Why is it men can get all irked if their wife gains weight but they can be twice the size they were in they married her? They want us to be pretty all the time, thin, smell good, and manicured from head to toe.

Well here's a newsflash for you guys. Take a look at the man in the mirror. You too could use a makeover. I know you think you age gracefully because your grey looks distinguished and your lines look masculine. But the truth is you can slow down the aging process and can look and feel better by changing a few things about yourself.

Along with working out and eating right there are some things you can do for your skin and for your overall appearance that will make us happy as well. Let's take a look at some easy ideas for a new you.

· Start a skincare regimen. There are many great lines specifically for men that will rejuvenate your tired skin.  Men need an easy but effective regimen. I'm also aware you also don't like heavy creams. Take a look at Anthony Logistics The Face Kit. It's two easy steps and is very affordable. It also comes with a weekly deep cleansing clay for added exfoliation and rejuvenation. The perk? It's only 30 bucks!
· For a brilliant shave you need to up the ante. No more grocery store shaving products. Go for quality.  You get what you pay for. Try The Art of Shaving Starter Kit Unscented.  You'll love it and you can still wear your cologne of choice because it's unscented.
· For detailed grooming use Tweezerman Men's Deluxe Grooming Kit.
· Lastly, to smell absolutely irresistible spray on some Clean Men Eau de Toilette.

You see looking good is a two way street!

My advice: Never get injectible fillers in an area of thin skin! Of course I knew that's a given on one level. But I started hearing how the technique of injectibles was getting so precise and how they were now doing areas that used to be contraindicated but that you needed to get a practitioner experienced in injecting those areas.  One of the areas I wanted filled was the lines underneath my eyes. Botox would effectively treat the lines on the sides of the eyes and above, but not the underneath area. Collagen type fillers were only used in deeper lines such as the naso-labial folds. Then as the fillers started being developed with hyaluronic acid and were considered thinner and easier to manipulate some doctors were using them in areas that were previously denied.

As soon as I started hearing the buzz about some offices doing injectibles in the thin skin underneath the eyes I started calling around to find a doctor or nurse practitioner who had the skills to do the tricky procedure. I found one who stated she did it routinely and that I was in good hands. I was there the moment I got an appointment. Once and for all I was going to be rid of the lines underneath the eyes. I've had great luck with reducing them with great eye creams but still I wanted more. Little did I know I would leave the office with a huge bump under each of the eyes and one of which was not just under the superficial layers of the skin but had perforated through to my sinus cavity. I was unaware of the perforation until that night and even still didn't know. I was sitting at my desk in my new home 500 miles from my dentist when I had the worst toothache of my life. I called her and she said I probably needed a root canal. She called in penicillin and pain medication and told me to fly up the next day and she would meet me in the office the next day even though it was a Saturday.  I did as I was told and met her at her office. Problem is she couldn't do anything for me because even though it felt like a toothache it wasn't. The pain was radiating from my sinus. The normal mucous in my sinus would constantly get trapped in the pocket that was made by the injection and I would get infections about every two months until the day it finally dissipated about 10 months later. So my great idea about erasing those remaining fine lines underneath my eyes that weren't even all that bad in the first place caused me to walk around with two bumps underneath both eyes along with a year of being sick with sinus infections. Color me crazy, but for now on, I'm sticking with a safe product that works great both immediately and cumulatively. Ever since I started using StriVectin-WF Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler I get the best compliments and they ask if I'm using injectible fillers and I laugh inside thinking "oh my gosh you have no idea!"

As much as I love Botox and injectible fillers I still have to agree with the too much of a good thing or the “no expression” look. It’s just awful to see someone who can’t smile or show expression in their forehead. After all it’s how we read people and we can see how they’re feeling. I’ve never had an extremely bad result but I have had some complications. One time I was offered free filler by a rep who needed to teach a medi- spa how to inject from the inside of the mouth instead of the typical way in which you inject straight into the wrinkle or furrow itself. Even though they were going about the procedure a different way I figured it would be great because the rep herself was doing it. The goal was to rid my face of those marionette lines you get at the sides of the mouth. I was thrilled because I hated those downward curves. Once and for all I was going to look like I wasn’t frowning all the time. They took the needle and pushed the filler into my skin from the inside of my mouth to push the lines outward. Problem is I had two big lumps inside my mouth (that I constantly bit) and the lines ended up only ascending up enough to just stick straight out to the sides. Imagine a straight line on either side of your mouth perfectly horizontal. I knew when I looked at the faces of the doctor, nurse and rep I was in big trouble. I asked them for a mirror and was horrified to see The Joker from Batman staring back at me. After that I swore off fillers and decided to stick with my beloved cosmeceuticals that worked well and didn’t change my looks other than to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Z-Bigatti Restoration Cream was my all time favorite but I felt it too expensive. After I found out how much injectibles cost Z-Bigatti was cheap in comparison.  Tomorrow I’ll write about another complication I experienced firsthand. A little hint…imagine a needle inserted into your sinus cavity! I never ended up looking like some of the stars you’ve seen that have experienced botched cosmetic treatments but this one is still quite a whopper!

There's a new injectable out called Elevess. It's similar to Juvederm and Restylane except that it also contains lidocaine for a more comfortable delivery. I'm considering it for adding volume to my lips. One of the reasons I never get my lips done is because I'm terrified of getting the nerve block that's usually recommended beforehand. This appears to be a decent compromise.

Another great use for Elevess…(in fact I think it's actually the intended use) is for the folds from nose to lips. The age-telling nasolabial folds.  Elevess works well for these folds because it is directed to be used deep in the skin and is indicated for deeper wrinkles and folds.

There may be side effects and possible complications so you would need to consult with your physician to be sure Elevess is right for you.

In the meantime, if you choose to opt out when it comes to injectables but still want some of the desired results you may want to try some of the over the counter topicals. There are products that increase lip size as well as products that lessen the depth of nasolabial folds. Take a look at Lip Fusion BeKissed Mini Set for a plumper set of lips and Fusion Beauty LiftFusion Facelift to soften lines and wrinkles. You may be so happy with your results that you'll choose to steer clear of injectables completely. I love Fusion Beauty!

I want to major in Philosophy! My GPA would be 4.0. I'm sure you're quite aware I'm not referring to the typical philosophy curriculum; I'm referring to the brand! Philosophy is by far one of the best skincare companies to hit the scene for gorgeous skin. I've been using a few of the products the last few weeks and I'm completely and utterly impressed. In a word (or two); I'm sold!

Check out these products and tell me if you're as blown away as I am. The first I'm going to share with you is a kit. We know that the skin renews all night while we sleep. Why not kick it up a notch by using some products to potentiate this effect? Take a look at Philosophy Change Your Skin Overnight. You will awake with the most luminous skin and will wish you started using it long ago!

Next you need to check out Philosophy's Hope In a Tube Eye and Lip Firming Cream. It seriously erases many of the fine lines you see around your eyes and on the skin above your upper lip. It feels kind of glue like so I think of it as my "wrinkle glue."

To speed up your regimen each morning use Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Cream SPF 20. It's a fabulous moisturizer and sunscreen in one. Start your day with getting an A+ in Philosophy!

Have any of you heard about the new form of liposuction called liposculpt? It's where they use a laser lipolysis device, which is supposed to be minimally invasive, and much more cost effective.

The one I looked into is called "Lipolite." It looks promising. Because it uses a laser tip it can be much more precise in terms of control. Therefore it is said to be better for areas such as the chin, knees, back, neck and face.

Most patients see results immediately however, full results may not be visible for up to a year. Additionally the more fat that has been removed the more time it will take to get your body to adapt to its new shape.

I'm thrilled that only local anesthesia is used and pain is minimal. That's the biggest plus of all, in my opinion. The only sensation you may feel is a tugging or pulling of the skin and possibly some mild stinging.

So in a nutshell:

· Great contouring results
· Short recovery time with minimal discomfort
· It's affordable for those of us who can't afford traditional liposuction
· It's permanent! Well I suppose as long as you don't gain new weight.

Wash, scrub, and polish! No I'm not talking about the carwash. I'm talking about your face! Nothing brings out luminous skin like a good cleaning. Just as you get your teeth deep cleaned, you should deep clean your skin as well. I refer to it as "dermal hygiene and have coined myself a dermal hygienist!" This can be done weekly at home. Simply cleanse your face with a good face wash depending on your skin type. If you don't want to spend too much money try GlyDerm 2% Gentle Wash. It's an excellent cleanser at a great price and good for most every skin type. Next you should exfoliate which in essence would be the "scrub" cycle. I use one product for both the scrub and the polish cycles. It's a savings in both time and money. This is the best little tidbit you'll read about in the beauty biz all week. Check out Revision Skincare Finishing Touch. It's a fantastic exfoliator as well as a finishing polisher. Your face will look positively radiant. Oh and the best part, the wash, scrub and polish is free even if you don't fill up your tank!

Terrific…Radiant! Wait. Am I taking adjectives from Charlotte's Web? Yes I am, but not to describe a pig but to describe the way you'll look when you try this incredible new product.

I've just discovered a new skincare product and is it ever terrific!  It's so good I almost don't want to share.   But of course I will. My loyal readers are well worth hearing about it first hand.

Are you ready for a firming serum that actually firms and firms well? I certainly was. And boy did I ever find it!

I would like to introduce the incredible anti-aging line called Bieux. Specifically Bieux Skin BioNaturals Power Lift and Repair Serum. It not only works cumulatively over time, you also get an immediate visible firming, tightening effect and look.  I've never looked better and to notice it right away is so wonderful. It's a little pricey, but worth every penny. I will never be without it. Next I'm buying Bieux Skin BioNaturals Advanced Eye Treatment Cream and Bieux Skin BioNaturals 24 Hour Treatment Moisturizer. All work beautifully for all skin types!

So everyone from Beauty Research readers to as far away as Zuckerman's Farm, I'm delighted to share with you the incredible effective results you'll obtain from Bieux! 

I felt remiss in leaving out a couple of key points in my entry yesterday titled "I Lost 7 lbs. by Making a Few Changes In My Eating Habits…You Can Too!"  I couldn't wait to blog today to let you know what they are. One is obvious; you need to get some exercise each day. I chose walking. I love to walk and I rewarded myself with a small frozen yogurt by walking to the little yogurt shop, which is about ¾ of a mile away. It feels so good when I get home each day because I feel so healthy and motivated now. It makes me want to keep my house nice and tidy and I'm more creative when I write.

The other key component is what truly helped me change my life. I've never felt better! I started using a daily supplement powder, which you simply pour into water and drink once daily. Perricone MD Superberry with Acai dietary Supplement Powder. I've written about the Acai berry before so I thought I'd link up the old article on it as well as what Dr. Perricone had to say about it on Oprah.com (Dr.Perricone's 10 Superfoods) to give you some background on the amazing benefits of acai…nature's perfect food!

Last week while visiting my sister, I found something rather disturbing on her refrigerator door. It was a picture of she and I from like ten years ago with a post-it note stuck to it that read, "this is what we're supposed to look like." Well I realize they say if you place an old photo of yourself on your frig you will refrain from eating too much. A motivational note if you will. A reminder of what your body can and has looked like in past years.  Well that's all fine and dandy…but why was I included???

I haven't gained as much as she had over the years. Why did she include me? I felt fat and kind of sick. I guess it did its job that fateful day cause I certainly didn't eat. And better yet it changed my poor eating habits once and for all.

Once I stopped feeling sorry for myself; I realized I had indeed gained over those years and I could use a little tough love. So I searched for the easiest ways to lose. I know, I know, we're not supposed to think instant gratification when we're dieting. I know that fad diets usually come right back at ya tenfold. But truly, just by simply changing a few habits regarding food and my eating habits, I did indeed lose about 7lbs.

This is how I did it:

I posted that same photo on my refrigerator.

I stopped snacking late.  My body couldn't digest food easily while I was at rest. I eat more small meals as opposed to two or three big ones.

I started eating breakfast. It kept me from mowing down the kitchen for sugary foods by mid-morning. My favorite is Special K cereal, some yummy fruit and a cup of coffee.

When I'm craving sweets I allow myself a piece of licorice.

I've been drinking plenty of water. I add lemons and ice. The lemon makes the water taste better and the ice revs up the metabolism.

Allow yourself a piece of protein when you're craving something. It will help keep blood sugar balanced so you don't feel that low blood sugar crash.

My friend owns a spa for women only and on the reception desk sits a replica of what 5lbs. of fat looks like. You can do the same with a pound or two of shortening in a plastic bag. Place it in your refrigerator so you have to look at it each time you open the door.

Watch how many calories you're getting in your daily drinking habits. I like diet coke so I was good to go on this one. Also as I said I love drinking water and lemon. Without the lemon I never used to drink enough water.

Lastly I always have on hand a bunch of fresh veggies cooked ahead of time. Then I just place them on top of a bed of rice and flavor with a little bit of butter, Spike (a great seasoning spice you can find at most grocery stores), shredded parmesan cheese, and some soy sauce and warm it up. Delicious!

I can't wait till my sister sees me!!!