Shiseido Sunscreen 60 SPF---Really Works Without Break-Outs

Are you looking for a strong, effective sunscreen that can be applied to both the face and body that doesn't make you break-out?

Try this cult fave in the ocean blue container--Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion for Face & Body SPF 60 PA+++ ($39, at Nordstrom's).

Yes, a bit pricey for a sunscreen, but you're getting superior protection in a sand and perspiration-resistant, very water-resistant, and PABA-free formula.

The Shiseido sunscreen has quite the loyal following. Just at MakeupAlley alone, we found lots of fans:

"I find this an entirely effective sunscreen. I wore this to the Boston Marathon this year (as an observer, not a runner), and it was one of the hottest, sunniest days in Boston Marathon history. Not a cloud in the sky, the sun was beating down, and I came home without any red or even browning on my hands or arms."

"The most amazing thing about this sunscreen is that it's actually what has been keeping my foundation looking shine-free and fresh ALL. DAY. LONG. No seriously, the times I've used this, my foundation looks matte for AT LEAST 12 hours, with maybe a couple of blots, and this is in Miami weather..."

"I love this sunscreen. Being extremely pale with freckles, I have to wear sunscreen everyday and this is the only one yet to break me out. I used to use Neutrogeona Ultra-Sheer, and like every other sunscreen it felt like I had liquid saran-wrap on my face. This sinks right in and I can't even feel it at all. Perfect sunscreen!"

"My favorite sunscreen. It's light and non-greasy formula makes it a breeze to put on before makeup. I use it after moisturizer and before primer. The scent is light and pleasant. Best of all, I've definitely noticed a reduction in expression lines now that I use sunscreens daily."

There you have it. This is one super sunscreen to consider if you've been disappointed with all the others.

All Eyes On Elegant Eyelet Fabric For Summer 2012

Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors have included several pieces in it, so we know it's a hot, all-American trend for Summer 2012.

We're talking about eyelet, one of the most elegant, sophisticated fashion fabric-making statements around.

Just look---everywhere. Eyelet is taking a peek at you.

So, what exactly makes it eyelet?

We did a little research:
"Eyelet is a lightweight fabric pierced by small holes finished with stitching and often laid out in flowerlike designs."

We could not have said it better ourselves. But the eyelet we've seen on the runways and in the stores is not your grandmother's eyelet. There's nothing doily about it now.

Eyelet is always tres chic in white, of course, as you can see in our photo of a Lauren by Ralph Lauren belted Shirt Dress. But it's also pretty glam in bright colors, too!

The next 3 photos are excellent eyelet pieces from Forever21. And these won't bust your fashionista budget:

Eyelet Lace Blazer ($24.80). (We want this one!)
Textured Eyelet Skirt ($19.80).
Sheer Eyelet Cami ($19.80).

You Bought Skechers And Expected To Develop A Kim Kardashian Butt?

There are just so many things a beauty or fashion product can do, even when the advertising appears to be so sincere and scientifcally-proven.

We'll get to the big Skechers toning shoes $40 Million FTC settlement in a moment.

For instance, you purchase an over-the-counter brand of anti-aging cream because the television commercial shows you that the skin care item will erase fine lines and wrinkles in 30 days. Even prescription Retin-A can't deliver on that promise 100%.

Now, wouldn't it be lovely if the OTC product actually did give you back a wrinkle-free complexion?! But let's be realistic, if there's truth in advertising, well, it's hard to find these days.

Through trial and error, many of us settle on wonderful beauty and fashion products. Many of these DO what the items are advertised to do, but if the claims seem so unbelievable, then they probably are.

Reality mega-star Kim Kardashian was proud to walk around in her Skechers back in a 2011 Super Bowl ad in which she said, "Bye-bye, trainer. Hello, Shape-ups.".

The beloved toning shoes had also claimed these amazing feats in popular TV and print ads:

"Get in shape without ever setting foot in a gym."
"Shape up while you walk."
"The newest move in fitness is tying your shoelaces."

And a number of Skechers fans told us that the shoes REALLY do deliver results, when you wear them and stay active.

But seriously, folks, do you really believe you could develop a curvy Kim Kardashian butt just with a pair of fancy sneakers?!

According to the FTC or Federal Trade Commission, Skechers toning shoes cannot tone your body as the company claims. But Skechers chief financial officer David Weinberg denies that the company made false claims about its shoes and said it settled with the FTC to avoid a protracted legal battle, says the Los Angeles Times.

So, if you've got a pair of Skechers toning shoes and feel you've been snowed, you can visit the Skechers Refund Page.

And if you still LOVE your Skechers, then keep them and enjoy them.

New Goody Quick Style Paddle Brush: Smooth Sailing?

Goody hairstyling accessories and tools.

We think they are a good thing.

We've bought lots of hair clips, pins, and pony tail holders from the company for years.

But this unique styling hair brush looks like something we've never seen before:

The Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush $11.99, at drugstores). It contains bright blue microfiber water-absorbing bristles---the same color of the Sesame Street Cookie Monster---kinda resembles his hair, fur?!

Goody says it's like a towel and hair brush-all-in-one. And the hairstyling aid promises to cut your drying time by 30%!

It looks like a cumbersome styling tool but it is actually quite lightweight, even though it is a sizable brush. And just a reminder: Only use the brush on WET hair. The Goody Quik Style can be used during blow-drying. It is also designed for detangling locks and to mop up excess water.

No, we haven't tried it yet, although we would like to. We had a minor hair tangling mishap back in late February. We took a small round brush to add some waves to our thick, straight hair and could NOT remove the round brush. Oh, yeah----the brush was wrapped tightly. We panicked, and lost about a 1/4" width of hair in front when we finally were able to untangle our locks. Thank goodness, it is not noticable, except to a hair professional.

So, needless to say, we are wary. Just be gentle with this new paddle brush. Always be alert when using styling tools on wet strands.

Check out this How-To Video.

Duck Feet-Shaped Nails?! Would You Get A Mani Like This?

We don't even know where to begin.

Someone's gotta be into this growing trend.

We're talking about duck feet-shaped nails. Look at the top and middle photos. Those are the proud hands of the Jersey Shore's own Snooki. The pint-size celeb was ahead of the trend already last October, sporting alternating black/white stripes with flashy rhinestones.

The pic below is just one of the many examples out on the internet showing off the latest in artifical nails. Let's face it....There's a party going on with this odd mani. It looks very Niki Minaj to us, but hey, we're not even sure the glam rap singer would be into this beauty trend. And we know how much Nicki loves her bad-a** Barbie nails, but the duck feet mani is a bit extreme.

We found some available on Ebay. Oh yeah, you can pick up a set for about $12.

Would you put on duck feet nails?

As long as you don't have to consume food or do much of anything else while you have them on, the duck feet-shaped nails are a piece of art, for the very bold.

We think Snooki can rock 'em. Not sure she'll be investing in a duck mani following the birth of her baby, but you never know.

Ralph Lauren's New Big Pony Body Mists Give You The Royal Treatment

Not just for the boys anymore!

Ralph Lauren is getting rave reviews for his new Big Pony fragrance collection for women.

We love the Big Pony Refreshing Body Mists ($23, each, at Nordstrom's). Gotta LOVE the colorful, chic bottles and the air of wealth and royalty the smart RL marketing strategy gives off.

Now, you, too, can pretend you are living the royal life with Duchess Kate and polo-loving Princes William and Harry.

RL Purple---wild cherry and purple amber blends for a soft, oriental floral scent.

RL Blue-----fresh, invigorating mix of sparkling grapefruit and cool blue lotus.

RL Yellow---natural radiance of pear notes and mimosa for a dazzling floral scent.

RL Pink-----cranberry and tonka mousse infusion create a sensual, fruity scent.

All 4 Big Pony Scents are quite lovely. We tried on each one, and went side-saddle for RL Purple---exotic and sophisticated.

We've been looking for a body mist that really refreshes and lingers on the skin, and Ralph Lauren does not disappoint. But if you would still prefer a stronger Big Pony scent, don't worry, the iconic designer has got you covered.

Big Pony is also available as a fragrance in a 1.7 oz. bottle, $55, 3.4 oz. bottle, $70 and rollerball, $19.

Having Hair Emergency? Try Messy Sexy Top Knot Bun

Gwen Stefani---you look gorgeous!

Is it the messy, sexy top-knot bun that is so-oooo trendy this Spring/Summer?

We think the casual up-do is doing a lot for the stylish songstress. When you pull your hair away from your face, you show off your bone structure. And granted, Gwen has been gifted in this area, but we can say that ALL women look pretty with their hair pulled back.

We like the top-knot bun because it isn't severe or old-lady-like.

It's basically a twisted loop bun. You are gathering locks up into a high ponytail and then teasing a bit for volume, and looping tail around the base and forming a knot secured with a few bobbie pins. Add a little hairspray for lasting power, and you're out the door!

We know, easier said than done, but trust us----there are tons of How-To Top-Knot Buns on You-Tube. We found this one from MakeupbyAlli.

Don't look for utter perfection. Just go for it!!