How To Say Bye-Bye To Blackheads With Some Simple Steps

If you've never had an ugly blackhead, congratulations! You are not from this planet. But seriously, blackheads are a form of acne. And these tiny black dots that like to hang out on your nose, and even on the ears, chest, and back, can be stubborn follicle bumps that can ruin a complexion.

No need to worry, you can say bye-bye to blackheads. Whatever you do, please do not attempt to squeeze out a blackhead with your fingers. Forcing out a blackhead in this manner can cause infection, and yes, even scarring. You might make the situation even worse.

Blackheads are actually acne, in the form of comedones, which are a plug of sebaceous and dead skin material stuck in the opening of a hair follicle. The follicle may be open (blackhead) or almost closed (whitehead). Take a look at the diagram below to get a better idea of how the blackhead looks below the complexion surface.

We know, it ain't pretty, and it sure ain't pleasant to talk about, but---there are ways to improve this common acne problem.

A steamy shower or hot facial is great before blackhead extraction. You can also try a number of beauty treatments. Retin-A, which is prescription-based, stimulates fast cell turnover, helping to expel or get rid of plugged pores. There is also benzoyl peroxide lotion, which helps 'unplug' too, when the blackheads aren't too severe a problem.

You could also apply salicylic acid cream, which helps to exfoliate the skin, bringing blackheads closer to the surface to help in easier removal.

And there are also blackhead strips that you place on the black dots to gently 'lift' away these impurities. And many of you are familiar with a little, stainless steel tool or extractor that quickly and painlessly removes blackheads, designed with double cupped ends.

We also believe in trying all natural ingredients to say bye-bye to blackheads. We heard Dr. Oz talk about epsom salts today, as a great beauty tip to loosen the plugged follicles. So we found a few recipes you might want to try:

1. Make a solution of equal parts Epsom salts, iodine and warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to blackheads. Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Exfoliate with a face scrub immediately to remove the blackheads loosened by the Epsom salt solution.

2. Mix equal amounts of baking soda and water to form a thick paste, and apply to affected blackhead areas. Gently rub your skin for several minutes and wash off with warm water. The baking soda is a good exfoliation remedy, removing blackheads.

3. Make a scrub of 4 tbsp. salt, 1 tsp. honey, and the juice from half a lemon. It should be the consistency of a thick paste. Scrub your face with this mixture for 5 minutes, using your fingers, and rinse and pat dry. Exfoliation is a good way to dislodge blackheads from the skin, and the honey is soothing, while the lemon acts as an astringent.

Award-Winning Detox Face Mask A Must For Both Women And Men

Beauty Products for both women and men?

If you think your better half has never opened a few of your anti-aging jars or taken a quick dollop of your expensive deep glycolic acid cleanser, well, we've got news for you. Boyfriends, husbands, lovers, brothers, etc., sometimes dip into women's beauty treatments.

Why do men secretly sample your beauty stuff? Either, a. because they've run out of their own zit cream. b. they're darn curious why your skin looks so good. c. they're too cheap to buy their own beauty products and have no clue what their skin needs. Or, d. all of the above.

Then of course, there are unisex beauty products. And we found a super detox face mask you can both enjoy together. Try this one at malinand goetz And it's simply called, Detox Face Mask ($40, 4 oz.). You can also find these wonderful unisex beauty items at Barneys New York stores, and a number of other beauty stores.

This Malin+Goetz detox face mask is a great product and one of the company's best sellers. It even won Allure magazine's Editor's Choice Best of Beauty Awards (2008)  Best Deep Cleansing Mask.

So, exactly what's in it? According to the bottle: Squalene, glycerin, and sodium pca to moisturize and hydrate; soy protein and panthenol to firm; green tea extract and vitamin e to work as antioxidants; vitamin c to smooth lines.

Don't worry...you and your better half don't have to sit there with some nasty goop on your face for 30 minutes. This is a nice, cool foaming gel mask that takes just 5 minutes to make a big difference in your skin.

Just apply to a clean face, and the detox face mask does all the work. "Oxygenating cleansing agents replace harsh detergents and drying clays to deep-pore-cleanse, lifting dirt, oil and make-up away from the skin without irritation, while creating a physical barrier to seal hydration. Complex amino acids and natural almond extract gently and effectively purify, clarify, balance and soothe. Stable Vitamin C, anti-oxidant Vitamin E and Soy Protein help firm and address concerns for aging".

Malin+Goetz Apothecary and Lab in New York City sells some effective skin care products for the both of you. And these guys love to send you free samples with every order. We love that!

For more details, visit malinandgoetz.

There's Only Botox When It Comes To Eliminating Wrinkles

Okay, we've had enough. Wrinkles.

We all get them and we all hate them, but once wrinkles 'set up house' across your face, it's almost impossible to get rid of them. And that is where Botox comes to the rescue. With the sting of a needle in some key wrinkle zones, and poof! Wrinkles are gone! Eliminated, at least for about 3 months.

That is why we get so upset when we see an ad at People.com, for example, one that is boasting about a very inexpensive no Botox solution.

Are you kidding us? Even prescription strength Retin-A cannot remove all wrinkles. We hope to believe that Retin-A helps soften the wrinkles you've already got, and most importantly, helps to prevent new wrinkles from forming. But trust us, there is no miracle beauty product that can make them disappear forever.

Ladies, don't believe the hype! If you catch an ad that promises a no Botox solution, just quickly turn the page, and have a good laugh. This is one we saw last evening:

Say "No" to Botox!

See how a mom combined 2 products & made her wrinkles vanish for $3!

When you arrive at the website, you are treated to a site that is pretending to be a real journalism site----Consumer Tips Weekly, with a so-called health & fitness reporter. And here's where they get you, with headlines like this:

Beauty & the Recession: A Mom's Secret to Eliminate Wrinkles for under $3*.

Then you are told a lengthy story about a mom named Rachel, who had the beauty science and smarts to discover a winning wrinkle eliminating combo:

"Rachel decided to change her life, and recently discovered a clever way of combining two beauty product trials from trusted companies, Bellanue & Cupuacu, to unlock the secrets of anti-aging. The results are comparable to what you might attain at local beauty salons and clinics for $1000 or more, using nothing but trial offers."

So, what's in these two wrinkle serums:

1. Matrixyl 3000 is a fast acting, skin firming peptide, that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 68%. It also happens to be one of the main active ingredients in Bellanue.

2. Cupuacu has a unique set of polyphenols that have never been seen before.This new revelation is causing a stir in scientific circles and has prompted many to call it a “Pharmacy In a Fruit”. Now there is NO more need for botox or expensive cosmetic surgery. Erasing Damage comes from the inside out with Cupuacu. Clinically Optimized for Results.

We are not saying that Matrixyl 3000 and Cupuacu don't possess some promising features for healthy, youthful skin, BUT-----to try and rope women into purchasing a duo of products that are better than Botox, well, that's when the beauty police have to step in and make a report.

Botox cosmetic, the number one injectable, is the best so far, ladies. And as celebrity dermatolgist Frederick Brandt has said:

“Botox cosmetic has revolutionized our field,” Dr. Brandt says. “Botox is easy to administer, safe and effective, and not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but also has the effect of preventing the future formation of wrinkles and fine lines if used appropriately.”

Just be cautious when you see an ad that promises so much for beauty, for as little as $3. If it's too good to be true, well, you know the rest of that saying.

Let's Look At Lace Camisoles For Valentine's Day Beauty

Lace is big in 2010!! From little black dresses to blouses and skirts, the delicate and very feminine look of lace is popping up everywhere. And if you would like to show a subtle bit of peek-a-boo lace, try it in a lace camisole for Valentine's Day.

Of course, you can go high end, low end, or anything in between, and still come out with a stylish look for 2010.

We went hunting and found lots of lace camisoles, and in lots of juicy colors. You can even wear sexy lace to the office, hiding under a jacket or inside a blouse. The look of lace is classic. And around the Valentine's Day holiday, wearing some, is a no-brainer.

Let's look at 3 favorites:

1. The Scarlett Cami by Frederick's of Hollywood ($20. Buy 2 or more, $18 each). Photo 1 shows this sexy lace camisole in 'pink passion.' We love this cami and own several. Hugs your curves in a microfiber stretch. Comes in lots of pretty shades. Take a look here.

2. Wacoal Lace Ahead Camisole ($40, BareNecessities.com, Nordstrom's). Who could resist a black lace camisole? We love this one, because the lace trim is wide and elegant and comes with stretch double front straps. Would look perfect in a peek-a-boo way under a blazer. Details here.

3. Josie Natori Obsession Lace Camisole ($118, SaksFifthAvenue.com). This is a stunning lace camisole in 'tiger's eye.' (Photo 3). A beautiful top with scalloped edges in a body-conscious fit with sheer floral lace panels. Need we say more. Take a look at Saks.

Since Valentine's Day isn't too far away, this is a wonderful excuse to go out and buy a lace camisole. There are so many styles and colors in just the right amount of lace for you. It's a classic look for any occasion.

Let's Shake Weight Our Way To Lean Sexy Arms For Summer

Lean, sexy arms, ladies! And if that is your mission in 2010, we can get you there by the summer. Maybe you can even Shake Weight your way. More about that later.

If we start now, those arms will be looking firmer and fitter in weeks. But exercise is a must. You cannot get away with lean, sexy arms by not doing strengthening workouts. Look at First Lady Michelle Obama, a year ago at her husband's inauguration party. Michelle Obama hits the gym every morning and the proof is in those trademark sleeveless fashions she wears.

If you want attractive, sculpted arms, you have to target certain muscles. We have written about this before, and it's all worth repeating:

Developing the triceps muscle is the key to a nicely toned arm. Where are the triceps located? We like to call that area the 'dingle-dangle.' Yep. That's the flabby part you can feel under the arm. One of the toughest places to firm up. When you go to raise your hand and wave good-bye, you can feel that muscle flapping in the breeze. Well, hopefully, not too much.
The triceps muscle can best be described this way by realwomensfitness.com:

"The triceps are probably the most important muscle to develop when you want to achieve firm toned arms. The reason for this is that the tricep muscle takes up 2/3 of the arm. If it is underdeveloped it looks wobbly and soft but when it is firm and lean it makes the whole arm look that way."

You can't just exercise your arms for two weeks and expect big changes. The triceps and biceps muscles need to engage in resistance exercises continuously. If you want toned arms with a little 'cut' in them, you're going to have to adopt this regimen as part of your life.

You can create lean, sexy arms by jumping rope, doing push-ups, jogging, boxing, and working out with small dumbbells (3-5 lbs. each).

Or you can try Shake Weight ($19.99) and "tone your entire upper body in just 6 minutes a day!"

Maybe you've seen the infomercials or heard about this new concept in workout technology, called dynamic inertia. An exercise physiologist explained it like this: "One of the reasons Shake Weight works, is that recent exercise research shows short bursts of faster movements can burn more fat than long slower movements. The muscle has to fire and then stop and then fire again."

The Shake Weight company says their little device, which weighs only 2 1/2 lbs and measures 13" long, "constantly engages your upper body muscles while you hold it. It ignites the muscles in your arms, shoulders and chest, so you will feel them tightening and toning instantly."

And according to the Shake Weight website, Scientific studies prove that the Shake Weight™ increases upper body muscle activity by more than 300% compared to traditional weights.

You can laugh all you want, but we will definitely try this one. It might look a little strange to 'shake weight', but the science appears to be promising!

The Beyonce Obsession: About Her Height, Size, And Weight

Beyonce is having a good year.....in fact, a very fine year, and 2010 has just begun.

Let's face it: There is the Beyonce obsession. What is that you say? People want to know everything about her. She is a superstar. And after taking home 6 awards (being nominated for 10 Grammys) Sunday night, you have to admit, Beyonce is a mega-star! She has shattered Grammy records, and she has done so in a most gracious way. She is a class act.

And there's no looking back. Beyonce was in NYC Tuesday night, promoting her debut signature fragrance, Beyonce Heat. The songstress looked beautiful in a sexy, red dress. Most importantly, Beyonce looks healthy and fit. And this is where the Beyonce obsession begins.

Take a look. There are tons of websites devoted to Beyonce's height, size, and weight. We were stunned by the theories and arguments over this young woman's stature.

For the record, Beyonce is a 'petite 5'3" tall.' That's according to a 2009 magazine interview with the singer in Ebony. And we trust the writers of Ebony magazine. If you take a look at tons of articles about her, Beyonce ranges in height from 5'3" to 5'7". And folks talk all day about her curves and possible weight. We haven't been able to get the facts about her time on the scale, but back in the Destiny's Child days, Beyonce herself, claimed she was 135 lbs.

As for her dress size, who knows? Articles have pegged her at a 6, 8, 10, 12, and beyond. All we know, is that Beyonce is a healthy skinny, and not a size zero, and probably not even a 2.

What you see in Hollywood, is often times, 'smoke and mirrors.' In other words, most celebrities are actually shorter than they claim. So, if a celebrity is listed at 5'9",chances are, she is more likely 5'7". Fudging the facts are common in Hollywood. And as far as weight goes, women have become tinier and tinier each year, so most actresses and singers are very slender in person.

Beyonce has been clever to fool her admirers by extending the length of her legs through killer heels. Check out the photo below. Beyonce loves high heels, and it's not unusual to see her walking around in 4-6 inch heels!

How else does Beyonce stay looking so gorgeous?

Beyonce once told In Style magazine that when she's hanging out at home, she keeps it real and simple. Just a little pink lip gloss and some black eyeliner. And we also learned that she is a big fan of moisturizers from Carol's Daughter.

And she keeps her shiny hair healthy with Kimble Hair Care Shape and Hold Spritz ($11, 8 fl. oz., dept. stores like Target).

Beyonce won't go anywhere without her eyes, so to speak. She adores L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara ($8, drugstores). "I never leave the house without mascara," Beyonce has been quoted.

Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful Mission Takes Real Women To Higher Level

Makeup artist Bobbi Brown is on a new beauty mission this spring, and you can join in.

This time, the beloved artist has launched a new campaign 'Pretty Powerful' for her friends, and not the models she frequently applies makeup to. Bobbi Brown says her friends "are pretty to begin with, but with a few simple tweaks, they look their absolute most confident best---that's pretty powerful!"

Bobbi Brown isn't saying that women need makeup to be more powerful, but that cosmetics can take women to a higher level of self-assuredness and appeal.

"My mission has always been to give women the tools and skills to look and feel their absolute, most confident best. Which made me curious: How do YOU go from feeling pretty–to pretty powerful?"

"Enter my contest and show me your strongest makeup look and favorite beauty tips. Three of you will win a trip to New York City and get a personal makeup lesson from me. But right now, I want to learn from you. I can’t wait to see your video.”

The Pretty Powerful campaign features real women(top photo), or “Friends of Bobbi,” and their before/after photos, videos and testimonials as the main focus of the campaign, which you can see on BobbiBrownCosmetics.com/prettypowerful.

For Bobbi's video contest, she would like to hear how you go from Pretty to Powerful using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. Now through February 9th, you are invited to share your transformative stories and tips by submitting videos. Fifteen finalists will be chosen.

In March, you can click on the gallery of Pretty Powerful videos and vote for your favorite at Pretty Powerful. And for every vote that is cast in the Pretty Powerful contest, Bobbi Brown will donate $1 to Dress for Success*, an organization that Bobbi adores, because it provides underprivileged women with interview suits and career advice.

We've always admired Bobbi Brown, not only for her makeup magic, but also for her beauty philosophy. Bobbi would remind us all, to try and be the best we can. In other words, don't try to look like someone else. When she was growing up, all-American model, Cheryl Tiegs, was Bobbi's beauty icon. Cheryl was tall, slender with blonde hair and blue eyes. Bobbi Brown looked nothing like her and was disappointed in not resembling Cheryl Tiegs, until she saw actress Ali MacGraw with her long dark hair and eyes. Bobbi then finally "saw the possibilty of my own beauty."

Well said.