Top 5 Must have for Women this summer

Item 1: Damage-Free Hair
Sun, salt water and chlorine may be summer staples, but they wreak havoc on hair. Prevent damage and color fading by spritzing hair with an SPF product, like Redken UV Rescue Leave-in Protective Moisturizer, SPF 12, $15. Also, wet your hair before swimming (your hair can only hold so much water, so if it's already wet it wont soak up as much chlorine or salt water).

After your day at the pool or beach, repair damage with a nourishing and hydrating hair mask, like Alterna Ten Hair Masque, $55. Leave it on overnight (wrap up your hair or put a towel over your pillow) for maximum benefits.

Item 2: A Beach-Perfect Hairstyle
Forget that boring old pony! There are so many other chic styles that will keep your hair out of your face. Try a French-braid headband (this video will show you how) or if you have short hair, this slicked-back look is perfect (you can even use sunscreen or deep conditioner to slick it!).

Item 3: A Simple Makeup Routine
With the heat and humidity you won't want to wear a full face of makeup this summer, but that doesn't mean you can't look polished. One way to instantly look put together: well-groomed brows (whip them into shape with tweezers, like Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $20, and keep them in place with clear brow gel like Tweezerman BrowMousse, $9). Perfect brows showcase eyes -- no makeup necessary!

Other ways to lighten the makeup load are to use a tinted moisturizer with SPF in place of regular foundation (try Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizers, $40) and a tinted lip balm with SPF, like Benefit Benetint Lip Balm SPF 15, $20, instead of lip liner and lipstick. A quick swipe of blush and waterproof mascara (check out the best ones here) and you're good to go! Just be sure to keep blotting papers around to sop up any shine, they're less messy than powder.

Item 4: Protected Skin
We'll just say it again: you must, must wear sunscreen, especially if you know you'll be outdoors. Use at least an SPF 30 for prolonged exposure, and be sure to reapply every couple hours and whenever you come out of the water and towel off. Check out these top-rated sunscreens or take this quiz to find your ideal product.

Item 5: The Perfect Mani/Pedi
Summer is officially sandal season (at least to us!). And that means your toes will be on display. Keep them -- and your hands -- looking flawless with regular manicures and pedicures. You don't have to go to a salon though, just follow this how-to guide.

You can also take the easy way out and try CND Creative Nail Design SpaPedicure Mini Tote, $60 for an everything-you-need kit, just add a cute file (like Tweezerman Zip File, $5.50) to shape nails to perfection. No matter what method you choose, finish up with a fun polish (brights are "in" this year), try CND Creative Nail Design Nail Lacquer, $5.49, in Hot Pop Yellow or Tutti Frutti.

Bikini in 2 weeks - Free Guides

1. Side Lunges
Works your glutes, lower back and core. I always like to go down slow and under control (not letting gravity control the tempo) and then from a static position explode up. For beginners, go as low as you feel comfortable; if you've already been working out, make it more difficult by bringing your knee up to your chest into a standing crunch after the lunge. Increase the burn -- never set that foot on the floor until after you have completed all of your reps.

2. One leg bicep curl
Works your biceps and glutes; increases focus and core stability. Lift one knee up, squeeze your abs, and hold it while you do your set of curls. Beginners can put a heel down and toe up instead of lifting the knee up. If you want to challenge yourself take your shoes off and stand on one leg on a Bosu ball. Switch legs after each set.

3. Dips
Great for the triceps and can be done anywhere. We all talk about the jiggle on the back of our arms. Well, here you go. Put your hands on a bench or chair, lower your body by bending your arms and then push back up. Beginners can go as low as they feel like they can support, and if you are advanced, add a bridge at the top of the move. Bridge by pushing your hips into the air, squeezing your glutes and push on the floor through your feet. Performing dips everyday does keep the jiggle at bay. Remember triceps make up 2/3 of your upper arm.

4. Swimmers
Great for shoulders and posture. Use an incline bench or just bend at the waist in a standing position and reach left arm up while pulling right arm back. Then reverse so that right arm is up and left is back. Don't forget to engage your abs. It's critical to use VERY LIGHT WEIGHT. This move is meant to be all about technique and not trying to fling around a bunch of heavy dumbbells.

5. Exercise ball lift (or Eball lift)
Works the hamstrings, core, and shoulders. Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart and an exercise ball between your feet. Squat down and pick up the ball; as you stand back up lift the ball overhead. At the top of this move really stretch through your core while reaching to the ceiling. If you want to make it tougher, do this with a smaller weighted ball and go up on to your toes at the top of the move. Squeeze those legs and glutes. This is a great warm up move.

6. Lat burn
I love this move! It's good for shoulders, triceps, lats, and most importantly, your posture. Stand with feet together and hold a resistance band at waist level with your elbows right by your sides. Pull hands away from each other while keeping your elbows snug against your waist. That's one rep. Remember to keep your shoulders up and back and feel the move in your upper back. Everything we do pulls our shoulders forward (driving a car, sitting in chairs on the computer). This is a very simple, friendly and effective way to get those aligned! If we are getting all swimsuit sexy then there is nothing more attractive than good posture.

7. Hip up squeeze
Want a tight tush? This is a safe way to work those glutes. It's important to concentrate on squeezing glutes at the top of the move but not jamming your neck. To make it more challenging simply add reps (try 50 for the mega burn) or just do it on one leg with the other one straight up in the air. Make sure to tighten your tummy to support your lower back during the move.

8. Tricep kickback
We're hitting the back of the arms again. The key to this move is to keep elbows in one spot and squeeze those arms. You don't need heavy weight, just proper form. Sit back in your glutes to work your core and back side, too. They have to work while holding your body during this move, so you're toning upper and lower body at the same time.

9. Front lunges
Works the hamstrings, quads, and glutes most effectively, all you need is your own body weight. I like to do all of my reps on one leg first and then switch to the other side. Hold dumbbells or add reps to increase the difficulty. I love doing moves like this that challenge your balance. It's critical to move in ways that will not only make you look great, but will help you be more coordinated in everyday life.

10. Superman (or woman)
Works glutes, core, shoulders, and body balance. This move is often used in rehab and therapy to help a patient develop or create muscle balance. If you get to the level where you want to make it harder and your FORM IS PERFECT (be mindful of hips and feet opening up or your posture collapsing), hold a dumbbell in one hand, and wear ankle weights on the opposing leg. I love these moves because you are working multiple muscles at one time.

5 Things Keeping You From a Flatter Stomach

The quest for flat abs knows no shame (or too much indolence). For proof, behold the Abs in a Box kit. It contains semipermanent body stain, eight shadow and highlighting powders, and a booklet explaining how to use the above to create a six-pack—all for $69. Which would be a bargain if those abs were real. But attaining flat abs isn’t a matter of painting by numbers—or even of executing a mind-numbing series of crunches. Consider this: Stomach flab is easier to lose than the padding on your butt and thighs; commit to shedding a few pounds, and the ones around your waist disappear first. Once they’re gone, a judicious mix of ab moves can carve out smooth, visible muscles over time—and not just for the genetically preprogrammed. Here, five ways to create your own (genuine) ab masterpiece.

Problem: You have too much fat all over.

You could have Jessica Alba’s muscle structure and nothing to show for it if you’re carrying around extra pounds. “No one’s ever going to see those strong muscles as long as a layer of fat sits on top of them,” says personal trainer Gunnar Peterson, who works with Jennifer Lopez and Gisele Bundchen. Interval training is the most effective way to exercise. A study in the International Journal of Obesity found that women who put in 20 minutes on a stationary bike three times a week—but alternated 8-second bursts of speedy pedaling with 12-second rest periods— trimmed more from their midsections over 15 weeks than those who cycled at a slower, but steady, pace for 40 minutes. Researchers believe that interval training triggers the body to release adrenaline, a hormone that tells the body to burn stored fat—which is often found in the stomach area.

Problem: You’re eating the wrong food

Without the right diet, even the most rigorous cardio regimen is useless. “That means cutting calories,” says Susan B. Roberts, a professor of nutrition and psychiatry at Tufts University in Boston and author of The Instinct Diet (Workman Publishing Company). And there are tricks that help, too. Drinking coffee—when part of a weight-loss diet—may also trim the stomach slightly, and the caffeine may speed up the metabolism. Roberts suggests one to three cups of coffee a day.

Dairy’s role in weight loss is controversial (some studies have shown a strong connection; others haven’t). On the pro side: In a University of Tennessee study, overweight adults on a low-calorie diet who had 1,100 milligrams of calcium daily lost 81 percent more stomach fat than those who got only 400 to 500 milligrams of calcium per day. Getting three daily servings of dairy is a reasonable goal, says Michael B. Zemel, director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee.

What to avoid? White, starchy carbohydrates top the list. People who chose white bread over whole grains gained about half an inch around the middle every year, according to a study from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.

Problem: You’re doing the wrong moves

“Crunches only work the superficial muscles at the front of your torso,” says Shawn McCormack, director of and head instructor at the Body, a Manhattan fitness studio. “They don’t do anything for the muscles that run around the entire core of your body like a corset, or the oblique muscles along your sides.” These are the muscles that act like your body’s own Spanx, drawing your midsection up and in. One of the best ways to strengthen them is by holding a simple plank position. For an extra challenge, lift your hips up an inch or two and then move them back.

Pilates moves are powerful ab sculptors, says Michele Olson, professor of exercise physiology at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama. In a study pitting mat-based Pilates moves against crunches, the Pilates exercises were all more effective on the abs than crunches were. Crunches can still be one part of your routine, but doing them ad nauseam is an exercise in futility. Two to five sets of 15 to 20 reps are plenty.

Problem: You only use your abdominal muscles rarely

Whether you’re on the treadmill or doing push-ups, your navel should feel like it’s being pulled toward your spine as your ribs drop slightly toward your pelvis. “Breathing deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth, is the best way to keep your core muscles contracted and engaged in any workout,” says Laurie Cole, an instructor at SoulCycle, a cycling studio in New York City. And it should extend beyond the gym. “My abs are always activated,” says personal trainer Kacy Duke. This not only strengthens the torso over time but also improves posture, which instantly minimizes bulges.

Problem: Your genes aren’t solely to blame.

Fat distribution is at least 30 percent—maybe as much as 60 percent—determined by genetics. But biology isn’t necessarily destiny. Though scientists have identified specific genes that affect the propensity to store fat around the middle or in the hips and thighs, any gene pool can be overcome. “You’ll probably have to do more work to maintain a flat stomach, but biology doesn’t rule how you exercise or what you eat,” says Olson.

Fitness Tips from Miami Bally total fitness and celebrity trainer

It never fails: Every winter, I OD on Halloween candy and ditch the gym for holiday parties. It's not healthy and it's not pretty.

This time, I'm determined to look great at the gazillion holiday cocktail shindigs. To help me get on the right track, I asked Seven, a Miami based Bally Total Fitness and celebrity trainer for her tips:

Q. What's a typical session for your female clients?
A. We start with 30 minutes of intense cardio as a warm up, and then move to weight lifting. For women, doing cardio first is a must--it gives you lean, defined muscles. I finish each workout with ten minutes of yoga.

Q. Do you change it up before a client's red carpet event?
A. I add ten minutes to her cardio and more workout days to the week leading up to an event. We also focus on muscle groups depending on the style of her dress. If she's wearing strapless, we work on defining her shoulders, and if she's wearing backless, we do extra back exercises.

Q. What activities do you recommend on the "off" days?
A. Do what you love: Yoga, kickboxing, jogging, or even just a walk in the park with your dog. Anything that keeps your muscles moving.

Q. What's your best move for abs?
A. Lie on your back, raise your arms and your legs up to the ceiling (so you look like a 'U' shape from the side. Keep your chin up to the ceiling at all times. Exhale and reach your fingers up to your toes, counting from 25 to 1, inhale on your way down. In the same position, reach toward your left toe and then alternate to your right, counting from 25 to one in each direction. Do three to four sets of each every day.

Q. Best butt move?
A. An old school squat gives the fastest results. Stand at the bottom of your staircase with your feet hip-width apart. "Fake sit"—just a booty tap—on the second-to-last step, then stand up. Do 20 reps and at least four sets.

Q. Your best tip ever?
A. Get a calendar and mark huge red X's on workout days. This makes reality set in faster than you think, because you have the bad days staring you in the face. Reality can be the best motivator.

Q. How do you motivate your lazy clients?
A. I tell them to suck it up! I remind them of their goals and why they're here to see me. They're always grateful at the end of a workout.

Body After Baby - Jessica Alba Reviews Her Diet Secrets

Now She's Pregnant, Now She's Hot! Here's How the Famously Fit Actress Got Red Carpet Ready in Record Time

When new mom Jessica Alba walked the red carpet at the ALMA Awards on Aug. 17, it wasn't only her satin Narciso Rodriguez gown that turned heads. The star, 27, also showed off her newly svelte silhouette just two months after welcoming daughter Honor Marie. Now Alba's trainer Ramona Braganza reveals how Alba dropped 25 lbs. so fast:



HER DIET
"During her pregnancy, she was able to indulge," says Braganza. Now on Braganza's 321 Baby Bulge Be Gone program, Alba starts off her day "with carbs—within reason," says Braganza, who suggests oatmeal, turkey bacon and egg whites. In between lunch (fish with a small salad) and dinner (chicken breast with brown rice), Alba snacks on fruit, almonds or cheese. Luckily, says Braganza, "Jessica has always preferred healthy food."

HER WORKOUT
Alba hit the gym three weeks after giving birth and eased herself into her routine with 25 minutes of core exercises such as crunches for the first two weeks. She gradually added 20 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of circuit training, which includes chest presses and lunges. "Her arms are leaner, and her legs and hips are firmer," says Braganza. Now working out six days a week for an hour doing three core workouts, two cardio sessions and one strength-training routine, Alba—who gained 35 lbs. during her pregnancy—has also incorporated boxing and hikes to shed about 8 more pounds. "She always gives me 100 percent," says Braganza, "and her body shows it."

Victoria's Secret Show Runway After Baby! - Ambrosio Lose Weight Tips

Model Alessandra Ambrosio Drops 45 Lbs. of Baby Weight in Three Months to (Nearly!) Bare All

Okay, so maybe it's not a surprise that a 5'9" underwear model would need only three months to lose the 45 lbs. she gained while pregnant. What is surprising is that, for Alessandra Ambrosio, doing so "was really hard!" she insists. "I'd been eating everything I wanted—everything!—and once you get used to that, it's hard to stop." Of course, being booked for the Victoria's Secret



Fashion Show on Nov. 15 (the show airs Dec. 3 on CBS) provided plenty of incentive. Out went seconds of beef stroganoff and her daily Häagen-Dazs; in came "lots of salads, brown rice instead of white and tiny portions," she says. Ambrosio, 27, also exercised for 2 to 3 hours a day, doing 45-minute treadmill workouts along with squats and lunges, while her mother or sister watched daughter Anja Louise (whose father is Ambrosio's fiancé, entrepreneur Jamie Mazur, 27). But now that she has her old body back, Ambrosio is only doing light training and allowing herself some treats. "If my friends and I go out, I'll have a glass of wine," she says. "And I love chocolate!"

Star "Mellisa Joan Hart" reviews how she slimmed down

Looking at Melissa Joan Hart's new 113-lb. bikini body, it's hard to believe it was only last summer she felt "horrified" by the unflattering bathing suits shots taken of her at a Southern California beach.

"I still read blogs about me discussing how fat I've become," the former "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" star tells People magazine in its new issue, available on newsstands Friday.

"Everyone still thinks I'm huge," says Hart, 33, whose post-pregnancy body was the subject of cruel Internet attacks after she gave birth to sons Mason, 3, and Braydon, 14 months, with husband, Course of Nature lead singer Mark Wilkerson, 32. "But I'm not anymore!"

Hart understands the confusion. After all, the public has grown accustomed to seeing celebs get back in their skinny jeans mere weeks after giving birth. "There are enormous pressures put on you in Hollywood," she says.

Her inspiration to finally get back in the best shape of her life? The women in her life, including her friend, actress Jaime Pressly, who has a son, Dezi, 2, as well as her own mom Paula, who gave birth to seven children "and is tiny!" Hart says. "I realized I didn't have to be heavy just because I have kids."

Adds Pressly: "She finally took the time to take care of herself. I'm blown away by how amazing she looks."

Reclaiming her slim figure took Hart 14 months of hard work. "It didn't happen by magic -- it was as hard for me as it would be for anyone else," she says. The fact that it took a little longer doesn't bother her. "I didn't want to take any time away from spending it with my sons," she explains.

To get back in bikini shape, Hart worked with nutritionist Derek Johnson at New Metabolism to change her diet. She also hit the gym with her trainer Mark Harari at Pulse Fitness Studio.

As for how she feels now? "I feel amazing!" she says. "I had to prove to myself that I could do it. I had to give it a go!"

H2O-laced prettifiers will invigorate your beauty routine, so you make a splash this summer. Dive in!

Love your lashes

Packed with lengthening protein and microfibers, Rimmel London Sexy Curves Waterproof Mascara, defines and volumizes while warding off H2O mishaps.

Break open the bubbly

Pour Thymes Azur Foaming Bath, filled with evening primrose oil (which has an essential fatty acid), into your tub and soak in its relaxing, oceanlike scent.

Replenish dry skin

After a dip, rehydrate with Davines Su Soothing After Sun Body Cream. Argan oil fights free radicals—it contains more vitamin E than olive oil—while soothing menthol cools skin down.

Perk up your smile

Too much water chaps lips. Slick on sheer DuWop Icedteas in Strawberry Kiwi. It's flooded with jojoba seed oil and aloe extract.

Glow for it

The secret to the antiwrinkling power of Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum, is a superstrong version of water-loving skin smoother hyaluronic acid.

Hello, hydration

Megamoisturizers in daily face cream Clarins HydraQuench Cream SPF 15, instantly boost radiance.

Freshen up your face - Look naturally polished with the perfect makeup for the pool and beyond.

Tap into the benefits

Show me some skin When the mercury rises, heavy foundations can feel as suffocating as a parka, while water-based mixtures such as Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15, impart light coverage. For a second-skin effect, blend with a foundation brush, says Julie Hewett, a makeup artist in L.A.

Acquire a natural finish Some cheek stains and gels are chockablock with water, leaving a flushlike pigment behind. As their name promises, they stain, so dab color on the apple of your cheek (smile!), then quickly tap it into skin with your fingertip.

Make makeup last Wet an eyeshadow brush, then sweep it across beige (if you're pale) or taupe (for darker skin tones) powder shadow; fill in your top lid, lash line to crease. Adding water creates a secure base for any products layered on top.

Avoid the washouts

Prevent a mascara meltdown. In the heat of summer, attempting to keep regular formulas intact all day can leave you feeling batty. Opt for a water-resistant version, so you can plunge in for that impromptu swim. For a barely there result in a blink, use a tubing type, which utilizes thin, plasticlike polymers that encapsulate each lash like shrink-wrap. (Try Stila Convertible Mascara.) To remove, splash your lashes with water several times and gently rub with your fingertips, then watch tubes slide off. (Don't worry; they'll stay put through every lap or leap off the high dive!)

Keep color in place. "If you're perspiring or your skin gets wet, your makeup may start to dissolve," Hewett says. "Wiping it dry simply erases more." Sop up excess moisture and oil with blotting papers such as Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets.

Reveal soft, silky skin - Want a clear, youthful-looking complexion? Just add water.

Tap into the benefits

Lessen lines "Water plumps and smooths, temporarily improving the appearance of wrinkles," says Fran E. Cook-Bolden, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. In products, humectants (hyaluronic acid or glycerin) draw moisture from the air to the skin's surface like a magnet. (Try SkinMedica Hydrating Complex serum.)

Rev up repair Over time, free radicals, pollution and inflammation damage skin cells' outer layer, siphoning out their water supply—and your radiance. Hydrators packed with ceramides and lipids seep into skin to coat and protect individual cells, preventing the water loss that leads to a rough, irritated texture.

Feed your face "Eighty percent of hydration should come from internal sources," says Howard Murad, M.D., a derm in Los Angeles, who suggests eating raw water-rich fruit and veggies (like strawberries and spinach) daily. "Their water molecules are grouped in small clusters and are absorbed quickly by the body," he says.

Avoid the washouts

Build a barrier. A long, steamy shower or bath is good for the soul but not your skin. Soaking in hot water dissolves natural oils. "As droplets evaporate off skin, they draw water from the inside out, too," Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Apply cream on damp skin to seal in moisture and help it penetrate beneath skin's surface.

Go gentle. Washing with harsh sudsers such as many sodium lauryl sulfates can strip skin's top layer. Guard glow-bestowing moisture by switching to hydrating cleansers that contain glycerin, shea butter or essential fatty acids. (Try Dove Nutrium Moisture Body Washes.)

Start with a clean slate. If your tap water has lots of minerals like calcium and magnesium (a yellow-rimmed tub is a telltale sign), chances are, it's not washing all the cleanser off your face, Dr. Cook-Bolden says. Residue can cause irritation, so wipe it off with an alcohol-free toner.

Tip

Post-beach, drench alligator skin—arms, elbows and legs can get flaky because they have few oil glands—with a thick cream or body oil, such as L'Occitane Honey Miel & Lemon Citron Softening Oil. Lotions that contain mostly water evaporate rapidly and can dry out skin.

Build a carefree and sexy style

Tap into the benefits

Catch waves Like watermelon and flip-flops, a tousled, low- maintenance look is a summer staple, and a little H2O is the styling secret. Dampen hair, then comb a small amount of mousse or texture spray through it, says Luke O'Connor, celebrity stylist in Los Angeles for Suave. Loosely wrap 1-inch sections into tiny buns and secure with bobby pins. Let hair air-dry, then remove pins and shake ringlets out with your fingertips. "Water plus styling products molds strands into a shape," O'Connor says.

Revive strands Got bed-head? Water reactivates yesterday's styling product by temporarily breaking down its hold on hair. Simply mist from root to tip, so strands are slightly wet, then restyle as usual. Once dry, your goop's grip is restored.

Help hydrate "It's a myth that conditioner's sole purpose is to moisturize," says Gary Howse, co-owner of the Gary Manuel Salon in Seattle. "It traps water, plus smooths the cuticle, allowing strands to reflect more light." But like a sponge, hair can get too full. Wring out water before applying conditioner.

Avoid the washouts

Stop mop top. If roots are even a smidge damp, your style will fall flat minutes after blow-drying, O'Connor says. Aim the nozzle at your scalp, count to three, then move it down strands. An ionic dryer can speed up styling sessions. (Negative ions are said to shrivel positively charged H2O, turning water into vapor in a flash.)

Fight fading. Just as throwing a T-shirt in the hot cycle washes away its vibrancy, steamy suds strip brunette, black and red hair, too. Flip the faucet to lukewarm when rinsing out shampoo and conditioner; step away from the spray to turn up the heat.

Brighten blonde. Golden hues don't lose luster from the same culprits as dark shades, but they also have water woes. "Tap water contains chlorine, salts and minerals that turn lightened hair brassy," O'Connor says. Attach a filter to your showerhead—a virtual Brita for your hair—to get H2O squeaky-clean. (Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System, powers your shower for three to six months.)

Essential Makeup tricks that will help you beat the heat and keep you looking gorgeous

Back off base
It's a simple equation: The less foundation you use, the less likely it is to run by midday. That doesn't mean you have to go barefaced, but "you do want makeup to appear as effortless as possible during warmer months," says Nikki Uberti, a makeup artist in Los Angeles. Avoid a meltdown by applying an oil-free tinted moisturizer with a damp sponge in short, outward strokes. Because the sponge is more porous than your fingers, this technique ensures uniform coverage that sinks into skin.


Get cheeky
Cream blushes add a dewy radiance that won't clump in the heat the way powders do. The best way to get a pretty flush without the goop? Pat a dab of light cream blush (try Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel) on the back of your hand to let you work the color into a makeup sponge. (Dipping the sponge directly into the pot can leave you with too much pigment.) Then blend onto cheeks. You'll get control—and thus a more natural result.


Be easy on eyes
For lid color that goes on smoothly—but won't rub off—blend a cream-to-powder shadow (SELF editors like YSL Water-Resistant Eye Shadow) from lash line to crease. Skip liner, which can easily smudge, and add definition with this bit of mascara magic: Follow a coat of your usual mascara with a layer of a waterproof version. Some waterproof formulas suck out moisture and can make lashes crunchy; doubling up will give you a soft-looking fringe that won't smear.

Make lips last
Glosses can turn your mouth into a Slip 'n Slide. Try this trick from Emily Kate Warren, a makeup artist in New York City, to transform any lipstick into a stain: Start with two swipes of bright lipstick. (Popsicle shades such as cherry have rich pigments that tint lips.) After 10 minutes, gently tissue the hue off and—voilà!—a stay-all-day smile.

Oil-absorbing primer
It keeps foundation from sliding off as you splish-splash.

The Surprising Skin Salvation in Your Kitchen "Olive Oil"

Olive oil is also one of the best, all-natural moisturizers. Now, researchers are learning about its anti-cancer properties, and their results are very exciting for skin health!

Skin Cancer Prevention

Ancient Greeks bathed with olive oil, and its skincare benefits have held up to the scrutiny of science. We now know that olive oil has at least four different types of antioxidants in it. Antioxidants neutralize damaging free radicals that can lead to skin aging and skin cancer. Well designed studies have shown that mice who drink extra virgin olive oil develop less skin cancer after exposure to UV light.

But, that's not all. The most exciting finding, in my opinion, is that applying topical olive oil to the mice skin after UV exposure also decreased the number of skin cancers. So whether ingested or applied directly to the skin, the oil is interfering with tumor development!

Moisturizing Properties

While skin cancer prevention is a relatively new benefit of olive oil, its moisturizing properties are renowned. Olives contain the compound linoleic acid, a component of skin that helps prevent water from evaporating. A linoleic acid deficiency causes skin to lose too much water, and those without it eventually develop dry skin.

Linoleic acid cannot be made by the body and must be supplied by topical creams and lotions, or from the diet. So, eating olive oil or olives, adding the oil to a warm bath or applying it directly to the skin can help the skin stay supple.

All Olive Oils are Not Created Equally

In my search, I have discovered some very special olive products. It is crucial to use extra virgin olive oil because it is made from the first press of the olives and has the highest amount of antioxidants. My favorites include La Amarilla de Ronda Organic Olive Oil and Costa dei Rosmarini Olive Oil. For just a few dollars, you'll have one of the best, all-natural bath oils and after-sun moisturizers around!

5 Diet Dinners & Desserts for Your Shopping List

DESSERTS...

Oreo Wafer Sticks Fun Stix
1 package = 90 calories, 3.5g fat, 13g carbs, 0g fiber

Okay, YUM! These crispy cookie sticks are straw-shaped and lined with an incredibly yummy frosting. And these things are LONG. They come in original chocolate Oreo (yum) and Golden Oreo (yummer!), and you can eat 2 sticks for just 90 calories. We like a good low-cal sugar fix! Keep an eye out for them at the grocery store.

Del Monte Fruit Chillers Frozen Fruit Sorbet Freeze & Eat Tubes
1 tube = 55 calories, 0g fat, 13g carbs, <1g fiber

These freeze-n-eat tubes are SO much better than the neon-colored ones we ate as kids. Made with real fruit, the chilly treats are sweet and refreshing. Look for both flavors, Strawberry Snow Storm and Grape Berry Blizzard, in the canned fruit aisle. They both ROCK. Who cares if they're "made for kids?"

DINNERS...

Contessa Green Cuisine Stir-Fry Meals
1 serving = 180 - 230 calories, 1.5 - 3g fat, 23 - 32g carbs, 3 - 4g fiber

These frozen bagged meals are GREAT. Why? They're full of veggies and protein, and NO rice or noodles are included. AND the sauce comes on the side. This is a meal after our own hearts. (Pssst! If you don't use the sauce, it'll shave 60 - 80 calories off the total). The stir-frys come with chicken, beef, or shrimp, and the sauces are really tasty. Love it!

Pillsbury Pizza Crust, Classic
1/6th of the package = 160 calories, 2g fat, 31g carbs, 1g fiber

Pre-made dough is so fun. There are a bajillion things you can do with it, and this stuff has pretty good stats. If you roll it a little thinner, you can (literally) make it stretch and get more servings out of it. Top it with some part-skim or fat-free mozzarella, tomato sauce, and your favorite guilt-free toppings (sliced tomatoes and fresh basil make a simple but elegant pizza), and you're good to chew.

Kashi Bakes, Tuscan Veggie and Mayan Harvest
One container = 260 - 340 calories, 9g fat, 42 - 58g carbs, 8g fiber

These are a couple of the yummiest frozen dinners we've ever had. The Tuscan Veggie Bake tastes like the love child of lasagna and ratatouille, and the Mayan Harvest is packed with crazy stuff like sweet potatoes, plantains, and sunflower seeds. PLUS, they've got whole-grain goodness goin' on (the Tuscan has whole-grain noodles and the Mayan rocks whole-grain polenta). Forget everything you know about frozen foods...

LOOK! IT'S HUNGRY GIRL'S NEW BOOK!

Hungry Girl 200 Under 200: 200 Recipes Under 200 Calories is packed with TWO HUNDRED easy and delicious recipes, each with less than 200 calories a serving!

Sunglasses that fit your face type

Check out our guide to finding the right pair of sunglasses to flatter your face type. Most women fall into four face shape categories: ROUND, OVAL, SQUARE, OR HEART. The right shaped sunglasses can make all the difference. Below are our favorite click-to-buy options - all for under $15!

ROUND shaped faces (like Taylor Momsen, Miley Cyrus, Gabrielle Union, Katy Perry and J. Lo) are flattered by square or rectangle frames with sharp angles.

Taylor Momsen

Urban Outfitters red square aviators, $14

OVAL shaped faces (like Angelina Jolie, Toni Collette, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan, and Mary J. Blige) enjoy the most flexibility. You can pretty much wear any style. (We're loving these cool figure-eight shapes that Angie's wearing.)

Angelina Jolie

Old Navy plastic sunglasses, $9.50

SQUARE shaped faces (like Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Wilde, and Kristin Chenoweth) are flattered by sunglasses with rounded edges. (Anything from John Lennon's circle frames to a rounded square will work.)

Paris Hilton

Fred Flare tortoise shell sunglasses, $11

HEART shaped faces (like AnnaLynne McCord, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon, and Ashley Olsen) should choose a style that echoes your face like the aviator; something with a rectangle shape will also flatter.

Annalynne McCord

Forever 21 pink and white aviators, $5.80

Essential Top 10 Fast Beauty Fixes

Sleep your way gorgeous

A cotton pillow doesn't allow skin to glide over its surface, causing sleep lines and dents. Over time, the repeated pressing can lead to permanent creases. Instead, cover your pillow with a case made of silk or satin (synthetic is fine) and get gorgeous while you sleep!

Make your hair shine

Healthy hair starts in the shower. Suds up with shampoo at the roots (where oil concentrates) to avoid drying out the rest of your hair. Condition from midshaft to ends; avoiding extra moisture at the roots helps maintain your style so you can cut back on washes to every other day or less often. Then wrap wet hair in an absorbent microfiber towel to start the drying process to cut back on frying blow-dry time.

Cover your hands

Washing the dishes and cleaning your house can expose your hands to harsh, drying chemicals. Water also swells nail layers, leading to splitting and chipped polish. Wear protective gloves when you submerge your skin in a cleansing solution, and your hands (one of the first zones to show aging) will earn applause.

Make SPF the encore

Always apply sunscreen last—after serums and lotions—so it can form a protective barrier. Use a foundation brush to push the formula into the hairline, an often-overlooked spot where skin cancers are on the rise. (While you're at it, rub some on ears, another susceptible spot that's often snubbed.) Then wait three minutes (the length of your favorite Beyoncé song) before applying makeup.

Nibble your teeth whiter

No time to brush between meals? Grab a crunchy fruit or veggie snack such as an apple, pear, celery stick or some baby carrots. Munching revs saliva, which shows up on the scene to flush away particles that could stain your smile.

Get flawless-looking foundation

For a natural finish, apply base or tinted moisturizer with a foundation brush (it has a flat, upside-down U shape). Before moving on to blush, puff out your cheeks like a blowfish and run a cotton swab over smile lines to remove makeup that may have settled.

De-stress in the shower

After sudsing up with shampoo, press the pads of your fingertips into your scalp in a circular motion, going up and down your head, along the hairline and around ears. Don't just move the hair around—move your scalp. Doing so whisks away oil at the roots and instantly relaxes you.

Shave smarter

Wait no longer than three minutes after getting in the shower before picking up your razor. Warm water softens hairs, but too much soaking can cause skin to swell, hiding them. Result: postshower stubble. To avoid ingrowns, shave in the direction of hair growth first (downward on legs; upward under arms), then again in the opposite direction.

Power up your body lotion

Rather than slather chilly lotion all over, heat a handful with your hair-dryer until warm. (To avoid causing a mess, set your dryer on low and aim it down toward your palm, at least 3 inches away.) You'll be more likely to cover your whole body—and ensure soft-as-silk skin—when your routine has a pampering spin.

Swipe a straw

Dark soda, red wine, coffee and deep-colored juices can stain teeth. Consider ordering beverages that are light (such as pinot grigio and chamomile tea) and clear (seltzer or plain old water) instead, and limit dark ones to two a day and sip them through a straw to avoid contact with your chompers.

Update Your Look

1. Look in the mirror.
Ask yourself: Am I doing this for me or to please someone else? If it's about you, keep going: How do I want to present myself? What do I feel good about? What do I want to update? Let the changes you make reveal the real you. (Have an outgoing personality? Try some bolder colors!)

2. Clean out your closet.
Make three piles: one for items that fit well and make you feel great, one for items that need tailoring, and one for items to donate or toss. Clearing out clutter helps you assess what you still need and makes room for a hot new wardrobe — and lets you appreciate what you already own.

3. Find a fashion mentor.
Share your mission with one of your stylish girlfriends. Ask her to dish her secrets: What designers does she love? Is she free to take you shopping? If you hit the mall solo, get advice from a chic store clerk about what silhouettes and colors might look good on you.

4. Experiment.
Give yourself permission to try a look that you may think "isn't you." Once you step out of your wardrobe safety zone, you'll see your fashion possibilities in a whole new way. And if the look doesn't feel quite right, ask yourself which parts did work. You may find a single new element to make your own.

5. Don't give up.
The best thing about a style change is that if you don't love it, you can leave it. New jacket looks a little too funky? Return it! Haircut a bit short? It'll grow back! As you develop your look, you'll see what clothes and makeup bring out the best version of you — and build confidence along the way.

Update your warm-weather wardrobe without bruising your bank account

Yellow and Lavender
The combination of yellow and lavender is springtime's version of black and white — always chic and pulled-together.

From left: "Arcady Birdseye Bow Sling" heels, Lela Rose for Payless, $38. Shirt, Gap, $48. Ruched jacket, Express, $70. Skirt, New York & Company, $30. Faceted multidrop necklace, Avon, $20. Blouse, DKNY Jeans, $69. Cardigan, Gap, $44. Skirt with fan pleat, New York & Company, $37. Print scarf, Mossimo for Target, $15. Beaded layer necklace, Target, $10.

The New Preppy
Score the new preppy look with nautical stripes and baggy boyfriend jeans.

From left: Tank, Rampage, $39. Distressed jeans, DKNY Jeans, $69. "Runway Ready" fabric bangles, $18 for both, and "Sorbet" enamel bangle, $24, all Rimistyle. Braided belt, Target, $15. "Lostine Anaconda" satchel, Attention, $23. Boatneck top, Dockers, $36. Vintage wash bootcut jeans, Aeropostale, $50. Belt, Dockers, $25. Strappy heels, Target, $30.

Easy Weekends
Dress for easy weekends with railroad stripes and rolled-up capris — they're an effortlessly cool mix.

Floral shirt, Ann Taylor LOFT, $40. "Vintage" vest, American Eagle Outfitters, $40. Drawstring convertible pants, Izod, $50. Tuxedo ruffle flip-flops, Simply Vera Vera Wang, $22. "Caribbean Cruise" cuff, Rimistyle, $26.

Flower Child
Channel your inner flower child with a painterly print dress and bohemian accessories.

Floral dress, Newport News, $29. Huarache sandals, Mossimo for Target, $20. "Sparkle-Rama" bangles, $9 each, and "Boho" handbag, $17, all Shop4Sparkles.com.

Spring's Suit
Spring's suit is simple as one, two, three: a neutral cropped jacket, a feminine blouse, and white wide-leg pants.

Printed cami, New York & Company, $30. Ruffle bomber jacket, Mossimo for Target, $30. "Cassidy Cuffed Downtown" pants, The Limited, $60. Metallic ruffle wedges, Mossimo for Target, $30. Beaded necklace, Spiegel, $24.

Things to buy before Economy Improve

1. Women's Clothing
According to the Consumer Price Index, women's outerwear, shoes and accessories have all seen lower prices in February compared with a year ago. Recently, women have begun flocking to "value" retailers, according to Piper Jaffray retail clothing analyst Jeffrey Klinefelter. That means less expensive clothing stores can lower their prices through lower production costs, and more expensive clothing stores will be forced to have more sales and clearance racks

2. Laptops
Paul Ryder, vice president of consumer electronics for Amazon.com, says laptop prices have dropped thanks to the interest in netbooks. Although the Consumer Price Index does not break out laptop computers from others, it seems to broadly support this claim, with personal computer prices falling 13 percent in February from a year earlier.

3. Toys
Parents can breathe a sigh of relief: More affordable toys are on their way for the holidays. According to the Toy Industry Association Inc., toy manufacturers are responding to the economic climate by developing low-cost toys. One toymaker, Wild Planet, has priced their entire 2009 line under $25. Look for lower-priced toys starting to hit stores this summer.

4. Televisions
Each year it seems as though TVs get cheaper and cheaper, but this year those decreases are starting to make larger flat-panel TVs far more affordable. The radio/television category in February's Consumer Price Index was down 9 percent from a year ago as more manufacturers get into the flat-panel business, driving prices down.

5. Furniture
With fewer people buying houses, fewer people are buying new furniture. Jim Sluzewski, a spokesman for Macy's, says furniture demand across the industry has noticeably decreased over the past year. That's driven many furniture retailers out of business, according to John Baugh, an analyst who covers the furniture industry at Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc. Retailers still in the market have to respond to those liquidation sales with price cuts and clearance items of their own. Baugh also noted that consumers with good credit can also often obtain very attractive financing.

6. Diamonds
Don't wait for the economy to improve before popping the question. Diane Irvine, chief executive officer of leading online diamond retailer bluenile.com, says that the recession has quashed demand for diamonds, creating deals. According to Ken Gassman of the Jewelry Research Institute, prices for polished diamonds are down 14 percent, on average, from their highs last summer.