For the last few weeks, Allie and I have been doing the Sim-fast Challenge…(with minor ups and downs…it is vacation/wedding/event season!)…and we have finally reached our finale!

After a month of following the plan (to the best of our ability), Allie has lost 6 pounds and I have lost 3!

“In the morning when I have extra time, I love to put milk, the powdered drink mix, and frozen fruits in the blender to make a cold and fruity smoothie. I look forward to it every morning!” Allie says.

She goes on: “For example today, I added 1/2 cup frozen peaches and 1/2 cup frozen raspberries then 1 cup skim milk and a scoop of strawberry powder.”

Allie is a teacher with a very on-the-go schedule, so Slim-Fast has been perfect for her to grab and go with. It’s a great way of saving money by not buying expensive, unhealthy lunches every day at work, as well!

I love the chocolate powder - I mix it with some vanilla soy milk and put it in the blender, it tastes totally indulgent, but isn’t!

Image: Carolyn Hsu/The Daily Obsession

My friend Carolyn, over at The Daily Obsession, also took part in the challenge with us! “I decided to take the SlimFast challenge because I had only a few weeks to get in shape for a fashion video shoot I was taking part of. As a busy city gal, I don’t always have time to cook or plan out my meals ahead of time, so Slimfast seemed like the most optimal solution for me since I wouldn’t even have to think for two meals of my day. I consumed a combination of Slimfast shakes and bars throughout my work day and then would come home and (usually) cook something healthy for dinner. I found the taste of Slimfast to be very appealing actually. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for me on the challenge was not to over-consume my allocated number of Slimfast meals and snacks per day! As it turned out- when video shoot day came, I actually fit into a form fitting dress (see picture) while managing to keep my rolls in check!”

So, we are fans. So much so, that we may continue to drink it…recreationally!

So, last night I blogged about the incredible importance of sun protection.

Image: PCA Beauty

Roughly 12 hours later, here I am, blogging from the beach.

Clearly, one would think I would follow my own advice. Especially since the OCD in me led me to take my computer TO the beach, where said advice is readily available.

That said, I am wearing sunblock, at least.

I’m scared to death of skin cancer. I am super pale, and have at least one questionable mole I’ve been living in blissful ignorance about; but let’s be honest here–melanoma, sun spots, wrinkles, burns are no joking matter.

That said, they are no reason to render ourselves indoors on an absolutely gorgeous day.

Today, I was at least smart enough to apply PCA Skin Perfecting Face & Body Hydrator SPF 30, a new sunscreen I’ve received with pigment control and is effective for both daily facial and body use.

This is not just a sunscreen, but a UVA/UVB moisturizer developed to hydrate the body and offer broad-spectrum UV protection and minimize skin discolorations. But the truth is in the pudding - I have been using it for the last few hours, and while my skin is a bit on the pink side, no burning is happening. This is a huge deal - normally I’d be a tomato by now!

So, I am a fan. And would probably be even more of one if I applied it as often as I’m supposed to. (About hourly.)

Everyone I know is always in search of the next-best mascara. And whether they are looking for volume or length or curl, no one is ever 100% happy - and thus the search continues.

How cool would it be to have your entire search in one kit?

Now you sort of can! Sephora is doing a series of “best of” sort of kits, and Lashstash is their mascara array.

There’s a little bit of everything in this set, from a lash base to a rice-bran-enriched mascara! My trick: Don’t try just one, mix and match until you find the combo that makes you look your most lust-worthy.

In this set is:
- 0.1 oz Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara
- 0.1 oz Tarte Lights Camera Lashes
- 0.1 oz Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara
- 0.24 oz Stila Multi Effect Mascara
- 0.14 oz Benefit Bad Gal Mini
- 0.2 oz Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash
- 0.13 oz Too Faced Mini Lash Injection Pin Point
- 0.12 oz Smashbox Bionic
- 0.07 oz Lancome Cils Booster
- 0.085 oz DuWop Lash Venom
- 0.14 oz Korres Provitamin B5 and Rice Bran Mascara

Image: Sephora

As I’ve said a million times, I’m all about gifts with purchase - especially when it comes from my very favorite people.

My friend, the brilliant (and dare-I-say debonair) Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans, contacted me recently to tell me that his New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has a pretty spectacular bag of goodies they are giving away with “spring cleanings” (and assorted other services) currently.

Not getting a service done? You can BUY the kit for $20 (in person, or I hear, online through their web site if you email them) - and it includes stuff that’s worth way more. Here’s what you will find inside:

Elgyidum Refreshing Mouthwash

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste

Zoom Whitening Pen

NYCCD collapsible travel toothbrush (and case)

Crest Glide Floss

BreathRX Breath Mints

and a coupon for 15% off your next service

Each of the products are trial-sized, but they are all super premium brands, and all given the A-OK by Golub, who is a dentist to stars like Kim Cattrall, Hugh Jackman, and, well, me.

I am rocking the pink case (of course), but it comes in a few gender-friendly colors - it’s so so great for my upcoming trip to Montauk!

Image: NYCCD

If you have problem skin, it’s probably the main thing on your mind every single time you look in the vanity mirror.

Acne can be a personal horror story, and can be aggravated by anything from stress to hormones to genetics (yes, you can blame your parents!!!).

Plenty of my readers swear by Proactiv, and their 3-step system is undeniably awesome.

Step 1: Renewing Cleanser

This cleanses but  also exfoliates dead skin cells, and contains benzoyl peroxide, which helps to attack bacteria.

Step 2: Revitalizing Toner

You know how I’m always saying how important toner is? This one contains glycolic acid, which helps balance skin tone and the skin’s natural acids. The witch hazel in it also refines and purifies pores; aloe and chamomile to soothes, plus removes excess surface oil without drying.

Step 3: Repairing Lotion

Finishing touches are super important, as is a smooth, soft surface. This is a light, oil-free lotion with milled 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to help heal blemishes.

Five winners will receive this three-step system, chosen at random from the entries below. To have your chance, please share your biggest skincare concern! Deadline is June 20.

Image: Proactiv

Looking for something naturally luxe for your skin?

Legend has it that Cleopatra, are very favorite seductress of all time, used goat milk when bathing! While this may sound a little weird, goat milk facials are super relaxing and even diminishes the appearance of fine lines!

Here’s a recipe for one you can try at home.

1 heaping teaspoon of ground almonds–pulverized to the consistency of corn meal.

2 level teaspoons of MEYENBERG® Powdered Goat Milk

A few drops of warm water sufficient water to make a smooth paste

To do:

Apply to face and neck. Massage gently to cleanse and exfoliate. Let dry for 5 or 6 minutes. Gently rinse and gently pat dry.

Thanks to Meyenberg Goat Milk for this great recipe!

Image: Sxc.hu

As a beauty maven, we may have the market cornered on powders and potions, and be lost souls when it comes to choosing gifts for our guy.

To that end, eBeautyDaily has partnered with Buy.com and the eBillme Debt Free Mall to give Dad something great for Father’s Day. Win your favorite guy an awesome Father’s Day gift – a 16GB SanDisk USB Flash drive!

This USB flash drive is great for home, work or travelling – to store your favorite photos, videos, songs and backup files and more.

Entering is easy - just tell me the best (or worst) gift you’ve ever given a guy in your life. Or, if you are guy, likewise, tell me the best or worst gift you’ve received.

One winner will be chosen at random from all entries by June 1.

Image: Buy.com

When I moved into my new apartment a few weeks ago, the most exciting element was the old-fashioned bath tub. I can now take a fabulously luxurious bath (complete with vino and music, of course), any time I want!

I did want the bath to be as enriching as possible, though. And so I found this “recipe” with the help of the National Honey Board. It’s totally worth a try!

Lavender-Honey Milk Bath
-Makes enough for 2 baths -

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. dried lavender flowers*
1-1/2 cups whole milk, cream or combination
1/3 cup honey

Directions:
Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store remaining milk bath covered in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

*Dried lavender flowers can also be found in the spice section of gourmet and specialty stores.

Image: Sxc.hu

We all know that Red Door is among the best we can get for our money - but for those of us who may be a little bit more recession-minded, there’s a new kid in town…

Actually, Simply Face & Body is a new brand division of Red Door Spa, and they have taken the (very timely) mission of offering quality spa products and services at way more affordable prices than you may imagine.

Right now, they mainly offer facials and massages, as well as various types of waxing (e.g., eyebrows, lip, bikini) - hence the name “simply face and body” - and the concept is almost gym-like, you enroll in a monthly membership, where you receive one facial or massage per month included. This monthly rate of is $59!

As a member, you can also buy additional services and products at a discounted rate.

A few weeks ago, I visited their flagship location in northern New Jersey to try out one of these facials - and I have to say, it was one of the best I ever had! I can honestly say the results were more instant and impressive than places where facials go for $200+, and my aestician was friendly and super-knowledgeable. (Actually, so friendly that my gal pal that I was visiting with later teased me that she heard me giggling from the next room during her whole service!)

Why I loved it: Everything there is organic, and they will explain each part of the treatment to you as they do it! This is great - too many women have no idea what is going on with their skin, or what is needed to correct it. I was told I actually have fabulous skin (which I sort of knew!), but given advice on how to make it even better. And they used high-frequency treatment on me, a cutting-edge light technology that kills bacteria beneath the surface so that it’s gone before blemishes can even be born! How cool is that?

Currently, the only location is in Ramsey, NJ - but many more are coming soon. I shall report when I hear more! (Especially if they invite me to try out the others!)

Image: Simply Face & Body

More and more, fancy med-spa treatments are appearing in our own vanity!

The latest example is Evis MD Platinum.

Just like what you may find at your facialist’s domain, this is the most powerful home handheld LED device available on the market today. It has intense light waves that help to eliminate mild to moderate inflammatory bacteria that cause acne.

If you’ve never had photofacials, you are missing out. They revitalized my skin, and I never had the opportunity to do it right at home. This way you save tons of money, too! The device is a little under $300, but you’ll spend more than that on ONE office visit the other way.

I love it…I’m hoping they send me one to play with permanently at home!

Image: Bonton