How Trial Size Beauty Products Can Make A World Of Difference

Let's be honest here....When it comes to skin care, taking care of your face and body isn't cheap.

Anti-aging serums and creams can cost a lot. Yes, most of them are formulated with the latest in beauty science technology. But some, unfortunately, are made with big dollar signs in mind, and are probably doing as much for your complexion as the little, inexpensive jar of moisturizer you'll find at the corner drugstore.

So, what's a gal to do?

First, do your beauty homework. Learn what kind of skin you have, its strengths and weaknesses.

Then, you're on your own. Read up on what new and effective products are out there to keep your complexion youthful, glowing and protected. Read our Beauty Tip Today articles here, too. We can learn together.

And after that---look for the trial size beauty products available.

Why?

Samples are the BEST way to try out a skin care product. First, you save major money this way. Second, you are trying a formulation you hope will benefit your complexion. But since each person's skin is unique, what works for Mary Sue might not work for you. And if the trial size cream doesn't suit you, you can just toss away, and not feel guilty about the dollars you would have plunked down for a full size beauty product.

We call this, 'Trial by beauty.'. It's a great way to sample mini size beauty products until you hit the right one for your facial needs. And we like shopping at this website, PlatinumSkinCare.

99% of Platinum Skin Care products are available in trial sizes. You can't beat that. Plus, it is an excellent skin care company that offers beauty from a to z.

And this is how their trial size packaging works:

"You will find that we have a few different packaging options in our trial sizes. Some products need to be bottled, some need to be in jars, but most are fine in our new packets. Packets are more "eco-friendly" and we will try to put most products in them. *No matter what type of packaging the product is a 1/4oz (2 dram) sampling unless otherwise stated as a single-use packet. Generally speaking liquids and serums generally yield 3+ uses, and Creams will give 2-4 uses."

We have sampled some super serums and chemical peels through Platinum Skin Care's trial size offerings.

In addition, the company also gives away trial size freebies! Check this out:

"Whenever you place an order with us you can choose a free trial size product from our drop down menu. You will find this in our shopping cart checkout process. As long as the sample is in stock it will be shipped to you."

If you've ever been afraid or truly hesitant to explore new beauty products, then go the trial size route. You're saving lots of money, and at the same time, finding better ways to protect and rejuvenate your skin.

American Idol Returns Tonight: All Eyes On Jennifer Lopez

If you tune into American Idol this evening, you WILL be watching the prettiest judge---Jennifer Lopez.

The sexy singer demands attention, but then again, Jennifer has quite an amazing presence. And with all that's gone on in her busy life for the past few months, well, most will be curious to see how the mom-of-twins looks, what she's wearing, and what she'll be saying.

The style icon will probably mix in a few pieces from her Jennifer Lopez clothing line from Kohl's. And she will also be featuring the hottest new makeup/hair looks from Revlon, to which she is a spokesperson for.

At age 42, women want to know how the Latin beauty looks so youthful. We've found out a few J.Lo beauty tips:

1. Stay out of the sun! Or if you hit the beach, do so in moderation. Jennifer has learned to fake a fab tan from her makeup artist Scott Barnes.

"Stay out of the sun! He (Scott) really nailed into my head. Bronzer and self-tanners are so worth it. Stay out of the booth, girls! And boys!" Jennifer has said previously.

2. Treat your complexion to a great moisturizer. You have to protect and nourish the skin, and one of the TV star's fave beauty go-to products is this one---Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream, ($42.95, at soap.com). Formulated with rose petals and avocado, this organic cream helps the skin balance its moisture level.

3. Putting on a mask is a good thing. Jennifer is known to be a fond user of this unique age-defyer----placenta collagen masks from Plazan Skin Care Products ($64, at plazancosmetics.com).

Apply the mask onto your face and relax for about 20 minutes. Then remove.

Maybe J.Lo is on to something, because this instant beautifier helps to "reduce wrinkles, relaxes tense and 'fatigued' skin, moisturizes and nourishes skin with low-molecular components and improves complexion."

We're not sure that placenta protein alone, does the trick, but whatever Jenny-from-the-block is doing, she looks incredible, and her fans will be watching closely tonight.

Emma Stone Wears It: New Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation

Foundation.

You either wear it, or you don't. But actually, you SHOULD put some on.

Makeup artists will tell you, that EVERY woman can benefit from a little foundation. It evens out skintone. It hides blemishes and other little problems, protects the skin from the harsh elements--sun, wind, cold, and gives the complexion a healthy glow.

But you also want a foundation to do its job in the lightest way possible. In other words---you don't want to feel it's sitting on top of your skin, and you want it to look as invisible as a makeup can.

This is where Revlon's new PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse Foundation comes in. It promises to feel as 'light as air.' and deliver a 'smooth, poreless look.'

Okay, we're in. We will try this one. We love Revlon foundations, and have been a fan of their ColorStay SoftFlex liquid foundation for a number of years now.

But we're intrigued by the PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse ($13.99, at drugstores) because of, well, the mousse. Just press the button gently to release a lightweight air-infused foam mousse that supposedly blends seamlessly. It's got a 'whipped texture' for easy blending.

Who doesn't want an airbrushed face?

23-year-old actress Emma Stone is doing commercials for the new Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse.

We're not 100% sure this new Revlon foundation can do the job, but we like the beauty advancement and beauty science that goes into creating new, better makeup. So, we say, it's worth a BUY.

Golden Globes 2012: Who Were Your Favorites?

We have to say, we really enjoyed the red carpet show for last evening's Golden Globes Awards 2012. And although it seemed that a sea of ivories and nudes ruled the Hollywood runway, there were also jewel-tone pops of color like red, midnight blue, green and yellow.

So, maybe there were a few fashion mishaps as there always are, but for the most part, we thought the ladies looked lovely.

Our 2 Golden Globes favorites:

Jessica Alba in Gucci.

Heidi Klum in Calvin Klein.

Jessica just gave birth to baby daughter #2 just a few months ago, and check out the sexy mama's figure! There she poses in a stunning strapless barely pink or lavender embellished gown.

What's not to love about this number?! Jessica looks very elegant and shapely in Gucci with side-swept bangs and uncomplicated up-do along with minimal makeup featuring soft lipcolor.

Heidi Klum never makes our humble opinion's best-dressed list, but this time, we really liked the simplicity of her nude-hued Calvin Klein gown. Some would say that this is boring style/color, but we would disagree, because once you turn around in the gown, you get a plunging peek-a-boo back.

Heidi Klum sets off the sleeveless simplicity with a gorgeous turquoise statement necklace and jumbo cocktail ring. The cut is a basic look---actually quite minimal in the front, but with a supermodel body like Heidi's, well, you don't have to do much else but just show up on the red carpet.

We think her blonde locks worn down and loose along her shoulders, gives the entire look an effortless chicness.

This just goes to show, that women who have children, like both Heidi and Jessica, CAN get back their super-fit figures and rule the red carpet, again and again.

We can't wait for the Academy Awards, when celebrities will kick up the fashion/glam to a whole new plateau!

A Must-Have In Every Makeup Bag: Undereye Concealer

Being of Mediterranean heritage, we understand the whole dark circle thing. It's just part of our genetics. We have light olive skin, and still, wake up with dark undereyes. Frustrated, but we accept the problem.

According to Susan Van Dyke, a dermatologist from Paradise Valley, Arizona, there is a reason.

People with darker complexions, like those of Mediterranean background, tend to have more prominent dark circles underneath their eyes because they have more pigment, or melanin, in their skin. "Darker people tend to have darker circles," Dr.Van Dyke says.

But let us expand this whole beauty science one step further:

Most women have dark undereye circles. Period. And other culprits that trigger the circles are certain medications, skin under the eyes is thinner causing blood vessels to appear more noticeable, allergies such as pollen,and aging skin with loss of fat pads casts shadows, etc.

So, in other words, undereye concealer is a MUST-HAVE in every gal's makeup bag. And sure, it is difficult to get a perfect match for your unique dark circles BUT---trust us, NOT applying anything UNDER the eyes looks much worse. At least covering up those circles with a little foundation makes a world of difference.

30 Rock star Jane Krakowski can't live without this undereye helper:

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22, at Sephora. The product is special, because it sets your undereye concealer and adds a luminous boost to the . And the Secret Brightening powder comes in 2 shades:

Color #1: for fair to medium skin tones.
Color #2: for medium to tan and darker skin tones.

Cheap Cover Girl Cheekers In Classic Pink A Great Go-To Blush

For 5 bucks or less, depending on where you live, you CAN pick up a cheap, but great blush at the drugstore.

Okay, so the small rectangle container isn't so amazing, nor is the miniscule brush included, BUT----the powder blush in Classic Pink is very nice! Look for # 110.

This shade looks almost bubblegum pink, but don't worry, there is nothing tacky or juvenile about this hue. It is a soft pink color that is buildable and looks pretty up and down the skintone range. We have a light olive complexion, and CG's Classic Pink warms up the cheeks with a healthy glow.

It's a matte pink blush. It isn't buttery soft, but it is a hard-pressed powder and sheer enough, when applied. And it lasts for several hours when you put it on.

We like to say, 'Even though it's drugstore makeup, that doesn't mean it isn't high quality. Sometimes, cheaper is just as good.' And in the case of CoverGirl Cheekers Classic Pink blush, you won't be disappointed.

Marriage May be Over But Katy Perry Launches False Lashes Line With Eyelure

It hasn't been easy for singing superstar Katy Perry to escape prying eyes on the heels of divorce from funnyman Russell Brand.

And if she's been crying, well, her tears will look even prettier, now that she's launching a false lashes line with Eyelure this February.

In just a few weeks, you will be able to walk into an Ulta beauty store nationwide and choose from 4 types of long, sexy Katy Perry faux lashes.

Hey---the Kardashian sisters aren't the only celebrities walking around with fab eye fringe.

The 27-year-old 'Teenage Dream'singer is collaborating with the Eyelure brand.

An Eyelure company press release says: "As a false lash lover herself, Katy (Perry) had a very clear idea of what she wanted to achieve and was involved in every step of the design process. We were keen to create a range of lashes that were a direct extension of her own personal style."

We think this is a great beauty project for Katy Perry to immerse her vivacious self into, as she tries to mend following the sudden breakup of her marriage. She already has created 2 successful fragrances and become a global ambassador for the ghd hair products brand.

No word yet, on how much the Katy Perry eye fringe will cost.