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 »