Brighten Your Complexion: New OptiLight Tone Corrector By Exuviance

We have had the pleasure to try a number of skin care products over the years by the science-forward NeoStrata company.





And once again, the complexion experts have NOT disappointed!

The Exuviance line's newest baby is the OptiLight Tone Corrector ($62, at Ulta). And its beauty mission is simple:

1. Lighten up sun spots and discolorations.
2. Balance skin tone.
3. Prevent new spots from forming.
4. Create instant brightness.

And accomplish all of that WITHOUT the harsh, bleaching agents that so many other correcting creams contain.

We've been applying the Exuviance OptiLight Tone Corrector for almost 2 weeks now----on the face, neck, and decolletage. Our hands are next.

We LOVE the light, smooth formula, and we must confess, when you rub in the OptiLight, your skin is bathed in silk! This has to be one of the most softening serums we've ever come across. And yes---your facial skin brightens up immediately, even the neck, where you wouldn't expect to see a big difference.

It's hard to say whether our sun spots sprinkled across the upper chest area have truly faded away in 2 short weeks, but we will continue using the OptiLight Tone Corrector and give the product a real chance to do its work. And any lightening would be a plus.

Remember: It takes time and effort to attack the damage done from excessive sun exposure over the years. And it's foolish to believe that any skin care product out there could zap the spots just after several days of use.

We are thrilled that the Exuviance tone corrector prevents new spots from showing up on your skin, and that is major--because it signifies that the formula is powerful and protective. In fact, turmeric and alpine plants are in the serum to successfully block the enzyme that triggers new melanin production.

Blend in some Retinol, Vitamin C, and NeoGlucosamine, and these strong properties help exfoliate and break apart pigment clusters, and promote cell turnover.

All in all, your complexion looks radiant and bright. We say this one's a keeper, and with summer on our heels, you might want to toss this in your beach bag.

Jennifer Aniston Adores This Cheap Drugstore Shampoo: We Can See Why

Mane 'n Tail Shampoo and conditioner products by Straight Arrow have been around for some 40 years now!

And yes, these items were indeed initally intended for horses. The micro-enriched protein formulas delivered healthy, glossy manes and tails, and that's when horse owners and groomers began trying the shampoo/conditioners on themselves.

You can call that consumer cross-over use.

We used the Original Mane 'n Tail Shampoo and its conditoner back in our college years to grow out our damaged, long locks. And the stuff worked like a charm.

Actress Jennifer Aniston has also been quoted as a being fan of the same, original formula that is still used on equines all over the world, even on Kentucky Derby racehorses.

So, if you're looking to revitalize your dry, damaged, split-end hair, do NOT pass up the Mane 'n Tail hair care line, just because it is cheap, comes in generous portions and can be found in your neighborhood drugstore. The company has expanded their collection in a major way, and there are products that detangle, shine, are herbal grow sprays, leave-in conditioners, dandruff zappers, pomades, etc.

We also like Mane 'n Tail Hair Strengthener Daily Leave-In Conditioning Treatment ($5.49 at BeautyofNewYork). It improves elasticity and strength and protects locks from chemical/heat damage. Spray this on BEFORE you 'abuse' your hair with blow-drying, flat-ironing, etc.

Mane 'n Tail suggests you use the triple step plan to grow long, healthy hair this summer:

Step 1....Use Original Mane 'n Tail Shampoo ($5.99, at HarmonDiscount).
Step 2.......Use Original Mane 'n Tail Conditioner ($5.99, at HarmonDiscount).
Step 3.......Spray towel-dried hair with Mane 'n Tail Hair Strengthener. Style as usual.

This sounds like a great plan and we are going to get back on the Mane 'n Tail routine!

New Mama Beyonce's Favorite L'Oreal Lip Gloss

Look at proud, stunning Mama Beyonce posing with 4-month-old baby Blue Ivy!

The 30-year-old 16-time Grammy winner and People magazine's 'Most Beautiful Woman 2012,' is on a roll these days. Everything she touches turns to gold, from music to movies to directing her concert films, and more. And being married to hip-hop star, Jay-Z, isn't bad, either.

The couple is so in love with their most important delivery to date---adorable Blue Ivy. As Beyonce tells People----"I just stare at her all day."

Meanwhile, curvy Beyonce has regained her post-pregnancy body very quickly, and has dropped almost all of the 50 lbs. she had gained while she was expecting.

And the lovely star has a beauty tip for all the single ladies, and married ones and Mama ones out there, when you need a little lift:

"Lip gloss---I love L'Oreal's Infallible 8H Le Gloss in Coral Sands---and a little bit of blush."

Great choice, Beyonce! Coral Sands is a soft shade that gives you a nice beauty boost beyond the nude lips we see so many celebrities boring us with.

We found some at Walgreens ($10.49, and Buy 1, Get 50% Off!)

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.