Monday, June 7, 2010

Beauty Shopping For Summer 2010: Fighting Frizzies To Fab Fragrance


Beauty shopping. Let's have some fun, and take a closer look at 5 super beauty products to buy in summer 2010!!

We're just scratching the surface here.....but these 5 beauty products will keep you looking polished and pretty all summer long:

1. Fab Fragrance. Why not try Ralph Lauren's newest summer scent, Ralph Lauren Summer Romance ($78, at fine dept. stores like Macy's). It's a gorgeous, fruity fragrance that hits all the right 'notes.' And we mean "notes of playful passion fruit, hibiscus and tiare flowers dance with sensual apricot musk and take you away."

2. Fighting Frizzies. Hot and humid days mean ugly, out of control frizzy hair. What a way to ruin any gal's day. We found a new one to give a go. It's called, No Frizz Straight Making Styling Cream by Living Proof ($35) for medium to thick hair. This velvety cream deposits a lovely layer of frizz-fighting ingredients that battle the nasties and take away the greasies.

Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair "offers the first new anti-frizz technology in over 30 years. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz—humidity and friction. It provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair, while reducing surface friction. The result is the most effective, lightweight frizz fighter on the market today."

3. Sheer Golden Coverage. Try this--Stila Bronzing Tinted SPF15 Moisturizing Cream ($32). You get a very natural and sheer golden glow. Don't ever go out with a naked face and neck. If you hate faux tanners and despise foundation, put this on. Stila's tinted moisturizer has a decent SPF of 15. for sun protection. And it's "infused with genuine 24kt gold, creating the perfect pigment-to-pearl ratio and providing a beaming, flawless face in an instant."

4. Lovable Lips. Don't like the feel of heavy lipstick or gloss in the searing days of summer? Want a more natural look of kissable lips? Then pick up Tarte's Natural Lip Stain ($24). This little number contains 'LipSurgence Technology.' A natural lip stain that is clinically proven to increase lips' moisture content by 6000%. Wow! Now we're talking.

Like the popular Tarte cheek stains, each shade of these natural lip stains "will leave a natural hint of tint that will last throughout the day." Comes in 6 long-lasting shades.

5. Blushable Beauty. You need blush. So let's remember that, and we are loving Smashbox's Naked Beauty Summer 2010 collection. If your cheeks could use a summery boost of warmth, treat them to Smashbox's Naked Beauty High Lights/Creamy Cheek Color ($26). Sheer pink pearl and a sheer rosy pink.

"Give your cheeks a naturally flushed look with this blush duo that delivers the perfect pop of pink." So lovely and long-lasting, too. The duo cream blush includes a nice highlighter that really enhances your bone structure.

All this makeup is available from Sephora.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

New Melanoma Drug Shows Great Promise And Could Be Available By December

Melanoma. It is the dealiest form of skin cancer.

But today, there is real hope! And we should be quietly celebrating the advancement of science, because now there is a promising new drug that helps those who have melanoma.

The drug is called Ipilimumab and it was found to, "significantly improve survival in a major study of people with advanced disease.". The biotechnology drug, helps to activate the immune system's T-cells to fight the cancer. And it's being developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Wow. That is major news, and the findings were just reported yesterday at a cancer conference.

In the 676-patient study, more than 20 percent of those who took Ipilimumab were alive after two years, with some alive four years after receiving the immunotherapy, according to data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago.

"I think this a breakthrough for the field of metastatic melanoma that has had a lot of negative Phase 3 trials in the last decade. It's impacting survival, which is the gold standard in cancer clinical trials," says Dr. Steven O'Day, director of the melanoma program at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute in Santa Monica, Calif, and one of the study's lead investigators."

Look--we hate talking about skin cancer. We all want to have fun in the sun, and of course, most of us have forgotten to slap on the sunscreen from time to time. And many of us did significant damage to our skin years ago, as children, by playing under the hot rays hour upon hour. And we know plenty of tanning bed addicts who love that beautiful bronze look. We don't mean to preach, but the facts are out there: The sun does bad things to your skin. So, be extra careful when you go out to enjoy life.

Just the wrinkles and deep lines alone, should have us running for cover.

For more information on this promising new Melanoma drug, click here.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Sneak Peek At MAC: New For Fall Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara

Mascara. We certainly CANNOT live without this basic beauty product.

In our tiny corner of the world, mascara makes a huge difference to our eyes. So we are always excited when a brand spanking new mascara makes its debut.

Enter MAC cosmetics. No...it's not for sale just yet. You'll have to wait until the end of summer or the beginning of September to grab up a tube. But here's a sneak peek. We love the look of Mac's new Haute & Naughty Lash with its pink, purple and black design. Very feminine.

The way we understand it, there are two mascara application sizes in one. If you go naughty, you pick up more product for thicker lashes. If you stay with haute, you will get the length and volume, but at a tamer level.

We don't have much experience with MAC mascaras, but this new Haute & Naughty has us intrigued, expecially after reading a 'test drive' of the product , if you will. We enjoyed Tina's review at her beauty website, The Fancy Face:

"So here's how it works....the brush can be used two ways. First way is to pull off just the pink cap off the tube...the brush will be pulled through a small tube extension on the purple/glitter cap and you will get less product. This can be for separating and lengthening the lashes.

The second way is to pull off both the pink and purple/glitter caps together so the brush is just pulled through the bottle itself like a normal mascara. You get a fuller brush with more product so you can get volume.

I got volume and length and it made my lashes super thick and black. It was the perfect mascara for me!

It was actually a GREAT mascara and I HATED that I had to give it back after four weeks! I will be BUYING THIS FOR SURE!!!"


Okay, Tina, we are sold! We will try MAC's new Haute & Naughty Lash, but it's going to be a long-gggg summer before this one launches.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Designer Dimples: Newest Cosmetic Surgery Trend--Takes Only 10 Minutes


Dimples are, well, just darling!!

Look at actors Eddie Cibrian and Jennifer Garner. How hot are they?! And those delightful dimples have a lot to to do with the attraction. Gabrielle Union. Mario Lopez. These celebrities, too, share incredible dimples.

We can't believe this.....in fact, we read about this little beauty nugget yesterday, and couldn't believe it. Yes, you can now design your own dimples. We're talking, a little bit of cosmetic surgery, only about a 10 minute procedure and then, poof! Instant sex appeal!

And if you already 'own' one dimple (like we do), you can add another to match.

No, we're not sure exactly how this new cosmetic surgery trend called dimple-plasty is done, but it must involve the area between the muscle and the skin. As we understand it, an incision is made inside the mouth.

Don't worry. It's an outpatient procedure. And you're under local anesthesia. It does take a while to heal properly, up to a month, but when it's done, your smile will look extra dazzling with your brand new dimple(s)!

Cosmetic surgeons charge between $2,000 and $5,000 for a dimple-plasty procedure.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Bethenny Frankel Loses 30 LBs In 3 Weeks After Baby


Congratulations, Bethenny Frankel, on the birth of your new baby girl, Bryn! And also, for losing 30 lbs. in just 3 weeks following your C-section on May 8th.

Wow! That's a lot of post baby weight. And apparently, Bethenny's success in melting away the fat, has some new moms a little, well, flabbergasted.

Add to the mix, that the reality television celebrity, at age 39, was able to get into a size 4 bathing suit in 3 weeks following the birth of little Bryn, and well, a few women do get a little jealous. Just check out the comments page here. My goodness!

According to an article in US Weekly, the star of The Real Housewives of New York City, had gained 35 pounds of baby weight, and through a doctor's plan, was able to quickly shed the lbs.

But today's New York Post has interviewed Peg Moline, editor-in-chief of Fit Pregnancy, and she wishes Bethenny would have been more careful about the message she is putting out there:

"I'm concerned if she's taking care of herself, getting enough rest and enough food, and not obsessing about losing the weight so quickly.

"I worry about the message that sends to the rest of us out here, who aren't invested in that 'skinny girl' persona and don't have trainers," Moline adds.

In Bethenny Frankel's defense, the new mom is breast-feeding, which helps one melt away the extra weight. And she is also very big on nutrition and diet. Let's face it.......Bethenny is a firm believer in yoga. She has a DVD, Body by Bethenny. And we all know about her Skinnygirl line of cocktails, the cookbooks, and so forth. The woman is no fool.

According to US Weekly, Bethenny had her own healthy plan:

"Frankel stayed active while carrying Bryn, alternating yoga with 45-minute walks three times a week, and practiced portion control with a vegetarian diet.".

Here's a sample post-baby diet of Bethenny's these days:
A muffin and fruit for breakfast.
A veggie sandwich and soup at lunch.
And BBQ chicken and a half a sweet potato for dinner,.

Although we are not a big fan of Bethenny and her often big mouth, we applaud her for getting back to her pre-baby weight, and doing it the smart way. We think she looks great.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Dream Water Zero Calorie Sleep And Relaxation Shot Really Works

Can't sleep? Tired of tossing and turning all night long?!

Take a shot of this before retiring, and you'll be catching more zzzzzzzzz's.

The product is aptly called, Dream Water, and already, we like the sound of this. First of all, the product has NO calories...zero....nada....none. And Dream Water is a sleep and relaxation drink. It's blended with 3 natural ingredients designed to help you drift away into sleep:

Gabba. It helps you chill out.....relax and take away anxiety.

Melatonin. This one helps run your internal clock, and induces sleep.

5HTP. It makes your sleep quality time by stimulating the production of melatonin
.

And you can buy some at drugstores like Duane Reade's, GNC, and even online.


Don't worry....you won't awaken groggy and in a lousy mood. Instead, you will feel refreshed, and ready to start a new day.

And Dream Water is available in 8 oz. drink bottles and 2.5 oz. dream shots. The mini, or dream shot can also pass through airport security. Both sizes give you the same effectiveness.

The flavors are 'dreamy', too. The Dream Water Drink comes in Lullaby Lemon with Hints of Tea and I Dream of Kiwi and Plum.

And you can choose from either Snoozeberry Blueberries and Pomegranate ($19.99, 8 oz. six-pack) or Lullaby Lemon with Hints of Tea in the Dream Shots ($19.99, 2.5 oz. six-pack).

It's an all natural product, so it is safe and not habit-forming. However, the folks at Dream Water do state the following:
"Dream Water® is not intended for use by persons under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing women. In addition, if you are taking medications or have questions/concerns about any of our ingredients, consult your doctor or medical practitioner before consumption and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TASKS WHEN TAKING THIS PRODUCT and it is not recommended to drink more than 1 serving in a 24-hour period".

To get a FREE Dream Water Shot, check this out here.

And remember to, Dream responsibly, as the Dream Water company says.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Get Bikini Ready With Dr. Oz And His BEACH Diet Plan



Dr. Oz wants to get you bikini ready, ladies! And he has one simple word: B.E.A.C.H.

That's right.....The Dr. Oz BEACH Diet Plan. Does it work?

Yes. We tuned into to Dr. Oz a few months ago, when he featured 3 working moms from Detroit, who were going to follow his diet plan to knock off some major LBs. And did they ever! All three lost between 30 and 60 lbs. each, after 4 months. And these ladies look fabulous.

Why should you follow Dr. Mehmet Oz and his B.E.A.C.H. Diet Plan? After all, he is a cardiothoracic surgeon. Okay, that he is, but we believe he does know nutrition and how to keep the body fit and healthy. Plus, Dr. Oz has written 7 books. He's no fool. So, let's take a look at the B.E.A.C.H. diet:

B: Stands for 'breakfast.' Dr. Oz says you need to eat a healthy breakfast. "Eating soon after you wake up in the morning gives you the calories and energy you need for the day and kicks your metabolism into gear." He suggests scrambled eggs on whole wheat toast or a bowl of whole grain cereal, for example.

E: Eliminate the Simple Carbs. Noty an easy feat...that means giving up any breads, pastas, cookies, muffins, etc. that area all made with refined white flour and sugar. Say no to white potatoes and white rice. The 'E' also stands for Exercise. Take the stairs. Walk the dog. Bike. Dance. Move! "Every two pounds you lose trims an inch off your waistline," says Dr. Oz.

A: Antioxidants--add them to your diet. Good carbs like fresh fruits and vegetables. Low in calories, you can have two or three helpings.

C: Chocolate. Dark chocolate, that is. Yes, on Dr. Oz's B.E.A.C.H. Diet Plan, you can indulge ina few bites. A little dark chocolate can satisfy your cravings for sweets. Look for some with 70% cacoa.

H: Hydrate your body with water. Say no to sodas, beer, and sports drinks loaded with sugar and lots of calories. Especially in summertime, your body needs to be nourished and hydrated