Labels: Love for Ban.do headbands

February is American Heart Month so switch out your nail polish and give to a remarkable cause that benefits heart research. Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the US.

In an effort to help teach Americans about the significance of taking care of your heart, Np2 Nail Perfection is donating 10% of all sales of red nail polish to the American Heart Association.

Np2 Nail Perfection’s 2-in-1 bottle not only looks cool, but it is convenient to have the top coat right there with your color. The base coats come in radiant colors and are paired with a clear protein nail treatment top coat to provide long lasting wear and healthy nails.

I’ve used this product and found the colors to be amazing and last a long time. As a runner, I am always impressed when my pedicures don't easily wear off, and Np2 did not. The clear coat is incredibly shiny and it dries fast. More information can be found at http://www.np2beauty.com/

Labels: Red Nails Support American Heart Month

ShopSmart Magazine is filled with interesting reports and consumer information, so when they sent along a list of bad beauty deals ... things that may not be safe, or just not work, I had to post it. For more information, please see ShopSmart's March 2010 issue.

Lash Growers
Lash growers are regulated by the FDA as drugs. (Latisse is FDA approved, but ShopSmart doesn’t recommend it because of risks.) You’ll still see plenty of other “lash lengtheners” on the market though. Some have been issued warning letters by the FDA because they contain drugs.
ShopSmart says: Stick with mascara. Lancôme Définicils, $24, was top-rated in their last test.

Hair Smoothers
Ads for Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT), a popular salon technique, claim that it leaves hair smooth and healthy-looking for months. But a main ingredient in BKT is formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen that is not banned by the FDA in hair straighteners.
ShopSmart says: Try a straightening iron. They like Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic RVST2001C, $30.

Lip Plumpers
The results for lip plumpers were unimpressive for increasing lip volume, though some, including products from Clinique and DuWop, temporarily smoothed lip lines a little.
ShopSmart says: Try makeup tricks instead. Line your lips with pencil just outside your natural lip line, then dot highlighter just above the upper lip and just below the lower lip. If you want a more permanent pout, see a cosmetic surgeon for temporary injections.

Scar Eliminators
No product can completely eliminate a scar or stretch marks.
ShopSmart says: See a dermatologist. Certain laser treatments can reduce redness and smooth skin so scars are less noticeable.

Bust Boosters
There are no ingredients that have been scientifically proven to enhance or firm the bust.
ShopSmart says: Use a moisturizer or bust cream if your décolletage needs softening. Or try a push-up bra or bra inserts, aka “chicken cutlets.”

Under-Eye-Circle Erasers
Many products promise to erase under-eye circle, but they’re hard to treat due to enlarged veins and very thin skin under the eyes.
ShopSmart says: Some eye creams with caffeine can offer temporary help for puffiness. If the problem is allergy-related, try antihistamines or topical hydrocortisone cream. You can also see your dermatologist for cosmetic surgery.

Double-Chin Slimmer
A $20 infomercial gadget called the Neckline Slimmer promises to eliminate a double chin with resistance exercise, but the device mainly exercises neck-flexor muscles that have nothing to do with a double chin.
ShopSmart says: Try losing some weight or see a cosmetic surgeon. A scarf might also do the trick.

Labels: Bad beauty deals

Jewelry designer Danielle Stevens has created an elegant engraved necklace that you can purchase to support Haiti. She’ll be donating 80% of all sales from the Help For Haiti Necklace to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Operation. Necklace is available for $40 through her website only: http://www.daniellestevens.com/.

Labels: Necklace supports victims in Haiti

Nicole Kidman looked stunning at last weekend's SAG Awards, so we were thrilled when we got the scoop on how to obtain her hairdo. Celebrity stylist, and favorite of Indulge, David Babaii tells us how he created her elegant ringlets.

How to style your hair like Nicole Kidman at the SAG Awards:


Step 1: Gently towel dry hair and spray Bohemian Beach Spray throughout.


Step 2: Gently rough dry the hair moving hands in various directions to create texture.


Step 3: Once dry, fashion a center part and divide tresses into 4 sections (sides, back crown & nape).


Step 4: Starting at the nape area, alternate between 1" and 1 ½" ceramic curling irons, taking "V" shaped partings. Then wrap hair around the inside of the barrel, holding for 10 seconds then gently release the curl. With each alternating curl, slide fingers up the curl to gently create a soft back combing effect and enhanced texture.


Step 5: After finishing the entire head, use fingers to add extra Bohemian Beach Spray to loosen the curls and highlight the richness of the hair color.

Thanks to David for his celebrity hairstyling tips!

Labels: David Babaii, style your hair like Nicole Kidman at the SAG Awards