Women Lose Weight Slower Than Men But Menstrual Cycle Can Tell Women When Body Burns Most Fat

It's already 2010. And lots of people are trying to lose weight in the new year.

The ugly fact: Women do lose weight slow-wwwwer than men. How frustrating is that, especially partners that take the weight loss journey together, only to see their male counterparts losing lbs. so quickly.

But women do have a little weight loss weapon they don't even know about. It's called your menstrual cycle. And learning how your monthly cycle works, can give you clues to when your body burns the most fat.

Here at Beauty Tip Today, we have tackled this issue before, and we recently received an email from a reader who wanted us to re-explain how a woman's menstrual cycle can help one lose weight. So let us begin.

First, let's look at some basics:

1. Men tend to lose weight faster than women for a few reasons.

2. Women tend to store and retain fat, because we have higher levels of estrogen, which keeps fat on a woman's body.

3. Men have more muscle on their frames which equals a faster metabolism. So, they can burn more calories, even when lying on the couch, doing zero.

4. Women have more fat on hips and thighs, which are tougher fat zones to remove, whereas men have more belly fat, which is a fat zone that melts away quicker.

Now, lets' look at women's menstrual cycles, and see how your period, and the days in between that, offer you the best shot for burning fat. Exercise plays a big role here:

Muscle & Fitness magazine did an article on the female fat cycle. And according to researchers from Australia, all women are equal and alike during certain times of their menstrual cycle.

For instance, one study found that, "the female body burns much more fat, especially during high-intensity aerobic exercise, during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle than it does during the follicular phase." In other words, you will lose more weight during days 14-28 of your cycle than during days 1-13 of your cycle.(Remember: Day 1 of your cycle always equals the first day of your period). It has to do with the estrogen and progesterone levels during a woman's cycle.

Now to take advantage of your own fat burning machine, do lower-intensity exercise when you get your period. Use about 60%-70% of your maximum heart rate for about 40-60 minutes per session for days 1-13. Do cardio on the treadmill or elliptical climber. Then around day 14, switch over to high-intensity exercise, where you use 80%-90% maximum heart rate for about 30 minutes per session. Do that tougher exercise regimen for days 14-28.(These days are generally your ovulation time). Push your cardio on the stationary bike or stair-stepper.

This plan will help you really strip the fat and lose weight.

New NARS Orgasm Illuminator Explodes In Luscious Luminosity

It's called the NARS Orgasm Illuminator, ladies. A fancy word for highlighter. And it's the newest seductive makeup product in the already legendary NARS Orgasm makeup line-up. The Illuminator has been set for introduction in Spring 2010, but it's being sold right now at Sephora. That's the only beauty store, so far, where we could hunt down a tube of it.

The price may be $29, but this Orgasm Illuminator explodes into luscious luminosity in that familiar peachy-pink shade that makes every gal blush in a beautiful way. It performs in a big-gggg way......It can be used as a highlighter on cheeks or anywhere else you want to bring gentle shine and attention....like the decolletage. You can also mix a little Orgasm Illuminator in your foundation or tinted moisturizer.

The consistency of this new NARS Orgasm product is that of a sheer fluid. It's got a subtle shimmer along with the tiniest of microscopic flecks in shiny peaches, pinks, and golds. The Illimunator gives warmth and vibrancy to the complexion and shows off bone structure.

The NARS Orgasm Illuminator joins hands with popular NARS Orgasm Blush, Orgasm Lipgloss, Orgasm Nail Polish, and NARS The Multiple(multi-purpose color stick).

Tonight is the night for the Golden Globes Awards show. We wonder how many beautiful celebrities will be walking the red carpet wearing their own Orgasm Illuminator. If you want to glow, this new product delivers for all of us.

Yogurt Is So Good For You And Heidi Klum Proves It In New Dannon Ad

Heidi Klum is everywhere these days, and most recently in a new ad for Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt. We were wondering who that sexy woman was in the clever ad. It looked like Heidi, but we weren't so sure, until now.

At 36, and a proud momma of 4, Heidi Klum is on the go with Project Runway's new 7th season. She just gave birth to her daughter Lou in October. She has since modeled in the annual televised Victoria's Secret fashion show, designed a line of maternity clothes, has a popular skin care line going, and a bunch of other things with her lovely face and name behind them.

And now yogurt. Perfect for a mom who is fast on the track to drop her post-pregnancy days and keep her slender figure. And Heidi knows that yogurt is so good for you. And in this case, only 80 calories in a cup(6oz. serving) of new Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt. And zero fat. Available in 17 delicious flavors like Pineapple Coconut and Apple Pie. Yummy!!

Yogurt is a wonderful natural beauty treatment. And it's delicious! Yogurt delivers lots of vitamins and minerals to the body. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium and as most of you already know, yogurt maintains good gastro-intestinal health.

And yogurt is also beneficial for healthy gums. According to a recent study at Japan's Kyushu University, researchers found that those who ate fermented milk products such as yogurt (at least 2 oz. a day), had significantly improved gum health. The key 'magic' ingredient being calcium.

What we admire about Heidi Klum is her devotion to family, her accessibility, and wholesome public image. Heidi is often see with family in tow, trying to live a very normal life, amidst the fame of her modeling career and that of her husband Seal's singing career. Heidi isn't afraid to show off a face without makeup and one with a few lines and wrinkles, as she did last summer while heading to a Broadway show. She isn't playing model 24/7.

The public embraces Heidi Klum, and not only for her beauty.

To take a look at Heidi's new ad for Dannon yogurt, just click on to YouTube.

And visit LightnFit for coupons.

Powder? Aging Or Does It Really 'Set' A Beauty Purpose?

We are in the beauty belief that powder does matter and does 'set' makeup. It is the final step in a beauty routine.

There are professional makeup artists out there, however, who warn about the overuse and misuse of powder. When it's not applied properly, it can look ghost-like, mask-like, and can make you look older, because it can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and unfortunately, turn the spotlight on our imperfections.

But there are so many makeup powders available these days, that we can all find at least a couple that can help us achieve the look of smaller pores, a balanced complexion, a matte finish, hiding an oily face, longer-lasting makeup, and an even brighter and firmer face.

Why do we believe in powder as the last step in a daily beauty ritual? If you look at beauty history, you will come across the name of Way Bandy. He was probably one of the most influential makeup artists around. And most artists today, have been inspired by his techniques and understanding of a woman's bone structure. It's a sad shame, Way Bandy as since passed away. He was such a brilliant artist in the 1970's. His book, Designing Your Face, was a big seller and a wonderful beauty primer on makeup. You could probably still find the how-to book on Amazon.com.

In Designing Your Face, Way Bandy talks about the power of powder to set makeup. His trick----plain, old, baby powder. Way would dip a big, makeup brush into a jar of baby powder, shake off the excess, and powder his models with it at shoots. Even the great model, Iman, talked about Way Bandy in her own book, The Beauty of Color:

"My first photo shoot, two days after I arrived in Manhattan, was with one of the first celebrity makeup artists, Way Bandy, and legendary fashion photographer Francesco Scavullo. Bandy had the smallest makeup kit — a brown pencil, a black pencil, black mascara, an eyelash curler, baby powder, and an orangey blush...."

Yes, you can still use baby powder to set your makeup. But you can also try some of the new powders out that do more than just 'set makeup,' or keep it looking fresh or just applied.

We're looking at 2 excellent makeup powders that seal the deal in your beauty routine, and give you that healthy, perfect complexion we strive for each day:

1. Redpoint HydraBoost Firming Powder ($36). A silky, translucent powder that actually firms and moisturizes while keeping oily shine away. HydraBoost Firming Powder is formulated with DermaFiber, a micronized powder that instantly helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores. It 's a translucent shade that fits all skin tones.

2. Bye Bye Pores Powder by It cosmetics ($24). You can minimize pores, airbrush fine lines and wrinkles away. And keep your oily skin in check. Bye Bye Pores is infused with collagen, anti-oxidants and real silk. It instantly smoothes away signs of aging. Superfine translucent powder works on all skin tones and types.

So, if you are hesitant about powder, we say, don't be shy. Use a light touch and powder away!

Winter Months Cruel To Rosacea? Try Obagi Rosaclear System

We have written about rosacea a couple of times before here at Beauty Tip Today.

And now, we are writing again, because the cold, dry winter months can be cruel to those with rosacea. We've been looking at the well-respected Obagi skin care company, and their RosaClear System, a multi-product, all-in-one weapon that battles redness and gives you back a healthy, more balanced complexion.

The RosaClear System has been out for a year now, and seems to show measurable promise.

No one knows what truly causes rosacea. But it is a common skin disease that affects more than 14 million Americans today. More women than men have it, and it usually strikes those with fair skin and blue eyes, namely of Irish and Scottish descent. Sadly, most Americans don't know how to treat it.

What does rosacea resemble? There are four subtypes, but simply speaking, it can appear as a redness or persistent flushing of the face. Sometimes it includes the distinct redness, but with a bumpy texture. Other rosacea examples feature a thickening of the skin with an irregular epidermal texture. And lastly, ocular rosacea, which shows red, swollen, iritated eyelids.

The RosaClear System by Obagi is prescription-based, although you can buy the products individually or as a set through many online shopping sites and on Ebay. The kit costs about $135.

According to the stats, clinical studies revealed that, "90 percent of subjects showed at least a one grade reduction in the severity of rosacea after just two weeks. Investigators also reported an overall reduction in redness and continued improvement over the four-week study."

The Obagi RosaClear System includes these products:
Gentle Cleanser---Gently cleanses sensitive skin.
Metronidazole Topical Gel USP, 0.75% (Rx Only)--Treats the inflammatory papules and pustules associated with rosacea.
Hydrating Complexion Corrector--Anti-inflammatory agents help reduce redness while soothing and calming the skin; light-reflective minerals lead to a more balanced-looking complexion.
Skin Balancing Sun Protection SPF 30 (sold separately)--Provides sun protection through a specially formulated, chemical-free, tinted UVA/UVB sunscreen which easily blends with the skin.

OMG! Heidi Montag Undergoes Extreme Plastic Surgery Makeover

Heidi Montag. You have to admit, the girl is gutsy. And apparently addicted to plastic surgery as the headline of People magazine's newest issue on sale now, reveals.

Yes, both photos are of Heidi Montag. Before, left, and the new Heidi, right, in 2010. Heidi seems almost unrecognizable after an admitted 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day! OMG!

So, what's different about the celebrity? Bigger breasts, bigger lips, smaller chin, smaller nose, and apparently some other things like---mini brow lift, Botox in the forehead, fat injections in the cheeks, neck liposuction, ears pinned back, liposuction on her waist and thighs and a buttocks augmentation.

The Hills star is only 23, and yet has been slowly putting together a more beautiful beauty strategy for quite some time now. "For the past three years, I've thought about what to have done," the reality star tells PEOPLE. "I'm beyond obsessed."

We always thought Heidi Montag was pretty, and even prettier after her first nose job, done around 2007. Then she went for too ample a breast enhancement, and it's never stopped. But, we have to imagine, it's tough out there for any young woman growing up in such a beauty and youth-obsessed society. There is so much pressure on girls to be super skinny and look 'perfect.' And Heidi told People, that she was teased as a young girl about her looks, and the teasing didn't stop, even when she moved to L.A. and got a lucky television break:

"People said I had a] Jay Leno chin," she tells the mag. "And when I watched myself on 'The Hills,' my ears would be sticking out like Dumbo! I just wanted to feel confident and look in the mirror and be like, 'Whoa! That's me!' I was an ugly duckling before."

There's a lot of competition in Hollywood, especially in the pop star world, where Heidi so wants to be at the moment:

"I'm competing against the Britney Spearses of the world - and when she was in her prime, it was her sex appeal that sold. Obviously, looks matter, it's a superficial industry," Heidi explains.

So, how does Heidi Montag like the 10-round plastic surgery results? Well, we could only share the cover photo of People, for now, but Heidi is definitely pleased:

"I look way better and I'm way happier...my eyebrow lift just took my face to another level, made it a little bit more European-exotic," Heidi says. "And for the first time, I have sexy ears!"

By the way....Heidi's debut CD Superficial, drops tomorrow, and the lead single is called, Fanatic.

Hmmm. Words to chew on for a while.

Elegant Sexy Black And Sheer Trend Back In Big Way

We've been waiting for quite some time now, for the black and sheer trend to make its way back on the runway and on the street. And finally, we're starting to see it everywhere.

We adore this black and sheer style. And every woman can wear it. It spells out elegant and sexy. And it can also look like 'naughty meets nice.' Top designers like Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, and Stella McCartney were showing these timeless pieces on their models. And young celebrities like Leighton Meester have been seen wearing these sophisticated styles.

You can obviously shop high end for the black and sheer trend. But you can also pick up some pretty pieces at the inexpensive level, too. And when the color is black, the fabric looks rich at any price; at least we like to think so.


The Black and sheer combo isn't just for dresses. We have found them in tops, tunics, and skirts. And often times, lovely lace is incorporated into the look, so you are raising the elegance level even higher.

When you are wearing a black and sheer item, don't forget about the peek-a-boo element to the piece. In other words, be oh so careful, what part of your body is wearing the sheer fabric. For instance, if the belly is in the sheer fabric, that area will get noticed. If your belly is in taut, trim shape, then good for you. But if your belly isn't totally flat, then highlight or 'frame' another area of your figure in the sheer fabric, like your sexy decolletage, or your strong, fit arms.



The black and sheer trend can highlight the sexy body parts, and hide the less-than-perfect parts. The opaque, black fabric takes care of that problem. So it's a win-win style for all of us, and because this look is done in black and sometimes, navy, you will enjoy an overall slimmer silhouette.

Our top photo features the Black Raquel Lace Dress by Ralph Lauren Rugby.

Our 2nd photo comes from Forever21....the Mesh Yoke Rosette Tunic ($19.80).

Our 3rd photo shows a Frederick's of Hollywood Illusion Mesh Panel Dress ($54).

And our last photo features the Taryn Lace Skirt by Ralph Lauren Rugby ($298). It comes in navy(pictured here) or black.