Yes, you heard me. There’s a woman named Paprika – Paprika Steen to be exact. Many film enthusiasts would deem her a rare gem from Denmark, continually turning out tour-de-force onscreen performances. Her native Denmark regard her as “the” actress of our times. Others have regarded her as the Danish-American Meryl Streep.  No matter how the media or public views her, one thing is certain – Paprika has begun to make a dent in the upcoming Oscar season for her lauded performance in Applause, and I have the pleasure of being a part of her ‘coming to Hollywood’ venture.

Having joined the World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation (World Wide) family some months ago, I was excited to delve into the film distribution project that was Applause, particularly to infiltrate numerous marketing mediums in order to put the word out about Paprika’s Oscar-worthy performance. With World Wide’s diligence in full swing, it was no surprise that we would begin Oscar-qualifying runs on Friday, December 3.

Making its official debut to American audiences this coming January, Applause tells the story of a recovering alcoholic stage actress seeking to regain control over her life while reconnecting with her two young sons and struggling with the pressures of middle age. This intense and intricate personal struggle reveals themes that women especially can connect with, including a mother’s relationship with her children and aging. The film has been showcased at numerous film festivals, such as Toronto, London, and Hamptons International Film Festivals, winning recognition for Paprika’s bravura performance as “Thea.”

Paprika, known for her roles in The Celebration, Open Hearts, and Adam’s Apples, is rapidly gaining acclaim in the United States. Notably, her performance in Applause has been praised by such respected critics as Roger Ebert, remarking in the Chicago Sun Times, “An extraordinary performance by Paprika Steen.” Also, The New York Times recently reviewed the film, noting Paprika’s onscreen presence as “one of the best screen performances of the year.” If Marion Cotillard’s Oscar-winning performance in La Vie En Rose (2008) is any indication of a foreign film actress’s odds of taking home the Golden Boy against well-known American actresses, then Paprika has a shot. And if Paprika’s outstanding performance is any indication of a deserving win, then I believe she has a very good shot.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5vywJcRHAw[/youtube]

Photo Credit: World Wide

Mellori Velasquez is a former Beauty Chatter who continues to provide fabulous posts for Beauty Chat. For more information on the film, please contact: wwmpc@wwmpc.com

Last week, MSN released a list of the “20 Best Celebrity Rumps” with none other than Kim Kardashian coming in at number one. Not long ago, women all over the country were doing all that they could to minimize this particular feature – diet, exercise, and even surgery. Now, with the likes of Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira being so comfortable in their curvy figures, it seems that many women’s views have shifted.

Here are the Top 10:

• Kim Kardashian
• Jennifer Lopez
• Beyonce
• Jessica Biel
• Lady Gaga
• Shakira
• Rihanna
• Sofia Vergara
• Katy Perry
• Jessica Alba

As these shapely ladies continue to gain popularity for their derriere, those who are somewhat lacking in that department are looking for ways to enhance their buttocks. With the advances in techniques and technology, women are now able to undergo butt augmentation with either butt implants or through fat transfer. Although not all plastic surgeons offer this procedure, there are now several who have become specialists in this surgery.

Have you ever considered butt enhancement surgery?

On Monday, August 16^th, well-known Hollywood plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Ryan died in a car accident. It has been rumored that the famous doctor was tweeting while driving when his automobile turned off the highway. Dr. Ryan was most recently in the spotlight when Heidi Montag emerged with a new face and body – the celebrity plastic surgeon performed 10 procedures in one day.

As Hollywood mourns the death of Dr. Ryan, patients who relied on his expertise, such as Heidi, may need to search for another surgeon. There have been claims that she suffers from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is what led to the multiple procedures she had done in November of last year. Should she wish to undergo further cosmetic enhancements, a surgeon with experience in treating patients with BDD would be the best option. As many celebrities have spoken out on Dr. Ryan’s caring bedside manner and compassion to his patients, he will be greatly missed by many.

Photo Credit: NYDailyNews.com

I stumbled upon an article today about a 21-year-old Chinese woman, Xiaoqing of Shanghai, who is seeking plastic surgery to look like Jessica Alba. But here is the true kicker, she wants to go “under the knife” to win back her boyfriend!

Apparently, her ex-beau has been obsessed with the Hollywood star ever since they started dating 18 months ago – photographs of Alba used to cover their apartment and he constantly talked about her.

Individuals who want to look like their favorite celebrity is nothing new in today’s media. Shows such as ABC’s “Extreme Makeover” and MTV’s “I Want a Famous Face” revealed the extent that people are willing to go to transform their entire appearance to look like anyone other than themselves.

However, when do we decide someone is taking plastic surgery too far? And is it healthy for this woman to undergo cosmetic surgery for the purpose of winning a lover back?

I understand that when it comes to dating it is perfectly natural to want to look good for a significant other. Dressing up for a night out or changing one’s hair is reasonable in “spicing” up the relationship, but completely transforming your looks? That goes beyond just up-keeping the appearance.

According to Xiaoqing, she wants to undergo multiple surgeries, because she has never been able to let her ex-boyfriend go. “If in the end he still does not accept me after I undergo the plastic surgeries, I will give up. I will then choose to let go, start afresh and live life by myself,” she said.

Unfortunately, she will still have to live with the “Alba” face she will receive because of him. When making the decision to undergo plastic surgery, most doctors will agree that the choice should be something you should make for yourself.

What do you think about her decisions for undergoing plastic surgery? Have you ever changed your outer appearance for a significant other?

Photo Credit: Chica Inc. and Reuters

In case you haven’t heard, “The Hills” star Heidi Montag underwent 10 cosmetic surgery procedures in one day back in November 2009.

This would be the second round of face and body enhancing surgeries she’s had in the last few years; she previously had a nose surgery performed and breast implants surgery.

In today’s world, it’s not something new to see a celebrity, or reality star, have a few nips here and tucks there. But when does it become an addiction and no longer a little tune-up?

Joan Rivers, Cher, Jocelyn Wildenstein, and Mickey Rourke are just some of the Hollywood stars who are known for their ever-changing looks. Now, the female half of “Speidi” seems to be the newest member of the plastic surgery addicts club.

And what exactly did Montag undergo? Well, here’s the laundry list of surgeries:

•    Botox injections
•    Mini brow lift
•    Nose surgery revision
•    Fat injections to cheeks and lips
•    Chin reduction
•    Liposuction to her neck
•    Ears pinned back
•    Buttocks augmentation
•    Liposuction to waist, thighs
•    Breast augmentation revision

The reality star and wannabe pop singer has been quoted saying that, “For the past three years, I’ve thought about what to have done…I’m beyond obsessed.” At only 23 years of age, Montag has had more procedures than an any of us can even think of! However, to be honest, her “new” look is attractive, but her “old” look was just as appealing and didn’t really need the work done. Had she done these procedures over an extended period of time there may not have been such a dramatic change. Whereas now, Mrs. Pratt is unrecognizable.

What do you all think? Did she succeed in achieving “the best me” with these surgeries?

Photo Credit: People and Examiner.com

Thank you for your patience, dear readers. Currently, Beauty Chat is going through various changes – as many blogs do! So we hope that you continue to enjoy our site’s thorough selection of articles.

Missed all of 2008’s skincare discussions? Want to see before and after celebrity plastic surgery photos? Visit our archive and see what’s up. We continue to receive your comments, and appreciate your involvement.

…This is a sincere message from all of us Beauty Chatters! Enjoy your summer, and hope to meet up with us again soon.

*Please refrain from sending products and e-mailing pitches until Beauty Chat is back.

By the time 3:00 p.m. hits, I feel brutally exhausted, which is when I opt for a caffeinated beverage, such as a Monster, coffee, or a Coke. Even then, caffeine is only a temporary fix to the lack of energy – I get a quick boost and an immediate crash. Plus, the downside of carbonated beverages is that they always make me bloat and my stomach gets all “poochy.” It is as if I can’t win in this world of energy!

That is until I found out about the latest in energy technology, Enlyten ™ - electrolyte strips that dissolve in your mouth. Enlyten offers four quick dissolving strips – Electrolytes Plus (achieve peak performance), Energy (recharge), Antioxidants (boosts your immune system), and Melatonin (relax and reduce stress).

Enlyten has become popular among athletes due to the strips providing the body electrolytes prior to and during exercise to help prevent cramping and delay fatigue. In fact, it was just announced that Shaquille O’Neal has signed a new endorsement deal with Enlyten, which he publicized on March 26th via Twitter.

“Stay tuned-prepare for SHAQ to ‘enlyten’ you!!!” tweeted Shaq.

I tried out the energy strips, which are fast acting, have zero carbs, zero sugars, zero calories, and refresh, rejuvenate, and reenergize; need I say more? With Enlyten energy strips I am able to get through my entire day without feeling groggy and tired, plus they help me to concentrate better. The strips have a minty taste, which makes my breath smell yummy and taste clean (another added bonus). On top of all of the positive features of these strips, I don’t get the immediate crash that other caffeinated products tend to give me.

Here is what a couple of my fellow BeautyChatters had to say about Enlyten:

Jennifer - “I was excited to try the antioxidant strips since I’ve recently changed my diet and started eating healthier, but I have to say that I wasn’t very fond of the taste. It has a bite to it and didn’t make me want to use them very much longer. However, if you don’t mind the taste, it’s an easy way to get some anti-oxidants in your body.”

Jacquie – “I tried the Melatonin Plus strips and they worked great to calm my mind and body.  They taste great and did not make me feel sleepy or groggy.  I would recommend them to any one who sometimes has a hard time relaxing after a busy day.”

If you are interested in trying out Enlyten – whether you are an athlete, work-out guru, or just want a boost for the day, you can purchase these strips online on their website.

Photo Credit: Allstrips.com and Facebook

Beauty Chat was recently contacted by Johnson’s® Body Care to partner with them in hosting a Cause Party for a local charity and we excitedly jumped at the opportunity.

All of our Beauty Chatters are always happy to help those in our communities.

Another exciting tidbit about these parties is that Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Ashanti was the host for the kick-off party in New York.

As part of our involvement with Johnson’s Body Care Cause Party, my fellow Beauty Chatter, Audrey, and I had the chance to speak with her ourselves!

During our round table call, Ashanti shared her fave Johnson’s products:

• Johnson’s Body Care 24 Hour Lotion
• Johnson’s Body Care Moisturizing Body Wash
• Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel with Shea & Cocoa Butter

Now we’re offering our readers the chance to try them out, too! Just leave a comment telling us how you give back to your community and we’ll pick one lucky winner on Monday, April 6th. Good luck to everyone!

Photo Credit: RF Binder

One of the worst feelings to me is when my feet feel rough and dry. I have found a great product I want to share with all of you – Pedi-Relax ®.  The first thing that caught my attention is the fact that it is made with essential oils, such as tea tree, lavender, thyme, sweet almond, and sage. Pedi-Relax comes in a 3-piece set, which includes the Intense Hydrating Cream (for dry and damaged feet), Exfoliating Cream (to keep feet feeling smooth) and Protective Barrier cream (prevents blisters).

The steps are simple:

I keep the Exfoliating Cream in the shower, paying special attention to the calluses. If you have severely dry feet, you may want to use the product every day for up to three weeks, and then cut down to once a week. I try to exfoliate about once a week between pedis. The fresh lemon scent is so refreshing.

Next, you will apply the Intense Hydrating Cream, once again paying special attention to those drier areas. You will want to use the Intense Hydrating Cream at least twice a day. I apply it in the morning after my shower and then again before bed. I was really excited the first time I tried the Intense Hydrating Cream; not only did I love the citrus sent, but also the fact that the cream was not too thick. It was the perfect consistency for my liking.

The final product in this three-piece kit is the Protective Barrier cream. Apply this cream to your feet before putting on your shoes. It will coat your feet to prevent blisters.  The Protective Barrier uses the essential oil of sweet almond, which I thought would be sweet smelling; however, the sage scent overpowers the sweet almond scent. This one did not leave the fresh citrus scent as the Exfoliating Cream and Intense Hydrating Cream.

All products can be purchased at www.santeactiveusa.com

Photo Credit: Sante Active

I have never had a problem with weight, until now. This past year, I went through a rapid weight gain; unfortunately, it has made it a lot more difficult to find clothes that fit properly.

So what was my solution? I would love to lose weight, but even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it takes time. In the meantime, I have been hiding my flaws with SPANX ®.

Though they are nothing new, SPANX products are a great way to not only slim the body, but also hide those annoying panty lines (which I think is great! – I have never been a fan of thong underwear). Even celebrities are using SPANX to look fabulous on the red carpet!

What is great about SPANX is that they have shape wear that can suit just about anyone. If you cannot afford tummy tuck surgery or liposuction, SPANX products offer you an alternative option to slimming down your trouble areas.

My favorite body shaper is the Higher Power Panties; they slim and smooth from the lower thighs up to the waistline, which are my problem areas. When wearing shapelier dresses, I don’t have to worry about my tummy pooch bulging out or my panty lines showing. Plus, seeing how tight my body looks when wearing the shape wear has encouraged me to start losing weight; I am exercising more often and eating healthier.

If you are interested in SPANX, you can purchase them online or check with your local retailer that carries them, such as Nordstrom. Also, Sara Blakely, SPANX creator, has another shape wear line, now available at Target ®, ASSETS ®.

Photo Credit: AOL Style Blog and Jen’s camera