Foundation is Out for Spring 2008

Makeup experts are advising women to give up foundation for spring, the look should be light, fresh and natural. Less is more for Spring 2008.

Eyeshadows and glosses in light pastels of any hue will be hot and mascara done in olive and brown. Apply mascara only to upper lashes to keep them looking natural. A cream blush for the apples of the cheeks with a light brush of blush powder over cheekbones will give you that look of a face flush with health. Brows are going fuller, but not heavier. Keep them neatly shaped and fill in with powder to darken and make them appear fuller.

Rather than use foundation to cover up the skin on the face, use an exfoliator to clear away dead skin cells and unclog pores. Use moisturizer for glowing, healthy skin and forget using heavy foundations.

Bark411.com - Free Site for Dog Owners

Paris Hilton may use her dogs as fashion accessories but real dog lovers have real relationships with their dogs. Their dogs are their friends, companions and important members of their families. That's why this new website called Bark411.com is such a cool tool for dog lovers.

Got to Bark411.com Sit, Stay, Search and find some very useful services for your dog. Search for veterinarians, groomers and even doggy day-care for your pet. What a great site for dog owners who have recently moved and need to find a new vet or groomer! Want to spend more quality time with your dog? Get the scoop on special events that you and your pooch can attend together. There are also informative articles about caring for your pet. If it's about dogs, it's here at Bark411.com.

Best of all, registration and use of the site is completely free. If you're a dog owner, you and your puppy should have a look at Bark411.com today.

Long Lasting Lipsticks Fail Test for Staying Power

Paying more for a long-lasting lipstick is no guarantee that it will stay put as advertised better than a cheaper one. A review of long lasting lipsticks by Which?, a consumer magazine, found that most stay-put lipsticks don't stay put through eating, drinking and kissing.

Which? tested 342 "long lasting" lipsticks from 17 brands for their staying power.

The worst performers included some well-known names - Rimmel's Lasting Finish Intensive Wear, Boots' No7 Stay Perfect, Elizabeth Arden's Plump Perfect and Revlon's Colour Stay Soft and Smooth.

The best performers for long wear were Mac Pro Longwear Lipcolour, costing and Maybelline's Superstay lipstick, in second place.

Pearls of Wisdom about Oysters

One thing you don't see many of these days are oyster jokes. Let's face it, it's hard to come up with a good joke about oysters, but in the spirit of the upcoming early spring holiday, I offer you this one:

Q. What do you get if you cross a rabbit with an oyster?

A. An Easter bunny.

Why am I talking about oysters? Well, although many people love oysters and they are considered a delicacy, until I stumbled upon the Be Oyster Aware website, I didn't know much about them. For instance, I didn't know that oysters that are undercooked or raw could transmit an infectious organism called Vibrio vulnificus. Though this is not a problem for healthy individuals, some at-risk individuals could develop a serious and life-threatening illness.

For more information on Gulf oysters, their nutrition value, oyster recipes and Vibrio vulnificus, visit the website.

And if you know any really good oyster jokes, don't clam up on me, let me hear them.

Amy Winehouse to Launch Cosmetics Line

When you hear Amy Winehouse belt out a tune, you are at once blown away by the soulful power of her voice and captivated by her humor as she tunefully proclaims "No, no, no" to rehab. She promises all the sophisticated styling of Aretha with all the power of Janis as she blends her own cynical view of modern culture with a Motown beat.

Amy's trademark beehive hairdo and heavy eyeliner are being copied everywhere and Amy intends to capitalize on her success (she recently won 5 Grammy awards) by launching her own range of cosmetics and beauty supplies.

Hairspray will definitely be included in the line as will her trademark eyeliner, but we can only guess at this point what other beauty products the Amy Winehouse collection will offer?

A cream for tattoo removal perhaps?

Beds to Dream On

There's something about a warm, cozy bed on a cold winter's morning. Since we all need our beauty sleep, I can certainly excuse my reluctance to arise. Contentedly wrapped in a cocoon of blankets, it's only the coffee's seductive aroma that can entice me to leave such a haven of comfort.

There's something about having the right bed that makes all the difference in your comfort, and your room decor. Let's face it, if you have a good boxspring and mattress, then any frame will hold it, but a real bed is a piece of furniture. It shapes the atmosphere and appeal of the room.

Because I think of Beds as integral to the design of the room, the design of the bed must fit the decor and also be pleasing to your own tastes. Personally, I have a preference for wood - natural or stained, rustic or ornate, wood naturally lends warmth to a room, and for a bedroom that is the feeling I want to create.

I found this Tuscany wood bed at Time4Sleep. It's similar in design to a sleigh bed, although the footboard has a lower profile, which for me is perfect (long legs). But it's the solid look and the warmth of the oak from which it is made that gives this bed its appeal and makes it more than just a place to sleep. A bed like this needs a larger room in which it becomes a focal point, so I guess I will have to wait until I build my dream home for this one.

Whatever the bed you're looking for, I recommend you check into Time4Sleep. Their selection is amazing and regardless of whether you like modern minimalist or antique elegance, you will find a bed to suit your taste and your decor, all at impressively low prices.

Custom Makeup

Have you ever purchased an eyeshadow that was what you thought was the exact color of smoky grey you were looking for, but when you put it on, found that the shade was just a little off and the look was not what you had intended? It's very difficult to gauge how colors will look when you take them out of the container and apply them to your skin. That perfect ivory bisque foundation may not be the perfect shade once it blends on your skin, and now it's too late to do anything about it.

Enter Colorlabs with the perfect and unique answer for every perfectly unique woman - custom blended makeup that is geared specifically to each customers own skintones, preferences and lifestyle. Your makeup colors are individually created by you and a Colorlabs consultant. And it isn't just color, formulations are geared to your skin type and special skin care needs. I think this may be the greatest idea since makeup was invented thousands of years ago.

Colorlabs counters are not everywhere yet, but they are in Macy's in both Chicago and San Francisco. They are also in Rockford, IL, San Jose, CA, London, Mexico and France. If you can't get to a Colorlabs counter to try the Colorlab experience for yourself, then they do offer ready-to-wear items in their catalogue.

Read about Colorlabs here and visit the Colorlabs website for more information.

Using Black Friday Ads to Save

Online shopping sales increased this past Christmas holiday season surpassing 2006 sales by 19% with over 80% of shoppers expressing satisfaction with their experience - and why not? They saved time and if they shopped wisely, they saved money.

The savvy online shoppers took advantage of online black friday ads and instead of standing outside a department store in the wee hours on the day after Thanksgiving, shopped for those great Black Friday sales online. They were notified in advance of special deals and sales on Cyber Monday as well, at stores like Walmart, Circuit City and Best Buy. While some were fighting the crowds and waiting in long lines, online Black Friday shoppers were sitting comfortably at home with a cup of coffee, scoring super deals on the most sought-after items.

I know it seems early to start thinking about next holiday season, but instead of waiting, hoping to remember to check it out and possibly missing some great deals, why not sign up for the Black Friday info newsletter at www.blackfriday.info. Just fill in your email address and you will automatically be notified when new Black Friday ads are posted. Don't miss out and don't worry about forgetting until the last minute. They'll do the remembering for you and next year's shopping will be the easiest and cheapest you've ever done.

Is Your Makeup Safe?

What do parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, coal tar, lead acetate, silica, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulphate have in common? They may all be lurking in your cosmetics.

Cosmetic companies are not required by the FDA to obtain preapproval before releasing a new cosmetic product on the market. This results in 89% of the ingredients found in most cosmetics not being tested for safety.

Does your makeup contain toxic substances and carcinogens? There seems to be a gap in the system that makes it very possible. Although the cosmetic manufacturers maintain that these substances are in tiny amounts that are harmless, the effect may be cumulative as cosmetics are used every day.

Read more about the dangerous ingredients possibly luring in your makeup.

Diamond Engagement Rings

If you and your fiance have been searching for the perfect engagement ring then you need to check out this source for some of the most beautiful Diamond Engagement Rings you will see anywhere on the web. Regardless of what style or cut you are seeking, you will find an amazing array and selection of dazzling diamonds at super prices.

And you don't have to take their word for it, there is a full page of testimonials from customers - and get this, you can email these customers about their purchases. These are real testimonials from people who have purchased rings from Diamonds-USA.com and were pleased enough to write and tell them how satisfied they were with their selections.

So don't take my word for it, go over to Diamonds-USA.com and see the quality for yourself.

The Lipstick Index

There's a secret that only women and economists know - when the economic going gets tough, women go shopping for makeup.

During the last two recessions in 2001 and 1990, while consumer spending stagnated, sales of makeup went up. Makeup sales that were up 4 percent last year are thought to be indicative of the general credit crunch and faltering economy.

It makes sense, really. While you can't afford to go out and buy a new wardrobe, you probably can afford a new lipstick or eyeshadow. The bottom line is that you still get a nice pick-me-up and it just makes you feel better.

It seems to me that the psychological factor has to be equally important as the economic factor. When you look good, you feel good. Shopping for makeup is an adventure full of promise and hope. What do you think? When your budget is tight, do you still find a few dollars on looking good?

Can Your iPhone Do This?

If you own an iPhone or other small electronic, your investment is worth protecting by any means you can. Covers can reduce scratches and some damage, but this invisibleSHIELD videois positively amazing. InvisibleSHIELD says it protects your small electronics, like your iPhone from damage using the same material the military uses to protect helicopter blade edges. Watch as an iPhone is placed on a sheet of invisibleSHIELD and subjected to 1,000 pounds of weight placed on top of it. It's a truly impressive demonstration.

Faux Eyelash Fun from Makeup for Ever

Everyone wants smashing eyelashes - long, luxurious fringe that gets your eyes noticed. For many women, false eyelashes provide the extra fullness and length that nature didn't provide and mascaras can't supply. False lashes have become easier than ever to apply and come in full lashes or individual tufts to intersperse with your own lashes.

But if you're looking for some truly knockout, eye-catching and totally unique looks, then look no further than Makeup For Ever's faux lashes. In addition to traditional lashes, they come in funky and fun styles like these.


The lashes and all Makeup For Ever products can be found at Sephora.com.

Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals - Skin Health inside and out

I have writen before on the ascendancy of Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceuticals in the field of skin care products. The concept of nourishing skin from within where good health begins, is at the foundation of Nutraceutical products. Cosmeceuticals deliver vital nutrients to skin from the outside. The use of both these methods is a powerful combination to bring you more healthful skin, inside and out.

BORBA does combine these approaches, to treat your skin’s inner and outer needs synergistically. They offer fine cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals to nourish and treat skin problems and provide supportive skin care. Using products that are good for your skin health only makes sense, doesn't it?


The BORBA Clarifying Discovery Kit treats oily skin with products that nourish your skin with Grape Seed Extract, Antioxidant Vitamins A, C and E and Black Walnut Extract. It cleanses the skin of impurities, deeply cleaning pores and absorbing excess oil without drying skin.

If you place a $100 order online from BORBA through February 29, you will receive their special gift of the BORBA Clear Skin Sampler, valued at $25.
The sampler includes:
* 1 - Clarifying Micro-Diamond Cleanser, Deluxe Sized Sample (50mL)
* 1 - Clarifying Concentrate, Deluxe Sized Sample (30mL)
* 4 - Clarifying Aqua-less Crystalline packettes

Check out this special offer here.

Shakira to Launch Beauty Line

Puig Beauty and Fashion Group has signed singer Shakira to develop a line of cosmetics. Puig is based in Spain. The Columbian musical artist will have "significant input" into creation and development of the range of products according to the company.

The Puig Beauty and Fashion Group has a wide influence in the Spanish and Latin American markets. Shakira is Columbian.

Puig has other Latin celebrities under its auspices, such as Antonio Banderas, who has a line of fragrances for men. With the market for celebrity fragrances growing, more celebrities are entering the fragrance and cosmetics market with products that bear their names.

Financially Successful Couples Share Duties

Women know how to shop for a bargain, we all know that. Bargains save money if you don't go too far. Men tend to be more cautious about spending money. Interestingly, research indicates that couples are more likely to succeed financially when they share financial responsibilities, instead of having either the wife or the husband shoulder the burden alone.

According to the linked article, communication is key in family financials in order to set goals and budgets but that once the plan is set, dividing the financial tasks between them allowed each to concentrate on their tasks and was more efficient.

The same holds true regardless of what the couple's plan entails, whether it's saving for the children's college tuition or applying for Homeowner Loans. A couple can use a homeowner's loan to consolidate debt, finance a vacation or even pay for college. Having shared goals and a definite plan in place, couples can succeed with communication and sharing the financial tasks.

Home Microdermabrasion

Home microdermabrasion is becoming popular and produces satisfying results although they will be less dramatic than a spa or salon treatment. The cost is much less than professional treatments as you can purchase a home dermabrasion kit for about $30 - $50. A personal microdermabrasion system will consist of a cream with micro-crystals and an applicator wand that deep cleans and polishes the skin.

Caution should be exercised with a home kit to avoid the temptation of using the applicator with more force or perform the procedure more often to produce greater results. This will only irritate the skin. Some kits will include gels or moisturizing products in addition to the microdermabrasion equipment. The price and effectiveness of these kits may vary, you may want to do some research into consumer ratings of these kits before you choose a home microdermabrasion product.

Although microdermabrasion is generally safe for most people, you should not have microdermabrasion or use a home kit if you have one of the following:

*active rosacea or acne
*auto-immune disorders
*dermatitis
*diabetes
*eczema
*fragile capillaries
*keratosis
*undiagnosed lesions
*weeping acne

Popular Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

There have been great advances made in cosmetic surgery, both technologically and in its acceptance by society. It isn't just the very rich or celebrities who have cosmetic procedures these days, in fact, its become socially acceptable and even lauded for people to turn to surgeons to correct, enhance or augment physical features in order to achieve the outer image that expresses who they are inside.

It isn't just vanity, some people may request cosmetic surgery out of medical necessity. And feeling good about yourself is the first step to a healthier outlook on life. Those considering cosmetic surgery should understand the procedure and what to expect, including being clear about their goals in having the procedure.

A popular procedure is a cosmetic surgery facelift. This procedure gives a more youthful appearance to the face, and is especially sought after by women who want to look as young as they feel. By tightening the skin and underlying tissue, you look just as you always did, but younger and more refreshed. It can take 5-10 years off your face, and boost your self-esteem.

Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is not always done simply to make a large nose smaller. Although this surgery can reduce the size of a very large nose, it can also be fine-tuned to removed bumps, narrow the nose or simply improve the angle between the nose and upper lip. Nose surgery can produce subtle results that enhance your natural beauty.

Eyelid surgery produces very subtle effects but ones that will make an impressive difference. The skin around the eyes is thin and one of the first places where wrinkles start to show. Droopy, saggy or wrinkled skin around the eyes can make you look tired. Eyelid surgery can lift and tighten, giving you a well-rested, refreshed, younger and more beautiful appearance. The eyes are a focal point of the face, and improving their appearance can be one of the most effective ways to enhance overall facial appearance.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is becoming a popular method of skin resurfacing amongst both women and men to achieve healthier, younger-looking skin and correct minor defects such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and sun-damage to skin.

Microdermabrasion is generally appropriate and safe for any age and any complexion because microdermabrasion is simply the acceleration of the skin's own natural process of exfoliation of dead skin cells. Unlike dermabrasion which goes deeper, is painful, and requires anesthetic, microdermabrasion requires virtually no recovery period.

The procedure is accomplished with special microdermabrasion equipment that consists of a microdermabrasion machine which delivers the micro-crystals of aluminum oxide through a hand-held resurfacing tool. The fine micro-crystals remove the dead and damaged top layer of skin, called the stratum corneum, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which promotes new cell growth. Microdermabrasion can remove fine line wrinkles, acne scars and blemishes, but will not affect deep wrinkles as it works only at the dermis level, or outermost layer of the skin.

Each microdermabrasion session will last 15 - 30 minutes. Following the treatment, your skin may be slightly red or pink. Most patients may wear makeup and sunscreen is recommended but avoid skin products like Retinol A and Renova for a few days. Your clinician will give you detailed instructions at your first session.

The cost of microdermabrasion varies by region, but generally is between $75 and $200 per session. The recommended time between sessions is 10 days. Multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions you will need varies depending on your individual skin and its condition. The usual course of treatment is 4 - 8 sessions. Often, you can book a number of sessions at a discounted rate.

Achieving Skin Health Today

The skin you're in is as individual as you are and yet women share so many issues regarding Skin care. What are the best types of moisturizers? Which anti-aging products really work? For some women, the passing of puberty doesn't necessarily mean the disappearance of acne or they may have other unsightly and embarrassing skin problems such as rosacea or age spots. I have always sought remedies for my large pores.

If you want to know more about skin and its care while getting solid advice on skin care products, then tune into Skin Health Today, a live broadcast every Thursday at 12PM PST on World Talk Radio. Celeste Hilling and a host of experts discuss important topics on the importance of good skin care.

There's also a Skin Health Today blog where you can read interviews with the guests on the shows and make suggestions on what topics and points of interest you would like to have covered during the broadcasts.

Upcoming on Skin Health Today on February 21 is "Weighing in on diet and skin health". We all know that our overall health impacts the health of our skin, tune in to find out more on this important subject.

Define A Brow Gel from Maybelline

Eyebrows are so important. They frame the eyes and add to the shape of the face as we perceive it. They shouldn't be overly thin and drawn on, but neither should they be bushy and unkempt. What's the solution?

Well, first you need a really good brow shaping, whether you tweeze with stencils or whether you get a professional brow waxing. Then to keep brows in shape and looking well-groomed, a brow gel is the perfect solution.

There are many brow gels out there, some with color but if you are happy with your brow pencil and just want to give your brows some staying power and keep them neat and looking good all day, then this new Define-A-Brow clear brow gel from Maybelline will do the trick nicely.


Define-A-Brow will shape and hold eyebrows while being hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive eyes and even contact lens wearers.

The Lunch Box Diet

Spring is coming and it's time to break out of the winter doldrums and shed some of those extra pounds that we put on for cold weather insulation. What diet will you be on? Want to try one that works for a change?

OK! magazine reports that Cameron Diaz is a dedicated devotee of this diet and Elle Magazine rated this diet 5 out of 5 stars. It's also been featured in Sports magazine, Diets in Review and even on the BBC. What is it? It's called The Lunch Box Diet and it is fast becoming the diet craze of Hollywood and beyond.

The reason for its popularity is very simple. It works.

What's the main reason most of us stray off our diets? We get hungry. Even though we manage to ignore the grumblings and protests of our stomachs for hours, maybe even the whole day, at some point we crumble and go off the diet, eat too much or snack on something so fattening it completely eradicates all the good that the dieting did.

That may be the genius behind The Lunch Box Diet - it doesn't allow you to get hungry. And although you are allowed to snack throughout the day, what you snack on is determined by your individual needs and activities. And by "grazing" on healthy things between meals, you boost your metabolism, keep hunger at bay and eat less.

High Definition Makeup by CARGO

Another makeup line specifically for HDTV has been launched by CARGO cosmetics. Because high definition is so unforgiving, every skin and facial flaw shows up in glaring detail and actresses and TV personalities everywhere are concerned about showing too much of their real selves to the viewing audience.

The blu_ray line by CARGO features such products as a blush containing "Photochromatic Pigments that adjust to all lighting conditions". The line includes a "Mattifier" to give the appearance of flawless skin as well as lip colors, mascara and pressed powder.

However, as CARGO says "life happens in high definition" so you don't have to be on television to appreciate the makeup that hides a multitude of flaws.

The blu_ray line is available at Sephora.

Making Your Vacation Memorable

Sometimes when people plan vacations and holidays, they think of far away places and romantic settings but often miss the beauty and interesting sights of cities in their area. Getting away with the one you love to some exotic destination can be exciting and full of romance, but so can a destination closer to home (as long as it isn't home, you need time with the one you love in a place where you are alone and away from home stresses).

Last year we decided to search out and visit a number of historic sites close to us as well as experience some of the lovely beaches. First we searched out vacation ideas in our area and made a note of things that appealed to us. Sharing the discovery of these treasures together made it special and exciting.

It's always a good idea to research your destination city before you launch your vacation. For instance, you might decide to visit my area of the country and check out things to do in Boston. A great place to start is at Trusted Tours & Attractions. They can give you all the information you need to make any trip to any city a more enjoyable experience.

If you sign up for their newsletter right now, you can enter to win a FREE digital camera. It's just another way that Trusted Tours & Attractions can help you turn your vacation into treasured memories.

How much is your face worth?

Every woman tends to spend money on cosmetics, whether she wears a lot of makeup every day, wears only a little makeup or wears it only occasionally. Moisturizers and other skin treatments are also part of the mix. But how mu ch is the average woman spending on cosmetics?

According to a report in the Herald Sun, the average worth of an Australian woman's face is between $100 and $400 when you count up the price of the cosmetics she wears. Some women admitted to having more than $750 worth of cosmetics.

We all know that packaging, marketing and name brand are all part of the price of a product. The name doesn't guarantee that it will perform better, as proved by the poll of women who chose a bargain brand skin care cream over some much more expensive competitors.

The best advice is to find the product that works best for you and stick with it. Don't assume that price=effectiveness but do carefully read labels to make sure your bargain brand doesn't contain harmful ingredients. Reading the labels is the best way to get products that will do the same job as a name brand but at a lower price.

How much is your face worth?

LifeLock Your Identity

I love to shop online, because it's convenient and because it's fun. When shopping online, it's important to know the business you're dealing with and to make sure that your personal information is encrypted.

Every day we take something for granted that could be taken from us at any time - our identities. Skilled scam artists and identity thieves can take your money, your credit standing and your good name. That's why everyone needs a service like lifelock.

Nowadays even children are targets of identity theft, and no one knows until they grow up and try to get credit. Because they are children, no one is monitoring their credit report, so no one is aware that their identities have been compromised.

Once identity theft has occurred, it can take a lot of money and countless hours to resolve the issues and restore your good name. The best way to deal with identity theft is to prevent it. LifeLock knows all the steps necessary to protect your identity and does all the work for you, and LifeLock backs their service with a $1 million guarantee.

Do you need a service like LifeLock? Consider this - if you have a credit card, bank account, Social Security number, credit history or a driver's license, you should take steps to protect your identity and the identities of your children.

Clinique's 24 Hour Lash Power

Need really long-wearing mascara? Well, Clinique apparently believes women want mascara that lasts a long, long time and thus have introduced their new Lash Power mascara, which they claim will last 24 hours.

Acording to Clinique, Lash Power will last through heat, humidity, sweat and even downright rain, but still removes with warm water. They guarantee it will not smear or smudge and will last up to 24 hours. Lash Power Mascara is available in Black Onyx and Dark Chocolate.

At $14.00, this mascara is a bargain if it does all it says. Although I am not sure if anyone really needs their mascara to last 24 hours on a regular basis, every woman can use a mascara that doesn't smudge or melt off when things heat up.

Lash Power is available at Clinique.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Time is ticking away to Valentine's Day - have you done your shopping? Even if you've waited till the last minute, you can still give your sweetheart something special and show your love. Candy and flowers are the most traditional and most popular gifts for Valentine's Day. Still need help?

Here's a tip: Don't rush to the gift shop or card store at the last second and grab the first box of chocolates you see in what's left of the picked over stock. Here's something quick, and easy to remember - 1800flowers.com

If you order your valentines gifts online, you get the best selection and can have them delivered to your sweetheart in time for that special day. Designer flower arrangements, specialty name-brand chocolates and cuddly teddies bears are just some of the items you can choose from. If you're short on gift ideas, then you've come to the right place. A dozen roses for her? A beer mug of blooms for him?

Many gifts are available for same day delivery for the true slacker, but why wait? Go now and take the time to shop for the perfect gift for your perfect Valentine.

Leave-In Conditioners

You use a conditioner after shampooing, so why do you need a leave-in conditioner? There are many reasons why adding a leave-in conditioner to your hair care routine is a smart move and one your hair will appreciate.

It's really all about moisture. As soon as we are done shampooing, often the first thing we reach for is the blow dryer. Thermal appliances like blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons can dry and damage hair, so think of the leave-in as a layer of protection for your hair that reduces the breakage and singe factor. It's especially important for the ends of hair as those can become brittle much more quickly.

Adding the extra moisture and protection of a leave-in conditioner will smooth frizzy hair, add shine and in some cases, even protect color from fading with a UV-blocking sunscreen.

Leave-ins stay on the hair instead of being rinsed out, so they have time to penetrate the hair and will keep it hydrated all day. Leave-in sprays can also be used on dry hair for quick re-styling or de-tangling.

Using a leave-in conditioner will leave you with hair that is softer, shinier and more manageable.

Celebrity Jewelry at Affordable Prices

If you love fashion jewelry and want to be adorned like a celebrity, but you don't want to pay celebrity prices, then have I got a great place for you to find all the Fashion Jewelry that you crave at prices you'll love. Tano Jewelry has all the latest fashion trends in jewelry at only a fraction of the price.

Why buy costume jewelry at your local department store - you'll find yourself wearing the same styles and pieces as everyone else. If you want truly unique and beautifully crafted Fashion Necklaces you'll be surprised and delighted at the array of styles available at Tano Jewelry.

One of my favorite pieces is this gorgeous turquoise necklace. A prominent feature in Native American jewelry, turquoise goes with both your casual or dressier looks and the Cherokee necklace has exquisite styling that makes it perfect for jeans and a turtleneck or for evening wear.

Inkeeping with a natural tone is this medallion necklace called Jasmine. The styling is up-to-date and fashionable, and it's made with real wood beads.

For a totally coordinated look, check out the Jewelry sets. Coordinated necklaces and earrings make it simple to pull your look all together with affordable glamour.

Botox Linked to Child Deaths

Botox has become the best friend of many a Hollywood celeb, smoothing wrinkles and making the face appear younger. But now that the FDA has issued a warning to the public about possible dangerous and even fatal side-effects, will the popular injections become taboo?

he adverse reactions appear to be related to the spread of the toxin to areas distant from the site of injection, and mimic symptoms of botulism, which may include difficulty swallowing, weakness and breathing problems.

It should be noted that the adverse effects were found in dosages that were not FDA approved and in cases where it was being administered for unapproved usages. The cases that were the most severe involved children, some who were being treated for spasticity in muscles due to Cerebral Palsy.

Th FDA is not banning Botox and has not issued any advisory to health care professionals to stop using Botox. Botox is still legal but the cases in question and the general safety of Botox and will issue its conclusions and recommendations when their investigation is complete.

A Little Money Magic

One of the reasons that we all shop for bargains is that the credit crunch, the rising interest rates and even the housing market affects how we spend our money and how we apportion it to essential budget items. But there's always good news to go along with the bad and sometimes you simply have to "think outside the box" to find a good deal.

I was reading a news story, for instance, that said that UK residents could buy a house in Manchester for a lot less than what they would have to pay to buy a similar home in London. Although there are a lot of concerns everywhere about mortgages and first-time buyers sometimes think they can't get the mortgage or the house they want, it's still quite within their reach to obtain a First Time Buyer Mortgage. It's comes down to where you look and what you are willing to invest your time in pursuing.

The moral of the story is, of course, dispense with negative attitudes and decide what it is you want and then go after it, but be open to new possibilities you may not have previously considered.

Sad Shoppers Spend Unwisely

If you're feeling a little blue, retail therapy is not for you. That's the conclusion of a study by researchers at four universities who say that people who are feeling sad have no sales resistance and make bad purchase choices.

After watching sad video clip, study participants were willing to pay up to four times too much for a bottle of water than those who watched an emotionally-neutral clip.

The researchers concluded sadness can trigger a chain of emotions leading to extravagant tendencies. Sadness leads people to become more focused on themselves, causing the person to feel that they and their possessions are worth little.

That feeling increases willingness to pay more - presumably to feel better about themselves.

"Because the study used real commodities and real money, results hold implications for everyday decisions," according to the authors of the study, to be published in the journal Psychological Science, and presented Saturday at a meeting of the Society for Social and Personality Psychology.

Source

Fun and Fabulous Women's Beach Cruisers

I know it's only February, but still I can't help noticing those first, faint stirrings of spring fever. I am awaiting the warmer weather with a new expectation. I can't wait to throw open the windows and experience the delicate scent of lilac blooms.

Of course when spring does arrive, most of us will start thinking about summer and the beach, and fitting into that bathing suit! It will be a time of renewed diet and exercise regimes. But I think I have found a way to make it all as pleasurable as the weather, a way to get your exercise and enjoy yourself at the same time.


That's right, riding a bicycle is both fun and great exercise at the same time. I found this gem at www.cruiserstyle.com. This great one-speed comfort beach cruiser is adorable in baby blue. Remember how much fun riding your bike was when you were a kid, with no gears or handbrakes to worry about, you could just fly like the wind and stop in an instant with your coaster brake.

Now if you are a true cycling enthusiast, you may want a multi-speed bike with hand brakes and that's okay, www.cruiserstyle.com has those too. In fact they have an entire line of womens' beach cruisers in feminine pastels. I really enjoyed looking over the selection of styles and colors available and reminiscing about the days when bikes were truly comfortable and fun to ride.

If you decide to go have a look at these beach cruisers, I have to warn you that you'll definitely find something to fall in love with. And when you do, let me know. I need a little help deciding between the baby blue and the cotton-candy pink bicycles.

Revlon Colorstay Mineral Collection

Mineral makeup is all the rage, and why not? It's safer for skin than many other formulations and it's all natural. Nearly every major cosmetics company is marketing some mineral makeup products this year.

From Revlon comes mineral makeup with an added bonus. Revlon has introduced their new Colorstay Mineral Collection, promising all the natural beauty of mineral makeup with the staying power of their Colorstay line. All the products in their Colorstay Mineral Collection will wear for up to 16 hours, according to the manufacturer.

The line includes a powder foundation, a mineral blush and bronzer, and an eyeshadow trio. The colors are all the muted shades we're used to with mineral eyeshadow, but the Sunlight Jade collection has a green that is downright rich. The green is paired with two neutral shades for highlight and shimmer. This trio is the most intriguing of the collection.

Online Pharmacy Review

For people who regularly take prescription medication, it can be a large dent in the budget. People are increasingly turning to the internet for convenience and low prices on prescription drugs, and online pharmacies are becoming a first choice for prescriptions.

When using an online pharmacy, you want to make sure that you are getting the medication that you need and not some substitute or generic brand. You also want to know that you're dealing with a reputable and stable company and not some fly-by-night e-business that is here today and gone tomorrow.

Edrugstore.md is an online pharmacy that has been in business on the internet for 8 years. They carry only name brand prescription drugs and guarantee that their prices are the lowest on the internet.

Online pharmacies can save you both time and money, and for those who have limited access to transportation, they are a lifesaver - literally.

Knowledge is power, so while you are at Edrugstore.md, check out their Health arcticles. Additionally, Edrugstore.md offers answers to commonly asked and sensitive medical questions. If you need more information on your condition, you can read "ask a physician" on their site. You can also email them an individual question in privacy and confidentiality.

Age Spots - Causes and Treatments

What are generally referred to as age spots, were once called "liver spots" but in reality, they have nothing whatsoever to do with your liver. They also can appear before age 40 in some individuals, and so "age spots" is also a misnomer. Age spots are really just areas of the skin that have been over-exposed to sunlight and are damaged. Age spots are harmless areas of extra pigment, but they can be unsightly and make you look older than you are. The best method of treatment is prevention, with sunscreen and limiting sun exposure, but if you have age spots, here is the list of available treatments.



* Bleaching creams - Prescription bleaching creams used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid may gradually fade the spots over several months. OTC creams that contain glycolic acid or kojic acid may slightly reduce the appearance of the age spots.
* Laser therapy - After treatment, age spots fade gradually over several weeks or months. Laser therapy can be expensive.
* Freezing - Liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent is applied to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter.
* Dermabrasion - This procedure consists of sanding down the surface layer of your skin with a rapidly rotating brush.
* Chemical peel - A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin, to the age spots. As your skin peels, new skin forms to take its place.

Regardless of which treatment is used, sun protection is recommended following the procedure and for life to keep new spots from forming.

Hair Loss Products

Hair loss is not just a problem for men. Women can and do suffer hair loss, and it can happen at any age. In men, hair loss generally follows a pattern, either thinning on the top of the head or the hairline receding back and they can go bald eventually. Women may suffer from pattern hair loss but usually the hair loss is diffuse all over the scalp and results in thinning hair.

Both men and women with hair loss seek treatment that is effective and safe. Finding the right treatment can mean hundreds of dollars spent on products that don't work before finding one that does.

There is a site that reviews hair loss products and the products are voted on by consumers. The product with the highest ranking is provillus. Knowing what has worked for others can help you decide which product to try, so I suggest you read the provillus reviews.

There is a review of provillus at this blog. It's by a hair loss sufferer who tried several products. He discusses not just the benefits but also the downside of the products he has used.

When searching for a treatment for hair loss, do your homework and find out what others have used and what has worked for them. There may be no absolute cure for hair loss, but there are some products that can slow or stop the process for as long as you use them.

Nutraceuticals - Beauty from Within

We used to have three distinct industries, pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements and cosmetics, but as women and skin care product manufacturers begin to embrace the concept of "beauty from within", more and more products contain ingredients that do more than cover imperfections. Now we have nutraceuticals.

US-based eFoodSafety is the latest in a growing number of nutraceutical companies targeting the cosmetics industry with the release of its skin care line NumaDerm. It will be available in April 2008.

The line includes repair cream for dry and damaged skin, an ageless cream to rejuvenate and a fade cream to correct uneven skin pigmentation. The products contain phytonutrients, anti-oxidants and essential lipids and peptides that are nano-encapsulated.

"The nano-encapsulation technology plays a key role in the effectiveness of the NumaDerm products by offering a better method of delivering key ingredients" said Dr Richard Goldfarb of eFoodSafety.

Review of Stretch Mark Creams

When it comes to serious skin problems, like acne, wrinkles and even stretch marks, there are a lot products that make a lot of claims about their effectiveness. There are only two ways to find out if these claims are true:

1. Buy the product, try it and hope you haven't wasted your money; or
2. Ask your friends who have tried it already and save time and money over the trial and error method.

Stretch marks are a major concern for women - at least 75% of women will get stretch marks as a result of pregnancy. There are a lot of products that claim they will prevent stretch marks but before plunking down the cash, you want assurance that a product is effective.

I don't have any personal experience as I have never used a stretch mark cream but if you're interested in seeing what other women have experienced using several different products, Divas Skin Care blog has a study involving several women who used different products and how they worked or didn't work for them.

The winner, in case you were wondering, was Revitol stretch mark cream for both effectiveness in preventing and treating stretch marks and value for money.

Bargain Skin Cream Outperforms Name Brands

The big name skin care manuacturers were left out in the cold cream after 2,000 women taking blind tests of anti-aging skin cream chose a bargain store brand as the most effective.

The cream is called Siana Moisturising Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream and is sold in the UK in the Aldi discount supermarket chain - and it sells for £1.89, or about $3.70 US.

Those testing the creams chose the Siana cream above brands like Olay and Helena Rubenstien, citing it's smoothing effect on wrinkles and the glow it gave to skin.

The chain has found shoppers flocking to the store and clearing the shelves of the cream, selling 20,000 pots of the cream per week,instead of the usual 890.

The Siana cream contains many of the same ingredients as the more expensive brands, like Q10 and Vitamins C and E. The store employs many cost-cutting methods - for instance, shoppers buy and pack their own bags.

It goes to show that a good deal of the price of a product is in the packaging and marketing and that you don't have to spend a lot for quality products, you can get it all for less!

Learn about Diamonds at Adiamor

Every woman has a passion for diamonds. They represent so much - beauty, perfection, love, commitment - which is why these sparkling gems are so highly prized. And no diamond means as much to a woman as the one that sits on the fourth finger of her left hand.

Engagement Rings are perhaps the most symbolic diamond jewelry of all. That is why I believe that an engagement ring should be as individual as the woman who wears it. A truly unique ring is a treasure, but if you don't know much about diamonds, then it's easy to be convinced to buy an inferior stone, because the jeweler recommends it.

That's why I found this guide How To Choose An Engagement Ring, at Adiamor, to be worth mentioning, especially around Valentine's Day. Some of us are aware of the 4 C's of diamonds - cut, clarity, color, and carat weight - but we may not know how to judge these attributes. When you're considering a purchase this important, you owe it to yourself to find out everything you can beforehand.

That's why Adiamor.com is one of my picks of the week. Here you will find beautiful Diamond Engagement Rings as well as the opportunity to create your own ring to your own individual specifications on setting, diamond, metal, etc. Adiamor has a triple A rating from the Better Business Bureau, so that tell you that you're dealing with a trustworthy business. Their stones are GIA graded for quality. Best of all, if you can't find the diamond you are looking for, Adiamor consultant will perform a diamond search to help you locate the perfect stone for your perfect ring.

YouTube Launches Fashion Channel

They're getting fashionable at YouTube.

YouTube, the user-generated video giant has announced their first ever channel dedicated to fashion. FashionWeek360 will be updated with videos from international fashion weeks. It will cover all aspects of fashion week with videos of runway shows and collections.

Because YouTube is interactive, users will be able to post comments on the fashions and videos posted.

IZEA's RealRank - Where does your blog rank?

For years Google has been rating websites or blogs according to an algorithm that is a tightly kept secret. For some time, the PR or page rank of a site assigned to it by Google, which is supposed to represent the worth of a site or blog. One of the biggest problems is that having a PR ranking was no guarantee that anyone actually read the blog.

IZEA has a new idea called RealRank. Unlike Google, they openly publish their algorithm for measuring Blog Ranks and they give credit to the blogger for attracting a reading audience. Why shouldn't you get credit for having solid traffic? After all, how valuable is a site or a blog that no one sees or reads?

Anyone can use RealRank, you just place a bit of java script in your blog's HTML and IZEA will track your blog's traffic and popularity and give you a RealRank of your own. You can even compare your RealRank with up to nine other blogs at once to get an even better understanding of how your blog stacks up.

Here's a look at unique visitors tracked on this blog over a period of a few months. The numbers are not as high as I would like, but there is a definite upwards trend, and that's what I want to see.



RealRank is the wave of the future, and anyone can sign up and get a real idea of their blog's popularity and ranking in the sea of the blogosphere. You can choose to publicize your blog's traffic or keep it private, either way, you'll know that your position indicates a RealRank, not just one company's opinion.

Color Quick by Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen to the rescue again! Just when I think that every beauty problem has been solved, Sally Hansen comes up with just one more product to make nail care easier and more beautiful.

I am talking about the new Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen. This product combines the ease of a pen to apply your nail color and the convenience of a quick-dry formula.

No more gloppy spills or brush mistakes, the pen applies your color evenly with simple strokes. And because it's from Sally Hansen, it's also good for nails with Vitamins A, C & E and even UV protection to make the color last.

If I had one complaint, it would be that I would love to see more shades than the 8 available, but there's sure to be one to suit most people here, from Clear Opal Frost to Black.

Dial A Flight to Hong Kong

I've been thinking lately about places I want to see, and Hong Kong keeps popping into my head for some reason. Well, it is a centre of beauty and fashion, in fact, the Institute of Textiles and Clothing at Hong Kong Polytechnic University offers a bachelors of arts in fashion and "intimate apparel". Seriously, you can get your degree in lingerie.

Have you wanted to travel to some place that's exciting and exotic but you don't want to search for flights and fares, or get to your destination only to find out that you have need to hire a car to see all the breathtaking sights?

What I really need is a travel site that does it all for me. I don't want to trawl dozens of websites looking for cheap fares on flights to Hong Kong and then have to do the same for hotels and car hires.

Well, I might not actually be going today, but someday I might just get a surge of wanderlust and when I do, I am going to Dial A Flight, where seasoned travellers will help me plan a trip of a lifetime. Whether it's Hong Kong, a holiday at the beach or some other destination, I want the best fares and hotel rates I can get. After all, I am going to want to have money left over for some shopping and a little night life, once I am there.

Sugar Scrubs for Deliciously Smooth Skin

Why are sugar scrubs so popular? For one thing, sugar is a natural substance and we all would rather rub sugar on our bodies that synthentic "microbeads" or bits of chopped up apricot shells or something else that is very abrasive. Sugar does a great job of exfoliating your skin and leaving it soft and smooth without irritating skin as some other harsh exfoliating agents in scrubs might do.

Nearly everyone makes a sugar scrub these days, and the scents that they come in tend to range from yummy to yummier. Some scents are simply scrumptious like pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and french vanilla, while others add floral or citrus fraagrances. The dessert scents however, seem to be the most popular theme.

Sugar scrubs exfoliate the dead skin cells to leave skin more polished but in addition contain oils and other moisturizers so that sugar scrubs do double duty. They leave skin feeling baby soft and smooth and continue to fight dryness throughout the day.

If you're adventurous, you can even try making a sugar scrub at home, there are recipes available on the net. They are fairly simple to mix up, even if you don't have the essential oils or fragrance available, you can always just make a paste of a favorite moisturizing skin lotion and brown sugar. But if you're lazy like me....

My current favorite scrub comes from Bath & Body works . Their Aromatherapy Black Currant Vanilla is just what it says it is, a sensual treat. Infused with jojoba oil for ultimate moisturizing, it is the perfect body scrub. It leaves skin smoother while locking in moisture and the fragrance remains light yet sensual and decadent. You will love the way it makes you feel, inside and out. This Aromatherapy thing really does work, you know.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas - Diamonds!

Valentine's Day is officially two weeks away and I, for one, am getting more excited all the time about the great Valentine's gift ideas and places to get them I keep finding.

Today let's talk about what everyone woman really wants for Valentine's day - diamonds. Whether it's that diamond engagement ring, a friendship ring, or a very special gift of jewelry to show your love, diamonds are the gift that can't go wrong and you will find some of the most beautiful diamonds at amazing prices at James Allen.

Have a Valentine's anniversary? Congratulations on being so romantic. Anniversary rings are a lovely gift that say how much she means to you. If you're planning that special day, check out the gorgeous wedding rings there. Choose gold, white gold or sterling silver for your setting and imagine how thrilled she will be to wear it.

Whatever you're looking for in a diamond and whatever your price range you can find it easily at jamesallen.com. You can even design your own for that perfect ring.
Check out the handy menus to find what you're looking for, they even have diamond jewelry starting at under $100.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Bare Escentuals Voted Hottest Prestige Makeup Brand of 2007

Mineral makeup has become the hottest new trend in cosmetics and is growing in popularity every day. Women are drawn to the natural ingredients, showing concern over the types of products they put on their skin. Now, Bare Escentuals Inc, the makers of bareMinerals, has been named Hottest Prestige Makeup Brand of 2007 based on a consumer survey conducted by The NPD Group Inc.

“We are particularly proud of the awards voted on by consumers because they validate that our brand and our products continue to be loved and adopted by consumers,” said Leslie Blodgett, Chief Executive Officer. “This award is another indication that our loyal customer base continues to grow stronger.”

This is the third award that Bare Escentuals has been voted this year, having already received the Reader’s Choice Award for Best Foundation in Teen Vogue Magazine and the Reader’s Choice Award for World’s Best Foundation in Elle Magazine.