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Want to know what beauty products top the list of must-haves of beauty experts?

The good news is many of these products are ‘multi-tasking’, such as moisturizers correcting skin tone and acting as a sunscreen, environmentally friendly and, best of all, cheap.

Below are the winners, compiled by a panel of salon owners, make-up artists, dermatologists and beauty & health magazine editorial staffs :

olay thermal pedicure
Olay Thermal Pedicure


Body Treatment
Olay Thermal Pedicure in the mass market
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins The Way of the Bath Matcha Tea Body Scrub in the prestige market

Garnier Fructis
Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Hair
Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray
Frederic Fekkai Coiff Controle Ironless Straightening Balm
Aveda Hair Detoxifier for clarifying

Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care for dandruff treatment
Tresemme Anti-Breakage Shampoo and Conditioner for thickening
L'Oreal Professional Absolut Repair Mask for repair.

Mascara
CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara
Dior's DiorShow Blackout Mascara

Marc Jacobs Fragrances' Daisy for women
Marc Jacobs Fragrances' Daisy for women

Fragrance
Marc Jacobs Fragrances' Daisy for women
Bond No. 9 New York Andy Warhol Silver Factory for men

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads for blackhead treatment
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads for blackhead treatment

Facial skin care
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Pads for blackhead treatment
Clarisonic Skin Care System for exfoliating
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel for oily-skin moisturizer
RevaleSkin Night Cream with coffeeberry as the best new product

Nails
Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2 Treatment for strengthening
Creative Nail Design SolarOil for cuticles
Opi ChipSkip as a chip-resistant base coat.

CoverGirl WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava Splash
CoverGirl WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava Splash

Lip gloss
CoverGirl WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava Splash
MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam V

Eyeshadow
Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in Coffee Bean
MAC Eye Shadow in Shroom

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub

Body scrub
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish

Self-tanner
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
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Don’t know what your skin regime should be at your age? Read on to find out what top dermatologists in the US recommend how you should take care of your skin from the age of 20 to the age of 49.

hag old woman
If only she had taken better care of her skin in her 20s


20s

Ah, the good old 20s. You don’t really need to spend too much time in the bathroom, slathering one cream after serum after cream and no need to fork out too much on products you don’t really need, like anti-wrinkle creams or microdermabrasion. The only focus should be on damage prevention.

If you have normal skin, you need to only wash your face at night before going to bed. Use a mild, gel-based cleanser if you have oily skin or a mild, milky cleanser if your skin is dry. Pick any brand of moisturiser, just as long as it contains SPF 15 or 20 and UVA or UVB protection. Apply all over the face and neck, but also over the chest – especially if you think you’ll be wearing low-cut tops in your later years, so your cleavage won’t resemble an accordion. For a night-time treatment, use hydrating fluid or oil-free moisturiser. Also start using products with vitamin A, like Retin-A which reduces fine lines, stimulates collagen and also treats acne. Apply a tiny amount all over the face and even under the eyes as an eye cream.

30s

You’ll begin to notice fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth – even if you’ve taken care of your skin well in your 20s.

Use a cleanser containing AHAs to encourage exfoliation in the morning, and a creamy cleanser at night. Choose a moisturiser that has SPF 15/20 and UVA/UVB protection but also contains antioxidants such as green tea or pomegranate. Start looking for a good eye cream to use daily. To treat dark circles, those containing vitamin C or botanicals like kojic acide and soy help brighten the skin. Eye creams containing caffeine will combat puffiness. As a night-time treatment, choose a night cream or serum with retinol.

40s

You’ll begin to notice red or brown spots and blotchiness all around the skin. Your skin also loses some elasticity, retaining less moisture and losing some of that youthful glow.

Use a cream cleanser, instead of a gel-based cleanser, morning and night. Supplement your normal moisturiser with creams or serums that contain at least two types of antioxidants, like green tea or soy, alternating them every other day. At night, use a prescription retinoid which helps reduce spots while increasing collagen production and thickening your skin. It may even reverse sun damage. If your skin can’t take the use of retinoid every night, use it every other night.

50s

There is a dramatic loss of elasticity of skin which becomes very dry. Lines no longer disappear after smiling or frowning and pores appear more visible on the nose and cheeks. You’ve also likely developed spider veins and age spots.

Use a non-soap or creamy, foaming cleanser morning and night. Use a serum that contains peptides or an antixodant and apply while your face is still damp, before following up with your moisturiser. At night, choose prescription retinoid Renvoa which is apparently more moisturizing than the others.
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It took me a while to accept the fact that security will no longer ask me for my ID everytime I walk into a pub, club or casino, no matter how long I hover near the doorway. But that doesn’t mean I’ll turn my back on these 10 make-up and hairstyle tricks that will help shed some years off the face, according to Oprah.com.

Baby
Alright, so none of these tricks would make you look THIS young...

HAIRSTYLE

1. A fringe, especially swept to one side, will not only instantly make you look younger but will hide the wrinkles on your forehead.
2. Style your hair with a few short layers near the top of the head if your length hair is above the shoulders. This adds volume to the crown and takes the attention away from any facial sagging features.
3. If you have a high forehead, sideswept layers will make your facial features softer and less severe.
4. Dyeing grey hairs can actually make them shinier. Grey hairs appear and feel rougher because they have thicker cuticles and dyeing them will make them smoother and more light-reflective.
5. Add highlights to dark hair, especially if your skin colour is light. The highlights will add depth to your hair while making your features look softer.

MAKE-UP

1. The hollowness of your cheeks become more pronounced as you get older and applying blush along your cheekbones will only emphasise this. Instead, add a tinge of colour only to the apples of your cheeks and opt for a cream blush.
2. To hide red spots on your face, use sheer, yellow-toned foundation and apply only where necessary.
3. To minimize the appearance of shadows under your eyes, dab a concentrated and creamy concealer under the eyes and on the lids. For the rest of the face, choose make-up colours that will offset the dark circles (ie light pinks, beiges) and avoid dark colours.
4. Make your eyes appear wider by applying two coats of waterproof mascara, wait a few seconds then curl them (this ensures the curl will stay in place throughout the day).
5. To wake up tired eyes, line the upper and bottom lids with a dark pencil, extending it out slightly past the corner of the eye to give it a lift. Then add a gold shimmer or a lighter eyeshadow on your browbone.
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They get free samples of new beauty products before they hit counters and their reviews on what’s hot and what’s not are lapped up by the many beauty and age-defying-obsessed. Want to know what beauty editors have stocked their bathroom cabinets? Here are 10 of the beauty editor must-haves, according to NY Daily News :

Cetaphil Face Wash
Cetaphil Face Wash
The fact that the packaging isn’t the most attractive (virginal white with a pump and a blue label stuck to the front – very no frills), it only shows that the manufacturers are confident that the product actually does the job and doesn’t need the fancy get-up to garner sales and positive reviews. The face wash was originally formulated for dermatologists’ use. It’s gentle, soothing and fragrance-free. Suitable for all skin types (even babies!) but especially for those suffering from dry, sensitive and/or acne-prone skin.

Cost : AUD$14 for a 500ml pump from E Pharmacy. Check out cetaphil.com.au to get free samples!

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1
Kiehl's Lip Balm #1
Lip Balm #1 is Kiehl’s best-selling product. Like Cetaphil, this product comes in plain white packaging but with black writing all over it. It helps relieve chapped or cracked lips and from the drying effects of the wind and frigid weather and lasts longer on your lips than your average lip balm. The lip balm feels and smells a little like Vaseline but glides more smoothly on your lips.

Cost : While you can buy this product in a jar for AUD$16 from Mecca Cosmetica, I think I’ll stick to my Vaseline, thanks.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Beauty editors have raved about this eyelash curler in their magazines since it came out. Does it live up to the hype? According to the reviews I’ve read online, yes it does. Stainless steel, sturdy with a black rounded rubber pad, it fits snugly at the base of the lashes and to the contour of the eye for a long-lasting curl. Touted as a ‘wonder’ eyelash curler, it works better than the heated ones and suits all eye shapes.

Cost : AUD$17.95 from www.fountaincosmetics.com.au

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Containing a blend of calamine and salicylic acid, a tiny dab of this lotion on an unsightly pimple (particularly that one on the tip of your nose) will soothe it and clear it up overnight. Overnight! Sounds almost too good to be true. Where was this when I had to stay home from a ‘disco’ and missed the chance to make out with my Polish crush because of that unsightly pimple?

Cost : AUD$22

Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm
Phytodefrisant Relaxing Balm
Using only a minimum amount to damp hair, this relaxing balm takes away those nasty-looking frizz (that makes you look more stressed than you are) and tames even the most stubborn stand of hair. The result, after it’s dried, is like coming out of a hair salon – silky, shiny hair that ripples through your fingers like water. Voted as #1 haircare product by Allure magazine time and time again, the balm doesn’t leave residue so it doesn’t make your hair look flat and oily by the end of the day.

Cost : AUD$26 from strawberrynet.com for a tube that can last up to 6 months

Bumble & Bumble Does It All Styling Spray
This medium-hold hair spray keeps your locks in place without making your hair clumpy and stiff that can rival a hedgehog. It leaves your hair shiny and glossy and you can use a heat-styling tool straight after without hearing that sizzling sound of your strands being cooked.

Cost : AUD$30

Nars Blush in Orgasm
For the fairer-skinned woman, this blush reputedly gives you that peachy shimmer flush that apparently creeps up to the cheekbones after…well, read the product name.

Cost : AUD$32

Lancome Definicils
Another bestseller by Lancome, this mascara goes on your lashes smoothly, lengthening them and leaving your new glamorous-looking lashes clump-free. It doesn’t smudge and washes off easily. The mascara won’t give you the dramatic-looking eyelashes that are huge in Hollywood right now and supposed to be THE trend for summer but go for this one if you’re after a low-maintenance mascara you can wear everyday and can give some attention to your eyes without the others looking at them and thinking spiders have crawled up and settled on your lids.

Cost : $48

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch
Yves St Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch
Make-up not doing anything to hide those dark circles under your eyes after a long night of tossing and turning? This ‘miracle’ highlighter contains light-reflecting particles that deflect any attention from shadows and blemishes on your face, instantly brightening your skin. So who needs foundation then, eh?

Cost : AUD$48

Lancome Instant Colour Self-Tanning Leg Gel
Give yourself that healthy, shimmering, sun-kissed glow for summer without even stepping a foot outside your house. The gel dries on your skin within one hour of application, giving you an overall, natural tan.

Cost : AUD$50


Out of the above, I’m quite keen on trying out Cetaphil Face Wash (simply because it’s excellent value for money, compared to what I’m paying for my current cleanser), Phytodefrisant and the YVES Highlighter. But with the exception of Cetaphil, the other products seem just a bit pricey to me, despite the glowing reviews I’ve read online. And since I’ve vowed from last week on to curb my spending habits on beauty products, I might have to put this on my Xmas wish list for 2007.

Any of these tempting you to buy?



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They’ll put a significant dent in your Xmas budget so here’s hoping they actually do work, although a couple look like they could join gadgets like the Ab Force belt or the Thighmaster in my cupboard of useless things I’d bought for vanity.

Fusion Beauty GlowFusion AirGlow

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Whether you came across them by accident, your favourite celeb swears by them or your friend strongly recommends them, there are some beauty tricks that actually work and don't break your budget. Here are some of mine, what's yours?

Body model
1. This one I found by accident when I had a slight shaving mishap and had to stay in the bathroom for a while. Directly after showering, rub moisturiser all over your body and stay inside the bathroom for 10-15 minutes (brush your teeth, wash your face, sit in the toilet, etc). I find that the warm, damp air makes my skin absorb the moisture, making my skin softer and more supple.

[ Click here to read more ]
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A nanny once told me that one surefire way to get rid of pimples is to rinse your face with your own periods. But before you scoff at this, check out some of the more bizarre beauty treatments that have piqued people’s curiosity enough to queue up outside certain day spas :

Woman Bathing

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There is a beauty salon I’ve been going to in Sydney the past ten years. While they don’t offer the ambience (more often than not, you’ll find yourself in something no bigger than a cupboard, lying on a towel-covered patio chair next to a rack of shoes) or service (never book for more than two people as they tend to leave the ‘excess people’ waiting outside), this place offers the best value for money when it comes to facials. For around $55, you get a facial with a heavenly shoulder massage and the treatment can last up to 2 hours, depending on your therapist.

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What was your worst beauty buy?

August 28th 2007 01:24
Recently my sister was conned persuaded into buying a plethora of skincare products to treat her acne-prone skin. Two weeks later, she lamented over the loss of $300 of her hard-earned money on products that had only made her skin cry out for hydration as it sprouted a multitude of big, red angry pimples. As much as I was tempted to ask her why she chose to trust a beauty therapist whose face resembled an abstract painting of oranges and blues and who looked like she wrestled with a cheap can of tan spray judging by the zigzag colours of her cleavage, sadly, it’s a tale I’ve heard (and moaned out myself) too often. In our desperate attempt to imitate the flawless, glowing faces of our favourite celebs and retain our youth, beauty products will continue to be a hit and miss and my sister was not the first – or the last – to vow revenge on these beauty companies for false advertising.

In the past several years, I’ve probably thrown out a hundred garbagefuls of useless beauty and cosmetic products. Here are only some of the products I bought in 2007 that I wish I hadn’t spent the time, money and effort on :

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What's your Daily Beauty regime?

July 23rd 2007 00:04
As I had already highlighted in one of my old posts, I used to be a beauty product marketer’s dream. If I was impressed by an advert, I bought the advertised product the next day. And if a sales clerk happened to stop me and gave me a spiel on why I should buy certain beauty products, I would. And if I asked a sales clerk what products would be recommended for my specific skin problems and she listed 100 products, I would walk out of the shop with a $500 charge on my credit card.

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And now, it's finally come to this...

# Pot Scourer, the new exfoliator
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#9 Detox your body - Drink 8 to 10 litres of water a day

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I was 14 when I started paying close attention to models in magazines like Dolly and Girlfriend. This was the time when the airbrushing of models and actors by paintstakingly meticulous graphic designers was still a secret and all teenage girls thought that what they saw of their favourite model and actor in their pictures was all natural.

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5) Once a week, use an exfoliator and a hydrating masque
The exfoliator will remove the build up of dry, dull surface skin cells and helps diminish blackheads while the mask locks in much-needed moisture. But I don’t recommend exfoliating more than once a week as I find this eventually dries up my skin.

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