Spring has already arrived, and summer is coming up soon. In Southern California, the sun is usually ablaze 85 percent of the year, and I’ve become much more concerned about how the sun has taken its toll on my face lately. At my young age, there are many wrinkles on my face that are already beginning to set, and I’m not quite sure what to do. These days, there are preventative anti-wrinkle creams at the grocery store and infomercials that boast to completely diminish fine lines and wrinkles. However, I’ve come to find that these creams can cost from just a few bucks to over a couple hundred dollars. With the current state of the economy and a thin wallet, what’s a girl to do?

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. More »

Patte!

Big hugs to all who entered our contest. We asked that you fill out our survey and let us know your thoughts regarding Beauty Chat in order to participate (Jennifer will provide you with the results shortly).

So, much appreciation to those who took the time to do so!

Here is what Patte won:

• IMAAGE® eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick

• Shampoo and conditioner samplers by Aveeno®

• BAND-AID® Friction Block Stick (for your heels!)

• Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum by Lash Allure MD

• A Retinol Correxion® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer (with an SPF 30) and Multi-Correxion Exfoliating Cleanser by ROC®

• “How Not to Look Old” book by Charla Krupp

• “Living Beauty” book by Bobbi Brown

A pretty rewarding gift, wouldn’t you say? More contests and giveaways to come. Thanks for being such fabulous fans.

Photo Credit: Chicago Sun-Times

How would you like to save hundreds of dollars in beauty products every year? Many expensive salon products are made out of the same fruits, vegetables, and oils that you use to prepare your favorite dishes. If you are looking to improve the appearance of your hair, nails, face, and skin, The Beauty Cookbook: 200 Recipes to Make Your Kitchen Your Spa – For Your Face, Your Body, and Your Hair by Kym Douglas and Cindy Pearlman may be your next “must read.”

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. More »

Good morning everyone! Thank you for being such patient, avid readers. Due to our busy schedule here at Beauty Chat, we have not been able to pump out as many articles as we’d like. But that’s all going to change shortly, as we have some great ideas up our sleeves.

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. More »

I am not a fan of Valentine’s Day, not at all. February 14th is one of my least favorite days of the year. I even broke up with my very first boyfriend the day before, because I found out he got me a gift when I told him not to. Although, there was so much more to this infamous break-up than the purchasing of hearts and flowers, I just have never agreed with Valentine’s Day. Well, at least how most people celebrate it.

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. More »

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. More »

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. More »

Brazilian-native Dr. Robert Rey, the star of E! Entertainment’s Reality TV show “Dr. 90210,” is now reaching out to women overseas. This September, he launched his lingerie line, “Shapewear,” in Brazil – a post-operative, body slimming undergarment line that has already gained popularity in the states. Having partnered up with retailer Polishop.com.br, Dr. Rey’s collection of body shaping, sexy, elegant lingerie is… Continue reading on iEnhance.com.

Photo Credit: Dr. Robert Rey

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.

She birthed you, raised you, and dealt with you all these years, now it’s time to tell her, “I love you!” If you have a Mom like mine, the woman who has it all, then it’s time to use that noggin and get creative!

Flowers and balloons are always a nice gesture, but your Mother deserves so much more (at least mine does!), so make her feel special with some of these unique gift ideas.

•    Pamper, Pamper, Pamper! You could buy your Mom passes to the spa, or bring the spa to her; it will show you actually want to spend time with her. Set a day aside and have an at-home pamper day with your mom.
Some products I recommend trying out with your Mom: More »