But even though the economic landscape isn’t pretty, you don’t have to sacrifice their looks and personal well-being. The trend toward minimally invasive treatments is on the rise and the reason is two-fold: 1) they won’t break the bank and 2) less recovery time means less time away from the office. And, just because these procedures are less invasive, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t extremely effective.

Leading Beverly Hills based plastic surgeon Dr. John Anastasatos is available for interviews to discuss four affordable alternatives to big ticket surgeries that will leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated:

CHEMICAL PEEL {Cost: Varied, but can be as low as $300.00}
Instead of costly surgeries, a simple, skillfully performed chemical peel on the face and neck can remove the older, surface layers of skin and produce new skin that is softer, smoother, shinier and tighter. Although lasers can perform this type of resurfacing, peels are much more economical and time-tested for their efficacy. In most cases peels are as effective as or better than lasers to rejuvenate and treat facial and neck conditions. The peels are also very effective for treating blemishes, acne scars, pores and color changes of the face, giving it a more uniform color and texture. The results of peel treatments can be long lasting and fewer treatments may be required for patients compared to laser treatments. The science and use of the diriment types of peels are an art form and should be performed by a doctor who has expertise in that area.

DERMABRASION {Cost: Approximately $900.00}

Dermabrasion is an excellent low-cost way to smooth out fine and deep facial wrinkles; particularly those around the mouth, instantly making the mouth appear rejuvenated and youthful. It is also good for correcting dark spots and shallow acne scars, leaving the overall appearance of the skin more smooth, even and uniform.

ENDOSCOPIC BROW LIFT {Cost: Approximately $3,000.00}

Botox is not the only minimally invasive solution for forehead wrinkles and droopy brows. The endoscopic brow lift is a simple, minimally invasive procedure performed through a mini- camera and entails three tiny (3-4mm) incisions at the hairline, thus leaving no noticeable scars. This is cutting edge procedure! The procedure softens the look of the forehead (by lessening the forehead wrinkles), raises the brows, and ablates the thick difficult wrinkles n between the eyes resulting in a more relaxed and refreshed look. It “opens up the eyes” without giving an un-natural look. The result is very natural looking. While this procedure may be more expensive than Botox upfront, the results are long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run.

LIP AUGMENTATION USING FAT {Cost: Approximately $1,200.00}
Injectable dermal fillers such as Botox, Restlyane and Juvederm are all available for lip augmentation and certainly do provide that extra volume to achieve Angelina Jolie style lips—at least temporarily. However, these results only last for a few months and need to be consistently repeated with added cost each time. As an alternative method, your own fat can be used to create lip volume in a more natural and permanent way. In addition the fat has the ability to produce volumetric changes in the lips and around the mouth that beautify not just the lips but the whole peri-oral area (the area around the mouth). Therefore is much more versatile and effective in many cases producing improved results. And because you are using your own tissue, there is little risk of bodily rejection. Again, the cost is more expensive upfront but this procedure pays off in the long-term.

REMOVING UN-ATTRACTIVE VEINS (TELANGIECTASIAS) FROM THE FACE AND BODY {Cost: Approximately $300.00}

Cost effective alternatives to lasers include injections and electro-coagulation. In properly selected patients who are good candidates’ electro-coagulation of these telangiectasias can be done comfortably in the office, safely, expeditiously and economically. These treatments may not require repeat additional treatment sessions like many laser treatments do.

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But who wants to slather on tropical scented sunscreen before they put on their snow boots? Not me! So, I put together the following winter SPF fixes for the three areas that are most exposed during the winter months – face, hands and lips.

Here are some winterizing ways to get your SPF during the cold winter months, in the three areas that are most exposed – FACE, HAND & LIP:

The RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 is clinically shown to visibly reduce the appearance of expression lines and deep wrinkles after 8 weeks of use. The lightweight, oil-free formula contains the latest sunscreen technology from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company that is specifically engineered to deliver very broad and photostable UVA and UVB protection with an SPF 30. Daily use of the protective moisturizer will help prevent premature aging. $19.99 for a 1.0 fl oz tube at drugstores nationwide.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Age Shield Hand Cream SPF 30 – 2 Oz – shields skin six layers deep from the sun’s skin aging UVA rays and provides effective, long-lasting protection from UVA/UVB rays that can cause up to 90% of the signs of premature aging. Your hands can give away your age, so get superior anti-aging protection for your skin with the first and only SPF 30 hand cream to contain Helioplex™ advanced sunscreen technology.

Clinically shown to improve overall age impression of hands in just 4 weeks. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula® Age Shield Hand Cream improves what ages the look of hands most – roughness, age spots and fine lines.

The AVEENO Essential MoistureTM Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 is a unique lip conditioner that provides long-lasting moisturization to condition and protect dry, chapped lips. This new lip conditioner is enriched with natural oatmeal, long known to soothe skin, and a skin protectant to help protect and prevent dry, chapped lips. And, its exclusive blend of natural skin conditioners, including jojoba oil and shea butter, leaves lips feeling moisturized long after applying. This convenient stick form is hypoallergenic, ideal for everyday use and glides on easily with no waxy feel. And, it will shield lips from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

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This fall, it’s all about sleek silhouettes, fitted jackets, and tailored shirts. For most women, that means agony for the next twelve weeks. While diet and exercise is always the optimal solution for toned and slimmed bodies, many women today don’t have the time to eat right and exercise regularly. With hectic schedules, career demands and high cost of living, women need an easier solution. FLABuLESS, the first-ever arm shapewear that slims, conceals and re-shapes, is helping women feel confident in their clothes again.

According to a recent study, 63% of women feel self-conscious about their arms and hide them under baggy blouses and boxy blazers. “I noticed that many shapewear companies have developed products that focus on providing a slimming effect to the lower and mid-region of the body, while not even acknowledging the arms, an area that more than half of women are most self-concious about. How can we ignore this group of women that collectively make up such a large demographic of the shoppers in today’s retail stores?” says Lee Ann Stevenson, Creator and President of FLABuLESS. “FLABuLESS was created to allow women to wear styles and trends that they otherwise would not have considered.”

Looking Fabulous

FLABuLESS arm shapewear instantly lifts sagging skin while slimming and streamlining bulges and ripples. With proper size selection, it will not only provide adequate compression, but also provide a sleek, slender silhouette under tops, dresses and jackets. Available in two styles Pleine (long sleeve), and De Quart (short sleeve), two colors, black and copper nude (chocolate, bone, and navy coming in ’09), and 7 sizes ranging from S-4XL, this product truly targets every woman. Additionally, they offer the Veston, which is our take on the classic “shrug” that has built-in compression sleeves to wear over those sleeveless tops and strapless dresses. The Veston is available in short, three quarter, and long sleeves and range from size Small to 3XL

We have one FLABuLESS product sample to send to one lucky reader…to have your chance to win, share how you best conceal your extra few holiday pounds. Deadline to enter is December 31.

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Instantly, I started to walk a little differently, and accentuate my bootylicious assets as much as possible.

I am not alone – all of us women spend our entire life trying to propel our best arse forward, and will often spend way too much money on jeans in order to make it closer to a reality.

Now, one may wonder why, in a beauty blog, I am speaking of jeans…but I maintain, a good pair of jeans is intrinsic to feeling beautiful!

And thus, why I am obsessed with Joe’s Jeans – their Honey Mulholland cut is everything I love: all-over deep dark color and a classic boot cut. They are great for dressing up or for a casual day at the coffee house. And, most importantly, they make my butt look great. This is accomplished by subtle bronze stitching on front and back which matches the rivets and buttons. The back pockets are embroidered and have outlined stitching making them stand out from the rest of the jean. It’s brilliant craftsmanship that even NASA would be proud to call their own.

As this is the season of giving, I want to give the greatest gift of all to my readers: a great ass. And thus, I will offer it in the same way it was bestowed upon me – a pair of Joe’s Jeans. Three readers will receive the pair of their choice (and that also goes for men’s or kid’s styles if you prefer). Whether you have traits you are trying to accentuate or diminish, there will be a style for you! Check out all the styles at www.joesjeans.com/shop/home.php

To have your chance to win – tell me your sexiest asset, and how you maintain it!

Deadline is December 19!

Photo credit: Joe’s Jeans

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The 100% Pure Almond Milk Foam Milky Shower Gel ($17) is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C & E to hydrate, heal and protect your skin. Its anti-aging formula features a rich foamy lather that has a luscious smell. It’s great to use for every day, leaving your skin looking and feeling silky, soft and healthy.

The 100% Pure line offers a variety of other great products that are made with nourishing natural ingredients, no fillers, no synthetic chemicals or other harsh ingredients. Check out their Chocolate Mocha Body Scrub, Organic Blueberry Nourishing Body Cream and other great items.

Visit Apothia.com to shop their whole line. Everything is affordably priced under $20.

Photo credit: Apothia.com

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I have found the niftiest thing that I can’t wait to try – soap with a sunscreen.  Bethesda Skincare has come up with Sunscreen Soap – a soap that is chock full of good-for-you stuff, plus leaves behind a thin layer of at least SPF 10 sunscreen.  This is a brilliant idea.  Especially brilliant for the men in my life who would never consider rubbing a lotion on their skin to protect it.  What is it with men and lotion anyway?  Wait – don’t answer that.

ANYWAY, the company story is very interesting – Bethesda Skincare came about from a desire to create healing products, and started as an in home operation 20 years ago.  There are quite a few products they offer, and more to come.  The site design is lovely (no flash-  hooray!), and easy to navigate, and the products are really nice looking and innovative.  I hope you will spend a little time there and see what it’s all about.  There is more to love there than Sunscreen Soap, although, that’s absolutely enough to bring me in!  Be sure and check out the Melanie policy as well – they will send a free bar of Sunscreen Soap to anyone suffering with cancer.  Good stuff.   

The soap sells for a reasonable $8, and here is the ingredient list:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Other Ingredients: Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, Water, Glycerin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Juice, Chlorophyllin, Multi Vitamin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Commiphora Gileadensis (Balm of Gilead), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Chloride, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Rosa Damascena Extract, Pentasodium Pentetate.

Get it here.

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Interesting research out of Scotland lands at the BBC today – “Pregnant women have been told that not using perfumes or scented creams may reduce the risk of unborn boys developing infertility in later life.”  [source]

The point is, that these researchers seem to have found a connection between fragrance and reproductive health in male offspring of rats.  Honestly, that is a little scary to me.  I have always been one of those folks who never worried about that *stuff.*  I continued to color my hair, and certainly never considered not wearing moisturizer, lotion and makeup during my pregnancy.  I hope my son doesn’t pay for that later on. 

I know all of this is such a hot topic, and maybe its a wise thing to be concerned about.  I am just glad I don’t have to worry about it anymore.  Do you worry?

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Kiehl’s has announced today that they are partnering with the one and only Brad Pitt, and not to ensure super level sales (but they will no doubt have those), but to raise money for a common cause.  100% of the sales from Kiehl’s Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser will benefit JPF Eco Systems, a foundation created by both Kiehl’s and Brad Pitt to benefit global environmental initiatives that “minimize impact on the environment through thoughtful design.”  If you are a crazy mad Pitt fan like me, you will know that two of Brad’s greatest passions are design and eco consciousness – so good on both of them. 

If you don’t keep up with the beauty news, you might never know of Brad’’s involvement.  He won’t be featured in the advertising and no sexy Brad images on the bottle (*pout*) – but, the writing on the bottle is his.  Good enough.  Watch for the cleanser to be out sometime in October.

As you might remember, I am a fairly new fan of Kiehl’s, but am becoming more devoted the more of their products I try.  I am still crazy in love with the Olive Oil Restorative Hair Treatment.  Crazy. 

Image: Kiehl’s

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Attention, all chocoholics. Please don’t read this article. It may make you break into a sweat, get dizzy, and crave that box of Lindt you’ve shoved under your bed. But if you’re one of those rare individuals whose will power is better than that of Lance Armstrong, then read on.

Well, it may well be Christmas in August. Being a huge fan of all things made by Ojon, I was like a pig in mud when I heard about the Ojon® Rare Harvest™ Tawaka™ "The Ball".

I had to have it, hold it, smell it. So when the box arrived for me, I went berserk as a true chocoholic and beauty addict would. Here’s what I found:

And later this:

Until it became this:

At this point Butterscotch, my golden retriever, was twitching her nose a million times a minute and almost wolfed down my precious ball. No!

The first thing that struck me when I beheld it was the smell. Ah, the smell that only Ojon lovers and chocolate lovers will appreciate and revel in. In the box I discovered a beautiful handcrafted wooden bowl that made a lovely resting place for the product.

The ball is meant to be used twice weekly in the shower. Ideal for dry or parched skin, the ball rolls easily over your body and also moisturizes and refines skin texture. It contains a high dose of Ojon oil that is replete with essential fatty acids. It also contains crushed Ojon shells to exfoliate your skin.

Your white bathtub will look as though a muddy river runeth through it. But my skin didn’t itch or feel dry once after using it, and the faintest chocolate smell lingered all over my body.

I have to say I’m tempted to dig into it with a spoon and keep you posted**….

Ojon Tawaka “The Ball” retails for $65 at Sephora and at www.ojon.com

**Full disclosure: upon completion of the shower, the author succumbed to her weakness and ate an entire box of Godiva dark chocolate truffles. 

Image: © 2008 Charu Suri

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This is a guest post from my friend Charu Suri, from ButterflyDiary.com.  Thanks Charu!

There’s little doubt that self-tanners tend to be scrutinized with a particularly powerful magnifying glass.

“Will I end up looking like Charlize Theron when she won her Oscar?”

“How do you know it doesn’t streak?”

“It might have worked for you, but it probably won’t for me.”

We make excuses and send guinea pigs to do the testing before plunking down the coin to buy the product ourselves, and in the end we opt for that monthly tanning booth session.

But fans of Mystic Tan will know that the company is the real deal when it comes to sunless tanning. Now, devotees will be excited to find a real Tanning for Dummies kit at Sephora. The “error proof” Perfect Tan System is as simple as counting sheep and the results are both painless and remarkable.

Ricky Croft, one of the developers of Mystic Tan and the brainchild behind the new line, has made tanning perfect in four easy tubes that look as gorge as Blake Lively.

• First, exfoliate with the new Exfoliating Wash that preps your skin for the excitement that is about to follow.
• Then apply the Sunless Conditioning Complex that contains a patented NutraMist deep hydrating delivery system that guarantees evenness of color distribution.
• Then spray the Sunless Tanning FACE & BODY. Yes, the spray works wonders and is much better than a lotion. Who would have thought?
• Top off with Enhancing Moisturizer that seals the deal and blends the under-applied areas naturally.

These four products are available in a lovely Holiday Kit at Sephora. A fifth product (and my particular favorite) is the Face Shimmer that makes your face glow subtly (a little dab electrifies a long way). The Perfect Tan products are a “Best of Sephora 2008” Nominee.

For more information, visit www.spraymystic.com

Image: © 2008 Charu Suri (used with permission)

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