Thank you for your patience, dear readers. Currently, Beauty Chat is going through various changes – as many blogs do! So we hope that you continue to enjoy our site’s thorough selection of articles.

Missed all of 2008’s skincare discussions? Want to see before and after celebrity plastic surgery photos? Visit our archive and see what’s up. We continue to receive your comments, and appreciate your involvement.

…This is a sincere message from all of us Beauty Chatters! Enjoy your summer, and hope to meet up with us again soon.

*Please refrain from sending products and e-mailing pitches until Beauty Chat is back.

Flowers and balloons are always a nice gesture, but your Mother deserves so much more (at least mine does!), so make her feel special with some of these unique gift ideas.

•    Pamper, Pamper, Pamper! You could buy your Mom passes to the spa, or bring the spa to her; it will show you actually want to spend time with her. Set a day aside and have an at-home pamper day with your mom.
Some products I recommend trying out with your Mom:
Thymes: They offer an array of body lotions, washes, scrubs, feet care, etc. The ladies at PlasticSurgery.com and I love the Naia Hand Lotion and Hand Wash! Visit their website to check out some of the kits and gift sets that they offer.
En Pointe Skin Solutions: From cleanser, toners, and moisturizers, they offer all the products you need to put together an at-home facial kit.
Philip Kingsley: To get your Mom ready for Mother’s day brunch, Philip Kingsley offers a wide range of styling products to add texture and volume or tame and smooth while protecting the hair. For bounce, control, and shine, you may want to try out their maximizer.
Adovia Mineral Skin Care: Another great facial care line! My fellow Beauty Chatter, Audrey, and I love their products! This is great for those with sensitive skin (like me), because they are made from minerals from the Dead Sea, providing a natural skin smoothing experience.

•    Expand her horizons: Take your mom on an adventure instead of the usual dinner and a movie. I am taking my Mom wine tasting! Pick a place you know she would like to go, but wouldn’t normally take herself to. I know my Mom likes wine, but she would never think of going to a winery.

•    Put on your chef’s hat: Make your Mom her favorite dish or introduce her to a new one. My favorite place to go for creative recipes is AllRecipes.com, which has reviews on the dishes and suggestions for additional ingredients, side dishes, etc.

•    Clean, scrub, and shine: You know your mother works hard, so why not give her a day off from her typical duties of cleaning up (after you!), doing the laundry, and running the house. Get your siblings together and clean the house for her and let her relax for the day!

Your mom most likely is not expecting much, so if anything, give her a day of you. I know that through the rush and chaos it can sometimes get hard to spend time with anyone for an entire day – the least you can do is give her the time. And for all you mommies out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

Photo Credit: Adovia Spa and Laura’s Journey

Makeup is an obsession of mine, as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, and whenever I get the chance to try something new, I jump at it! Especially when it comes to liquid foundation since I can never seem to find the right shade to match my skin tone. I’ve gone through countless bottles – from drug store brands to department store limited supply makeup brands.

Thanks to FACE Atelier and their Ultra Foundation, I can get the perfect match. They offer a basic array of tones and two adjusters. Zero Plus makes the base darker, while Zero Minus lightens it up. No more waste!

My fellow Beauty Chatter, Audrey, tried out their Pout lip enhancer. Here’s what she had to say:

“The FACE Atelier Pout product worked fairly well. Although I did not see dramatic results, I could definitely tell that it had made a difference in the overall shape and color of my lips. The tingling sensation you get when you first apply it is light, but enough to convince you that the product must be working. You won’t look like Angelina Jolie with this stuff, but it will certainly make you feel a bit more sultry.”

FACE Atelier is cruelty free, doesn’t add scents or flavors to their products, and takes everyone’s unique skin type into consideration. Check out their website to see all the great products they offer.

Photo Credit: FACE Atelier

Creams advertised to get rid of cellulite can be effective in cellulite prevention and treatment, but are not as effective as cosmetic treatments. However, by incorporating these creams into your everyday routine, circulation can be promoted, which the fat cells need to break up and smooth out the appearance of what some call “orange peel skin.”

After my experience, some of my fellow BeautyChatters decided to try out some of these at-home treatments to see if they would help them achieve significant results.

Here are their experiences:

Return to Slender Body Contouring Gel,  Soap and Glory: Jennifer

“I used the Return to Slender Body Contouring Gel as directed: twice a day for about three weeks on my tummy. I liked the cool, tingling feeling it gave off when I applied it, which made me think that it was actually doing something! However, after a while, I started to notice that it was causing me to itch and I had to stop using it. I tried the gel again after a week and couldn’t continue, due to the itching. But I did like how my skin felt. It was very soft and smooth.”

Bootcamp for Butts, Mama Mio: Jacquie

“This is a great four-step process to help your skin look and feel more firm. This is a must! I used it for almost four weeks and started noticing a difference in my skin texture within the first week of use.

Due to my daily use of the products, and incorporating the three-minute exercise routine along with it, I noticed a difference in my overall skin texture and tone.  The key to this four step process is massaging your skin, which activates and creates blood flow to your cells.  When I looked in the mirror after using the product, I noticed less dimples and way less visible, creepy skin on my arms.  I personally don’t like trotting around in the buff but I am more confident with my body as swimsuit season is quickly approaching.”

Slimwear Body Cream, Soap and Glory: Elana

“I was so excited to get a product, the Slimwear Body Cream that is designed to fight the battle of cellulite. Right below my bottom and on the outer sides of my hips (“saddlebags”), the cottage-cheese appearance makes me insane.

It had a nice consistency, not too watery and not to thick. Consciously, I made it a point to start at my ankles and move up, so that I am loosening up the cell formation. Because I exercise regularly, I couldn’t tell if the appearance of my cellulite improved because of the cream, the exercise, or a combination of both. For the most part, the Slimwear Body Cream is a nice addition to a healthy lifestyle.”

From their experiences and my own, there are ways we can diminish the appearance of cellulite with creams and other remedies, but even with regular maintenance, entirely getting rid of cellulite still has yet to find its ultimate solution.

What about you, have you tried any at-home treatments? How effective are they in diminishing the appearance of cellulite?

Photo Credit: Me! And Bootcamp for Butts

What are we to do? Aside from undergoing a cosmetic procedure – liposuction or tummy tuck surgery – there are many diets that we could try, including the “Five Bite Diet” that Dre and Jana are currently doing, but there are also other ways to lose the weight: diet pills. Or as some companies like to call them “dietary supplements.”

I’ll admit that in an attempt to drop a few pounds the easy way I did try a couple of different brands some years back. However, I failed to do as the bottle stated, which was to eat a sensible diet, exercise, and take the pills as supplements.

Many diets pills claim to help us lose weight quickly and easily, but they don’t bother to reveal all the negative side effects that they also bring along. Saying that we should consult with a physician prior to taking them is hardly enough warning that they may not be safe for us to use.

These supplements can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, anxiety or nervousness, heart problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even death if not monitored correctly. Are the risks worth the possibility of losing a few pounds?

Living in Southern California requires a beach ready bod and I’m determined to get into shape. Instead of trying to cheat with diet pills, I’ve started eating healthier and I’m working on incorporating more activities…soon. In the last month, I’ve already dropped eight pounds!

What do you do to get in shape for the beach? I’d love to get some fun ideas!

Photo Credit: Sheep Chronicles

I have struggled with weight loss for years, trying just about any thing there is out there without having to consider any plastic surgery procedures.  My friend Jana told me about a weight loss book she had been reading and suggested I read it; so I did.

The book is called “Why Weight Around” by Dr. Alwin C. Lewis. In the book, Dr. Lewis stresses that a portion controlled diet is the most effective strategy to losing weight.  He developed a two part weight loss program called “The Slimming Station.”

The first part is to read the book, which explains what the diet is and how it works.  The second part is to work one-on-one with a Slimming Station Coach; this helps maximize your success and maintain your goals. After both reading the book, Jana and I decided to try it.

Here is a quick overview of what we do (which we dubbed the “Five Bite Diet”):

-    Skip breakfast
-    Eat only twice a day, Lunch and Dinner. NO SNACKING!!
-    Each meal only consists of five bites each. (Bites not bigger than a bite size Snickers)
-    One bite of the day must be a good source of protein, such as chicken or steak
-    Take a multi-vitamin daily.
-    All drinks are to be low to zero calorie.

Even though this explanation seems pretty straight forward, I highly recommend reading the book or going to Dr. Lewis’s website before starting this diet.

Jana and I have had great success with this diet plan; though we haven’t completed step two of the program yet, we would love to in the future. We both lost 30lbs. by our sixth and seventh weeks.  I’ve never seen results this quickly.

Thanks, Jana, for introducing me to it, we’re doing great!

Photo Credit: Jana and Dre

Next I was given what I call the “No-No List” which basically said no hardcore cardio exercise – no running, no excessive use of stairs; the list went on and on. Being that I was never what you would consider a “gym enthusiast,” I didn’t really have a problem with the rules at the time, but quickly found out that just about every type of exercise that I was actually interested in was considered a No-No for me. This left me with a problem: How in the world was I supposed to keep myself from getting massively overweight if I was tired all the time and couldn’t do any real cardio?

Last year I started looking into exercise alternatives and I have to say, almost everything I have found has been fun and fulfilling for me. From Yoga and Pilates to scheduled walking and low speed bicycle rides, I found that there were tons of options out there for someone with limited exercise capability like me. Recently, I have really gotten into using my Wii Fit. It offers Yoga, which stretches my body and helps me to stay limber. It also provides strength training to build muscle and work off fat without getting my heart rate going. There are even a few really fun games like hoola hooping that helps to tighten up my abs and backside!

With all of the modern technology out there (and a little help from my handy-dandy wrist monitor), I am able to exercise and strengthen my body and heart, all the while keeping my actual heart rate at a reasonable level for my safety. Now, with summer on its way, I really need to get to work on improving my body and staying as healthy as can be!

Do you have any alternative exercises that you like to do? Do you know someone with a health condition who has had to be creative in order to maintain a lifestyle that includes regular exercise? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Photo Credit: Healthy Heart

In honor of this revolutionary day, I have come up with a list of actions to take to be a little more eco-friendly.

Walk more, drive less: Instead of driving short trips around the corner, such as to pick up milk and bread, take a stroll instead. Not only are you saving on gas and not polluting the environment, you’re also getting a mini work-out in the course of it. A few days ago, my roommate and I had to return a movie to the video store and we walked there instead – it only took us 20 minutes and it felt great to get some fresh air.

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce (and close the loop!): Not only should you do the obvious and save your cans and bottle, but find uses for other products lying around your house. I like using old pieces of clothing as cleaning rags.

Invest in eco-friendly fashion: Nowadays, you can purchase anything from dresses to handbags that are all made out of organic fabrics. Not only do some of the eco-friendly fashion lines use fabrics friendly to the environment, they also use minimal packaging and guarantee livable working situations where they manufacture their products. Here is a list of retailers who manufacture for the eco-friendly and socially conscious.

Switch to organic beauty products: In pursuit of becoming more environmentally friendly, a lot of beauty companies are going all-organic. You can get anything from nail polish to lip stick with all-natural ingredients.
Some companies to consider that offer organic beauty products:
Foxy Mineral Make-up: has a wide range of selections of eye shadows, lip glosses, and foundations, which contain no chemicals and oils that can oftentimes be bad for the environment.
Karma Organic: offers organic spa products, such as organic nail polish removers, nail polish colors, scrubs, lotions, and oils.

Cut the amount of time spent in the shower: Do you really need to take a 45 minute shower? The less time you spend in the shower, the more water you are saving; long, hot showers are not good for your skin anyway, it dries it out and strips away its natural oils.

Little by little, changing everyday habits and incorporating more natural products in our daily regimens is helping the environment, plus it’s good for your own personal beauty health.

What are you doing to become more eco-friendly?

Photo Credit: GenGreenLife and Karma Organic

The temperature is up – way up – and our first reaction is to shed some layers, but what are we do to when we have to abide by our office dress code?

Here are a few simple tips to keep cool and still be work appropriate.

Tops: Breathable materials are going to keep you cool and dry. Short sleeved, button down tops go great with cropped pants (long shorts). Lighter colors are better for the heat, so try to stay away from blacks and blues.

Cardigan Sweaters: Most companies don’t allow bare shoulders, which is why it’s wise to invest in a few light sweaters. These can help cover up those pesky straps or add color to your outfit.

Long Shorts/Bermudas: As far as colors go, stick with blacks, browns, and grays. Pinstripes dress up your ensemble, so check some out and grab a couple pairs. Add heels and you’re ready for the office!

Skirts: Flowy and thin are your best bet, just be sure to keep the length around your knees. The shortest you’ll want to go is about two inches above the knees. If the material is too thin, a slip can help with concealing your undies .

Dresses: Most summer dresses are sleeveless – this is where the cardigan comes in – but they’re also made of thinner material and are extra flowy. (Notice the pattern?) Tight fitting clothing becomes suffocating, why not let your stems breath for the day?

Well, ladies, I hope these tips help keep you stay cool in the coming summer months. If you have any other helpful hints, let us know!

Photo Credit: Claire Newell

My bad habit of using heating tools (as well as consistently dying it) has caused my hair to look dried out and even frizzier! In pursuit of saving my locks, I have been taking extra care of my hair.

So, for all of the ladies (and gents) with curly tresses, here are some hair care tips  provided by Keneesha Hudson, owner of Urbanbella Hair Apothecary & Salon in Atlanta, GA, to help you achieve happy and healthy hair!

How to Fight Frizz! Naturally frizzy hair is best controlled while it is wet.  Frizz can be greatly reduced by applying frizz control gels and mousses right after you have rinsed out any hair conditioner, essentially while your hair is still wet.  You do NOT want to towel dry your hair, as the friction of the towel against your locks just adds to frizz.

For the summer months, you want any frizz control product to be as lightweight as possible. The ingredient you want to look for in a good gel is Polyquaternum, a polymer that makes the strands of hair bond together and give a nice hold.  The result is hair that looks sleeker, and more defined, as opposed to frizzy strands flying all over the place!

Can Your Hair Handle the Heat? Everyone’s first reaction when dealing with frizzy summer hair is to whip out the straightening iron.  This leads to heat damage and just makes hair dryer and frizzier.  If you must use heating tools, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your locks.  Look for thermal protectant products containing amodimethicone and dimethicone.  These ingredients provide a protective film on the hair cuticle that prevents water loss and keeps the cuticle from cracking and breaking.  Apply these products to hair before heat styling.

Limp Locks To keep curls bouncy and plump, use products that contain keratin, a natural thickening protein found in hair.  This product can be found in thickening shampoos and volumizing sprays. These products also thicken and lift hair with natural alcohols such as Beetroot Alcohol.

Heat-Free Styling Tips!

Try these tips for air drying:

Use lighter styling aids such as mousse and light gels for faster air drying time.  Gently squeeze excess water out of the hair after applying styling aids to reduce air drying time.  Remember, avoid towel drying!!

Some really cute hair styles can be achieved without having to put a hair dryer, straighter, or curlers to your hair.   The three I mention below give really beautiful beach beauty waves that work with summer humidity and heat instead of fighting it:

-    While hair is still wet, apply your light gel or mousse, and simply wrap hair into a bun on top of your head.  After hair has dried at least 60%, remove bun and you’ll have soft and beautiful waves.

-    Another way to achieve that beach-y look, twirl damp hair around your finger, applying styling gel as you go along.

For the easiest way to get those waves, simply put your wet hair in braids, let dry, unbraid and voila!

Thanks, Keneesha, for all of your tips! To learn more about Urbanbella, you can visit their website.

Photo Credit: Queen of Babble and Bella Public Relations, Inc.