Kiss EverLasting French Manicure Limited Edition in Neon Brights - a Fun Way to Lighten up

Nails should be fun, especially during the Summer, when more relaxed dress codes and weekends, are the norm. One way to express yourself in a little way that makes a big impact is with nail colors or designs that are unique, or perhaps, a French manicure. But really, honestly....do you really have the time to carefully swipe on French manicure tips yourself, let alone indulge in a wardrobe of neon colors?

One way to have fun and make it affordable and easy, is with a faux nail. Kiss, for example, makes a funky, French manicure look effortless, with their limited edition of French Manicure nails --with a twist: neon tips with tiny glitter and design accents. They look like you spent hours (and big dollars) in a salon, but they're glue-on! Each nail is already perfectly colored with green, hot pink, or orange tips on a natural looking base. What's so much fun about these is that they are not just bright and cute, they're flawless the minute you glue them on and won't chip like a normal French Manicure. You get 28 nails in 14 graduated sizes, so there will be one that fits like a glove, for each of your nails.

If, like me, genetics has left you with nails that just won't grow (my mom was always breaking a nail possibly just by staring at her hands), faux nails look much better than the real thing. The nails do hold tight with glue (soak your nails in some acetone remover or use one of the special faux nail removers, to get them off), If, like me, you use your hands a lot, the nails won't last as long as if you have "staff." But still, for just $5.99 they're a hoot for the weekend, or a party, or to let your special someone at work get a clue that perhaps, you're not "all business."

These Neon Everlasting Nail Kits will be available through July 2009 at all major drug stores nationwide including Walgreens, Duane Reade, and Kmart. Visit http://www.kissusa.com/ and your local mass market retailers, to try these!

IPopperz Earbuds Make Life Just a Little Bit More Fun

When I first saw a photo of earbuds from IPopperz, I had to look twice to figure out that they weren't some kind of new jewelry item! And when I realized that these clever, decorative but items served a more practical purpose, I was enchanted!

Earbuds are a 'must-have" accessory for Ipods and other MP3 players, not to mentioned CDs and DVD players, but most are just dull, black or white. The I-popperz ear buds that let you show your personality and have a little fun with that most standard of headphone accessory. IPopperz will definitely get you noticed. There are 50 customized styles that fit all digital devices, in 5 themed collections: Buddyz (little faces--really cute!) Sportz (from soccer balls to race cars), Jewelz (lots of bling for not a lot of bucks), Graffiti (edgier designs like skulls & crossbones), and Colorz (earbuds with bold color combos). The prices range from $14.99 to $19.99 - not a lot of pay for something you probably use endlessly, and that will set you apart. Even better, you can customize the earbuds with three different earplug sizes so your earbuds feel comfy while they're looking good. Their frequency is 20-20K Hz as found in full size headphones, with a 10mm speaker and a 3.5 mm gold plated plug.



Electronic devices don't have to be boring! Whether you're a teen, or a grown-up, it's the little things that count. IPopperz just makes life a litter more fun. And, in case you're wondering about the quality, I tested them against my expensive, noise-reduction headphones and the quality of the sound from my Ipod was virtually the same.


The lime green earbuds with orange and crystal peace symbols (shown above) are from the Jewelz Collection: called "Peacejewelz" $19.95. Peace symbols are both retro and really trendy and make an important statement. But you can even have your MP3 player match your swimsuit this Summer, with one of the 7 new designs from the IPopperz Summer line: Flip-flop, Sea Shell, American Flag, Starfish, Seahorse, Clownfish and Dolphin designs. Each I-Popperz has the decorated set of earbuds, and a matching slider (the adjustable clasp that holds the right and left earbud wires together).

Once you see IPopperz you won't want to be without at least one pair! Visit http://ipopperz.myshopify.com/for ordering and more information.

Sylvania Products Light Up Your Life & Entertaining Style

I recently attended the holiday gift show and discovered that Sylvania is a lot more than just light bulbs. Here are some of the uniquem usual, affordable items that will make Summer and home activities, awesome!

This maroon mat may look like a magic carpet, but it's a place mat. And not just any old place to put your dinnerwear, at that. These LED Lighted Place mats in black or maroon feature moire-style fabric featuring tiny, LED fiber optic placements on both sides of the mat. A hidden on/off button lights the strips of twinkling lights, that blink with the side brilliance of stars and planets in a clear, night sky. The batteries are replaceable, although you'll probably just want to keep them on for the "wow!" factor and then perhaps turn them off when the main course is ready to be served. But if you don't mind springing for extra batteries, set your table with these (Scotchguard protected) mats for an elegant, outdoor dinner party. As the sun sets, watch your table become a galaxy of stars!

For more fun, serve your drinks on Sylvania LED Color Changing Coasters srp. $19.99/4. They're a fun way to amuse your guests, and keep your furniture from getting ruined. The color-changing lighted coasters are white plastic. The light show starts when you put the weight of a glass or bottle on it. The colors softly change as you watch, thanks to two CR2032 button cell batteries (they're included). You can't put these in the dishwasher, but they wipe clean and are water resistant.

Along the same lines, there's the Sylvania LED Bottle Topper $4/99. The top can be used on virtually any bottle, with a battery that lasts for up to 20 hours. Just push the button on the top to watch the light show begin. On a clear water bottle, for example, the colors will reflect all the way down the bottle as in the photo--pretty amazing! This words for wine and even olive oil. The toppers are so inexpensive, stock up on them for stocking stuffers for the holidays. They'll be a sure-fire hit!

Less colorful, but great for extra light, is Sylvania's Golden Dragon srp. $14.99 (who could resist that name)? The disk emits a bright, white light to mount under a cabinet and illuminate a specific area where you need a bit more. Since it's battery-powered you can stick it up anywhere with an easy install, and not worry about wires. The Golden Dragon has both magnetic and adhesive backing so you can mount it to either a magnetic or non-magnetic surface. The single, energy efficient LED is 30 times brighter than incandescent stick-up lights and you can use it at low or high light levels. And if that doesn't wow you, how about the fact that it's motion-activated with an automatic shut off? I mean, what light does this?! You simply wave a hand once across the front of the light to turn it on at high power, wave a second time for low power, and a third time to turn it off. If you leave it unattended, it will turn itself off after one hour. All you need is three AA batteries--and they're included!

The Dot-it Light srp. $9.99 is also a self-adhesive, bright white light that comes with colorful rims that you can stick up virtually anywhere you feel like it. They're small but mighty--great for the type of spot light you might not use every day, but need occasionally. I have mine near the stove next to the counter so I can really see what I'm doing. To turn the light on, all you do is press in the center. Press again to turn it off. The light is powered with three AAA batteries and will give you about 100 hours of bright, white LED light. Then, just replace the battery! You can stick and re-stick the light on virtually any clean surface. They're great in the car, too!

Sylvania also has an EcoLight Water-powered Shower light $39.99 ; color changing PalPODzzz™ Portable Night-Light $19.99; and color-changing Mod LIght LED Bowl $34.99

Get one or more of the LED items and be prepared to be dazzled, literally!

Go to http://www.sylvania.com/ and some items are also available at select Lowe’s stores and online retailers

Prescriptives Protects Against Sun Damage and Makes You Look Great

Prescriptives has note-able products both for skin and in color cosmetics. And, they always seem to have plenty of new products featuring SPF--something I absolutely love!

For Summer, All You Need SPF 15 $39.50 1.7 fl. oz delivers 24-hour moisturization in a lightweight base. Fruit and botanical extracts offer antioxidant protection, while broad spectrum SPF 15 gives you mild protection against the sun's rays.

There are natural and high-tech ingredients packed inside: grapseed, scutelleria, mulberry root and yeast extract (to brighten skin and even skin tone); resveratrol, grapeseed extract, rosemary extract, pomegranate extract, citi reticulatae peel extract, EUK-134m and goji berry (to protect skin from free radicals); skin smooth complex with glucosamine and clary sage (to exfoliate); hexapeptide (to boost collagen and reduce the look of fine lines)l sunflower seed cake, barley extract, cucumber fruit extract, and muru muru butter (to strengthen skin's lipid barrier); and caffeine, sucrose and Brazilian red algae (to soothe and calm irritate skin).

The product comes in a curious, squat, plastic bottle with an white, accordion pump top. What's really great about this unscented, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, non-acnegenic product is that you can choose from three formulas: Normal, drier, and oilier, types. The lotion feels refreshing and light, making it something you can wear when the temperature rises without getting "shiny." If you're the type that just won't use a sun block, this moisturizer can do double-duty for daily wear.


Another way to protect your skin the easy way is with a multi-tasking foundation. One with SPF 10 is Prescriptives's All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear SPF 10 $32.50. This fragrance-free product is just launching now, and it's packed full of good-for-your-skin goodies, including:
Radiance Emitting Crystals (R.E.C.), a unique mineral complex of Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Calcite, give skin a soft, luminous "lit from within" glow; Flex Matrix Technology (for long wear and a smooth, even, application); Titananium Dioxide (for non-chemical broad spectrum sun protection SPF 10); and Sodium Hyaluronate (helps to maintain skin’s moisture balance).

What I like about this foundation, for starters, is that while it comes in 18 shades, the product is sheer and natural enough to cover flaws (and be kind to large pores) without having to pick just one, perfect shade. I tried "warm light" but I could have used one or two shades in either direction and still looked fine. The oil-controlling formula is sweat and humidity resistant, water resistant (not that I'd advocate wearing it while swimming, but still...) and lasts a long, long time (the tube says 16 hours, but I didn't test it that long). But I liked the moistly matte finish and the light feel. My skin looked good, and I felt at least a little virtuous that I was protecting it from daily UV exposure (I'd wear a much higher SPF if I was planning to be outside or in the sun for any length of time).

Don't forget your lips! Calyx Sheer Exhilarating Lip Gloss $14.50 comes in three, super-sheer, shimmery, limited edition shades (inspired by the Prescriptives Calyx fragrance's citrus notes) and tailor made for different skin tones: Mango (warm); Pink Grapefruit (cool) and Guava (neutral). I tried "Mango," which really didn't tint my lips that much, even though it looked bright orange in the tube, but it did leave lots of pouty, shimmery, shine....gorgeous! The super-shiny, silky, non-sticky gloss has a luscious, guava taste and comes in a slant-tipped squeeze tube perfect for toting to the beach as well as to work. Cool graffiti graphics make the packaging, fun. This lip gloss is definitely excitement in a tube!


Visit http://www.prescriptives.com/ and all Prescriptives Counters nationwide, Holt Renfrew in Canada

Beauty Web Tour For This Week

Many people are busy celebrating the July 4th weekend, but the ADVICE SISTERS have been busy putting together the latest "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html You'll definitely want to check out what's new, with more than 30 pages of sun-safe products, gift and travel ideas, and a section just for the guys. There's also an entire page of links


It's Mario Badescu week at The Informed Makeup Maven where a new MB product is reviewed everyday. Don't forget to enter IMM's giveaways!

Dao from My Makeup Blog discovered a way to have Gisele Bunchen's hair without using heat.

Beauty Anonymous takes you to the ocean-inspired makeup collections.

Fabulous Over Forty has a favorite brand of aromatherapy for body and mind.

More Than a Pretty Face presents Part 1 of her interview with makeup artist extraordinaire Sam Fine. Stay tuned for Part 2!

The Beauty Couch is giving away two ChapStick True Shimmers to fulfill all your shimmery dreams.

Don't forget to enter Beauty in Real Life's giveaway with Perricone MD! Click here to enter to win an Advanced Face Firming Activator!!


Visit Lipgloss Break to Enter to Win Vera Wang Rock Princess and Barielle Summer Sugar Rush Nail Collection!

Mrs. Meyers Offers Entertaining Tips *Gifts for Summer Hosts & Hostesses

I have always enjoyed the household products with attractive packaging and nice scents, from Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. And cleaning and home expert Thelma Meyer has recently written a book as well. I reviewed (Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home: No-Nonsense Advice That Will Inspire You to Clean Like the Dickens) on the Advice Sisters Blog a few months ago, so check out the review!

Just in time for July 4th events, weekend guests and parties, here are some top entertaining tips:

To Keep Your Floor Free of Scuff Marks: With all those feet in and out, your sure to be left with some scuff marks. A quick spot is easy enough to remove—rub the mark with a little paste floor wax and steel wool, let dry, then buff. Gone in a flash.

Getting colored wine, juice and sangria out of furniture: After a few cocktails, there’s always the chance for a spill! Dilute a teaspoon of mild detergent in a cup of lukewarm water and blot. Then mix up one part white vinegar with two parts water, and blot, then sponge off.

Cleaning Outdoor Cushions: A winter in storage can leave your cushions a little dusty. Just use a scrub brush and some mild soap, let the cushions dry thoroughly so mold doesn't’ form.
Getting Outdoor Furniture Ready For Summer: Plastic isn’t always the most durable option so its good to give it a little extra protection. Wipe car wax on plastic to prevent stains. For regular cleaning, apply a solution of water and dishwashing liquid with a soft-bristle brush.

TIP: Mrs. Meyers products come in seven different scent collections: sweet pea, lemon verbena, lavender, basil, geranium, baby blossom (and also scent free). I like them all, but my favorite is the Lemon Verbena. The tangy, fresh, lemony scent elevates your mood. My favorite product? The Room Freshener $4.99 8 oz. A spritz from the plastic pump bottle not only masks scents you don't want (e.g. the cat box) but also adds instant atmosphere! Naturally occurring essential oils in Mrs. Meyer's products make them extra special. I also like the Lemon Verbena Kitchen Basics Gift Set. For just $9.99 who get three favorite household cleaners: Lemon Verbena Dish Soap, 16 oz; Lemon Verbena Countertop Spray, 16 oz; and Lemon Verbena Liquid Hand Soap, 12.5 oz. What a deal! And it makes a perfect thank-you gift for your weekend host or hostess, too.

You have got to visit the Mrs. Meyers web site: Visit. http://www.mrsmeyers.com/ There is an astounding variety of products to help tackle virtually every cleaning task you can imagine. Get the scents you love in everything from dish washing liquid, to dryer sheets. The products are biodegradable and phosphate-free, and never tested on animals. And of course, the spa-style scents, enhance even the dullest of chores.

Love them!