New Clip-In Wrap-Around PonyTail Inspired By Jessica Simpson

Ponytails are hot for fall/winter 2009. And if you have short hair, or limp hair that can't form a long, beautiful ponytail, think again.

Celebrity stylist Ken Paves has created the new Clip-In Wrap-Around Ponytail, as past of his new styleables collection. And his source of inspiration? Jessica Simpson.

Jess looks lovely wearing the wrap-around pony in ginger blonde($49, Ken Paves). The beauty of the new styleables collection are the easy and accommodating features:

Style it straight. Flat-iron it. Wave it. Or curl it. Then, just clip it in and go! You get volume and polish.

The Ken Paves Clip-In Wrap Around Pony, synthetic hair, comes in 9 shades. And the color selections are actually made from a blend of seven to 12 shades to get the most believable, natural-looking results:
Chestnut. Buttered Toast. Ginger Blonde. Ginger Brown. Glazed Strawberry. Golden Wheat. Chocolate Copper. Midnight Brown. Ebony.

And the ponytail is long....18 inches.

Several years ago, when clip-in hair came into vogue, this type of extension could not be styled. But thanks to Ken Paves' new Tru2Life™fiber, this trend-setting pony can be easily transformed with thermal styling tools.

Tru2Life is conditioned to take the heat, so to speak. The fibers can withstand temperatures of up to 350 degrees Farenheit/160 Celsius. And more importantly, straight fibers can be curled, and curled fibers can be straightened. And best of all, the hair is really soft, light, and shiny like real hair.

And if you take the time to read customer reviews at some of the online sites that sell the Clip-In Wrap-Around Ponytail, you will see that most women say it's easy to put it in, feels like real, healthy hair, and stays put. We did see a couple of negative reviews. One woman felt the color range wasn't wide enough. She says her light platinum locks could not find an equal match in Ken Paves' shade selection. Another said her hair was too thick and the velcro fastener for the ponytail extension would not stay attached. And some red-haired women hope Ken Paves can add more auburn shades to the collection, because they, too, couldn't get a natural-looking match.

You can also read a bunch of reviews at QVC.com. The ponytail received a 4.3 out of 5 stars, which is a very good rating of 87%.

You can purchase the Wrap-Around Pony at shopkenpaves.com, drugstore.com, QVC.com, and other online stores.

To get an idea, how this clip-in ponytail works, look at the photos below, provided by Ken Paves.

Shanna Moakler Debuts New Mineral Cosmetics Line SMOAK

Former Miss USA 1995, Shanna Moakler, is proud to introduce SMOAK Cosmetics. The glamorous mom of 3 teamed up with her makeup artist Daniel McFadden, and the two gave birth to a wonderful palette of mineral makeup.

Shanna says she has tried just about every kind of makeup on the planet, and wanted her personal makeup line to be clean and healthy, and that meant, mineral makeup. This is how SMOAK Cosmetics is described at her website 'About Me' page:

"Mineral make-up is truly a revolution in cosmetics, taking the fashion and skin health world by storm. Shanna is not only in entertainment but a mother of 3 who has had a love affair with taking care of her skin and making sure she is doing all she can to prevent, maintain and give only the best to her face! She has publicly spoken in campaigns about the importance of educating yourself on not only what you are putting into your body but as well as ON your body. Organics are a passion of hers and being able to find chic, modern, stylish make-up that not only protects your skin but can also help you look years younger."

Shanna's makeup line features Primers. Foundations. Blushes. Eyeshadows. Eyeliners. Eyeliners. LIpsticks. Makeup Brushes. And Creative Color Kits.

Shanna Moakler fell in love with mineral makeup. It takes some getting used to, but she feels it can only benefit your skin in the long run. This is why she says her SMOAK foundations will always look and last better than the rest:

"Non mineral Liquid foundations and heavy concealers only clog the pores and damage your skin, trying to fight your way thru light coverage, medium coverage, heavy coverage, it gets confusing and no matter how amazing it looked on your face in the store, it just never sits right on the face at home! This is where the benefits of minerals comes into play, not only are they lightweight , soft, and organic, but they are filled with vitamins rich in antioxidants, they combat shine and even provide a natural SUNSCREEN! You are actually helping your face! My foundations contain no fragrances, preservatives or any harsh chemicals and even better, none our products are EVER TESTED ON ANIMALS! I am also very proud to offer a liquid MINERAL foundation that is simply the best of both worlds, I have yet to use a foundation as amazing as this".

Being a former Miss USA, and Hollywood-gal-on-the-go, Shanna Moakler must know a thing or two about cosmetics. As you can see by the photo of Shanna at the recent SMOAK makeup launch, the woman has beautiful skin, and her makeup looks flawless.

Shanna gives some super makeup tips at Smoak Cosmetics. She shows you step-by-step, how to create a beautiful smoky eye, Shanna's trademark feature. And the eyes have it:

"Eye liners can change the shape of your eye, they can set a time or "era" to your look or make up," Shanna explains. "You can use eyeliner to go from day to night in one easy sweep! For me, my eyeliner has been my signature and it is one of the main reasons I celebrate mineral make up. I will not lie ladies, conquering a fantastic eye with liner takes practice. My loose eye shadows can be used WET also! There are so many eye liner looks and I will monthly come here and give tips on different ones."

You can purchase Shanna Moakler's new makeup line at SmoakShop.com.

Multiple Strands Of Pearls Best Accessory For Fall Winter 2009

We like what Kimora was showing on her fall winter 2009 Baby Phat runway:

Multiple strands of pearls and gold chains.

It's the best way to accessorize and hit the right trends of the moment. Ultra-feminine and always classy, but expensive, too. Runway pearls and gold chains will cost you $1,000 or more each, but there are ways to imitate the bling and save some real cash.

Baby Phat showed the pearls long and knotted, too. Some featured were chunky sets of pearls, and others were small, all mixed together.And Kimora paired them with skinny jeans and soft leather jackets, lace leggings, jumpsuits, and lattice work shoes. Really elegant and sexy chic!

Celebrities like Rihanna, are rockin' the piles and piles of pearls. It's a modern take on the Coco Chanel look. And did you know that Coco, designer and founder of Chanel, used to mix genuine pearls with rope after rope of fake pearl necklaces in the 1930's?

We like to take a tip from television's, The Insider. Host Lara Spencer always shows us the cheaper way to look glam. Her stylist often suggests jewelry from Forever21. And why not? The jewelry is pretty, very current, comes in a huge variety of styles, and won't break your wallet.

For instance, look at these gold chains from Forever21. Only $12.80. Delicate, cascading gold chains linked together with a lobster style clasp. Accented chains feature cool metal square beads. - Chain: 23" - 34" approx length, 1/4" x 1/8" approx bead dimensions.

The pearls we found that are faux and budget-friendly, are from Alloy. This set of multiple strands includes white pearls of various sizes and strand lengths. It's called the 'Anna necklace' and is 24" long with an adjustable clasp ($19.90). We are including 2 photos.

At least you don't have to worry about caring for multiple strands of faux pearls and gold chains like these from Forever21 and Alloy. No special treatment or storage. Just put on, and be on your elegant way.

Spin A Web Of Beautiful Hair With New Sebastian Microweb Fiber

We want some of this for our hair!!!

It's a new Sebastian Professional hair product that is inspired by the beauty and silky texture of a spider's web. It's called Sebastian Microweb Fiber ($14.99 online, and at specialty salons).

This is amazing high-tech hair styling .....creating flexible texture and touchable movement. Sebastian Microweb Fiber is an 'elastic' texturizer product. especially designed for longer hair.

And oh yeah, it does look like a spider's web when you spray some into the palm of your hand and emulsify the product. No kidding!!

It's better than wax, mousse, gel, sprays, or pomades. Big, soft, 3-dimensional hair instantly. No stickiness or crunchiness.

You've got to see this video, provided by the folks at Sebastian Professional Salon. You will be convinced at what the product can do for hair of any texture.

As Thomas Dunkin, Sebastian Stylist and Editorial Master explains it, "I love to see hair that marries weightless volume with the bold. edginess of 80's pop-punk culture. The Bohemian chaotic hairstyle is also very relevant at the moment."

And if you closely watched the fall runways, you saw plenty of texture woven into the fabrics and patterns and models' hair. From sequins, to playful ruffles, flirty feathers, ruching, and bold, hot colors, texture is everywhere. And Sebastian Professional Microweb Fiber gives every woman a chance to spin a web of big, beautiful hair.

Get Younger Smoother Skin The European Way With Avene

Let's talk about retinol, and how it can give you younger, smoother skin. And let's focus our skin care in France, at the Avene headquarters in the French village of Avene. And let's learn how the Sainte-Odile thermal spring water nearby is formulated into Avene's skin care line.

According to a review by Dr. Craig Kraffert, a dermatologist at derm store, there is quite a unique story:

" People have traveled to this spring for hundreds of years to enjoy the benefits of its healing waters. As early as 1860, the spring welcomed 500 patients a year. In 1871, the water was exported to treat burn victims of the Great Chicago Fire. The Avene Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center was first established in Avene in 1743. Dermatologists at Avene have studied the properties of Avene spring water from the time the Center was opened until today. The water from this spring has the approval of the French National Academy of Medicine which acknowledges the properties of this spring as beneficial for the skin."

The product we are looking at is the Avene Retrinal, in 2 strengths--0.05 and 0.1. It's a non-greasy retinol cream, available in the two concentrations. Build up gradually to the highest strength, to avoid flaking and irritation. We found the 0.1 Avene for $64 at dermstore.com. It is generally sold only through physicians' offices, but there are online skin care stores that have permission to sell this European skin care line.

Many women are raving about Avene Retrinal, having first learned about it through their derms. Retinol, like its cousin, prescription Retin-A, has the power to make skin look younger and smoother. It's a nighttime beauty treatment. All you do is apply a small amount to the face and neck before bedtime, or as directed by your physician. Use a daily sun protection of SPF 15 or higher during use of this product.

Here's how Avene describes Retrinal's skin care benefits:

Patented formula and ingredient work synergistically to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritation
Retinaldehyde: One of the most effective and non-irritating forms of Vitamin A to smooth away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Available in 2 concentrations to address individual skin aging concerns
Rétrinal 0.05 (0.05% Retinaldehyde): Nightly skin rejuvenation
Rétrinal 0.1 (0.1% Retinaldehyde): Intensive skin rejuvenation
Improves skin’s texture and tone and helps prevent future signs of aging
Restores radiance
Neutral pH
Fragrance-free
Avène Thermal Spring Water to soothe and soften skin
Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

To learn more, visit Avene.

Rachel Bilson Super Star Style And InStyle Columnist

At 28, actress Rachel Bilson already exudes, sophistication and star style. The petite, brunette beauty has many fashion followers. And even InStyle magazine can recognize a young fashion icon in the making. The publication has given Rachel Bilson a monthly column called, Ask Rachel. Readers can submit style questions for Rachel at www.instyle.com/askrachel.

What fans adore about Rachel's style is her confidence, her preference for lots of scarves, boots, and blazers, and a boho-vintage edge with casual wear. Like British model Kate Moss, Rachel is unafraid to set a trend.

Rachel Bilson looks at other celebrities for fashion inspiration:

"I love to admire other people," she says. "Ashley Olsen I think is great, Diane Kruger, Sienna Miller - all those people obviously have good style, so it's nice to see that around you. Your peers surround you, and they all look good, so that's great."

Rachel loves being seen in styles by Chanel, Zac Posen, Stella McCartney, and Marc Jacobs.

And when it comes to beauty tips, Rachel favors a smoky, lined eye and soft-colored lips. Here are the 4 Beauty Essentials Rachel Bilson can't live without (as told to InStyle):

1. Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker ($2, drugstores, and lipsmacker.com.) "Tastes great, and gives lips a subtle reddish tint."

2. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in medium ($33, fine dept. stores, and bobbibrowncosmetics.com). "I dust my cheeks and eyelids for a natural glow."

3. Kerastate Lait Nutri-Sculpt ($29, kerastase-usa.com). "A lifesaver for unruly hair. Work a little through to make it soft and tamable."

4. Tarte Natural Eyeliner in Starry Night ($18, tarte.com). "I line the inside rims of my lower lids; the pencil's creamy texture doesn't smudge."

Thanks for the super style and beauty tips, Rachel!

Finally, New No Handles Eyelash Curler By Laura Mercier!

Eyes wide open, ladies! It has finally happened:

A new, 'no handles' eyelash curler is on the scene by Laura Mercier.

Move over, all-time favorite, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($19). The new Laura Mercier pinch-free curler is even cheaper, at $16. And look at the shape. Small without the traditonal clumsy, metal-scissor handles. Instead, you get an easel-style lever that flips down to provide the perfect amount of pressure. And lashes rest on a cushiony pad that adds the perfect curl without grabbing or pinching. This curler just feels better in your fingers.

Mini, too, at dimensions of--2.5" X 1.5" X .75".

You say you don't need an eyelash curler? Oh, really? If you want big, beautiful, wide eyes, then, yes, you do! Even if you don't wear mascara, do curl.

And if you're going to wear mascara, then you need to have an eyelash curler in your daily beauty routine. The two go hand in hand. Unless, of course, you were born with curly lashes, then forget our advice.

What does an eyelash curler do? Any professional makeup artist will tell you, that curling your lashes opens up the eyes. Your eyes will look bigger. Stubborn lashes will look more even. And short, wimpy lashes will take on thickness and appear longer.

We love the compact size and shape of the Laura Mercier Eyelash Curler, but it looks like one we first bought a couple of years ago by Wet 'n' Wild cosmetics. That one is very economical at $1.99, and it does the trick. Unfortunately, we have bought three of them from Wet 'n' Wild in the past, and each one has busted after only about a month's use. I guess you could say, we got what we paid for.

Japonesque has also had a mini eyelash curler out for a few years now. We found one at Amazon.com, for $11. And many women love this mini curler, too, because it curls and lifts even the most stubborn lashes.

And here's a neat trick from the folks at Kevin Aucoin cosmetics:
Kevin Aucoin's experts gave this special beauty secret for curling bottom eyelashes:"Turn (curler) upside down and curl bottom lashes downward. Trick of old movie stars from the 30's and 40's."

Caution here. We would advise using a traditional metal-scissor handles curler for this technique. We tried it, but we couldn't even manage it, ha! Be careful you don't poke your eye. It can be done, we are sure.

Maybe you really like using the metal curler. And that's fine, too. They wouldn't be on store shelves if no one used them. There are all kinds of eyelash curlers out there. Some are heated. Metal. Plastic. Big. Mini. And every set of lashes are unique. So you just have to go through a bunch of them, until you reach lash heaven. We are so sick of the metal curlers, we're happy to see Laura Mercier give us a new beauty option.