The case will always rest, exercise is good for you. I know, big shocker! Even simple exercises such as walking or jogging can bring you a step (no pun intended) closer to becoming a healthier, new you.

It has been proven several times over that those who exercise regularly tend to live longer, but why? I think we need to examine the effects of lack of exercise and what it does to the body. I know I am experiencing these symptoms myself: increase in weight, fatigue, loss of flexibility, increase in laziness, inability to do simple tasks, decrease in self-esteem, knee pain, lack of mobility, increase in risk of injuries, and depression.

In essence, lack of exercise is a probable cause of the never-ending “tired” look we all have developed some time in our lives. You all know what I’m talking about- dark circles under the eyes, paleness in the face, and bloodshot eyes; in other words, you aren’t alert and living to your full potential. More »

I’m a big fan of all things nail related. As a proud owner of strong nails that naturally grow quickly, I take great pride in having pretty finger and toenails. Whenever we get to try out a new nail product for Beauty Chat, I’m all over it. In this case, I was intrigued.

Barielle got its start making hoof conditioners for million-dollar racehorses, and over the course of their 30+ year history, ended up using an improved version of the formula to create a line of nail, hand and foot care products.

Personally, I liked the products I tried out. The Barielle Cuticle Replenisher with mango butter worked well and left my cuticles feeling soft and more smoothly shaped. It appeared to last a good while throughout the day and had a really nice smell to it, which wouldn’t make or break my decision on whether to buy the product, but was certainly an added bonus. More »

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I love makeup and trying new stuff out. I haven’t really gotten into the mineral makeup too much, but Beauty Chat recently got the opportunity to try out Purely Cosmetics.

They offer products that are free of corn starch, oils, FD&C dyes, preservatives, talc, and bismuth oxychloride, which has been known to irritate skin and is sometimes found in other mineral makeup.

My fellow “Beauty Chatters” also tried their products, here’s what they had to say: More »

If you’re a fan of AG Hair Cosmetics, then you’ve probably already heard of their new dv8 Texture Spray. Meant for shorter hairstyles, this styling product holds your locks in place all day, provides texture and shine. Since my hair is ultra straight and a medium length, I asked my boyfriend to try it out on his curly tresses.

After testing it out for a few weeks, here’s what he said:

“I liked that it has a good hold to it but didn’t like that it took too long to dry. And it made my hair seem extra curly. Oh, and the smell isn’t too bad either.”

Overall, a pretty good product…just be sure to give your hair time to dry. And since it can be used on damp or dry hair, you can spray it on just after you shower or once you’re ready to put on the finishing touches. Another great thing about this texture spray is that you can just rewet your hair in the afternoon to restyle. It even washes out easily at the end of the day without leaving any gunky build up.

The new AG Hair Cosmetics dv8 Texture Spray is now available in salons and retails for $20.00, be sure to get yours for some fun, new styling!

Photo Credit: AG Hair Cosmetics

We recently shared our favorite budget beauty tips – the type of things we, Beauty Chatters, regularly incorporate in our daily lives. Among the several that responded, two gals provided great ideas for us all to soak up. So thank you and congrats to Andrea and Beauty Tyrant for giving some great tips.

Andrea said this: “Running out of liquid eyeliner? Dip a pencil eyeliner in water and you get the same affect,” and Beauty Tyrant said that she likes: “to also apply toothpaste overnight on a zit and by tomorrow, voila, it’s gone.”

In being our chosen two, they each won a spot as a Beauty Chat guest blogger! Winners: please e-mail me at beauty8@beautychatblog.com to pitch your topic.

And speaking of pitching topics…We are always happy to get your feedback. Want us to blog about a certain person, place, or thing? Comment here and share what you think are (or will be) hot topics in 2009!

Photo Credit: Associated Content