Hangover Helper

Happy New Year!

Many of us are going to be drinking plenty of champagne and other adult beverages tonight to celebrate the start of a new year. But that may mean that you wake up on the first day of 2008 with a raging hangover, feeling like you've been hit by a truck.

Here are a couple of hints to help you feel better if you've over imbibed:

• Before you go to bed drink several glasses of water. Alcohol dehydrates you, so it's important to rehydrate as much as possible. Even during a big night of drinking be sure to drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is to have one alcoholic beverage, then a big glass of water, then your next alcoholic drink. That way you're getting more water in your system which may mean you don't feel the negative effects of your night out the next morning.
• Be careful with pain killers. While you may want to take a Tylenol or Advil before you go to bed, you need to be careful with mixing such medicines with alcohol. It's best to avoid it if at all possible. Just feel the pain and deal with it. You can survive this!
• Take you B vitamins. B vitamins are the vitamin workhorse. Bs have been known to help regulate PMS and they can also help metabolize all the alcohol you consumed. Take a B complex vitamin before going to bed to help restore your energy.
• Eat fruit. Apples, bananas, lemons, and limes have all been used to help cure hangovers. Try making a milkshake with banana and honey to calm your stomach and restore potassium, electrolytes, and other essentials to your body.
• Use ginger or mint. Both are known to help ease nausea. Try ginger or mint tea if your tummy isn't feeling great.
• Get plenty of rest. If you're planning a huge night out, also plan for a long, slow morning in the next day. You need to sleep it off, so give yourself time.
• Don't drink coffee! While you may be dying for a caffeine jolt, drinking too much caffeine will only further dehydrate you. If you really need a coffee, water it down or opt for decaf.
• Try a folk remedy. Some say drinking pickle juice, eating sauerkraut, slurping down menudo, or eating a bowl of chicken soup can cure a hangover. Like most things, it's probably mind over matter, so if you think this could help, go for it. It can't hurt!
• Get your body moving. It may be the last thing you want to do, but get yourself moving. Just take a walk around the block--getting some fresh air may be just what you need.

I hope these tips help! As always, the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink responsibly in the first place. And of course, if you plan on drinking, don't you dare drive. It's just not worth it. Get a designated driver lined up before your big night. Call a cab if you don't have someone to drive you. Remember: the life you save may vote democratic!

Have a happy and healthy New Year. See you in 2008!

Nicole's rep denies pregnancy

Nicole Kidman is not pregnant, her Australian press representative has said. Kidman's expecting a baby was first reported by the U.K.'s Daily Mail, which said The Hours Oscar winner, 40, had told friends and family members over Christmas that she and her husband of 18 months, Keith Urban, were expecting their first child together. But the Melbourne Herald Sun quotes Kidman's Australian publicist as denying the Mail's story. "It is incorrect," the spokeswoman tells the paper. "She must have had about 30 babies by now." As for Kidman, says the rep, "She's in Australia making a film" – director Baz Luhrman's epic Australia, costarring Hugh Jackman – "and her family are in Australia. She's happily ensconced away somewhere having a few days break. It's the silly season. As far as we're concerned, it's another rumor out of London." Still, a friend of Kidman's tells the Herald Sun it is "conceivable" that the actress is nearly three months pregnant. "She did have a small baby bump a month ago, so it would be reasonable that she'd now be three months and telling her friends and family," the unnamed friend is quoted as saying. Kidman and former husband Tom Cruise adopted two children during their 1990-2001 marriage: Isabella, now 14, and Connor, 12.

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Britney to be deposed soon

After a year of legal starts and stops, Kevin Federline's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan is ready to move forward with his client's custody battle. "Britney Spears will have her deposition early this year," Kaplan told press outside Mr. Chow's restaurant in Beverly Hills late Saturday night. "We've got a lot to talk about." Spears, 26, missed her initial deposition appearance on Dec. 12, prompting Kaplan to request an emergency hearing and to delay their next court date from January to February. Though Spears cited physical illness and anxiety for her absence, Kaplan said, "She was, in fact, out later that day and night. It's not fourth grade where you get a doctor's note and it's all okay." The attorney expressed hope that Spears will appear this time around so further measures, such as pursuing her in contempt of court or delaying the deposition once again, will not be necessary. "Kevin isn't interested, nor am I, in punishing her," says Kaplan. "We just want to get information necessary to proceed further. I hoping remedies which include continuing hearings are all theoretical." As for tabloid rumors that Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1, will also undergo drug testing, he says, "I haven't even heard about that, and I don't think that is true." In fact, he says, the boys have been enjoying a wonderful holiday season. "It was a good Christmas for all," Kaplan confirms. "They were great. Kevin had all of his kids and it was a big, wonderful family setting. He was really happy, and the kids were happy." As 2008 beckons, Federline, 29, will be ringing in the New Year in Las Vegas. As for how Kaplan envisions the future, his wish is simple: "I hope we will prevail."

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Michelle Branch pregnant again?

Singer Michelle Branch has something wonderful to crow about. An insider told Page Six the 24-year-old songstress is expecting her second baby with her husband, bassist Teddy Landau, 43. The couple was married in 2004, and they had their first baby, daughter Owen Isabelle, the following year. Branch's music manager did not return calls for comment.

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Ring in 08 Beautifully!

New Year's Eve is tomorrow night. Woo-hoo! I am sooooo ready to say goodbye to 2007 and hello to a new year and new opportunities. I have big plans for 2008 and I can't wait to get them rolling. But, before getting to there, we have to celebrate New Year's Eve.

I don't do a whole lot on New Year's Eve. I usually just stay home and countdown the end of the year quietly with my husband. But for all of you planning to go out for the big night, here are five hints for celebrating in style--and these tips can be used for any big event throughout the year:

• Take your time getting yourself ready. The party isn't until the sun goes down, so have a lazy day before your big night. Sleep in, drink plenty of water during the day, eat lightly, and indulge yourself with things like a long, relaxing bubble bath or an at-home microdermabrasion. Go on, you're worth it!
• Treat yourself with something new for the special event. Whether its a new perfume, a new shade of lipstick, a new purse, new shoes, or a new piece of jewelry, having something special set aside for the big night will make the whole event feel more celebratory. Plus you'll be reminded of the special event every time you wear/use this new item after your party.
• Wear waterproof mascara. You may find yourself laughing until you cry or working up a sweat on the dance floor. No matter what happens, the last thing you want to worry about is running mascara--the unintentional raccoon look is so not hot! Waterproof mascara is the way to go. Just use some eye makeup remover before heading to bed to get the mascara off.
• Don't leave the house without a few makeup must haves. Throw a lipstick and a pressed powder compact in your purse before leaving for your big event. If you have room, you should also carry some sort of shine remover (like shine blotting tissues), a Q-Tip (which comes is handy for fixing slipped eye makeup), and Kleenex.
  
• When you get home from your party, be sure to wash your face. I know, I know--this is probably the last thing you want to do when you get home late after a night on the town. But taking just a few minutes to wash all the makeup and pollutants off your face (and to brush your teeth) before going to bed will make you feel so much better in the morning. And really, don't you want to face the new year feeling great--with clean skin free from day-old makeup and other gunk?

On Monday (the REAL New Year's Eve), I'll be posting some tips on how to deal with a hang over. Let the good times roll!

Star party plans

Where your favorite celebs will be partying Monday night to ring in the new year:

MIAMI
Shore Club: Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz, with a performance by Eve
Mansion: Kim Kardashian
Setai: Jennifer Hudson
The Raleigh Hotel: Mandy Moore, Chace Crawford, Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Elisha Cuthbert, Jeremy Piven, Samantha Ronson
Opium Garden: Nick Cannon
Hotel Victor: Adrian Grenier
Sagamore Hotel: Shannon Elizabeth

NEW YORK CITY
Tenjune: Ryan Seacrest
Times Square: Carson Daly, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Joel Madden, Ryan Seacrest
Hammerstein Ballroom: Slash, Velvet Revolver
MTV Party, Times Square: Tila Tequila

LAS VEGAS
LAX: Paris and Nicky Hilton, DJ AM, Criss Angel
Tangerine: Kevin Federline
Tao: Mariah Carey
Pure: Rick Salomon and Pamela Anderson
Body English, Hard Rock Hotel: Backstreet Boys
Prive, Planet Hollywood Resort: Avril Lavigne
Moon, The Palms: Jaime Pressley
Rain, The Palms: Dave Navarro

LOS ANGELES
Les Deux: Travis Barker
Playboy Mansion: The Girls Next Door's Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson
House Parties: Kate Walsh and Scarlett Johansson
Party For The Cause to benefit AIDS research, Woodland Hills, California: Vanessa Williams
San Diego's McClellan-Palomar Airport: Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge

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Jimmy Fallons weds

Former Saturday Night Live regular Jimmy Fallon and girlfriend Nancy Juvonen, a Hollywood producer who worked on Fallon's 2005 romantic comedy Fever Pitch, were married Saturday on Necker Island in the Caribbean, a publicist announced. Fallon, 33, and Juvonen, 40, had "family and close friends in attendance" at the ceremony, according to the statement from representative Ina Treciokas, the Associated Press reports. No further details were released. The proposal took place in New Hampshire last August "on the dock at sunset at the Junoven family home in Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee, where On Golden Pond was filmed," according to a friend of the pair. "He presented her with a one-of-a-kind ring designed by Neil Lane," the friend added. It is a first marriage for both.

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Mischa avoids press

Party-hosting duties for DUI suspect Mischa Barton have been put on ice. Her management team - which has been tirelessly working to control the press since "The O.C." star was busted in LA early Thursday morning for drunken driving and possession of narcotics - pulled her from hosting tonight's opening of Cathouse in Las Vegas. "Mischa can't give interviews on the red carpet or deal with the press right now," said a Vegas source, "so they told her she can't do the event." The club was searching for celebrities available at the last minute but was still looking last night.

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Is Nicole expecting?

Nicole Kidman is pregnant, according to the Daily Mail. The Golden Compass actress, 40, told friends and family over the Christmas holiday that she and husband Keith Urban, 40, are expecting, the UK newspaper reported. Kidman and the country singer have been married since June 2006. There are no details on when the baby is due. She has two adopted children with ex-husband Tom Cruise – Isabella, 15, and Connor, 12 – but their relationship is strained. "They call me Mom," Cruise's new wife, Katie Holmes, said recently. Kidman has talked openly about wanting another baby. "I'm yearning to have one," she told Vanity Fair in September. "I think I would be very sad if I wasn't able to have a baby. Keith knows I want one, and he has been getting there slowly." In an interview in February on Oprah's Oscar Special, Russell Crowe asked the actress if she planned on getting pregnant. "I hope so," she replied. When Crowe remarked that he'd like to see Kidman "walking around barefoot and pregnant," the actress agreed – "I'd like to see that, too." Kidman told Vogue last year: "I always thought I'd eventually live on a Fijian island. I love the idea of being in a sarong, with hair down to my bum and kids following my around and hanging out." After her split from Cruise in 2001, Kidman admitted she'd suffered an ectopic pregnancy that resulted in miscarriage at one point in their 10-year marriage. "From the minute Tom and I were married, I wanted to have babies. And we lost a baby early on, so that was really very traumatic," she told Vanity Fair. Three months into their marriage, Urban checked himself into the Betty Ford clinic for three months to treat alcohol addiction. "We had to dig really deep," Kidman has said. Kidman begins an eight-week shoot for The Reader in Berlin next month, but after that has no movie projects lined up, the Daily Mail reported.

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Rebecca De Mornay offically charged with DUI

Actress Rebecca De Mornay has been formally charged with DUI after being arrested two months ago. The "John from Cincinnati" star was charged Thursday with two counts stemming from her October arrest -- one for driving under the influence and one for driving with a blood alcohol level above .08 percent, according to news reports. She tested at .09 percent following the arrest. The 48-year-old star of "Risky Business" and "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle" was pulled over in Beverly Hills on Oct. 30 for a traffic violation. Officers smelled alcohol on her breath and gave her a field sobriety test, which she failed. She also failed a breath test, which led to the second count. De Mornay is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, although she won't necessarily have to be in court.

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Heidi Klum sued

Heidi Klum's next project could be in the courtroom. Van Cleef & Arpels filed suit against the Project Runway host in Manhattan's federal court last week, claiming that her jewelry line ripped off their clover design. The papers claim that the designs created by Heidi Klum GmbH and Mouawad USA are so similar to Van Cleef & Arpels's vintage Alhambra line, they create "confusion in the marketplace." (The suit also cites an Oct. 21 New York Times article, which states "Heidi Klum appropriated the clover design for jewelry she designs for Mouawad.") The luxury jewelry house is suing Klum, 34, for copyright infringement and asks for damages in excess of $25,000. Designer Pascal Mouawad, head of Mouawad USA, dismisses the claim, saying: "We believe this claim has no merit. It's clear that shapes like clovers, hearts, crosses, etc, are universal symbols and are commonly used in jewelry." He adds, "Heidi has been wearing her pieces on Project Runway and we've seen them become quite popular. The clover has always been in fashion and you can see that many other luxury jewelry houses have their own interpretations of this wonderful shape such as Louis Vuitton and Chopard."

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Madonna to debut film in Berlin

Madonna's debut movie as a director will have its world premiere at the annual Berlin film festival in February. "Filth and Wisdom," starring Eugene Hutz, Richard E. Grant and Stephen Graham, will screen in the Panorama section, outside the main competition, a festival statement said Thursday. Organizers didn't specify whether the 49-year-old singer will come to Berlin to present the movie. The event, which runs from Feb. 7-17, is the first of the year's major European film festivals.

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Mischa's New Year's gig still on

Mischa Barton is still set to host a New Year’s bash in Las Vegas this weekend. “We are aware of Mischa Barton's incident last night, but at present she is still expected to host the CatHouse Grand Opening at Luxor Las Vegas on December 29th,” a rep for the lounge said in a statement. “ We will let you know if anything changes." The O.C. alum, 21, was arrested at 3 a.m. yesterday morning after police spotted her weaving between two lanes of traffic in West Hollywood. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, according to a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt.
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Sean and Robin Wright Penn split

Sean Penn and wife Robin Wright Penn are divorcing, their rep, Mara Buxbaum, confirms. No other details were immediately available. The couple, who've been married 11 years, have two children together, Hopper Jack, 14, and Dylan Frances, 16. Penn, 47, and Wright, 41, began dating in the early '90s and married in 1996. They also have starred together in several films, including 1998's Hurlyburly and 1997's She's So Lovely, directed by Nick Cassavetes. "Marriage ain't easy, but it's great most of the time," Penn told Entertainment Weekly in 1997. "I love Robin. I've always loved her." In the same article, Cassavetes was asked about working with the couple. "The beginning and the end of every day is how Sean and Robin are getting along," he said. "If they have a bad morning, Sean's broken up about it." Penn's most recent film, Into the Wild, which he directed, is drawing awards buzz, with four SAG Award nominations and two Golden Globe nods.

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Jessica Alba engaged

Mom-to-be Jessica Alba was spotted over the Christmas holiday with a rock on her left ring finger – and the rumors are true: she and boyfriend Cash Warren are engaged, her rep confirms. "I can confirm that they are engaged," said publicist Brad Cafarelli. Earlier this month, the couple announced that they are expecting a baby. Alba, 26, has been dating Warren, 28, since the fall of 2004, after they met on the set of her movie, The Fantastic Four, on which Warren was a director's assistant. Alba has also starred in Sin City and the recent Awake.
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Holiday Recovery

Christmas has come and gone and I got some good stuff from my Santa! I'll be telling you all about some great products in upcoming posts, but for now I just wanted to check in and let you all know that I survived the festivities and am trying to get back into the swing of things.

The New Year is heading our way and to start off 2008 I am going to try out a five day "Feel The Difference Detox Plan" from Boots to cleanse my body of all the junk I've put in it during the holiday season. The plan looks easy enough--each day I just add some strawberry detox liquid to a quart of water and drink it throughout the day. The detox plan is supposed to leave me feeling revitalized and looking amazing. We'll see how it goes! I'll post back once I am done with the plan and will tell you how it all worked out.

In the meantime, let me know what your favorite Christmas gift this year was. Leave me a comment!

Update on Mischa's DUI

Mischa Barton was arrested in West Hollywood early Thursday morning, authorities confirm. The former star of The O.C., 21, was pulled over at 2:46 a.m. after her vehicle was seen straddling two lanes of traffic and she failed to signal when making a turn, according to an L.A. County Sheriff Department statement released Thursday. She was arrested for DUI and driving without a valid license. "During Ms. Barton's detention, it was determined that she was an unlicensed driver and was driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage," according to police. "Ms. Barton was arrested and transported to West Hollywood Sheriff's station where the booking process was completed without incident." The investigation is ongoing. Shortly after 10 a.m., a West Hollywood deputy said: "Ms. Barton has been released from sheriff's custody after she posted $10,000 bail." Initially, police also said she'd been arrested for possession of illegal narcotics, but no more details were available. Barton is currently scheduled to host the opening of the new Las Vegas restaurant and lounge, CatHouse, over the weekend. A representative for Barton did not immediately return a request for comment.

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Brangelina's fast food Christmas

The Brangelina brood had a finger lickin’ good Christmas in New Orleans. Days before the holiday, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, were spotted strolling hand in hand as they shopped at Harry’s Corner and Santa’s Quarter in their French Quarter neighborhood. Later, Jolie took daughter Shiloh, 19 months, on a walk around town, letting her munch on Lay’s Chips and Cracker Jacks. The actress — who has admitted, “I’m not much of a cook” – proved that point when she and Pitt (in a white Nissan minivan) went through a McDonald’s drive-thru and picked up Happy Meals for their kids on Christmas Day. The day after Christmas, the family – sans Shiloh – hit the AMC Palace Theater to take in the family flick The Water Horse. And on the way home? They hit up another fast food restaurant: KFC.

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Leo and Bar: back on

Despite their brief break in October, Leonardo DiCaprio, 33, and Bar Refaeli, 22, were spotted holding hands at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills on Dec. 20. Are they back on? "They were never really 'off,'" a DiCaprio source says. "It was always a distance thing. Leo was making a movie in Morocco [this year], and Bar had her modeling career." Refaeli's mom, Zipi, says: "Bar is working all over the world. Says the DiCaprio pal, "It's a struggle to make a relationship like theirs work, but yes, they're together."

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Merry Christmas, One and All

The final countdown to Christmas is here. As always, this is an insanely busy time of year. As such, I am taking a few days off from blogging to focus on family and the holiday demands (I haven't wrapped a single gift yet!!).

Fear not, I'll be back after Christmas to tell you all about the goodies I picked up over the holiday and will help get you ready for New Year's Eve and beyond. So, come back after Christmas for more makeup related news. Until then, you can read all my posts from the past year and a half (see the "Blasts from the Past" drop down box to the right). You can also email me if you have any beauty questions at asklydia@hotmail.com.

Whatever you do, have a safe and happy holiday!

But Gluttony is Such a Fun Sin!

Holiday gatherings and New Year's parties often mean one thing: gluttony. Whether you've had too much to drink or you stuffed yourself with too much rich food, you're bound to feel far from fabulous the next morning.

While we all have our own "proven" methods for dealing with an alcohol induced hangover, a food hangover also requires a bit of care. If you find yourself saying "I can't believe I ate the whole thing" keep reading. Here are some ways to make yourself feel better after indulging in the wonderful sin of gluttony:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Before you go to bed and when you get up in the morning, be sure to drink plenty of water. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea agent, so sipping some ginger tea may help ward off any pending tummy troubles.
• Nourish yourself the day after. While you may feel like you never want to eat another bite of food ever again, you need to get back on the wagon and eat more sensibly the day after. Start with a light breakfast of gentle foods like fruit and yogurt to get yourself going.
• Avoid certain foods. Citrus fruits and overly caffeinated beverages can add to dehydration--not what you want when dealing with a food hangover. And (this is probably pretty obvious) avoid spicy and/or fatty food the day after overindulging.
  
• Take a walk. Go out and get some fresh air. Walk at a comfortable pace and don't try to push it. The cool winter air may feel great if you woke up feeling full and bloated.
• Dress comfortably the day after. Break out your "fat pants" and don't be too hard on yourself. Just try not to over do it again and you'll be all set!

Work It, Girl!

With Christmas and New Year's here, its time for all sorts of gatherings. And you can be sure that someone at these parties will have a camera or camera phone and that they'll be snapping away, trying to capture the moment for prosperity.

If you're camera shy, this is an anxiety-inducing phenomenon. Unless you're the one with the camera taking the pictures, you can bet that you're going to be photographed. Here are a few hints on being more photogenic--for Christmas or any time of the year:

• Wear clothes with colors that suit you. Certain colors complement certain skin tones, while others tend to bring out the worst. Also take into consideration your hair color. You may have a feel for which colors you look best in, but if not, do some research and some trial-and-error.
• Hide your blemishes. The bad thing about photographs is that because they are simply frozen images of one angle in an instant in time, they can't show all your good attributes. The good thing about them is that you can easily hide certain features you don’t like. If you've got a unsightly look on one side of your face, for example, don’t show the camera that side.
• Determine your best angle. Beyond the obvious hiding of blemishes, finding the right angle for your face can be a bit more difficult. The best thing you can do is experiment using a digital camera so that you can immediately see the results of each pose. It will very quickly become obvious which angles are most flattering for you, and you can then use that angle as much as possible in the future. The classic model's pose is to arrange your body 3/4 toward the camera with one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the camera than the other. This isn’t the best pose for everybody, however, and it can look a little ridiculous when used in a family photo right next to Uncle Bob.
• Get rid of a double chin. Tilt your head down slightly and try to position yourself so that the camera is a little above your eye level. This will hide a double chin fairly effectively. You can also put one hand under your chin as though you’re resting your head on your hand (keep the thumb side of your hand out of the camera’s view, if possible). Don't actually rest any weight on the hand, however, or you will push the skin into an unflattering position. Also try resting your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
• Stick your neck out. One trick models often use is to present a 3/4 pose to the camera (turn your head so that 3/4 of your face is exposed to the camera, as opposed to a full frontal shot) and then lift your neck and slightly tilt your head down, as though you are a turkey sticking its head out (without actually thrusting your chin out). This improves facial definition and helps ameliorate wrinkles and flabby skin.
• Relax. Many people end up looking odd in photos because they freeze into odd facial expressions with a “say cheese" type of smile on their face. If you're used to having bad pictures taken of yourself, you probably get nervous in front of the camera, and this can make things even worse. If you know a picture is about to be taken, take a deep breath and exhale naturally, relaxing your arms and shoulders. As you exhale, smile or strike whatever pose is appropriate. Don't hold your breath, either in or out, otherwise you'll appear as though you're tense or suffocating. If you see the photo coming too late, don’t panic and try to strike a pose. Keep doing what you're doing and try to ignore the camera. It may not turn out perfectly, but you’ve got a better chance than if the camera catches you quickly trying to change your facial expression. The more comfortable and relaxed you appear, the better the photo will turn out.
• Smile with your eyes. Nothing projects happiness and beauty like smiling eyes: a happy, somewhat mischievous expression of the eyes. To achieve this effect, imagine that the camera is a person you have a crush on walking into the room. This will create wider open eyes and a relaxed smile. Chances are you unconsciously do this all the time; the trick is to be able to bring it out on demand, so practice the smiling eyes in front of a mirror.
• Fake it till you make it. People are often photogenic because they like having their picture taken. They are therefore relaxed and happy when the camera appears. If you cannot muster up genuine love of the camera, pretend you like the camera. Imagine the camera is someone you love, a long lost friend, an old flame, your child at age three, or whatever you need to look at the camera lovingly. Try it—it really does work.

For more info, head over to this website (where I stole the ideas from!!)

Um...Why?

I was just on the Sephora website and I came across a section where they were talking about makeovers. And while I adore trying out new looks, the makeover (above) left me scratching my head. The good folks over at Too Faced attacked a perfectly normal looking woman with a ton of bronze. (If you're dying to get this look for yourself, click here for step by step instructions.)

Is it just me? I mean honestly, this poor woman looks horrific. How can anyone really think that this look is flattering or fun? She looks a bit like a clown--or Ann Coulter--and, frankly, clowns and Ann Coulter scare the crap out of me.

What do you think? Would you want to look like this?

Holy Crap! I Have Bangs!

Ok, so I went in for a pre-Christmas color and cut today, and I let my hair designer talk me into BANGS. Yikes!!! I have super blonde Bettie Page bangs. *Gulp* I haven't had bangs like ever so this is a huge change for me.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

I love, love, love my color. I went for ultra blonde highlights--a very summery shade--as sort of a F-You to Winter. But now with the bangs I look really young and really Aryan. Hitler would love me. I don't think that's a good thing!

What's the biggest hair change you've made? And did you like it? Do tell--leave me a comment!

This Night Is Yours

With all the social demands life throws at us (especially this time of year!), many of us find ourselves running from a meeting at work to drinks at a trendy watering hole with friends in just a matter of minutes. Work demands you to look professional but you'll probably want to look a little more glam (and fun!) when it comes to your nighttime activities. Here are a few quick tips on taking your look from day to night:

• Apply an extra layer of mascara. Yes--it's ok to swipe on an extra coat of mascara on top of what you already have on. If you just hit the tips of your lashes, you won't bog down your lashes with too much gunky tar, but you will have effectively accented and lengthened your lashes. Perfect for ultra-flirty nighttime eyes.
  
• Stop shine in a flash. Head to your nearest bathroom and pull out a toilet seat protector. Use the tissuey seat protector to blot the excess oils off your skin. This is a great time saver and is very effective. If you have a powder compact with you, lightly powder your face. You don't want to use too much powder, though. A little shine is ok, I promise!
  
• Perk up your complexion. Use a cream-based or mouse-style blush to add some color to your cheeks. Both types of blush add a bit of luminosity and sparkle to your skin. Find a pretty, flattering, girlish pink to freshen up your face. A powder blush late in the day may make your skin look too powdery and flaky. Instead, opt for the lighter textured blush.
• Add some color to your lips. If you don't have a favorite lipstick, here are two very different options for you: 1) Try a classic, true red. This instantly dresses you up, makes your teeth look amazingly white, and (when applied properly) is a sure shot to hotness. 2) Opt for a coral-toned pink color. This will freshen up your look and flatter your skin tone, plus its easier to pull off than a red.
• Fix your hair. Either pull it up into a high ponytail or throw on a pretty headband to push the hair off your face. This is so much faster and easier than spending precious minutes with a hot iron, a flattener...whatever. Plus the addition of a fancy ponytail holder or an attractive headband will add some instant interest to your nighttime look.

These quick tips will make you ready to take on the night beautifully and confidently.

Beautiful Head to Toe

The winter season is tough on us for oh-so many reasons. First, days are shorter and we deal with more hours of darkness. Add to that the holidays (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years) and all their stress. Toss in a hefty dose of bad weather, and BAM! The next thing you know, you have dry, flaky, itchy skin, and you can't wait for a new season to roll around.

Here are a few tips for caring for your skin--head to toe--so you can avoid the dreaded dry winter skin trap:

• For your entire body: try showering at night. You'll be less likely to use super hot water at night. When you shower in the morning, you're colder and more likely to turn the heat up a few notches. Hot water zaps your skin of its moisture and leaves behind dry, itchy skin. This tip is hard for me...I adore my morning shower and can't even think about changing to a nighttime cleaning. To keep your skin from drying out while maintaining a morning shower routine, try to use a moisturizing body wash instead of a bar soap. It also wouldn't hurt to use an exfoliating body scrub several times a week.
  
• For your feet/heels: In the morning and the evening, apply a lotion containing lactic acid and then try a rich foot cream. For a lactic acid lotion, try something like this and for a foot lotion, try this. You should see results in about 2 weeks. And, just because its winter and you're not wearing flip flops (I hope!) maintain your pedicure schedule. A little professional pampering will keep your feet soft and your nails looking cute!
  
• For your back: It is tough to reach your back and moisturize it properly. Yet, the back is prone to dry patches. What's a girl to do? Spritz on a dry oil spray--you'll be able to cover more surface space (and those hard to reach spaces), and your back will be scale free! Or, you could ask someone to lather you with moisturizer daily--but somehow I like the idea of being a bit more self sufficient and using the dry oil spray!
  
• For your arms: This may sound a bit funny, but those annoying bumps you get on your arms can be buffed away with an at home microdermabrasion kit (like Olay). This stuff works for your face, so it's sure to make your arms smooth and bump-free!
• For your hands: Steer clear of harsh antibacterial soaps and instead opt for good old fashioned soap and water. And don't use water that's too hot. Slather on your favorite and richest hand cream whenever you need a little extra pampering. You can also exfoliate your hands with any sort of exfoliating scrub you would use for your body or face.
  
• For your lips: Exfoliating your lips regularly will keep them chap-free. But you don't need to buy anything special to get the desired effect. Instead, just light run your toothbrush over your lips each morning and apply your favorite moisturizing lip balm. My current favorite balm obsession is Boots Mediterranean Grape, Olive, and Nectarine Lip Butter (available at CVS and Target).
• For your scalp: Here's an easy at-home tip for keeping your scalp flake free: massage it for five minutes with olive oil about once a week. If you're experiencing an itchy, flaky scalp, crush an aspirin and mix it in with your olive oil. This will both moisturize and exfoliate.

Now you have no excuses for scaly skin. Of course if you are suffering from eczema or other itchy skin conditions, you may want to consult a dermatologist for some relief.

Just Over a Week and Counting!

Has this been the longest Christmas season or what? Seriously, by the time the big day rolls around, I could end up in a shopping and holiday-cheer induced coma. Like the rest of you, I have spent waaaaay too much time and money thinking about what other people might want for the holidays, wrapping gifts, getting packages ready to mail, waiting in line at various places (stores, post offices, etc.), and trying to force myself into the holiday spirit.

In the words of Susan Powter, "Stop the insanity!"

So now that we're in the final stretch and I have done as much as I am willing to do, I think it's time to focus on myself, if just for a moment. And I suggest you all do the same. This week I have both a hair appointment and pedicure scheduled. I am going to indulge in a little ME time before Dec. 25th gets here if it kills me, dammit!

When running through your list of people you need to buy for, don't forget yourself. Either take some time for a little pampering (hair, nails, massage, facial--whatever floats your boat) or buy yourself something pretty. And have it wrapped up so you get at least one thing you really want this Christmas. If you can't do any of that, then try to take time out for a bubble bath. Whatever you have time to do, just make sure its 100% for YOU!

Is this selfish? No. I don't think so. Doing something for yourself will make you at least temporarily merrier and will recharge your batteries so that you are able to enjoy (or endure!) this holiday season. Go on...do it! You have my permission.

ANTM's Finally Over...So What?

Well thank god that's over. The most recent "cycle" of the increasingly irrelevant America's Next Top Model finally came to an end last night. And who was the fiercest model of them all? Saleisha.

Yawn.

I'm sorry, but this latest batch of model-wannabes left me cold. The only one I really liked was Heather, the girl with Asperger's syndrome who took amazing photos but who didn't have the personality to make it as an ANTM winner. I knew she was doomed from the start, and that we'd end up with some completely nondescript, personality free ANTM champ.

Saleisha certainly fits the boring and safe mold. But I must say I'm glad she beat out that ultra-blonde Barbie girl who had all the polish of sandpaper.

Whatever.

At least now we won't have to sit through those horrific "My Life as a Cover Girl" spots with Jaslene. Listening to her made me want to gouge my ears out. She sounded like a deaf transvestite. Being a spokes model just ain't her thing.

Ok--my bitchiness is over. I just hope the next cycle has a little more, I don't know, personality? Excitement? Suspense? This cycle left me feeling like I had just gulped down a few Tylenol PMs. BORING!

Ask Lydia: Help My Winter Hair

Hi Lydia, I love your blog and now I need your help. I have been growing my hair out for awhile now, and it seems like the winter weather makes it dry, brittle, and flat. I also have static issues and sometimes my hair sticks straight up. It's a mess. Any suggestion on what to do? I don't really want to cut it because it's taken so long to grow out. Thanks for your help. Kara

Hi Kara!

Glad you like the blog...and thanks for your email.

Let me first say that, even though you don't want to do it, getting a haircut may be just what you need. My husband has long hair and loathes haircuts, but I get him in every year or so to trim things up. A haircut--even just a few inches--will get rid of all those dead ends that tend to stick out. Even if you take excellent care of your hair, you're bound to have some damage. A cut can give you more body, easier styling, and more life. No more "flatness" as you call it. I promise it will grow back, so seriously consider lopping off at least a few inches.

Now, on to caring for your hair and how to nurture it so it won't be all dry and brittle. You can try some anti-frizz serums--this will reduce your "static" issue and will give your hair a healthy shine. You might also want to try a hydrating hair mask. I've used one from Burt's Bees (an avocado hair butter) in the past and have had amazing results.

Switch over to conditioners that are hydrating during the winter season and try to ease off the styling tools. Heat from your hair dryer and curling and flattening irons will only further damage and dry out hair. If you have to use these tools, you may want to track down a product that will protect your hair from heat. I've used the Thermasilk line in the past with mixed results. However, there are quite a few products you can spray on your hair prior to drying that will protect your delicate hair.

You might also want to only wash your hair every other day. Give your hair and scalp a break. The natural oils in your scalp will help to protect your hair and might give you a better look. Ease into the every other day washing--you may feel a bit greasy at times, but try to stay with it. Ultimately it's better for your hair.

Oh and one more thing: if you feel like your hair is limp and "flat" you may want to go in for a color. When you color your hair the cuticles appear to be fuller, making your hair look thicker. It's a great trick!

Good luck and let me know what you do. For the rest of you, if you have a beauty question, please feel free to email me!

How Safe Are Your Cosmetics?

Sorry I didn't have time to post yesterday. I was stuck working a 13-hour day and was brain dead by the time I made it back home. 'Tis the season?

I received an interesting email from one of my fellow bloggers with a link to Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database that tells you how safe your cosmetics products are (or aren't!). They have a searchable database that lists hundreds of beauty products and rates them as being either low hazard, moderate hazard, or high hazard. This site also tells you if a company conducts animal testing or has signed their Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

I did a quick search on two of my favorite products, Maybelline Great Lash mascara and DuWop Lip Venom. Here's what I learned about each product:

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA, BLACKEST BLACK
Rating of 5: Moderate hazard

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
	Cancer
	Developmental/reproductive toxicity
	Violations, Restrictions & Warnings
	Allergies/immunotoxicity
	Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes

This manufacturer:
	Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer
	Conducts animal testing

DUWOP LIP VENOM
Rating of 3: Moderate hazard

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
	Cancer
	Developmental/reproductive toxicity
	Violations, Restrictions & Warnings
	Allergies/immunotoxicity
	Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous

This manufacturer:
	Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer
	Conducts animal testing

This site is amazing and is really worth a look if you're concerned at all about the ingredients in your cosmetics. You should really click over and look up your favorite products--its fascinating and scary.

The Oprah Effect

Ah, Oprah Winfrey. The most powerful woman in the country. Love her or hate her....I tend toward the later...she can single handedly influence the lifestyles of millions of American women. Over the weekend she was in Iowa stumping for Barak Obama, but if she were to ever run for office, I'm sure she'd win in a landslide.

Anyway.

As you all know, each year Oprah gleefully lists her "Favorite Things" for the holiday season. Among all the electronic devices you just have to have, Oprah touted a couple of beauty related products this year. Here's what she's hawking as her faves for 07:


Clairsonic Skin Care Brush, $195 available at www.clairsonic.com or www.sephora.com. This pricey brush is used to clean your face. Basically, it uses sonic technology to move the "gentle" brush over the skin at a rate of 300 rotations per second. It will not only remove dirt and makeup from your face, but it also massages your pores which will allow for your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers better. It basically provides similar results as a microderm abrasion but without any harshness.

I say: save yourself some dough and just get a drugstore brand microderm abrasion kit until the price of the Clairsonic Skin Care Brush goes down. Because with Oprah's fave, you have to buy the initial brush and then you have to get replacement heads that cost $25 a piece. Oprah's skin care brush is the gift that keeps on taking...money from your wallet. Just get Olay's Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System for about $25 and enjoy the smooth, clean feeling you get at a fraction of the cost!


Claus Porto Soaps from Lafco New York, $42 for a three large bar assortment. These expensive bars of soap are beautifully packaged and are made from 100% vegetable products. For $42 you can choose from three different assortments and each bar is individually wrapped. (Note: the picture here is of the 12-bar gift set that probably costs more than my phone bill.) This company (www.lafco.com) also sells high end candles, reed fragrance diffusers, etc. that look like they cost a lot...which they do.

I say: If you're dying to give an "Oprah" gift and you have $42 to spend on 3 bars of soap, go for it. Or, you could check out smaller, less pretentious companies like Vermont Organic Soap to give organic, fancy-schmancy soaps as a gift. If you're after candles and reed diffusers, head over to places like Pier One where you'll save yourself a ton of money and you won't have to deal with shipping and handling charges. Always a plus in my book.

Bottom line: Like the rest of you, I am always curious to see what Oprah is going to pitch on her Favorite Things episode. However, I prefer to be original and give my own favorite things as gifts. With just a little imagination and a lot less money than Oprah's list requires, you can find some incredible gifts out there that are luxurious, high end, and that will make both the giver and the receiver feel good. If you haven't started your shopping yet, take a look at Oprah's list, but then make a list of your own Favorite Things. Your taste is probably just as good as Oprah's and your faves will fit your budget and your recipients.

Is it Friday Yet?

It's almost the end of what has been a very long and trying week. I'm brain dead, am catching a cold, and can't even begin to think about makeup right now. Ugh! So instead of trying to be witty or insightful, I give you an LOL kitty from www.icanhascheezburger.com. I think it speaks for itself.

I'm taking a few days away from the blogosphere to revive myself and hopefully catch the holiday spirit. I'll be back Sunday with new stuff so come back then!

For the Boys

Men love to be pampered and cared for. They won't always admit it, but it's true. So this Christmas, be sure to pick up something special for your something special. Here are some great gift ideas for the men in your life.

Korres Absinthe Shave Cream, $28.00. $28 for shave cream? Yes. And it's worth every penny. This is my favorite product for men. I got it for my husband last year and he loved it. It's a foam-less shave cream that smells amazing and leaves your man's skin soft and free from any stubble or razor burn. Plus it lasts for a very, very long time, so you're getting you money's worth.

Anthony Logistics Clean Start Kit, $40.00. This handy kit of travel sized goodies includes everything your man needs to start the day fresh and perfectly groomed. Set includes a Glycolic Facial Cleanser enriched with aloe, glycolic acid, and vitamins to prep skin for shaving, Facial Scrub to gently removes dead skin cells as it deeply cleanses the skin, Shave Cream with a creamy formula that naturally raises hairs for a close, ingrown hair-free shave, After Shave Balm containing apricot kernel oil to prevent razor burn and soothe the skin instantly, and Lip Balm made of soothing shea butter, sesame seed, avocado, and grape seed oils to smooth dry, chapped lips in seconds.

Clinique Great Skin for Him Kit, $42.50. Clinique's fabulous skin care products aren't just for women any more! Go to clinique.com for this online exclusive that includes Clinique's three step skin care designed especially for men's oilier, rougher skin: a liquid face wash, a scruffing lotion, a gel lotion, and a travel sized face scrub packaged in a ready to give Clinique gift box.

Sephora's Scent Sampler Kit for Men, $50.00. I love this gift idea! Sephora has a kit for men and one for women. Basically, you're paying for eight samples of Sephora's top selling men's fragrances. But that's not all. You also get a voucher that can be redeemed at Sephora for a full sized bottle of the scent your man likes the most. As an added bonus, you also get a tube of Anthony Logistics Shave Cream. The scents included in this kit are: Aquolina Blue Sugar, Carolina Herrera 212 Men, Ermenegildo Zegna ZegnaIntenso, Kenneth Cole R.S.V.P., Lacoste Essential, Masaki Matsushima M;Men, Givenchy Very Irresistable Givenchy For Men Fresh Attitude, and Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme.

Have A Lush-ious Holiday

If you haven't experienced Lush and their amazing handmade bath products, it's time for you to get acquainted. I have a love-hate relationship with Lush. On one hand, their stuff is incredible, high quality, and original. On the other hand, their goods are expensive and addictive. Despite my mixed emotions, a gift box full of their fabulous items would be most welcomed.

Here are three different gift sets at three different price points for you to consider. And believe me, whoever gets these gifts (no matter how much or how little you spend) will be one happy person!

Winter Wonderland Kit, $104.95. This spectacular hat box hosts nine luxurious head-to-toe, fragrant treats for bath and body that will leave her feeling loved, indulged and very special indeed! For bathing there's shower gel and three handmade soaps; for body there's our legendary Dream Cream body lotion, Fair Trade foot lotion and a special Christmas Massage Bar. She will love our Gorgeous facial moisturizer and revel in our new American Cream solid fragrance. Contains: Dream Cream 8.4 fl.oz., Fair Trade Foot Lotion 3.5 oz., Gorgeous .5 oz., Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.5 fl.oz., American Cream Solid Perfume .35 oz., Christmas Massage 2.2 oz., Angel's Delight 3.5 oz., Figs and Leaves 3.5 oz., Snowcake 3.5 oz..

Christmas Candy Box, $37.95. A sweeter-than-sweet, girly pink and white gift that indulges her in the shower or bath. She'll feel sweet as can be with this quintet to soothe, cleanse and moisturize. Contains: Angel's Delight 3.5 oz., Candy Cane 3.5 oz., Christmas Angel 3.1 oz., MMM Melting Marshmallow Moment 3.5 oz., Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.5 fl.oz..

Tree Amigos Kit, $19.95. Your friends will have energizing (Green Party), revitalizing (Avobath) and rejuvenating (LUSH Pud) baths with these tree amigos. Lush bath bombs are legendary--they fizz and provide a fun bathing experience. You could stretch this kit out a bit and split it among three friends if you want. Or, divide them up among two of your friends and keep the third bath bomb for yourself--it's ok! I won't tell!

Lush products are the best, and they'll make for the perfect gift. If you don't have a Lush store near you, order online. Until December 10th, you'll get free shipping on all orders over $99.