Glycolic Acid Complex With Pineapple Delivers Soft Smooth Skin

We received a beauty sample from ASDM Beverly Hills recently, and it smells yummy enough to eat, but DON'T do that!

It's called ASDM Glycolic Acid Complex ($20.50, 2 oz., at ASDMBeverlyHills.com).

This medical strength exfoliating cream contains pineapple extract as its base, therefore, the pretty yellow cream in a jar. And if you're looking for soft, smooth skin, this formula feels decadent as it's absorbed into your face and neck.

Why the pineapple?

We've been doing some research and have learned that pineapple extract has positive effects on the skin, promoting elasticity and zapping away dead skin cells, while improving hydration and moisture.

And it's easy to use: Apply 2x daily after cleansing----once in the AM and again in the PM, massaging the cream in upward, circular motions.

ASDM Beverly Hills describes their Glycolic Acid Complex like this:

"Powerful formula consisting of 30% Glycolic acid, pineapple extract and other powerful skin softening moisturizers. This skin perfecting night cream gently exfoliates, retextures, renews and intensely moisturizes facial skin. Works while you sleep, to help eradicate imperfections and visibly diminish fine lines."

We are a major fan of glycolic acid products because of the effective, exfoliating action they deliver. And the addition of pineapple extract makes this little beauty cream a winner in the more radiant skin department!

VBeaute Traveling It Kit: All Any Socialite Needs For Pretty Skin

Smart gal Ivanka Trump is a big fan of the V-Beaute It Kit.

But you don't have to be a well-known socialite to get in on the fab skin care products developed by Julie Macklowe.

You, too, can see how the Swiss botanical stem-cells from the Alpine Rose plant "have developed near miraculous anti-aging abilities".

Ivanka adores V-Beaute's It Kit Travel Size ($165, at V-Beaute).

Here's what you get:
Undercover Agent (Wrinkle Serum)
Rub Off (Facial Exfoliator)
Evidence Eraser (Gel Cleanser)
Buying Time (Daily Moisturizer)
and Eye Never (Eye Cream).

If Ivanka Trump loves this skin care travel kit, then it must be doing something right, because girlfriend has such a smooth, radiant complexion. Hey, we've watched The Apprentice, and we have seen those invisible pores up-front.

Do You Buy Buy BB Cream And Skip The Foundation?

BB cream.

It stands for beauty balm or blemish balm. And it's big across Asia, and has been for a number of years now.

Korean women, especially, will not leave home without their BB cream.

So, let's learn a little more...

BB cream has now made its way into our American beauty market. Think of it as a tinted moisturizer with better coverage, an spf, a skin tone balancer, and a dewy glow.

BB cream was originally recommended by dermatologists for patients who had undergone plastic surgery or laser treatment to soothe, protect and help rejuvenate irritated skin.

Korean cosmetic brands then picked up on the trend and brought it into the mainstream, by adding skin whitening and sun protection to the BB cream. A porcelain, smooth complexion is something Asian women admire in their culture.

Now, here in the U.S., BB creams have arrived in large numbers:
from Estee Lauder, Dior, Dr. Brandt, 3Lab, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Skin79, and even drugstore brand- Garnier, which is calling their cream Miracle Skin Perfector, for $12.99.

Some women love to put on BB cream instead of foundation. Others use the cream as a primer BEFORE applying their base.

We're not saying the BB cream will hide every complexion issue, but if you're looking for better coverage than a sheer tinted moisturizer, and one that doesn't feel as heavy as a foundation, then BB might be great for you.

Jumpsuit Is Fine But CatSuit Is Extremely Unforgiving!

We don't want to go there again, but we bravely will.

Let's take a close look at the photos of 3 sensational, talented singers:

Jennifer Lopez, 2010, Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve Party.
Fantasia Barrino, last night, American Idol Finale.
Chaka Khan, last night, American Idol Finale.

All three ladies are wearing skin-tight and unforgiving catsuits. And as famous and celebrated as they are with stylists and makeup/hair pros always with them, a major fashion faux pas can still happen for the entire world to see.

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez has one of the fittest, curviest bodies in Hollywood, but just 2 years ago at age 40, even she could not pull off the bronze-colored diamante-studded catsuit! Meow!

And you couldn't tell this was a woman with one of the sexiest rear ends around. The head-to-toe spandex made her butt look flat and sagging, her belly appear flabby, and we know that isn't the case.

If you're gonna don a skintight, see-through catsuit, and perform on live TV under harsh stage lighting, you better pray your body is in the best shape it can be, because people will be watching and talking, and blogging about it the next day.

This brings us to Fantasia and Chaka. Even their incredible vocals could not hide the fabric they were performing in on the stage. The catsuits were distracting and too darn tight!

A jumpsuit would have been a much smarter and more stylish choice for these lovely women. Instead, Fantasia and Chaka 'painted' themselves into these unattractive head-to-toe spandex onesies.

Fantasia is 27 and Chaka is almost 60.

Okay, we are going to give props to Chaka for looking so fab at 59, and she has since dropped a lot of weight. Congratulations!

Still, a catsuit is really only meant for the super tall, super slim body. Period. Someone like country star Taylor Swift could rock this unforgiving style and fabric.

What do you think?

Would a jumpsuit have been a better option here?

Yes, Dear Lindsay, You Do Need A Bra With This Outfit!

No, we are not the bra police. We as women always have the power to choose. And if you do not wish to wear any support, then so be it.

We will add, however, that if you are small-chested, it is easier to get away walking around braless. It just looks better. Period.

And when you are a famous person, like Lindsay Lohan, and you are tapped to portray movie screen icon Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming biopic Liz & Dick, well, you would think she would know better.

So, there stands Lindsay Lohan on her way to a photo shoot in West Hollywood on Monday. She looks glam, except for the one, major fashion faux pas. She forgot to wear a bra.

Yes, dear Lindsay, you do NEED a bra with this outfit. First, it's pretty sheer and second, the fabric and flowy bodice make your breasts seem as if they are sagging.

A great, supportive bra would have beautifully completed the picture, and that brings us to the Victoria's Secret Showstopper Bra ($49.50). The Multi-Way Bra is versatile for someone in Lilo's situation. Look what this little, sexy number can do:

Provides no-show coverage right where you need it.
Completely smooth and seamless, this multi-way sensation transforms to hide under curve-hugging styles.
You can wear it classic, cross-back, one-strap or strapless.
With a supersoft cup lining for wear-all-day comfort and brushed fabric for a touch of sexy shine.

Plus, the VS Showstopper comes in lots of pretty shades, and in Lindsay's case, nude would be perfect.

Maybe we're being a bit harsh on the talented actress, because she's been trying hard to get on the straight and narrow, but these are style mistakes that make Lindsay appear unpolished and not-ready-for-prime-time.

What do you think? Is the no-bra a big fashion misstep for a celebrity? Or not a major deal?

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!