If you were to choose only one beauty product to take with you if were to be stranded somewhere without any of your makeup what would you choose? I pondered that watching an episode of Survival. One of the contestants chose his skate board out of all the things he could've picked. I thought that was such a ridiculous choice.  Wouldn't you bring something necessary? I started daydreaming about what I would take. Well, I had to laugh at myself because smack dab in the middle of my pondering his idiotic choice I realized that what I would have chosen was just as satirical. I was thinking, 'Why on Earth wouldn't he choose something he could use for making food or perhaps building shelter like a tool?' And suddenly I started laughing because I would've chosen lipstick! And not only any lipstick, it had to be my favorite.

I love long lasting lip-color, which is essential for being stranded in a jungle. You'll only have to apply it once daily. It is conditioning, moisturizing and offers protection and benefiting properties such as antioxidants.. My pic to take anywhere is categorically one of the best lip-glosses on the market. Take a look at Stila Cherry Crush. If that doesn't impress you enough, try this on for size…it's a fantastic blush as well. So one little tube will give your cheeks an apple glow and your lips will look gorgeous even in the jungle!

I love beauty tips so much I spent an entire two or three hours searching for the best ever. Here's what I found:

Have no make-up on but somebody knocks at your door? Simply bend over as far as you can for about 30 seconds and you'll have a beautiful glow. It will look as though you're wearing a pretty, natural blush.
However say you want the reverse effect (because of too much redness) simply spritz your face with water or open the freezer door and let the cold air cool your face. Works like a charm.

I have light blonde hair and sometimes black mascara makes me look hard and almost scary. I've always wanted a product to use on blonde eyelashes to make them look longer and emphasize my lashes without that spidery look. Well I've found it: Brush petroleum jelly onto your lashes and you'll get the results you've been looking for without traditional mascara. It also makes them look soft and supple. To keep your lashes lush even if you use mascara apply at night before bed.

If you have dark eye circles use raw potato slices. The potassium is what seems to do the trick.

Sometimes we try to shampoo only twice or so a week to keep from drying out our hair. Problem is our hair can get greasy and look dirty. When that happens and you're not shampooing till the next day or two, simply soak a cotton ball in Witch Hazel and dab your roots.

Aren't these great tips? If any of you have favorites that you want to share please comment. Beauty Research is so thankful for such great and knowledgeable readers.

Did anyone read the article on wrinkle reducers today in the NY Times? It's a fascinating article that finally validates some wrinkle reducing products and treatments. So often in my business I hear skeptical people who say there is nothing that has been proven to reduce wrinkles…or at least not topically. Well this article paints an entirely different picture and has sited studies that prove it. One topical cream that I know is effective was mentioned in the article as being an effective, science proven ingredient to reduce wrinkles. The ingredient: retinol. And the exciting part is you don't have to go to the dermatologist anymore to get Retin A because there are indeed creams available that are the effective strength needed to be clinically effective. The writer says that as long as the cream has a potency or concentration of retinol that is at least 0.2 it will or can be effective. I wanted to list a few scientific cosmeceutical creams and serums (that contain retinol) I know of that are very effective and are some of my favorite products and brands today.

Leaf and Rusher Active Serum

Benev Retinol Cream

Topix Replenix Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum
(comes in multiple strengths…start with the lowest first unless you've been using retinols and your skin is used to it)

SkinMedica Retinol Complex

To read the article mentioned click on the link below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/health/19skin.html?no_interstitial

Anyone at any age at any time can have any one of these eye issues. It's not just older men and women. Young women and college kids who stay up late at night studying (or partying) or who have allergies oftentimes battle with eye puffiness and/or dark circles. However for me, it's just plain old aging. Nothing screams I'm getting older like a pair of tired, wrinkled, and drooping set of eyes. Conversely, nothing screams youth and good health and well being like a set of rested, bright eyes. Therefore my quest is to find the absolute best products that address these eye issues. I'm excited. I will not post this article until I've tried most if not all of the products I research on my own eyes. Therefore not only will you get the results from all my research about the products and what others are saying but also from the horse's mouth as well.

As a kid I thought that only men went bald. At the same time, I was certainly aware that my great aunts and grandmother wore wigs to the holiday dinners. It wasn’t until later that I put two and two together. Yes, women do experience hair thinning and in fact, it’s quite common.

While there are numerous medical reasons that may explain hair loss in women, the most common source is genetics. Genetic hair loss, which can be passed down from the mother or father, usually involves overall thinning that’s most noticeable at the crown.

I certainly shouldn’t have been surprised to see my mother start to experience serious hair-thinning in her 50s but it was still alarming since it was a reminder of what I will be facing myself one day. It’s too bad that my grandmother and her sisters were never able to benefit from recent advances in hair restoration. My mother is still young enough to have hope.

After enjoying a huge success from its men’s treatment, Rogaine recognized a new and eager audience when it launched Rogaine for Women. All Rogaine products contain FDA-approved minoxidil. The women’s version just contains a lower strength. Although the men’s product states that women should not use it, I have heard that it’s safe for women. They just need to keep it away from their faces so as not to experience facial hair growth.

My mother did try Rogaine for her hair loss but could not tolerate the strong chemical component. After suffering with scalp irritations, she abandoned the product. While minoxidil has worked wonders for many, those with sensitive skin often experience burning, stinging and rashes.

She then tried Nioxin, a natural hair revitalizer. I have had hair stylists recommend the Nioxin line to me for my fine hair. Although my mother didn’t experience any scalp irritations and thought the whole line of hair products was pleasant, she didn’t see much of a change and didn’t feel it was worth the heavy price tag.

Then a few months ago I managed to acquire a bottle of Jan Marini Age Intervention Hair Revitalizing Conditioner. This is from the same line as the very successful Age Intervention Eyelash Conditioner that Karen has talked about. After about three months, my mother has tufts of new hair and her crown is beginning to fill in. Although she’s far from having a full, lush head of hair, there’s a definite difference and it is very encouraging.

I really need some reader input on this one. I know there are quite a few hair-loss products out there so please share you experience if you have tried any. Also, has anyone tried other forms of hair restoration?

One of the best things you can do to look beautiful is to get a good night's sleep. They don't call it beauty sleep for nothing. Sleep is essential for cell renewal (one of sleep's main functions). Cell renewal is essential for beautiful luminous skin. When we don't get sufficient sleep we end up with dehydrated, wrinkled looking skin with puffy eyes. Just as exercising and eating right take some disicipline so does getting a good night's sleep. Take a look at the list below for some great tips from sleep.org for getting a good night's slumber.

• Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule, including weekends.

• Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.

• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.

• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

• Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. It is best to take work materials, computers and televisions out of the sleeping environment.

• Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.

• Exercise regularly. It is best to complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.

• Avoid nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco products). Used close to bedtime, it can lead to poor sleep.

• Avoid caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. It can keep you awake.

         Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. It can lead to disrupted sleep later in the night.

We all know there will be times when a poor night's sleep or a late night will be inevitable however, don't fret. There are products that will come to the rescue.

To replenish and revitalize tired skin try Bliss The Youth As We Know It Cleanser followed by Skyn Iceland Antidote Quenching Daily Lotion and Molton Brown Eye-Rescue Ultracool. Voila! You'll still look like you did have a good night's sleep. Just remember, nothing beats the real thing!

Are you ready to fight that battle with acne and actually be victorious for once? Have I got some ammo for you! These big guns will zap those zits once and for all. However, maintenance is key, so don't stop doing your daily skincare regimen once the enemy has been eliminated. They can be a relentless army who have been known to show up again once you let your guard down. They are a sneaky bunch. Just because you think you've won the war once the assault has been carried out they may be lurking about just waiting to take you down. However, as I said, if you keep up your daily regimen and use some of these effective products it will indeed eventually be D-day for them.

Best Acne Regimen: SensiClear

Best Cleaning System: Clarisonic

Best Pore Minimizer: Bliss Steep Clean Toner Pads

Best Spot Treatment: SensiClear Blemish Free Acne Spot Treatment

Best Peel: Cellex-C Speed Peel Facial Gel

Best Masque: Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque

As long as I can remember I've had two favorite skincare ingredients. However, I'm not sure why but they are difficult to find. Perhaps they are more expensive to formulate into creams and perhaps more difficult to harvest in the first place.

Do you remember Jafra? It was that multi-level marketing skincare business from the 70's and 80's. I loved that line. I wonder if it's still available. Anyone know? Well Jafra is where I was first introduced to royal jelly and almond oil. Perhaps I got such fabulous results from these ingredients because of my extremely dry skin. I've been searching for that same relief over the years and have found many ingredients that have come close…but so far, no cigar!

Both royal jelly and almond oil are long time standing first line offense ingredients for those of us with indications of dry skin. Both can be used on any skin type (unless of course you're allergic to either) however, I've found they are ideal for dry to extremely dry skin.

I decided to search a couple of websites for products containing royal jelly and almond oil. I know I could find supplements, essential oils, etc. at my local health food store, but I'm not talking about internal use of royal jelly, nor do I want to compound my own creams and lotions. I want to find a results oriented anti-aging topical cream (which contains royal jelly and other cutting edge ingredients) for my face and a quality therapeutic blend with almond oil for my dehydrated skin on my body.

Why am I so impressed with royal jelly? Well check out the list of goodies that this precious substance is packed with. It's a one-item carrier of nature's most precious vitamins, minerals, and many other nutrients proven to extend the life of, protect and repair cells.

· B complex vitamins
· amino acids (building blocks of protein)
· minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc
· lipids, including fatty acids and phospholipids
· peptides
· carbohydrates (monosaccharides and disaccharides)
· nucleic acids
· 10-HDA (a compound unique to Royal Jelly)

Thank goodness I hit the jackpot! I've already been using them for a week and am thrilled with my results. I wouldn't say I’m surprised because I had already set the bar so high due to past use that I was virtually sure the products would work and work well. I wasn't disappointed. I practically want to buy a beehive and believe me that speaks volumes because I'm terrified of bees!

Check out these products for yourself the next time you're in the market for something new for your skin. You know I won't let you down and that's a promise straight from the queen. Not the typical matriarch type with the crown and throne; I'm talkin' about the yellow and black striped (with wings and a stinger) type!

June Jacobs Cranberry Body Balm. About 50 bucks for 6.7 ozs.

Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee Energizing Fluid. Around 60 bucks for 1.3 ozs. and well worth it! (Also comes in a cream)

Astara Age Defying Complex. $82 for 0.5oz. Gotta dig a little deep for this one; but you'll be glad you did!

Pevonia O2ptimal Dry Skin Care Cream.  Sevnty-five dollars for just under two ozs.

Sundari Gotu Kola and Kukui Body Lotion. A little over thirty dollars for close to seven ozs.

When I look horrible and I'm feeling less than desirable I realize I'm in dire need of a "Karen's quick lil' California Girl Make-over." It's a little routine consisting of three quick things to make me feel and look exponentially better. The best part…this little routine is foolproof! First I buy one of those home hair painting kits to highlight my blonde hair when it's looking a little dingy or the dreaded "dishwater" color of blonde (applying most of the product around my face). Next, when I'm in the shower rinsing off the highlighting bleach I exfoliate my body using an excellent exfoliator or body peel. My favorite is MD Formulations Face and Body Scrub. The next step is self-tanning. Nothing brings out a glow and a ray of self-confidence like a bronze goddess with highlights. You'll look like you've been on a relaxing exotic vacation. Make sure you use a quality self-tanner manufactured by a cosmeceutical company. You'll spend more; but have a natural looking tan with no worries of that orange look we're all so fearful of. I have a few favorites to suggest, but your best bet is to read customer ratings to be sure that you're choosing the best one for you. Not everyone gets the same results so I've found when I research first I have the best luck. Some of my favorite all-time products have been from reading what others say about them. However, keep in mind, that sometimes people only take the time to go online to rate products when they're upset or have had bad luck with a product. But in general, you can pretty much count on the words of others. For me, I'm madly in love with Institut DERMed Body SolareSlimRX because not only does it produce a natural looking golden tan it simultaneously reduces the appearance of cellulite. That step alone is worth its weight in gold!

Ok; I just realized I fibbed a little about the routine only being three steps because there still is one step left; however, it is required to polish (sorry about the pun!) off the whole "California Girl" look. You need to paint your fingers and toes. The secret here is to not just reach for your favorite red polish, but instead purchase one of those little French Manicure kits. They really are easy to use and your hands and feet will look so clean and manicured with your bronzed skin showing them off even more.

So let's review the checklist:

· Highlight your hair. (This step is only for those who have blonde to light brown hair and who feel comfortable painting or highlighting their own hair. Seek a professional colorist if you do not.)

· Exfoliate your body for a smooth, softer skin and to prime the skin for self-tanning.

· Research and purchase a self-tanning product. Apply evenly and as directed by manufacturer. Some products such as the one mentioned above are not for use on the face. Therefore you may need to purchase a separate self-tanner for your face.

· Give yourself a French Manicure and French Pedicure. Pink and white finger and toe nails against your smooth, gorgeous tan is categorically one of the most effective "California Girl" looks you can treat yourself to.

Lastly, go make yourself a crisp cool salad, pour a glass of sun tea (or a nice Chardonnay) and put on a Beach Boys CD. Now that's California dreamin'!