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 »

After taking a hiatus from the Beauty Chat buzz, I am back just in time for the New Year. Please don’t be mistaken by my leave of absence as being indicative of a fun-filled vaycay, adorned with tropical cocktails and extravagant timeshares. Rather, it was characterized by never-ending stress and long nights of studying for the most important test of my life to date – the LSAT. 

And one wee hour of the night, while buried in pages of prep material whose ink reeked of frustration and lengthy moments of “um,” I had a moment of clarity in the form of “Wow, I have really let myself go!” My Benefit compact stared back at me in sheer mockery as I noted the Groucho Marx brows, stress blemishes, and washed-out roots that blended into two-tone hair frenzy. What was a working, budget-dependent woman to do?   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 »

We’d like to thank everyone who entered our two latest giveaways: Blistex and nubar.

The five lucky readers who will receive one sample/tube of Blistex Deep Renewal are Apple, Mary, Pat, Huguette E., and Hil’Lesha.

And the winner of the nubar Pastel Fever Collection and Skin Essentials 6 Pack is Sherry B.

Congrats to all!

Didn’t win? Don’t worry. There are many more great Beauty Chat giveaways in the future. Be sure to check back with us frequently for your chance to win!

Photo credits: Blistex and nubar

Nail polish is a cosmetics item that most women, and some men, can’t get enough of. Many of us paint away, unaware of the repercussions that the polish may have on our health. But, did you know that almost all nail lacquers contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Phthalate (DBP) — chemicals that are carcinogenic and can cause serious health effects?

In a time when people are trying to be more “green,” cosmetics companies are beginning to understand that consumers expect more from the brands that they buy from. nubar is a line that was created with the idea that providing healthy alternatives is a must. More »

For some, going to the nail salon is a way to escape and relax for an hour or two.  I wish I had that time to spare.  My only free time is when the kids are sleeping, the house is clean, and it is not 10 pm. 

Neatly manicured hands and feet are nice, but what about those of us who just can’t find the time or money and don’t care for the smell of a nail salon?

Kiss Every Day French Nail Kit is the answer.  I know press-on nails seem so elementary school, but seriously, they look wonderful and only take a few minutes to apply. Find the right size, add a drop of glue, press down firmly, and you’re done.  They come in different sizes and styles, I prefer the short length because they look real and I don’t have to worry about poking one of my kids.

Take a look at the Kiss Web site for more great ideas for your fingers and even your toes.

Photo credit: Kissusa.com

Have you ever looked at your nails as you sit at your desk, typing away, and think “OMG!! They could use a good manicure!” If you are like me, there is little time for manicures. My friend and fellow Beauty Chatter, Stephanie, gave me a little tool she picked up at the Fashion Day Soirée…the Spiffer Manicure Pen.

Now, this is not your everyday pen; it is a multi-functional pen. Packed with manicure bliss, this handy device includes an emery board built into the pen cap, a cuticle pusher, and sharp point to clean under your nails. Now I can get a mini manicure right at my desk! More »

If you were to ask me what part of my body I take care of the most, I would have to say my hands and nails. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve admired my mom’s hands. They’ve always been super-soft, with beautiful, long, manicured nails. But I had one little problem: I couldn’t stop biting my nails! No matter what my mom did, I’d always have chewed up nails.

It wasn’t until I was about 12 years old that I started to take care of my nails and hands. I remember taking an “elective” class in sixth grade that involved manicures and anything to do with beauty (it was an end-of-the-year class). There I was, ready for my makeover, when I noticed that all of my friends had much nicer hands. Imagine my embarrassment when it was my turn to get my nails painted! I decided right there to stop biting my nails and work on having beautiful hands.

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When you’re getting ready for your date with that special guy, do you wear what makes you feel attractive or something that you know he likes on you? If you’re wearing something that you think he likes, it may be a good idea to check if he actually likes it first. Chances are he only says he likes it on you because you like it. Think about that hideous T-shirt your guy likes to wear, you told him it looks great on him but inside you’re wishing that the laundry monster eats it one day. Same goes with your guy and what you’re wearing.

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How many times have you happily traveled to your local beauty salon to get your nails done, only to be disappointed by a poorly applied coat of polish that easily chips away? If you’re like me, plenty of times!

In my quest to find an alternative to paying a manicurist for a less-than satisfactory result, I came across French Tip Dip. Ladies, let me tell you, after trying this product myself I assure you that this polish system works!

Created in 2004 by April Baxter, who also developed Innovative Beauty Inc. (which produces bubblegum scented polish remover) at the same time, French Tip Dip is a reliable way to attain a beautiful set of nails. More »