired of applying bleaching agents like expensive prescription hydroquinone, this could be a painless procedure to get your face back in the limelight.

Beauty Tip Today's Celebrity List Of Favorite Beauty Products

We've got a list that matters, ladies, and we've been carefully collecting our notes over the past year.

Let's look at some simple facts: Celebrity beauty is big business. In other words, if a famous and beautiful celebrity endorses a beauty product, be it makeup, hair, skin, jewelry, clothing, etc., that beauty product sells big time!

Some of us do care what whitening toothpaste Hayden Panettiere brushes her teeth with. Or what hair product Vanessa Hudgens uses. And so on. And we all love when a celebrity gives us her favorite beauty products, especially those she doesn't endorse......the ones she uses in the privacy of her own home.

So. Beauty Tip Today has compiled our own Celebrity List of Favorite Beauty Products. We interviewed a few of these famous lovelies and they dished. And the rest of the tips, well, we did the digging for you. So get out a pad and pencil, and let's get down to beauty business: Hayden Panettiere -actress. Elgydium Whitening Toothpaste. Imported from Paris, France ($7, tube, http://www.drugstore.com/ ).

Vanessa Hudgens-actress-singer, Kerastase Oleo-Curl Mist. An oil-based curling agent. Amps up waves ($34).

Natasha Bedingfield-singer. Lancome Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara. Doesn't smudge (at fine dept. stores).

Halle Berry-actress. Her list of go-to-products for women over 40:

1.Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 ($6.50)
2. Revlon Fabulash Mascara ($9.00)
3. New by Revlon Creme Gloss in 'Wine Anytime' ($9.99)
4. Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner ($16.99, great for curly hair)
5. Kinara Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum ($70.00).

Ivanka Trump-newly married-businesswoman-TV personality. Eve Lom TLC Face Cream and classic Chapstick.

Kim Kardashian-television reality star, OK! mag. contributing ed., businesswoman. Kim told us last year, her number#1 lip gloss- Nars-Turkish Delight. Also, enjoys a nude lipstick like Belle de Jour-Nars.

Sharon Stone-actress-loves hairstyling products. Her fav: the Tancho Stick. A styling wax that gives great touseled texture.

Kathy Hilton, businesswoman, and yes, mom to Paris. She told us, she keeps her lovely blonde locks healthy with these products: 1. Kerastase Bain Volumactive Shampoo. 2. Frederic Fekkai's Apple Cider Shampoo for its clarifying properties. 3. Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplements. They're great for the hair.".

Gwen Stefani-singer. Pantene Pro-V Restorative Time Renewal Shampoo (at drugstores). "My hairstylist Danilo turned me on to this one."

Mary J. Blige-singer. Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Body Butter. Use after shower or bath to soothe dry skin.

Nicole Richie-television personality, jewelry designer. Loves the smoky, big cat-eye. For eyeliner, M.A.C’s liquid type, and Maybelline for mascara! "I love mascara! Maybelline is great because it’s inexpensive and easy to use!"

Ayesha Gilani- Miss Pakistan World 2009. Ayesha revealed her favs to us in a recent interview:

1. My favorite foundation in the world is Vincent Longo Water Canvas.

2. I have tried every designer mascara under the sun, and for ten years, I always come back to the same brand: L’Oreal Voluminous in black.

3. Pureology makes the best color-protecting shampoos on the planet. The most effective conditioner I’ve ever used is Bumble and Bumble Deep, a 20-minute treatment that leaves one’s tresses feeling like silk.

Dynasty Joan Collins Brings Good Grooming To UK With New Makeover Show

Dynasty Joan Collins says she wants to make the U.K. a more glamorous place, and that's what the 80's icon is trying to do on her new television show for Brits, 'Joan Does Glamour.'

Yes, another makeover show for women. Well, we say, why not?! Too bad we can't see it here in the states.

At age 76, we think Joan Collins looks pretty darn good. And she wishes women in the United Kingdom would take more care about their appearance. Dynasty Joan hates muffin tops and, "I don't admire the jelly belly oozing over the top of trousers. It should be covered up."

Look at the photos below. Joan believes that the mid-section should not be naked. And we happen to agree there. By the way, skinny chicks can also have muffin tops.


Joan Does Glamour takes an 'ordinary' group of women and makes them over into stylish ladies.

"For too long it has been acceptable to wander around in T-shirts, trainers and low slung sweat pants," says Joan. She believes that she can make the world a better place by boosting one's self-esteem.

What's wrong with that?

As long as Dynasty Joan isn't being snarky and rude, then we think she is on a good mission. If you look at makeover shows like, What Not to Wear here in the U.S. with Stacey London, you see an excellent attempt at re-making a person's image and yes, self-worth. A new wardobe, jewelry, and shoes, plus a new hairstyle and proper makeup, can give any woman a huge boost in life. So we do see the beauty value in respected makeover shows.


And Joan Collins' Joan Does Glamour show is crafting new images for women on sensible budgets. No over-the-top spending.

"I want to show British women that you don't need a designer budget to achieve a glamorous and timeless style," the Dynasty star explains. "If people took a bit more care of their appearance, they might feel a little bit better about themselves."

And if anyone knows glitz and glamour, well it's the former Dynasty celebrity. "Once you get glamour it’s like a drug. Once you get glamorous you never want to stop,” she says.

To see a clip from an episode of Joan Does Glamour from ITV, check it out here, courtesy of New York magazine:
http://videos.nymag.com/video/Highlights-from-Joan-Collins-Do.

Black Hose Black Tights Hot For Fall But Please No Slashing

Black hose. Black tights. Both are really hot for Fall/Winter 2009-2010.

There's just one tiny problem we noticed.....Some well-known, respected designers are taking black hose and black tights to a whole new modern, almost punk level. And we, personally, don't like it.

It's all the, er, slashing and ripping, that's bothering us. Take a look at this elegant, gray suit by Monique Lhuillier. Would you wear black hose like this??!! Sure, it is slashed in a very strategic manner, but really now. Remember how freaked out when you found a run in your nylons? Oh the shame. But apparently, not anymore.
Designer Alexander Wang also sent his models down the runway with short dresses and purposely ripped sheer black hose with tall boots and socks.

But not everyone is shredding their black hose and black tights(thank goodness). Beautiful stars like Gwen Stefani and Charlize Theron wore the hose and tights, respectively, as they attended recent red carpet events. And theirs were not slashed.

What we adore about sheer black hose, is the 'sheer' elegance it gives to complete an outfit. It's polished and sophisticated. Our own mother has always loved wearing this look, and it's timeless.

Then there's young superstar Miley Cyrus rockin' the ripped black tights. Okay, she's very young, so we really can't criticize there. And she's going for an edgy, rock look, so we'll look the other way.

And we've also seen the Olsen sisters in slashed black tights, along with Britney Spears, and others. It sometimes looks trashy, if the slashing and ripping go too far.

There are several online shopping sites featuring ripped black tights. And some women are just slashing their own black hose from the local drugstore to get the look.