FDA Warns L'Oreal To Stop Exaggerating Youthful Benefits

We don't believe that only L'Oreal should be scolded for its overly-exaggerated claims about its skin care products that turn back time. But--the largest cosmetics company is being warned to STOP advertising its anti-aging items with words that sound like the creams and serums are as powerful as drugs.

And Lancome appears to be hit the hardest with its skin care claims of "boost(ing) the activity of genes" or "stimulate(ing) cell regeneration". Yeah, right.

Well, we see those exaggerated fountain of youth promises from just about EVERY skin care and cosmetics companies around---from Avon to Olay, to Perricone, and so on.

It's difficult to figure out how much is TRUE, and how much is not about a skin care or cosmetic product that promises all these wonderful benefits.

L'Oreal responded in this way:

"We are aware of FDA's letter to Lancome and will respond to their regulatory concerns in a timely manner," a L'oreal spokeswoman said.

We do believe that many incredibly good things can help one's skin, and the advances in beauty science have come a long way. But to completely ERASE wrinkles, scars and permanently lift skin is a big stretch.

Even prescription Retin-A and Renova cannot do all those things, but these skin care drugs at least, minimize the fine lines and DO stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover. But it's a slow process and you have to use a prescription skin care product forever to maintain results.

So, no easy path to the fountain of youth. And skin care companies that offer over-the-counter products with huge promises should all be taken to task, and scolded for photoshopping and using the complexions of very young models as proof of a product's efficacy.

By the way...Here are a couple of products mentioned in the warning letter, dated September 7:
Genifique Repair Youth Activating Night Cream
Absolue Eye Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Eye Cream.

On its website, Lancome describes Genifique Repair cream as "our first night care that boosts the activity of genes." The magical cream costs $98 for a 1.7-ounce.

Beauty With Braids: Elegant Hair Trend Continues

Take a look at the photos. If you've ever wondered what a milkmaid braid looks like, here's your answer.

We think the plaiting close to the crown is quite elegant and bo-ho beautiful.

The braids serve as headbands, too. And if you have lots of fairly long hair by natural means or by extensions, you, too, can rock this Fall 2012 hair trend.

Jennifer Lopez is sexy with her almost messy milkmaid braid. And reality goddess Kim Kardashian recently added a double-braided do to her style as she brought cutie-pie Mason to church.

The runway at the Rachel Roy show presented models neatly gliding across the catwalk adorned with sophisticated milkmaid braids and ribbons woven throughout. So pretty!

You might need a little pomade before you twist and twirl a braid, just to keep strands perfectly in place.

Watch this YouTube How-To by one of our faves in the hair-to how-to biz, Leyla of LuxyHair.

Old Hollywood Glam For Fall 2012: One Shoulder Wavy Hair

It's really too bad that Miley Cyrus went and chopped off all her gorgeous waves, because that hairstyle was right on trend for Fall 2012.

It's classic old Hollywood glamour at its best---featuring long, wavy, bouncy hair with a major side part and styled over one shoulder.

These celebrities look amazing following the hair trend:
Jessica Chastain
Lana Del Rey
Eva Longoria
Diane Kruger
Stacy Keibler
Miley Cyrus(well, she did before)

Blow it out. Keep it smooth, healthy and shiny. Take a curling iron and add a bunch of cascading loose curls. Spray. And toss the soft waves over one shoulder.

A truly sophisticated, glam look for Autumn!

Jordin Sparks Can't Get Enough Of This OPI Nail Polish!

How amazing does Jordin Sparks look these days?!

Wow!

The American Idol-turned actress has a great beauty tip when it comes to a sophisticated mani. Jordin is head-over-heels-in-love with a nail polish shade from the OPI Texas Collection.

It's called, San Tan-tonio! Yee-ha! And we found it on the cheap-cheap online here at Cosmeu.com for just $3.89 a bottle.

You better buy your San Tan-tonio stash ASAP, because Jordin Sparks tells InStyle magazine she wants more amd more:

"I stock up on OPI's San Tan-tonio nail polish. When I discovered this amazing shade, I bought 6 bottles just in case they stopped making it."

How can we describe this OPI nail color?

It looks like milk chocolate. Yummy!

Peroxide Blonde: The Hot Look At MTV Music Awards

Amber Rose, Miley Cyrus, and Mama Pink really stood out at the MTV Music Awards show last evening. And the reason is very simple:

Peroxide blonde hair.

It wasn't exactly glamour puss in the classic image of Marilyn Monroe, but a shorter, edgier look on all three celebrities.

Now, we know you're either going to LOVE platinum cropped hair or you won't. And for the Miley fans who USED to adore the singer's more demure girly dos, we're curious if you're into the Miley edgy cut now, with sky-high volume.

We like the hot mess look on all three ladies. Pregnant Amber Rose looks radiant and stunning with her longer-than-ever peroxide hair and Mama Pink, well, this is her signature style and she rocks it.

We happen to approve of darker brows with very blonde locks. The professional makeup application is done just right, and we think rebellious Miley wears this ultra blonde shade and faux mohawk look with confidence and attitude.

As we all know in basic hair blonding 101, the lighter you go, the more time-consuming it becomes trying to keep up with ever-popping roots the chance of more damage to the delicate hair cuticle develops, the more conditioning required, etc.

That's why cropped dos and peroxide go hand-in-hand, because really long peroxide hair is the ultimate hair challenge even for the best of us. Or is it?

Check out this YouTube DIY video by BentleyBlonde on How To Maintain PLatinum.

Who Says Makeup Doesn't Really Make A Beautiful Difference?!

Okay, we have girlfriends who aren't into makeup, and yes, they are all naturally attractive.

But, we would like to venture that a little makeup and bigger hair CAN do wonders, even beauty magic, in the case of 45-year-old bombshell Pamela Anderson.

"The proof is in the pudding," as the old saying goes. Just look at the photos. There's the former Playboy playmate at LAX yesterday, saying goodbye to her two sons. The bottom photo shows the Dancing with the Stars alum at a party in Germany on Labor Day.

Like night and day for the former Baywatch star.

Pam Anderson's makeup artist Alexis Vogel has perfected the bombshell signature look.

Even something as simple as foundation does a lot of good for every gals' complexion. Alexis told the LA Times what she does for Pam:

..."Vogel, who likes Armani foundations, recommends using an inexpensive professional latex sponge to apply foundation. Match foundation to your face, neck and arms and always blend it down the neck. Apply under-eye concealer, and use a big powder puff to gently pat on translucent powder. Then use a big fluffy brush to buff off any excess powder. Smile and pat a highlighter like Benefit High Beam around the upper part of the apple of your cheeks, following with shimmery blush on the apples for a dewy look. Blend so the makeup is seamless."

For more of Pam's sexy makeup, click here.

Get Your Hot Booties On! Fall Footwear Shopping

Booties are back in style for Fall footwear! It's a no-brainer, and even one pair will update your wardrobe and add a little flare to your instep, ladies.

You can keep it classic, or choose those with punk embellishments, buckles, straps, lace-ups, zippers, or bright, bold colors.

Get your booties on! Here is just a tiny, delightful sample of what's bootie-licious out there right now:

1. Rocket Dog Raid Lace-Ups ($64.95, Ships FREE at Zappos). Gotta love these!
■Lace-up closure with wraparound ties.
■Faux leather upper.
■Printed fabric lining.
■Lightly cushioned fabric footbed.
■Stacked heel (2 1/4").

2. Simply Vera Vera Wang Ankle Boots (On sale $53.99, originally $89.99, at Kohls). Beautiful booties with an urban edge!
Dual side zippers and a sleek silhouette.
•Almond toe
•Manmade upper
•Fabric lining
•Lightly padded footbed
•TBR outsole
•2 1/2-in. heel.

3. Chinese Laundry Down to Earth Booties ($119.95, Ships FREE at Zappos). These are gorgeous in dark camel suede. Very sleek and sophisticated.
■Step out in style with these sleek boots!
■Side-zip closure.
■Rich suede upper.
■Man-made lining.
■Lightly cushioned man-made footbed.
■Hidden platform.
■Wrapped heel (4 inch)..

Look around---There's a great pair of booties just waiting to amp up your style.