After browsing the blouses on eShakti, I was fortunate enough to receive one directly from them. As you can see pictured above, the color is a dramatic hue for the summer. And that’s what I love! I chose this one specifically because I also love that it is a convertible-type top, as I can wear it strapless, on one shoulder, or around both shoulders. Having versatile pieces in your wardrobe is important, as it makes styling your outfits that much more fun. That said, I loved playing with this top; each look has a different personality. I like the strapless style the best, as it has the most no-hassle, comfortable fit. I wore it this way to a bridal shower this past weekend (Yay! My younger brother is getting married), and I enjoyed the compliments.

eShakti offers affordable prices, ranging from about $33 to $70, which is conducive to a variety of shopping budgets. Sizes also range from XS – 3X. I think that’s wonderful, because it caters to nearly all women.

Right now, this site is offering free shipping with the purchase of two items through August 31st. You want unique? They got it.  The style of the blouses on eShakti has an ethnic-boho vibe. Perfect to pair up with denim, be it skinny jeans (which I wore mine with), shorts, cropped pants, or a mini-skirt, the majority of the blouses are lightweight and cotton. While my specific blouse is no longer available on eShakti, there are other yellow tops that will also brighten your day!

This weekend, I started to look into what is available to begin my battle with the signs of aging. In the skin care aisle at a local grocery store, there were many name brand creams like Olay® and RoC® that claimed to reduce the signs of aging. Though their prices were attractive, they didn’t seem very effective and I was sure the results would not last very long. Then I thought to go down to Sephora. There, I found a much more refined taste of specialty facial creams, but they were also quite expensive. There were so many to choose from too, and many of the creams came in 1 oz. or 2 oz. jars, small amounts that I’m sure I’d go through quickly.

Given that I like to see results right away, I started looking beyond facial creams and into non-surgical facial treatment. Fortunately, there are many facial treatments that do completely eliminate laugh lines, crow’s feet, and even deep wrinkles for older women. Botox® is by far the most popular choice to treat wrinkles; there are also artificial fillers that are used for wrinkles. From what I’ve read, many professional plastic surgeons assure that no matter what you hear about creams that promise to completely erase fine lines and wrinkles, there are no substitutes quite like Botox and injectables. They cost a few hundred dollars but results last several months. Despite the price, I like that I wouldn’t have to apply a cream every night and the results would be immediate and last five to six months.

To get rid of my dull complexion, I’m considering microdermabrasion or a chemical peel. In a microdermabrasion, the top layer of the skin is removed by a special exfoliate, revealing newer and fresher skin underneath. Microdermabrasion is usually over a hundred dollars and results typically last a few months. Chemical peels are another great way to rejuvenate the skin. For a more youthful look, a special combination solution of skin safe acid is used to remove the outermost, most damaged layer of skin, revealing a more even skin tone. These usually rub between $200 and $300; results for a microdermabrasion, while depending on the type of acid used, chemical peel results can last from a few months to over 20 years.

If I make a few adjustments in my budget now, hopefully sometime before summer I can have at least one facial treatment done. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to follow my favorite budget beauty tips and of course, daily basic skin care. Come summertime, I’ll be sure to wear sunglasses everyday. Not only do sunglasses protect the sensitive area around the eyes, which is often the first place on the face to show signs of aging, but they’re also a great fashion statement.

I am just beginning my battle with the signs of aging. Before I choose a facial treatment, what do you recommend? Have you ever considered any non-surgical facial treatments, or do you know anyone who has?

Photo Credit: Elle Magazine and Modern Mom

This every day at-home spa guide features inexpensive recipes, beauty treatments, and tips for head-to-toe beauty. Douglas and Pearlman are the best selling authors of The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets; in this new book they offer beauty tips to adhere to in these eco-conscious, economically challenged times.

Anything from fresh lemon juice to olive oil can help you achieve smoother, fresher more vibrant skin and hair – all in the convenience of your own home. Here’s a tip from a Victoria’s Secret model on how to restore hair after it is scorched and ironed; mix one tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon and one teaspoon of olive oil, and slather your hair with it, focusing on putting more product on split ends. Leave on over night and wake up to restored, glossy, and super shiny hair. Be sure to sleep on an old pillow case when doing this, the oil residue will wreck your linens.

Women who have kids probably always have some spare Cheerios lying around the house – so why not use them for a facial treatment? Just grab a handful of the cereal, a teaspoon of honey, and few drops of fresh lemon. Blend the Cheerios until they are a fine powder, and once refined, mix in the honey and add the drops of lemon, and voila you have the perfect ingredients for a facial scrub. Apply the mixture to your face, and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and feel smoother, more vibrant skin.

So, before leaving the house to buy expensive salon products, look in your pantry, fridge, and medicine cabinet first – you may already have the right mixture for an at-home facial, hair treatment, or moisturizer.

Want more tips that have been created and culled from Pearlman and Douglas? Beauty Chat will be giving away The Beauty Cookbook to one lucky winner. To enter to win this ultimate at-home guide, just leave a comment below with one of your “secret” beauty tips for your skin, hair, nails, or face. One of my useful tricks is to apply baby powder to my roots when I don’t have time to wash my hair. The powder absorbs the oils, and immediately makes my hair appear fresher. Share some of yours with me! A winner will be announced on April 12th.

And there’s still time to enter to win a basket of beauty goodies too! Be sure to check out our survey and giveaway!

Photo Credit: Amazon and Cheerios

In addition to providing Beauty Chat for y’all, our company is also home to several other websites, including iEnhance.com, PlasticSurgery.com, and CosmeticSurgery.com. So the writers of Beauty Chat also spend their time contributing to these online properties.

Beauty Chat was actually developed based on the idea that beauty isn’t just about surgery; it’s about finding beauty within and working your way outwards. Skincare, makeup, and fashion all contribute to enhancing your image, which are commonly the subjects of our conversations with you!

So, in order to serve your needs and continue to create a place where you can feel at ease browsing around and reading up on your favorite topics, we have created a survey for you to take. Not only would we simply appreciate this, as it will help to gauge the direction of our articles, but there is also something in it for you too!

As a thank you for being a loyal Beauty Chat fan, we have put together a basket of goodies. By filling out our survey and commenting on this post, you will be entered to win a basket of skincare and beauty products.

This contest, in which the winner will be randomly chosen, will last about two weeks – ’til March 19th! Thank you again for being so fabulous.

Chat with ya soon!

Elana

Photo Credit: Zazzle

I don’t like the clichéd candy hearts, teddy bears that say “I love you,” cards with over-used poems, and anything else that is just plain corny and associated with V Day. There is one thing I do agree with, spending time with someone special on this day – minus the Hallmark cards. Because, despite being single and bitter about Valentine’s, I still find it sweet to do something slightly romantic on this day.

Last year, I had my very first “real” Valentine, and I absolutely did not want to leave the house – I hate crowds, dressing-up, and over-priced restaurant menus. As an alternative, I made dinner for my “V,” and we hung out, watched movies, and drank wine. And instead of flowers, candy, and/or a card, he bought me flowers and herbs for my garden, which I thought was much more economical than a teddy bear that would sit on my dresser to collect dust. Even though that was my only Valentine’s Day spent attached, it has so far been my favorite!

As I am single this year, I asked my sister to be my Valentine, and she of course, said yes! So, we are going to a movie, and pigging out! Which I think will be just as special as my Valentine’s before.

Single or attached, Valentine’s Day is always something I try to make fun without the clichés it often associates with. I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day, or to some, “Single’s Awareness Day!”

Photo Credit: Verbumlogos

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

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

Creams advertised to get rid of cellulite can be effective in cellulite prevention and treatment, but are not as effective as cosmetic treatments. However, by incorporating these creams into your everyday routine, circulation can be promoted, which the fat cells need to break up and smooth out the appearance of what some call “orange peel skin.”

After my experience, some of my fellow BeautyChatters decided to try out some of these at-home treatments to see if they would help them achieve significant results.

Here are their experiences:

Return to Slender Body Contouring Gel,  Soap and Glory: Jennifer

“I used the Return to Slender Body Contouring Gel as directed: twice a day for about three weeks on my tummy. I liked the cool, tingling feeling it gave off when I applied it, which made me think that it was actually doing something! However, after a while, I started to notice that it was causing me to itch and I had to stop using it. I tried the gel again after a week and couldn’t continue, due to the itching. But I did like how my skin felt. It was very soft and smooth.”

Bootcamp for Butts, Mama Mio: Jacquie

“This is a great four-step process to help your skin look and feel more firm. This is a must! I used it for almost four weeks and started noticing a difference in my skin texture within the first week of use.

Due to my daily use of the products, and incorporating the three-minute exercise routine along with it, I noticed a difference in my overall skin texture and tone.  The key to this four step process is massaging your skin, which activates and creates blood flow to your cells.  When I looked in the mirror after using the product, I noticed less dimples and way less visible, creepy skin on my arms.  I personally don’t like trotting around in the buff but I am more confident with my body as swimsuit season is quickly approaching.”

Slimwear Body Cream, Soap and Glory: Elana

“I was so excited to get a product, the Slimwear Body Cream that is designed to fight the battle of cellulite. Right below my bottom and on the outer sides of my hips (“saddlebags”), the cottage-cheese appearance makes me insane.

It had a nice consistency, not too watery and not to thick. Consciously, I made it a point to start at my ankles and move up, so that I am loosening up the cell formation. Because I exercise regularly, I couldn’t tell if the appearance of my cellulite improved because of the cream, the exercise, or a combination of both. For the most part, the Slimwear Body Cream is a nice addition to a healthy lifestyle.”

From their experiences and my own, there are ways we can diminish the appearance of cellulite with creams and other remedies, but even with regular maintenance, entirely getting rid of cellulite still has yet to find its ultimate solution.

What about you, have you tried any at-home treatments? How effective are they in diminishing the appearance of cellulite?

Photo Credit: Me! And Bootcamp for Butts

What are we to do? Aside from undergoing a cosmetic procedure – liposuction or tummy tuck surgery – there are many diets that we could try, including the “Five Bite Diet” that Dre and Jana are currently doing, but there are also other ways to lose the weight: diet pills. Or as some companies like to call them “dietary supplements.”

I’ll admit that in an attempt to drop a few pounds the easy way I did try a couple of different brands some years back. However, I failed to do as the bottle stated, which was to eat a sensible diet, exercise, and take the pills as supplements.

Many diets pills claim to help us lose weight quickly and easily, but they don’t bother to reveal all the negative side effects that they also bring along. Saying that we should consult with a physician prior to taking them is hardly enough warning that they may not be safe for us to use.

These supplements can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, anxiety or nervousness, heart problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even death if not monitored correctly. Are the risks worth the possibility of losing a few pounds?

Living in Southern California requires a beach ready bod and I’m determined to get into shape. Instead of trying to cheat with diet pills, I’ve started eating healthier and I’m working on incorporating more activities…soon. In the last month, I’ve already dropped eight pounds!

What do you do to get in shape for the beach? I’d love to get some fun ideas!

Photo Credit: Sheep Chronicles

I have struggled with weight loss for years, trying just about any thing there is out there without having to consider any plastic surgery procedures.  My friend Jana told me about a weight loss book she had been reading and suggested I read it; so I did.

The book is called “Why Weight Around” by Dr. Alwin C. Lewis. In the book, Dr. Lewis stresses that a portion controlled diet is the most effective strategy to losing weight.  He developed a two part weight loss program called “The Slimming Station.”

The first part is to read the book, which explains what the diet is and how it works.  The second part is to work one-on-one with a Slimming Station Coach; this helps maximize your success and maintain your goals. After both reading the book, Jana and I decided to try it.

Here is a quick overview of what we do (which we dubbed the “Five Bite Diet”):

-    Skip breakfast
-    Eat only twice a day, Lunch and Dinner. NO SNACKING!!
-    Each meal only consists of five bites each. (Bites not bigger than a bite size Snickers)
-    One bite of the day must be a good source of protein, such as chicken or steak
-    Take a multi-vitamin daily.
-    All drinks are to be low to zero calorie.

Even though this explanation seems pretty straight forward, I highly recommend reading the book or going to Dr. Lewis’s website before starting this diet.

Jana and I have had great success with this diet plan; though we haven’t completed step two of the program yet, we would love to in the future. We both lost 30lbs. by our sixth and seventh weeks.  I’ve never seen results this quickly.

Thanks, Jana, for introducing me to it, we’re doing great!

Photo Credit: Jana and Dre