C.L.E.A.R. skin tips from Paula Begoun

Can Everyday Be a Good Hair Day?

Finally find what your hair has been looking for

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article Take this quiz and get hairstyling tips from the experts so that your hair looks fab everyday. Take quiz

Hi friends,
Are you enjoying the "guest blogging" ? I hope so! I trust that the "cosmetics cop" Paula Begoun will have some helpful and insightful tips for you to help get your skin in great back to school shape- just right for year book photos too!
Enjoy and remember to tell yourself how beautiful you are! Jesus loves you and so do I!
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Back To School C.L.E.A.R. Skin Secrets from Paula Begoun


It’s almost that time of year again, a time when parents are scurrying to buy back to school supplies while teenagers are in pursuit of the perfect outfit for the first day of class. In the mist of all this, teenagers must also contend with stubborn acne, which is exacerbated by the stress of returning to school. To help alleviate some of the tension, below are Acne C.L.E.A.R. Skin Tips from Paula Begoun, skincare expert and bestselling author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me.

•Clean Twice Daily: Use a gentle, water-soluble cleanser to remove excess oil and makeup that lead to clogged pores and dull-looking skin. A cleanser with an antibacterial agent such as triclosan can jump-start the process of killing acne-causing bacteria.
•Leave-On Exfoliant is a Must: Daily use of a well-formulated, leave-on product with salicylic acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid, or BHA) works beautifully to remove dead skin cells that get stuck in pores, mix with excess oil, and lead to breakouts. Salicylic acid also works to reduce the redness from acne and provides an additional antibacterial punch, getting you that much closer to clear, super-smooth skin!
•Eradicate Acne-Causing Bacteria: After exfoliating, apply a lightweight anti-acne product that’s medicated with benzoyl peroxide. This topical disinfectant is genius at quickly eliminating the bacteria that leads to the acne you don’t want! Apply your benzoyl peroxide product to breakout-prone areas—don’t spot treat only the acne you see now! Doing so means you’ll end up chasing acne all over your face, which is frustrating.
•Avoid Heavy Moisturizers: If you have oily skin, do not use moisturizer, even if it’s oil free! Your face is already producing an excess amount of oil and there is no need to add more. If you have dry areas, apply a lightweight, gel-textured moisturizer for soothing relief or opt for a serum, especially great to prep skin for makeup.
•Remove Surface Pimples: Need to pop that prominent blemish fast before your date? You can do it in three easy steps. First, cleanse skin and pat dry. Next, using the flat of your fingertips (not your nails) place your fingers on the edge of the swelling. The final step is to gently push down and in on the swelling. If that doesn’t release the contents the first time, change the positioning of your fingers and try again. If that doesn’t work, you are done. REMEMBER, never scratch, itch or burn your pimple! What else to avoid? Toothpaste! You’ll read that this works great to eliminate a stubborn pimple, but in fact it can make matters worse by causing excess irritation.
Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Bremmen 6-1 skin cream

Ditch Split Ends With These 12 Hair Products

Pick a product that speaks to you and get ready to quench the thirst of those dry ends

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article Total Beauty readers gush about these fab remedies for split ends. See products

Avon Advance Techniques Dry Ends Serum, $5

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.8

"You won't find anything better to help fix split ends …"

TRESemme Vitamin B12 & Gelatin Anti-Breakage Conditioner, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

"I cannot find a single split end …"

Frizz-Ease Crème Serum Overnight Repair Formula, $8.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"I have some damaged ends and this totally smoothed them out …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Okay, this stuff showed up along with a bunch of other goodies! Here's what the website says about it:
"Wrinkle cream. Firming cream. Smoothing cream. Toning cream. Brightening cream. Moisturizing cream. The absolute best, all-in-one anti-aging cream you have ever tried. Bremenn’s 6 in 1 Skin Cream not only reduces the appearance of existing fine lines, wrinkles and crows’ feet, but helps maintain the elasticity, tone, moisture level, smoothness, and health of facial skin. The absolute best, all-in-one anti-aging cream you have ever tried... Period!"

Well what do you think? I think it's kind of neat. I have tried it several times and it does have a nice slip and texture to it. I don't know that I can say that I have noticed "immediate" results, but I do like the fact that after a long swim in the chlorine pool in the hot hot Arizona sun that I put some on and my skin feels moisturized and not dry and tight.

It does readily absorb into the skin and it doesn't sit on top or feel greasy. So it just is kind of funny and unique that there is a six in one product? Well, only time will tell and I'll be testing several other products from this line of skin care from Bremenn Labs this week.

I hope you enjoyed the Peter Lamas event at Sprouts. :) Take good care of your self and remember to tell you how gorgeous you are! Why? Because when you believe it, so will others!
Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Jack Black skincare for Dad this year?

Quiz: What's Your Ideal Skin Care Routine?

See which regimen will keep signs of aging at bay

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article Do you mindlessly put on the same ol' beauty products day and night? Take this quiz to see which cleansers, moisturizers, etc. are best for you -- then make the switch. Take quiz

Father's day is coming up on June 20th and now is a good time to start thinking of ways to bless your dad. You know him as the head of the household and leader of the pack called your family. But now, let's think of him as a man who could use a really good:....fill in the blank? Most likely not another apron to use while grilling and certainly not a tie. So, why not look into some Jack Black skincare product for him?

A sample came to the blog and I shaved my legs with the beard lube and wore the Double Duty Face Moisturizer with spf 20. Let me remind you that men have thicker textured skin so whereas I'm happy to test a product, sheesh, this one was a bit much for my skin type.

I finished my sampling with the Jack Black Hand Healer and this stuff is amazing. I have really dry hands and cuticles that could double as a pin cushion pain free because they are so thick! Alas, enter the Jack Black Hand Healer and it didn't soften them a bit. So naturally I put a thick layer on my feet and covered them with socks. Time will tell how that experiment turns out.

This line is cruelty free, and good for vegans. Guess I better call Josh the vegan photographer who helps with the videos and test this out on him and see if it gets the vegan seal of approval.

Good luck finding the right gift for dad and check back for a Dad product giveaway...any day now...

Beard Lube Conditioning Shave with Jojoba and Eucalyptus

An entirely new way to shave. Unlike traditional shaving foams and gels which can dry out skin, our award winning Beard Lube is a pre-shave oil, shave cream and facial skin treatment in one easy-to-use product specially formulated for men's shaving needs. The unique formula contains phospholipids - a rich source of essential fatty acids that are essential to the function of cell membranes - to bind moisture to the skin and support the natural skin barrier. The lightweight, penetrating formula not only helps prepare your beard by penetrating and softening whisker growth, it holds in moisture so your shaving blade glides easily. Refreshes skin, too, for an easier, smoother shave and less razor burn. The unique see-through texture lets you see where you're shaving, helping to prevent nicks and cuts--especially great for shaving side burns, moustache and head. Won't clog your blade, because it's super light and rinses easily. Fragrance-free. Colorant-free. Dermatologist tested. Vegan.

Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Podologics! Seriously

Hot New Budget Beauty Buys

Believe it or not, Walmart stocks its shelves with products that both our editors and readers give a thumbs up to

This is a TotalBeauty.com budget products article You want to always look your best without breaking the bank, right? Well, head to Walmart and pick up these beauty finds, sister. See products

Hi, there is just so much I could chit chat about today! Whether it be the great beauty bubble with all the great deals on makeup (always a good thing to save money while looking gorgeous) or to let you in on the LaRoche Posay secret... it's just so good!

I recently tried the Podologics smoothing and restoring foot car concentrate and boy what it ever did for my Dr. Simeons HCG diet protocol dry feet! Phase 2 is pretty strict on using or consuming any oils, even lotions!

Needless to say, now that I am in Phase 4 my skin and hair is getting back to normal with the help of these products. I tried a rich hand creme and a very emollient foot creme and the chap and crack of the HCG diet protocol is finally going away.

You know there is just so much good stuff to say about the La Roche Posay line, that I suggest you click on over to the main website and find the items geared towards your specific skin.

Enjoy the clicking and learning and hope you have an amazing day!

Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Brides & Prom gals: get some Tree Hut Hawaiian Kukui

What's Your Ideal Smoky Eye Look? Find Out!

Take this quiz to find the perfect sultry eye makeup for your eye shape

Smoky eye makeup is hot almost every season, but especially for spring, so answer these questions to find out how to make the look work for you. Take quiz

Hello brides to be! Gals getting ready for prom and the rest of us who need to get our feet in the best sandal ready shape ever! I recently tried a sample of the Tree Hut Hawaiian Kukui collection and must say it's lovely!

The sugar scrub does a very soft exfoliation so it removes dead skin cells and softens while lightly scenting all at once! The shea body lotion is very lightweight and absorbs into the skin.

Shea butter is so healing to the skin so if you have winter dryness and need to get ready for your wedding or prom, now is the time to start exfoliating with a sugar body scrub and reapplying much needed oils and moisture in a lotion.

Something worth noting: Tree Hut uses certified organic shea in every product and are known for having perfected the art of using it in each product they make! There are no parabens, it's made in the United States of America and it's easy to get! Just visit your local Walmart or Ulta store.

Psst! I have even seen a four pack of Tree Hut shea body butters in my local Costco...maybe look in yours?

*Remember that April is "Military Appreciation" month and for every comment by an active duty soldier from any branch of the military, a free appreciation gift product will be sent! Just state your name, rank, where you serve and why and Makeup University Inc will send you out a lovely something! Thank you!

Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Beauty breakthroughs: like Skindinavia spray moisturizer

2010 Beauty Breakthroughs

See the latest and greatest in beauty technology

Find out which advances in the cosmetic industry are rocking our world. Then, see all the great products that have these beauty-boosting ingredients in them. See breakthroughs

Oh how I love a new invention or new technology in beauty! Somethings, like the battery powered mascara never quite find a niche to call home in the marketplace and then other products do!

Today's beauty bubble is really neat, but before you click over I want to share with you about Skindinavia's newest goody in the line up-they have a new spray moisturizer with spf 8. It's lightweight, so far it hasn't clogged up and not sprayed, it's easy to apply before makeup and I have applied it after makeup and it didn't make my liquid smear, but over mineral powder it made dots that had to be blended in with my purse kabuki.

Here in Arizona, it would be good to see the spf bumped up a bit though an 8 is better than nothing.

You may remember that Skindinavia makes temperature sensitive setting makeup spray- such as the Bridal for wedding days, the Dance! for active makeup nights, and Cool flash for hot summer days. I love the formulations that I have tried and tested on my self, and clients.

To learn more about Skindinavia and get your own spray moisturizer, visit www.skindinavia.com

Remember to refer your active duty military friends to the blog to comment and get their free appreciation gift! They can be male or female, any branch of the military, just need to be active! It's the Makeup University way of saying thankyou for all that you do!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

COR: silver anytime moisturizer is awesome for dry HCG skin

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Hello! You may be interested in this product COR: Silver Anytime Moisturizer if you have been following the Dr. Simeons HCG Diet protocol for weight loss. Why? Because on the diet protocol you can not use any oils or lotions on your skin because of the absorption and it can skew your weight loss results? Trust me, when you follow that strict of a diet routine, you want to see the pounds and inches release on a daily basis! So after 40 days of only testing products to write about and not really using anything, my skin is so dry! I saved this product for the end of my VLCD phase and the first thing I did was rub some on and it made a dramatic difference in the dry almost calloused skin on my hands and face! I love it! I waited about an hour and then re-applied and it's getting better by the moment! Now I'm going to go use it with my NuFace micro current tool and see what else happens! Below is a picture and some info from their website, go see and get some!





The Silver Anytime Moisturiser
$115
In addition to our core ingredients of patented nano-silver with silica, Cor’s Silver Anytime Moisturiser contains the following: Palmitoyl Pentapeptide is a unique molecule that has been shown to imitate the skin’s natural rejuvenation process, stimulating renewal and natural exfoliation of the skin’s surface without the use of harsh ingredients. PP regenerates the dermal layer by developing new collagen, elastin and glycosamainoglycans. PP not only appears to renew the skin’s dermis layer, but also it has been shown to make it noticeably thicker which adds to improved appearance of the skin and has the added benefits of protecting itself against the harmful elements of the environment. Acetyl Hexapeptide is an extreme amino peptide that relaxes muscle contractions and reduces the frequency of contraction. It has been shown to produce Botox® type results without paralyzing the muscle, in the form of an everyday cream. After a few minutes of application, the skin feels more taut and “lifted”.

Pomegranate Extract has extraordinary compounds to help reduce the affects of aging and fight free radicals. The natural estrogenic properties of these molecules have been known to help rejuvenate the skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Alba Botanica Rainforest Gentle Acai Renewal Scrub

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Coloring your hair at home is a great way to save money, and if you do it right no one will even know the difference. Of course, it can be a little tricky, that's why we put together these tips to help get you through the process drama-free and with fabulous results. See tricks

This tube of goodness! It's an antioxidant filled scrub that uses super fine walnut shell based exfoliants. Oh does it feel so good! It's similiar to Dermalogica Microfoliant in texture though has a rich, earthy, nutty scent that is subtle yet good.

The scrub combines Acai Nut Powder, Cupuacu Butter and Andiroba Oil to soften while revealing healthy skin underneath winter dryness.

It's ideal for all skin types, contains certified organic botanicals, is hypo-allergenic, pH balanced and 100% vegetarian with no animal testing.

Funny how I got this sample: I came by it sideways as I was researching HCG Diet Protocol products that would be congruent with the original Dr. Simeons transcript of how to effectively adhere to the diet.

The results of my research were laborious and intense only to come to the final conclusion that Dr. Simeons in his "Pounds and Inches" manuscript said only two things were approved and only in extreme cases of dryness: mineral oil and petroleum jelly.

I find that difficult to swallow since they are the two things I would never want to put on my skin. Alas, his reasons are "because they don't penetrate the skin and only moisturize on the surface level".

These rich natural butters and oils do exactly what they are supposed to: slowly absorb into the upper dermis and moisturize the skin, feeding it and plumping it.

For all of you not on the HCG diet protocol, go get some Alba Botanica Rainforest Gentle Acai Renewal Scrub at your local Sprouts or Whole Foods! Visit their website for more information at http://www.albabotanica.com/


Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

The beauty of 2010 Winter Olympics Lindsey Vonn

Hollywood's Prettiest Mother-Daughter Duos

Check out the gorgeous features these celebrity pairs share

Like mother, like daughter -- we did some digging and found 10 celeb pairs with something in common. Some of them look so much alike that you'd likely have to do a double take if you spotted them on the street. Which duo do you think is the most gorgeous? See pairs

As I have been watching the 2010 Winter Olympics I've also been looking at the athletes and their style, hair and makeup even.

Here is the lovely Lindsey Vonn and she is a great example of a healthy athlete and woman. She has amazing skin and it shows well even in the HD cameras used for the sports. I wonder what she uses in the way of face wash, eye creme, serums, moisturizers and of course, sunscreen?

Whatever she is using, it's doing a great job of keeping her skin hydrated and protected while she competes!

Congratulations to Lindsey Vonn 2010 Winter Olympic gold medalist!

Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Kyoku for men: Valentines idea!

Ditch Dandruff With These Top-Rated Shampoos

Our readers said sayonara to flakes after using these products from Pantene, Head & Shoulders and more

If you're itching to get to the root of your dandruff problem, check out these winning shampoos. They'll let you finally introduce black tops back into your wardrobe. See shampoos

No. 8: Garnier Fructis Fortifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $4.29

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"I had a touch of flakes but didn't want to ruin my color, this was gentle and effective and …"

No. 7: Herbal Essences No Flakin' Way Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $4.19

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6

"This shampoo has a delightfully fresh and fruity scent. It leaves your locks moisturized …"

No. 6: Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment Shampoo, $5.89

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8

"This is the best dandruff shampoo I have used and believe me I have tried them all! I always …"

Want to see what other shampoos made the list? Click here!

February, the retail month of love. To cover all the loves in our lives: here's an amazing new product line for men created by a man with a passion for skin care technology. Kyoku: for men, is a "Men's Grooming 2010 Shortlist" winner! Here's a bit about the product history from the website:
"Designed specifically for men’s skin by Asim Akhtar, Kyoku for Men products combine cutting-edge skincare technology with effective natural ingredients, such as ginseng, green tea leaf, bamboo, chamomile and avocado oil.".

http://www.kyokuformen.com Please visit it for more details on the ingredients, history and philosophy of this new and unique product line.

Now, I have opened and enjoyed the scents and textures of the product and now you can too! I'm giving my sample set away, free, to you!

Comment on the blog with what you love most about your father, brother, son or significant other! A winner will be chosen at random in 24 hours! Go!

Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

You & your brows: plus Anthelios SX spf 15 for Barrett Jackson

The 16 Best Brow Enhancers

These products will give you perfectly tweezed, filled-in brows

Since brows are THE hot item to focus on, you'll want to make sure yours look great. Good brows can give your face a polished look and really highlight your eyes. But if your brows need a little work, check out these reader-approved brow tools. They'll give you salon-quality brows at home! See products

No. 16: Tweezerman Point Tweezer, $22

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8

"They are phenomenal at grabbing those short dark brow hairs that are out of reach of most tweezers …"

No. 15: Origins Just Browsing Brow-Shaping Color, $13

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

"I love how this allows me to have the look of naturally darker brows without the crazy drawn in pencil look!"

No. 14: Smashbox Brow Tech, $24

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

This combo of wax and powder "blend seamlessly with your own brows and look perfectly natural …"

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!

Is that you? Have you come to visit me at Barrett Jackson yet? If not, come to see the cars, the fashion and how the La Roche Posay Anthelios SX combo'd with the Thermal Spring Water is keeping me and my co-worker hydrated and ready to work.

The Anthelios cream is rich hydration in a tube. Thank goodness because creams normally come in a jar and you risk cross-contamination between products when you scoop product out to use.

The Anthelios SX is super rich, has an emollient texture and absorbs into the skin. I have found through continued use and testing of the sample that it does keep my skin hydrated under hot lights, sun, outdoor elements, stress and dehydration from not drinking enough fluids.

It's a 24 hour hydration forumla, PABA free, fragrance free and covers both UVA and UVB protection with Parsol 1789 and a patented inovative ingredient called Mexoryl SA.

I'm liking it for winter. I think as a daily summer hydrator it may be too much? Unless I've been out in the direct sun, then this could be a great skin drencher!

Find yours online at http://www.laroche-posay.com

Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!