Skin Serum Bio-Oil: Bunch Of Baloney Or Does It Heal?

Bio-Oil.

You've probably heard about this popular and inexpensive skin serum for quite some time now. The beauty product has been designed for improving the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone, aging and dry skin.

The Bio-Oil company boasts about its special formula, which includes PurCellin Oil. This ingredient is related to the oil from a duck's gland. No kidding. PurCellin Oil supposedly helps targeted absorption into the skin. Oil from a duck's gland?!! Is this a bunch of baloney? Or has Bio-Oil really tapped into the fountain of youth?!

According to the Bio-Oil people, this is how the duck oil figures into the beauty formulation:
PurCellin Oil is a recreation of the preen gland oil of ducks. "During preening, a duck secretes oil from its preen gland and distributes it over its entire plumage in the familiar twisted-neck action that one often associates with ducks. This oil creates a thin, non-greasy layer on the surface of the feathers without which water would not pearl off and the bird would struggle to swim. This ingredient acts as a delivery system for Bio-Oil's other ingredients, improving spreadability and allowing for targeted absorption into the skin."

Bio-Oil is supposed to work wonders on stretch marks, and the testimonials we have read, indicate, that the stuff lessens the purple/red marks and softens their overall appearance.

The product is quite inexpensive at just $11.99 for a 2 fl. oz. bottle that goes a long way. And it's available at your neighborhood drugstore.

Check out fans of the product here.

Celebrities Like Kelly Ripa: Scary Skinny Or Just Perfect?

Scary skinny.......or just perfect?!

The debate continues for superstar celebrities like daytime TV's Kelly Ripa.

We know that the cute and popular celebrity works out like crazy and watches what she eats. And at age 37, and a terrific mom of 3, with a hectic schedule, some would say that Kelly Ripa looks darn amazing, with very little body fat.

But is she too thin?? Some call her skeletal, emaciated, anorexic, and not a good role model for young women. Television adds 10-15 lbs., so Kelly Ripa must be even tinier in person.

Kelly's been sculpting her body over for a few years now. We know that she admired Madonna's ripped arms, and wanted a pair just like them. And now, you can catch her on Regis and Kelly going sleeveless often. She is proud of her muscle tone.

But we just caught a glimpse of the star photographed last Tuesday, out and about with two of her children, Joaquin and Lola. And well, she looked extremely thin. In fact, little Lola's legs appeared to be even bigger than mom, Kelly's.

Are we being too harsh on this major celebrity? We know a number of men who find Kelly Ripa to be 'just perfect.' They love her fit body and don't mind her minimal curves. We also find plenty of websites that celebrate Kelly Ripa's ultra skinny silhouette, websites that young girls flock to, to learn her dieting and exercise tips. We're just not sure, that most young girls are using sound diets tips to get there. In other words, do such celebrity bodies like Kelly Ripa's encourage a healthy lifestyle or one that encourages a possible eating disorder.

This is what Kelly Ripa told Fitness Magazine last February:

A lot of women think if they didn't exercise in their 20s, there's no way they can start at 35 or 40. You've done it. What's the secret?
KR: I was the same way about exercise. I didn't do it in my 20s and I was like, it's too late to start now. I figured, I work in an industry where there's a stylist and a makeup artist -- they'll make me look fine. But I began feeling tired -- just playing in the park with my kids wore me down. I thought, "Geez, I'm kind of young to be feeling this way." So I started walking on a treadmill. Then I started jogging on a treadmill. Then I began jogging outside. Now I'm running outside, three to five miles, and taking toning classes.
At what point did you notice changes in how your body looked?
KR: A month or two after I started working out, I wore a sleeveless turtleneck to work. Regis was like, "Ripa, your arm muscles look incredible!" It was the first time anybody had ever said anything to me about my muscles. And because I am a vain person, that's all I needed to hear to stay with it."

Scary Skinny.....or just perfect? You decide.

It's All About The Straw When It Comes To Beautiful Beach Bags

Beach bags. When it comes to packing up all your stuff for those hot, fun days in the sun, you'll want the right bag to bring down to the sand.

No. You wouldn't tote along a leather bag, now would you?! Of course not. We think straw is the best material for your summer beach bags.

Why? Straw looks like summer It's beach-ready. Plus, it's light and yet, very durable.

Here are 3 favorite straw beach bags we found:

1. Old Navy Multi-colored Straw Tote ($19.50). Top photo. This adorable and big, roomy straw bag, at 17"L x 7"W x 13"H with a 7" strap drop, is constructed well. We like the double straps and lined interior. The bag comes in 3 shades. We chose to show you the neutral, because, some women don't always want a bold block of color. But for those who want to shake things up, this straw tote also comes in gorgeous Warm Floral and Cool. Take a look here.

2. Newport News also features an array of vibrant straw beach bags at very affordable prices. We chose this vibrant Colorblocked Straw Tote Bag ($19.00). Photo 2. This medium-sized bag will get you noticed with its sassy colorblocked style. The straw tote bag has handy, cutout silvertone metal handles. One inside slip pocket. Fully lined. It also comes in Blue multi. And Newport News also offers more straw tote bags in different styles.

3. We also adore this cute, preppy style Straw Tote Bag by Straw Studios ($54, Free shipping). Photo 3. We are loving the nautical look, which is really hot this summer. Very beautifully made in woven straw with colorful topstitch-accented trim, rope handles, and an adorable anchor embroidered on the front. Its zippered entry provides added security. Dimensions: 12" high
21" wide. 7.75" deep. And a 6.25" shoulder drop. Check out more styles at their website.

Let's face it, ladies......We know you need to stuff the right stuff into your beach bags...like sunscreen, bottles of water, a compact, tinted moisturizer, lip balm, and more. But you also want to tote around a fine-looking summer straw beach bag. So let's walk around in style!

Wendy's Launches New Salad Line Today With Dressing Maker Marzetti

Wendy's wants you to know, that their brand new salad line is a lot more than some crispy iceburg lettuce.

Starting today, you can pick up a new Wendy's salad for $5.99. There are four delicious ones to try......from a BLT Cobb to an Apple Pecan Chicken. And nestled in among the iceburg, you will find these nutritious 'green's: spinach, red and green chard, and red and green romaine..

And what tops this new salad in a very tasty way, is the addition of the special salad dressing. Wendy's has teamed up with well-known dressing maker Marzetti.. New flavors like: avocado ranch and pomegranate vinaigrette. Yummy!

Here are the 4 totally re-invented salads from the Wendy's Garden Sensations line:

1. Apple Pecan Chicken Salad.....with tender grilled chicken and real blue cheese crumbles mixed with fresh, hand picked apples and sweet cranberries.

2. Baja Salad.....Wendy's famous meaty chili on a bed of 11 greens served with spicy guacamole and a red jalapeno dressing with seasoned tortilla strips.

3. Spicy Chicken Caesar Salad.....Classic Caesar with a zing, including grape tomatoes, shaved asiago cheese, and a natural lemon-garlic dressing over French bread croutons.

4. BLT Cobb Salad.....flavored with applewood smoked bacon with blue cheese and tender, center-cut chicken served with a Marzetti avocado ranch dressing.

Wendy's has not yet provided the caloric information on these new salads at their website. We could only find the stats for their previous Garden Sensations line.

But we really approve of the size and depth of these new salads. These are not side dishes, but full meals. And we give salads the thumbs up, because you can watch calories, but still enjoy a delicious meal.

And sure, you can probably make a much better salad entree at home, but for a quick, fast-food meal on-the-go, you shouldn't overlook Wendy's new salad line.

Forever 21 Fashions And Accessories For Summer Fashionista Fun

Forever 21. We've talked about this store before, and now we're doing it again.

What's the big deal? Well. it's rather simple......there are tons of bargains at Forever 21 stores and here online. For the fashionista on a budget, the store has a lot to offer.

We wish we could find the quote Eva Longoria Parker once gave to InStyle magazine, when she said that shopping at Forever 21 was, " a guilty pleasure." Every gal loves a bargain, and Miss Eva is no exception. Lots of celebrities enjoy picking up inexpensive fashions at Forever 21. From sunglasses to tops, shorts, swimwear, jewelry, to pocketbooks and hats, and so much more.

Look at the pretty pieces we found, in just a few minutes as we stopped by Forever21.com:

1. Navy Beaded Mock Wrap Top ($16.90).

2. Sweet Ruffle Trim Fedora ($9.80).

3. Suedette Interlocked Sandals ($16.80).

4. Ball Fringe Lace Scarf ($6.80).

5. Sunglasses ($5.80).

Tips To Avoid Makeup Melt-down In Hazy Hot Humid Weather

Makeup melt-down. If it hasn't happened to you yet, consider yourself lucky.

But for the rest of us, who have opened up our makeup bags on a hazy, hot, and humid day only to find melted eye pencils, gooey mascara, and mushy lipstick, it isn't a pretty scene.

Since a major part of the country is sweltering in 95-100 degree muggy temps for the rest of the week, we thought we would share a few key beauty tips to avoid makeup melt-down.

Ladies....the refrigerator is your new makeup BFF. Oh, yeah. You can store your foundations, eye makeup, lipsticks, glosses, and balms in the fridge. The best way, is to take a Ziploc bag and dump your makeup in one, and then place in the cool refrigerator, or even the freezer, if you need your beauty essentials firm and ready for application in a few minutes.

Here's an example.....we took out our brow and eye pencils this morning, and tried to sharpen them for use. Well, duh...it's was already 85 degrees when we were starting to put on our makeup. The pencils melted and 'smooshed' inside our eye pencil sharpener Yuck....when you need to be somewhere and your makeup isn't co-operating.

We ran downstairs and popped the brow and eye pencils into the freezer for 10 minutes. Went back up and the pencils were firm enough for sharpening and application.

We should have kept all the makeup in the fridge overnight, and we wouldn't have had a makeup meltdown.

You get a nice, cool sensation, applying makeup that has just come out of the fridge. Foundation glides on smoothly. And lip balms and lipsticks feel so refreshing on a hazy, hot, and humid day.

1. DON'T wear heavy eyeshadows on sweltering summer days, unless you apply a powder underneath or a good primer. Creases can develop quickly on triple H days.

2. DON'T leave makeup in the car on very hot days. You'll ruin a bag of your go-to beauty essentials, because they will melt, and very rapidly.

3. GO EASY on the makeup when you're spending a day in the sun. A decent tinted moisturizer looks polished and pretty, along with a lip balm with an SPF. And don't ever forget the sunscreen to layer on top.

4. WATERPROOF makeup can really help, too, especially, if your fun involves pools, lakes, beaches, and swimming. Waterproof mascara really works!

5. SPLASH on a fragrant body spray when you need a super, cool pick-me-up. Keep ready in the fridge at all times. We wouldn't chance a pricey fragrance sitting in the fridge, but an inexpensive body spray will work just as well.

6. POWDER...it does a girl good. Mineral makeup is a wise choice if you really want to keep away from heavier foundations and blushes. Powder your nose and try oil-blotting sheets to keep the greasies away.

Girls Go Goo-Goo Over Lady Gaga Circle Contact Lenses

Goo-goo over Gaga. We knew this would happen sooner or later.

Actually, we love what this bizarre beauty trend does to make eyes look enormous and pretty, but at what cost?

The trend has been popular for several months now, and has generated even more major buzz with Lady Gaga's new 'Bad Romance' music video. And her wide-eyed look there, might have been computer-enhanced, rather than the result of wearing circle contact lenses. (See Gaga photo).

The trend did not originate here. Wearing circle contacts is popular in Japanese anime and in high schools across South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Circle lenses are unique, in that they make the eyes appear bigger because they cover not just the iris, as regular contact lenses do, but also part of the whites.

Teenage girls and college students have been able to easily buy a batch of these colored circle contacts all over the internet illegally, for about $20-$30 a pair. This has eye experts seeing red, so to speak. And popular YouTube videos are showing up everywhere with demos on how to put these circle contacts in. Makeup artist Michelle Phan has a super how-to get the doll-like Lady Gaga look. Click here. By the way, Michelle's YouTube video has had more than 9.6 million views.

Here in the United States, it is illegal to sell contact lenses without a prescription, and no major maker of contact lenses in the U.S., at the moment, is selling circle contact lenses. Doctors fear, that girls are buying lenses that have not been fitted properly, and risk eye infection, along with damaged corneas.

Are you going goo-goo over Gaga's bizarre beauty trend?? If so, please be very careful where you buy these circle contact lenses. We're not sure the doll-like look is worth the risk of injury, infection, or in some cases, blindness.