Look Flawless For Every Special Occasion

We all have a special event coming up that we would love to look our best for.  To help you look amazing in time for your special occasion check out this "beauty preparation" calendar that will help you organize getting gorgeous for that special event.

How to Look Flawless for Every Special Occasion

If you've got a wedding, your high school reunion, or even your first Mother's Day coming up and you want to look your best, look no further than this breakdown of all your beauty needs

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article We know it's important to look your best for special occasions, which is why we catalogued every important beauty preparation you should take in a handy timeline. Check out this calendar to see when you should start taking care of your skin, hair, nails, and more. See calendar

How To Get Sexy Full Eyebrows

I have always heard that there will come a time in your life when your eyebrows will stop growing back as quickly and as full as they used to.  I have always plucked my eyebrows and I never had a problem with a thin and sparse eyebrow line, that is until lately!  I have been noticing that my eyebrows are looking a little too skinny which is causing me to look... I hate to even say it but...older!!!  I mean "older lady" older, not just "mature" older! So, I decided that I really need to use an eyebrow pencil to "create" the appearance of a healthy, youthful looking brow line.

I  have always used a brow pencil but I only needed to use it sparingly, so much so that it was completely unnoticeable.  But now that I have to use much more pencil I am starting to panic.  Why? Because I always associated moderate to heavy eyebrow penciling with the little old ladies that pencil in their jet black brows. I don't want that "obviously penciled in" look, I want a fuller natural looking brow line. This is why I decide to try the new Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil. This brow pencil helped me to create that natural looking, full brow line that I was looking to achieve.  The colors are subtle and pencil design allows me to create "hair like fine lines" for a very natural look. And I love the how-to video on Maybelline.com that showed me exactly where my brows should start and end.  My brows look naturally full again and I love the way I look. Please let me know what you think about the Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil.  Till then! B.

Photo from Maybelline.com

12 Worst Conditioners to Avoid

"The bright lights of a drugstore hair care aisle or salon waiting room can make any bottle of conditioner look promising."

"Plus, those labels can lure the most skeptical among us with their claims. Guarantees to give you touchable body and Beyoncé-like volume with just one wash. Promises to transform your dead ends into healthy hair instantly. It's enough to make you pop open the bottle. And then you're a goner -- the sweet scent of ripe apples or fresh rosemary inspires you to take it with you to the checkout counter."

"While the pretty packaging and bold claims work a lot of magic, how do you really know which conditioner will actually deliver? Typically, you don't. You just have to buy the bottle and hope for the best -- until now. Now you have these TotalBeauty.com reader reviews to tell you which bottles live up to their flashy promises -- and which are nothing more than a delicious scent." From Total Beauty.com

12 Worst Hair Conditioners

There's nothing worse than a conditioner that leaves your hair worse than before you got in the shower. See the 12 conditioners that readers love to hate now

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care products article It's easy to be mesmerized by the pretty packaging and convincing labels that promise commercial-worthy hair. Don't be fooled. Readers say these 12 conditioners left their hair dull, tangled, and greasy. Steer clear of these duds the next time you're shopping for a new bottle. Read reviews

No. 12: LUSH Jungle Conditioner, $7.95

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.8

"Even after I spent twice the normal time washing it out than I do with my usual conditioner, there will still chunks [of the solid conditioner] left in my hair, which only made my hair look greasy and dirty."

No. 11: Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Conditioner, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.6

"It made my hair look messy -- and not a 'sexy' messy like the bottle says."

No. 10: Dove Cool Moisture Conditioner, $4.75

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

"This conditioner smells good but fails to moisturize my hair."

Want to see what was No. 1? Click here!

Fraas Leopard Print Scarf Review

Animal print is hot this spring and summer.  The key to wearing animal print is to wear it in measured amounts.  An animal print accessory like a scarf, handbag or shoes is a great way to show off your animal side in a fun and classy way.  Remember there is a fine line between classy and trashy when it comes to animal prints so keep it simple when you are wearing these prints.  My new favorite way to show off my "inner animal" is with the hot new Fraas leopard print scarf that I received compliments of Lipton Publicity.

The scarf that I received has a light pink, feminine background with a beautiful leopard print.  This scarf looks great with my favorite pair of jeans, top and flats or heels.  The Fraas leopard print scarf adds the "purr-fect" pop of color and excitement to an otherwise every day look. You can also wear this scarf with a grey or black skirt and blouse to to add a bright and sophisticated dimension to your professional wardrobe.  I love this scarf and my daughters who are 12 and 14 absolutely love wearing this scarf.  We all have received many compliments on how beautiful this scarf looked on us.  I have also tied this scarf to the strap of my handbag to add an unexpected pop of animal print.

The Fraas leopard print scarf is light, easy to wear, incredibly versatile, portable and it is the perfect way to add a splash of color and animal print excitement to your wardrobe. They come in a variety of beautiful colors  that are perfect for spring an summer. Please check the Fraas leopard print scarf out at Fraas.com and let me know how you plan on wearing it.  Till then!  B

Please review the disclosure and disclaimer section regarding product reviews

Best Hair and Makeup from Fashion Week

"Even though Fashion Week showcases a season that's more than six months away (everything we saw this month is for fall 2012), it's seriously tempting to try the hairstyles and makeup looks now. And so many of the women we spotted on the street -- whether they were going to the shows or not -- were doing just that. From bold lip colors to big hairstyles, they were test-driving the trends mere minutes after they appeared on the catwalk."

"It made us think way back to Alexander Wang's spring 2010 collection -- aka the most blatant example of a runway beauty look immediately making a cameo in real life. The models paraded down the catwalk wearing long, rope-like side braids, and the very next day half the women at Fashion Week were wearing their hair the same way." From Total Beauty.com

Runway to Real Way: Best Hair and Makeup from Fashion Week

Love flipping through fashion magazines -- but hate how unattainable the looks are? Here's how to make the most daring styles just tame enough to wear

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article While runway looks are supposed to be more catwalk than the sidewalk, you can actually wear these 18 hair and makeup looks -- without looking like a crazy person. See how 18 non-models pulled off these runway-inspired looks with their own flare. See slideshow

Unique Lifestyle Furniture Featuring Chic Home Decor

While some may be focusing their attentions on shopping for the latest spring fashions, I will be turning my attention to changing my home decor to reflect the brighter, warmer, happier days of spring. One of the easiest and most effective ways to give your home a makeover is to simply add new and exciting decorative accessories and furnishings. I recently was online visiting the Z Gallerie website when I came across their beautiful selection of furniture, art, bedding, mirrors and lighting, accessories, tabletop and entertaining pieces that is sure to satisfy every style and taste in home decor.

Adding a new chair, table or sofa is a fantastic way to change the overall look and feel of a room. New furniture can create that warm comfortable area in your home that allows you to unwind and relax. Comfortable chic furniture is also essential for creating an environment for entertaining guests or enjoying time with your family. You can also extend your relaxing surroundings to the outdoors for a peaceful getaway with comfortable outdoor furniture. Private pavilions, comfy chaise lounges and chairs are just a few of the luxury outdoor items that will help you create your private outdoor paradise. Z Gallerie carries of beautiful selection of tasteful outdoor pieces that will help to help you bring your dream outdoor getaway to life.

If art is your thing then will love the beautiful selection of art work that will help to bring your unique decorating touch and style to any room.  Everything from vintage designs and photography to floral and abstract, there is sure to be a design that was created just for your room! Artists such as Liz Jadine, Karen Dupre, Gordon and Samantha Carlisle are just a few of the talented artist whose art is featured at Z Gallerie.  Z Gallerie is a nationally run store and you can learn more about them and their locations here.

Please review the disclosures and disclaimers section of this blog regarding sponsored posts.

I Love Package Deals

Guest Post:  Thanks to Lemuel Craft

I love using companies that make things easy for me. I usually end up deciding to buy products and services from companies that advertise packages so that I don’t have to do any complex thinking about things that should be simple. When my husband and I got married last year, we planned our wedding at a hotel that gave us a choice of three packages. The packages included the caterer, DJ, photographer, and the cake. All we had to do separately was get the flowers and décor. We picked a package that we liked and it was great. Everything was already chosen for us, and things went so smoothly. We aren’t the biggest perfectionists, so we didn’t care too much about the details. When we moved into our new house we went with a clear TV bundle, and it was the same idea. The package had pone, internet, and cable bundled into one. It’s too bad that we can’t get packages for other things. It sure would make life easier if I didn’t have to make so many decisions.

Please review the disclosures and disclaimers section of this blog regarding sponsored posts.

Meizitang And Botanical Slimming Diet Information

If you have been to the mall or you have done some "window shopping" online lately then you are fully aware of what season we are in.  Stores windows full of colorful shorts, capris, tank tops as well as swimsuits have many of us thinking the same thing, "it's time to shed our winter fat so that we can look great in our summer clothes and our all-baring bathing suits."

For many of us who ate more and exercised less over the winter, springtime becomes our time to lose that unwanted weight so that we can look amazing in our new warm weather clothes.  The problem is that losing that extra weight isn't as easy of a task as it was putting the weight on was (unfair, I know!).  So this is why it is a great idea to get yourself started of a weight loss program that will help keep you on track for your weight loss goals. If you are thinking about starting a weight loss program you might want to take a look at the Meizitang site which offers diet news and information that may help you on your weight loss journey.

Losing weight can make you look and feel amazing as well as helping to keep our bodies healthy.  But if you are like many people and you have difficulty reaching or maintaining your weight loss goals even with exercise and diets then dietary supplements may offer you some needed assistance. Weight loss supplements may help to increase fat metabolism as well as decease the body's absorption of fatty acids in the intestines which may lead to weight loss.  Of course you MUST consult your physician before taking any supplements or starting a weight loss program.  However, if you are interested in weight loss supplements you might want to do your research and check out Botanical Slimming for more information. Please let me know what you think.

Please review the disclosures and disclaimers policy of this blog regarding sponsored blog reviews and posts.

How To Get Gorgeous Celebrity Skin

"You can have your of-the-moment neon polishes and orange lipsticks. But whatever the season and whichever the year, beautiful, glowing, healthy skin is always paramount in style. That's why, regardless of "who" they're wearing or which pro did their makeup, red-carpet posing celebs and strutting cat walkers all seem to have a shine to their skin when the rest of us look lackluster. What are they doing that we aren't?"

"As it turns out, not much. For all their wealth and pelf and fame, stars have skin problems too. (I know -- I've seen an A-lister actually apologize to her makeup artist for breaking out. Such a fun moment!) They also get dull and flaky skin, broken blood vessels, scars, and all those other pesky imperfections, just like the rest of us."

"The difference is that while they have access to teams of beauty pros who can erase the evidence and transform them into radiant goddesses, we are left to our own devices -- and, in today's case anyway, some valuable secrets I managed to eke out of a few top-notch beauty teams."

"From how to clean your face to what you put in your body, here are my favorite pro tips on getting, maintaining, enhancing, and even faking your way to a gorgeous glow. I use them all the time, and now you're going to want to use them, too." From Total Beauty.com

How to Get an A-List Complexion

Whether it's day or night, summer or winter, celebrities always have a healthy, sun-kissed glow. How, you ask? We found out

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article At the end of the day, celebrities are people too. They're not immune to the breakouts, dry skin, and wrinkles the rest of us deal with, too. What they do have that most of us don't is a beauty team that knows how to make anyone's skin look flawless and glow-y. We hunted down the best in the industry to find out the secrets to the celebrity glow. Getting that flawless complexion may not be so exclusive after all. See how

Hunger Games Makeup

Hunger Games makeup - What would a block buster movie be without a block buster nail polish collection?  Hot from Chine Glaze is their Hunger Games inspired nail polish collection, Colours From The Capitol, and I must say that this is one nail polish collection that demands to be noticed! The Hunger Games collection contains a variety of beautiful taupey -beigey -browns and silvers as well as some amazing metallic shimmers and brightly colored glitters that will be sure to please even the biggest Hunger Games fans. 

My favorites for this spring and summer are the "Foie Gras" and the "Hook and Line."These colors are cool, classy and they will look amazing with all my warm weather outfits!  My daughters love the bright and glittery colors like "Luxe and Lush, Electrify and Riveting".  Check them out for yourself and let me know what you think.  Are these nail colors as big of a hit as the Hunger Games itself?  Let me know. Till then!  B.

Photo from Bellesugar.com 

7 Sexy New Eye Makeup Trends to Try

"Even though I'm a beauty editor, "going out makeup" has never been my strength. Whether I'm getting ready for a wedding or a fun dinner with my girlfriends, I always ask myself the same question: "Should I wear a smoky eye or a bright lip?" And since my husband finds lipstick repulsive, the answer is almost always the smoky eye."

"While I have dozens of eyeshadow colors in my makeup kit, the only ones I ever make a dent in are blacks and grays. I start with black along my lashline, medium gray in the crease, and pale gray closest to my brows -- and if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, I'll throw on some falsies. Sure, it gets the job done, but I've decided it's finally time to try something new." From Total Beauty.com

7 Sexy New Eye Makeup Trends

We love a smoky eye, but there are so many prettier -- even sexier -- eye makeup looks out there. Not convinced? These pictures will change your mind

This is a TotalBeauty.com eye makeup article When you want to do a sexy eye makeup look, you inevitably defer to the trusty smoky eye, right? While there's nothing wrong with this tried and true look, makeup is the best medium to experiment and have fun. Need a nudge? Check out these playful, sexy eye makeup looks that anyone can pull off. See them

Beauty Balms - Why Are They So Popular?

"BB creams are suddenly everywhere -- from giant signs in Sephora windows to the best real estate in the drugstores. And even us beauty editors (who have to be hypercritical -- it's our job) are excited about the new makeup-meets-skin care category."

"The craze started in Asia, and at least a dozen brands have launched a BB cream in the States over the last year -- with many more to come. BB stands for "Beauty Balm" or "Blemish Balm" depending on the formula, and they're basically tinted moisturizers with skin care ingredients and SPF built in."

"Although everyone from salespeople to journalists is touting them as all-in-one miracle creams, we wouldn't go that far. "It's marketing," says Washington D.C.-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. "There's nothing magical about a BB cream -- but if you're looking for a new tinted moisturizer, why not try one of these?" So that's exactly how we're categorizing them: tinted moisturizers -- with benefits." From Total Beauty.com

Beauty Editors' 8 Favorite BB Creams

Beauty Balms are sweeping the nation. Find out which 8 are the ones worth trying

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article It feels like every beauty company -- from drugstore to luxury brands -- is coming out with a BB cream these days. But who has the time to test them all? We do! And here, after months of trying every BB cream on the market, are the Total Beauty editors' favorites. See them

How To Get A Better Night Sleep With A Sleeping Mask

The key to looking great is to get a great night's rest. Which is probably the reason why it it also referred to as "beauty sleep."  When you have a peaceful, restful and rejuvenating sleep you wake up looking rested, alert and bright eyed.  When you wake up not having enough or lack of a good quality sleep you wake up looking far less than your best.  Things like puffy eyes and face, dull lack luster skin are all telltale signs of a lack of quality sleep.  There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you get the most restful and rejuvenating sleep you can.  One easy thing you can do would be to start looking for and searching the Internet foruseful information to help you get a better nights sleep..

I visited the Sleep Masks Direct.com website and I came across a wealth of useful information that helped me better understand how essential a sleeping mask is for a peaceful night's rest.  The website also discusses all the different types and uses of sleeping masks, many of which I never heard of.  Below are a few of the things I learned from the website.

A sleeping mask will help to block out the sleep disturbing light that may interrupt your night's rest therefore  causing you look and feel tired in the morning. There's nothing worse then when you are in a deep sleep and  then you are unexpectedly awakened by a light.  Whether it is early morning light,a nightlight in your bedroom or bathroom or an outdoor street lamp light that isn't completely blocked by your shades, regardless of the source, the light can wake you out of your sleep. Many people who wear sleeping masks find that they fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer therefore improving the quality of the sleep. Sleeping masks are also great for people who travel long distances by plane or train and find it difficult to fall asleep.  Light blocking sleeping masks are perfect for creating a quite and peaceful environment that is optimal for sleep. Sleeping masks are also great for the power napper because it instantly darkens your environment so that you fall asleep fast and get the most out of your nap.

Dry Shampoo - Dry Conditioner - Suave

Dry shampoo - smart. Dry conditioner - genius!  We all have heard how wonderful dry shampoo is. It saves your hair color, helps to prevent hair from becoming dry and fragile because you can skip washing your hair every day and it adds instant volume and incredible lived-in texture.  But what about dry conditioner.  Have you tried it yet? Well, if you haven't you are seriously missing out on something great for your tresses!

Now that the warmer and more stressing weather conditions are here or are on the way, depending on where you live, it's important to keep your hair soft, shiny and hydrated.  Frequent hair washing is a major reason why hair becomes dry, brittle and frizzy.  So, in order to preserve the condition of your hair try to skip washing it every day and instead use a dry shampoo followed by a dry conditioner to renew, refresh and restore shine to your hair.  I recently had the chance to try out the new Suave Dry Conditioner and I must admit, I LOVE this stuff!. The problem that I had with dry shampoo is the dry "look and feel" it would sometimes leave on my hair but the Suave Dry Conditioner solved that problem for me.  This lightweight, dry conditioner spray contains shea butter and sunflower seed extract that adds beautiful softness, manageability and amazing shine to my hair. The Suave Dry Conditioner is light and won't weigh down even the finest of strands like mine.  The Suave Dry Shampoo and Conditioner will most definitely be part of my hair care line-up this spring and summer. Please check them out for yourself and let me know how they worked for you.  Till then!  B

Sensitive Skin Skincare Solutions

If you have sensitive skin then you know how difficult it can be to find a skincare line that understands your skin type. According to Lieberman Research Worldwide "58% of women say they have sensitive skin."  And as a mom of two pre-teen to teenage daughters with sensitive skin, I know how important it is to use skincare products that are free of dyes, perfumes as well as other ingredients that can irritate their sensitive skin.

I always pick up a pack of the makeup removing wipes for my daughters to use mainly because it saves my face clothes from becoming permanently tattooed with their eye makeup.  But what I found was that certain wipes were too strong for their sensitive skin.  This time however, I decided to pick up the new Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes for my girls.  Not only are these wipes fantastic at removing all their makeup as well as their stubborn eye makeup (including waterproof) but they are so gentle on their skin.  After using the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes my daughters skin was soft, smooth and their cheeks were not the usual "irritated rosy red" color like it normally is with ordinary facial wipes.  I also used the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes and I love them because they really do remove ALL my makeup and you know that is no small task! So, if you or someone you know has sensitive skin then be sure to check out the entire Simple Skincare line and please let me know what you think of it.  Till then!  B.

Faith Hill Photo Without Makeup

Have you seen the Faith Hill photo where she isn't wearing makeup?  I must admit that I was really surprised at how completely different she looks without her makeup on and hair done to perfection!

I would be lying if I said that the photo of Faith Hill didn't make me feel a little bit better about myself.  Not because I get pleasure out of seeing beautiful women looking bad. But rather it makes me realize that all women, yes, even the super gorgeous ones as well as regular women like myself can't be beautiful 24/7.  So, lesson learned. I'll try not to be so hard and demanding on myself  in the future.  On the flip side though, Faith Hill does look totally different without her makeup on and this photo was a surprise to me.  It is amazing what talented hair and makeup artists can do. Please let me know what you think about the Faith Hill photo without makeup on.  Till then!  B.

Photo from The Huffingtonpost.com / Splash News

Sulfate Free Shampoo- L'Oreal EverCreme Nourishing Shampoo

You know that I am a true believer in the magical powers of sulfate free shampoos.  I color, flat iron, curl and subject my strands to endless product abuse which is precisely why I really believe in and faithfully use sulfate free shampoos.  They are the gentlest way to remove dirt, oils and product build-up from my hair without stripping it of its natural oils and shine.  And as a fan of the L'Oreal EverPure product line, I thought that it was time to try their new EverCreme Nourishing Sulfate Free Shampoo.

If you are looking for a shampoo with a scent that's soooo yummy, it's addicting then I believe you will love the L'Oreal EverCreme Nourishing Shampoo. But what I found was that the EverCreme Shampoo did not remove the dirt, oils and product build-up from my strands as well my EverPure Shampoo does. Keep in  mind that my hair is far from being "pure and untouched",  I do over-indulge in hair styling products. So, I need a shampoo that is able to remove tough styling products. I found that the EverCreme Nourishing Shampoo does a great job at softening my hair  but it wasn't as tough at removing product build-up like I need it to be.  I did find however that this line worked well for my daughters' "unabused" hair.  The EverCreme Nourishing Shampoo left their hair silky, soft, and full of body so they are very happy with this line.  Check it out for yourself and let me know if you agree with my opinion or am I totally wrong on this one.  Till then!  B.

18 Best and Worst Acne Products

"Adult acne seems like a cruel joke. Weren't we supposed to leave the zits behind with our fluffy '90s bangs and high school boyfriend?"

"While some women are lucky enough to outgrow teen acne (or skip it entirely, jerks), the rest of us need help dealing with the recurring blemishes in our 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. That's where this list of the best and worst acne products becomes especially handy. With it, we can navigate the endless blemish control options out there and hone in on the ones that will truly make a difference in our skin."

"Of course, products aren't the only acne solution. That's why we talked to Doris Day, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center. She gave us these tips on how to prevent zits from popping up in the first place:" From Total Beauty.com

18 Best and Worst Acne Products

Dealing with acne in your adult years seems like a cruel joke, but you'll be glad to know you're not alone. See the 18 acne-fighting products that readers say zapped their zits -- and the ones that didn't

This is a TotalBeauty.com acne article So you know those girls who've never had a breakout in their life? Well, we're not one of them. If you, too, are still dealing with zits, try one of these best acne fighters that readers say got rid of their stubborn adult acne for good. Just make sure to steer clear of the worst ones on this list. Get rid of acne

THE WORST NO. 10: CLINIQUE ACNE SOLUTIONS POST BLEMISH FORMULA, $14

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.8

"I had high hopes for this product, unfortunately it only slightly faded my scars. It was such a rip-off, considering how the tube cost me $20 and lasted 10 days before it ran out."

THE WORST NO. 9: BARE ESCENTUALS RAREMINERALS BLEMISH THERAPY, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.6

"This product is four shades lighter than my skin tone so it doesn't blend."

THE WORST NO. 8: NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE ACNE STRESS CONTROL POWER-FOAM WASH, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

"This product was terrible on my skin! Not only did it make my skin incredibly oily, but it actually made my breakouts worse!"

Want to see the rest of the list? Click here!

Amazing Glam Mommy Makeover

"Stay-at-home mom Katie needed a new look, but who has the time when you're chasing after a toddler? That's why we gave her a complete hair and makeup makeover at Manhattan's beautiful new Inglot Cosmetics studio with our team of experts: celebrity hairstylist David Lopez, makeup artist Kerrie Urban and wardrobe stylist Alison Lang. Now Katie is ready for anything with a look that's super quick and easy for her to do at home. After all, for busy moms that's really the most important part, right?"

"Let's see how Katie's makeover turned out ..." From Total Beauty.com

Glam Mommy Makeover

We gave stay-at-home mom Katie some well-deserved TLC. See her makeover now

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeover article It's no secret that busy moms don't always have a whole lot of time to take care of themselves. That's why we wanted to treat reader Katie to a hair and makeup makeover with a team of experts at Inglot Cosmetics studio in New York City. See how she went from soccer mom to glam mom now. See makeover

Hush Puppies Slippers

Treat your feet to the plush comfort of Hush Puppies slippers by Grandoe.  I recently received a complimentary sample of the Hush Puppies indoor/outdoor Featherweight slippers ($40 - $42) from their new 2012 Spring Break Collection compliments of Lipton Publicity and I couldn't wait to tell you about my experience with them!

If you are looking for the softest slippers for your tired, achy feet then you should check out new Hush Puppies slippers. I am on my feet ALL day long so by the end of my day my feet are practically screaming for me the kick off my uncomfortable shoes and slip on my Hush Puppies Slippers. I love these slippers! I wear them all around the house while I am cooking, cleaning, relaxing and I even keep them on when I run outdoors to get the mail or walk the dog. I found that whether I am wearing them around the house or out for a stroll, these slippers keep my feet in a constant state of total comfort.  Not only are the Hush Puppies warm, and therapeutic for tired feet but they also look great on.  They come in a cute flip flop style, "Willow" or clog style "Ginger"(which is the one I have) both feature a "soft comfy micro-terry foot bed" for the ultimate state of comfort. The Hush Puppies slippers are fashionable, versatile and can be worn all year long.  Please check them out for yourself and let me know what you think.  Till then!  B.

Please see the disclosures and disclaimers section of this blog regarding product reviews.

Easy Ways to Have More Energy

"There's an energy shortage in today's society that has nothing to do with fossil fuels. It's a health issue. We're talking about the kind of energy you need to get through the day. And, with the proliferation of energy bars, energy drinks and energy supplements, it's clear that a lot of us are wishing we had more of it."

"The problem is energy zappers -- the drains on our bodies and minds that make us feel like we're running out of steam and like our health is in jeopardy. And, as if feeling like you're moving at half-speed isn't bad enough, that energy void is often telegraphed by your appearance: dull skin, under-eye circles, lifeless hair -- you get the picture. It's like wearing a giant sandwich board that says "Will Work for Pep.""

"But there are some surprising drains out there that may also be taking their toll on you and your health. To help figure out what they are (and what can be done to avoid them), we spoke with celebrity nutritionist Paula Simpson, which is a good thing because, as they say, knowledge is power and once you know what forces are working to wear you down, maybe you can do something to reclaim that lost energy."

"And, P.S., if all else fails, we have a backup plan for you -- a few tips to at least help you look refreshed, revitalized and healthy -- even when you feel everything but." from Total Beauty.com

6 Easy Ways to Have More Energy

Lack of sleep isn't the only thing that can make you tired. From a cluttered house to making too many decisions, find out the 6 easy fixes that'll give you more energy

This is a TotalBeauty.com stress and women article It's coming up on 3 p.m. and you're feeling the midday slump even though you clocked a full 7 hours of rest -- what gives? We talked to celebrity nutritionist, Paula Simpson, about the 6 sneaky energy zappers that are wiping us out -- and how to stop them so we can feel more energized now. See why

Makeup Primer-Smashbox Photo Finish

The secret to flawless looking skin, a good makeup primer! I always used a makeup primer and then one day I felt too lazy to apply it. And from then on I always seemed to be in too big of a rush to take out a few extra seconds to apply my makeup primer, so I stopped using it.  Crazy and stupid I know! It wasn't until I caught a passing glimpse of my reflection in a mirror at the department store that I realized how awful my skin looked. For days I couldn't figure out why or what I have been neglecting to do that made my skin look so terrible.  I could see my pores and even my fine lines were completely obvious to me.  And then it dawned on me.  The reason why my skin looked the way it did was because I stopped using my makeup primer!

Well thankfully I figured out what was missing from my makeup routine and now I am back to using my Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and my pores and fine lines are back to being "blurred" away and my complexion looks great again.  Hopefully I won't get that lazy ever again.  Please let me know what you think about makeup primers.  Till then!  B.  

Get Fuller Lips with the Best Lip Plumpers

Lip Plumpers - "Is there really no way to get plump-looking lips à la Angelina Jolie without ending up with overly-injected duck lips?"

"Actually, yes, there is. Enter lip plumpers."

"A good lip plumper can subtly add shape and volume to your lips without making you look like you got punched in the kisser. A bad lip plumper, on the other hand, can leave you with red, flaky, burning lips."

"So admittedly, even with non-surgical lip plumpers, there's a bit of risk involved. That's why we had our most courageous readers review hundreds of lip plumping products to find the best and the worst. Read on to find out which ones are worthy of your pucker -- and which ones to pass up." From Total Beauty.com

10 Best (and Worst!) Lip Plumpers Ever

Want an instantly sexy pout without painful lip injections? See which lip plumpers our readers love -- and loathe

This is a TotalBeauty.com face makeup article Whether you hate needles or are saving up for Botox, one thing is true: Lip injections don't always create the most natural-looking pout. Lindsay Lohan, Heidi Montag, and Pamela Anderson are proof. But you don't need plastic surgery to get a sexy smoocher. Find out which lip plumpers our readers say work -- and which ones aren't worth your money. See lip plumpers

The Worst No. 6: Maybelline New York Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper, $8.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.7

"The numbing sensation is very uncomfortable. I also made the mistake of accidently licking my lips and gagged from the horrible taste."

The Worst No. 5: Physicians Formula Plump Potion Needle-Free Lip Plumping Cocktail, $9.75

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.2

"This lip plumper stings more than other lip plumpers I've used, and the pain gets so bad that talking becomes difficult."

The Worst No. 4: Sally Hansen Lip Inflation Plumping Treatment, $7.58

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.2

"Considering how sticky and tacky it is, you would think that it would last longer than a few minutes -- but it doesn't."

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