How cool is THIS? Free video downloads with podcasts featuring Redken Pros!

How cool is THIS? Free video downloads with podcasts featuring Fashion Week runway and Redken pros!


Redken and Allure’s new video podcast series goes behind the scenes at the Spring/Summer 2008 Fashion Week shows to feature the hottest hair trends for the season. Watch Guido, Redken Creative Consultant backstage at tops shows including Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Sonia Rykiel. See (the amazing) Rodney Cutler, owner of the Cutler/Redken Salon recreate those same looks for a more consumer friendly version. Finally, listen to an Allure expert on how to finish off the hair with the right wardrobe look for the season!

Check out http://smfweb.net/allure/redken/ for a teaser of the series. Then log on to http://www.redken.com/inspire/fashion-week/podcasts-spring-2008/

to see each series in it’s full version!

These vidoes are free, fabulous...a must-see!

And anyone who reads my columns already knows I love Redken products. In case you missed then, do check out my reviews of Fall Fashion week, including some behind-the-scenes features on the Advice Sisters Blog: http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesisters.net/2008_02_01_advicesistersblogarchive

and Spring Fashion Week 2007 at: http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesisters.net/2007_09_01_ This one's from backstage at TULEH!

Starlet Cosmetics Theatrical Palette, Shines!

Now that Spring is here (well, the "April showers" are, anyway, I'm longing for more color both in my wardrobe and in my cosmetics. If you're creative with color, and would love a pro-style pressed powder palette that lets you blend colors you create in your mind, then the Theatrical Palette $50.00 by Starlet Cosmetics, is an instant "must-have" for your cosmetics collection.

This large, slim, black plastic palette, opens to offer you 15 large, round pans of bold color ranging from bright red, orange and yellow, to blues, browns, purples and even black and white. You can apply each as-is for wild looks, or blend them together in infinite varieties. The color is easily applies and is very long lasting. It's a true fantasy "paintbox" that will dare you to dabble with it's colors. Stage-y or subtle, the world of color is yours in one box...you can't help but covet one.


The shadows are silky, easy to blend, and long-lasting. You can use most of these colors as-is, but in case you've always wondered how in the world you really use colors such as red, orange or black, consider them as "paints." Blend them as you would any primary colors, to create new hues that are all your own.

For starters, even bold and bright colors such as Red and Orange can add "POP" and dimension to your eyes, left intense, or blended into a softer, more subtle look with a soft, blender brush.
You can use Red or orange as-is, or blend Orange over White to make a beautiful Peach, or add the Red to Orange, maybe with a bit of Brown or Yellow, and apply to your eye crease for a dramatic, warm eye look. You can also use Orange and Red as a blush on the apples of your cheeks (blend out very well with a big, soft brush), or mix it with white and create a blush you can't buy in the store, but that is perfectly suited to you. Try these bold colors mixed with a bit of shimmer or glitter for evening, too. The key is to experiment first and have fun with it.

...and what about Black? It can be used as a powder liner, or to create a smokey eye that's intense or fairly sheer. It's easy...and if you experiment and don't like the results, simply wash them off and start again until you've gotten the look you love.

Starlet Cosmetics was created by professional Hollywood based makeup artists who didn't want to use cookie cutter products, so they created their own to allow more creativity. They have tons of other palettes from pale to dramatic, and we hope to review more of them here on the Advice Sisters Blog, and on the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column as well. Get a colorful eyeful by visiting Starlet Cosmetics on their web site: www.StarletCosmetics.com

Dove Brand Beautiful and Vitalize Chocolate is delicious and good for you--it's The Advice Sister's Product of the Week

Chocolate is a universally loved food, regardless of what form it is in. The first people who used chocolate as a food were the Maya and Aztec, who mixed ground cacao seeds with various seasonings to make a drink. Eventually, the the Spanish conquistadors brought cacao back to Spain. The drink made of cacao was thought to have medicinal properties and it was so precious, only royalty and the wealthy had access to it. Luckily, supplies increased, new recipes were created, and chocolate became the sweet, smooth, creamy confection we love so much, today.

We consider chocolate to be a treat, and a treasure. But it's actually good for you on several levels. While chocolate does have it's share of fat, calories and sugar, it also is heart-healthy, thanks to flavonoids. Flavonoids are in foods and beverages including chocolate, and they act as antioxidants to our bodies. Flavonoids repair damage and protect from environmental toxins and help your body resist damage by “free radicals” (formed by breathing, environmental pollutants, and even cigarette smoke). If you don't have enough antioxidants in your body, the “free radicals” can damage cause damage (eg. an increase in bad cholesterol, and the forming of plaque on the walls of your arteries. Chocolates high in flavanols therefore can have heart healthy bennies by improving blood flow. For chocolate lovers, the great news is that dark chocolate contains more flavonoids than any other food. It's even higher in dark chocolate than in green and black tea, red wine, and blueberries. The levels of flavanols in chocolate directly relate to the amount of natural cocoa in a product and the beans must be roasted for just the right amount of time and at the right temperature....



...but enough tech talk. The real point of this post is that I recently tried products from the MARS Company that satisfy a universal craving for chocolate, contain the flavonoids you've just been been reading about above, taste amazing, and offer even more health benefits. The products are: DOVE Brand Vitalize Rich Dark Chocolate (“with energy-releasing B vitamins, plus cocoa flavanols”), and DOVE Brand Beautiful Smooth Milk Chocolate (“with skin-nourishing vitamins C and E, biotin and zinc”).


DOVE started out as a premium ice cream bar in Chicago with a signature, rich, thick, chocolate coating. I remember when these ice-cream bars were first availabe in my local supermarket, they were always sold out by the time I got there!

When MARS acquired DOVE in 1986, they expanded the brand into a premium chocolate brand. With the addition of DOVE Vitalize Rich Dark Chocolate and DOVE Beautiful Smooth Milk Chocolate, my favorite treat has become even more sophisticated. The flavanols are in the chocolate, but what's new is the addition of skin-nourishing ingredients such as Vitamins C&E, Biotin and Zinc (popular in many skin creams) or the heart-healty and energizing B Vitamins that help energize you, help you look and feel better from within your body. Eat chocolate and do good things for your body--now that's what I call a: "yummyceutical!"



If all of this good-for-you information isn't of interest, just try a DOVE chocolate and the taste will make you a believer. I tried the Dove Beautiful Smooth Milk Chocolate. The silky-smooth square of super-smooth, super-rich chocolate literally melts in your mouth--you can't help but smile. It's the perfect after-dinner or before bed-time treat. Each foil-wrapped square has 220 calories and 120 from fat (the Vitalize dark chocolate has 210 calories and 140 from fat). Just one square satisfies enough to send you to chocolate Nirvana for the night. Of course, they're great during the daytime, too.

These wonderful DOVE chocolates should be cropping up in your local stores, but if you have difficulty finding DOVE products, you can visit: http://www.dovechocolate.com/Collection/ProductLocator.aspx where a store locator search engine is available for U.S. locations.

Amazing Amatokin--a review

Ask anyone who is knowledgeable about skincare to tell you about Amatokin Emulsion for the Face $190.00 1 fl. oz by Voss Laboratories and s/he will know that this is no ordinary product. Back in 2005, a very limited supply of Amatokin was made available to select Bloomingdale's customers at their NYC flagship store. Today, Amatokin is available in more stores, including Bloomingdales and Macys in the US, Sephora in France, and for all, directly from Voss Laboratories.





One reason is that Amatokin is mysterious to some, and a bit controversial to others, that it's the first, non-invasive product to highlight the expression of stem cell markers in the skin to reduce the appearance of serious wrinkles.



What does that mean in plain English? Stem cells both embryonic (the ones that have caused controversy in some areas) and adult stem cells have unique properties. Medical researchers believe that therapies using stem cells might be able to cure or prevent some serious human diseases, including cancer, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries, among others. While stem cell use has been at the heart of heated debates, the stem cells used by Amotokin are not the same. The Amotokin product has the ability to harvest the potential from adult stem cells in an individual's own skin,...not those harvested from outside sources. The product helps to activate the potential of a person's own adult stem-cell "reservoirs" in their skin to help rejuvenate it. As we age, our ability to use our own stem-cells to keep our skin youthful, is compromised. however, even when our restorative abilities are reduced, apparently Amatokin can help utilize whatever stem-cell reservoirs we have left to make our skin look younger and more refreshed. At least that's the idea of it in a simple form. I'm not a scientist, and I'm not even going to try and describe everything in this cream, other than to say it has an anti-aging ingredient that basically is synthetic collagen, able to stimulate the skin's natural mechanism to produce more collagen.



But what I really like about Amatokin is that it can be used as a preventative measure if you have youthful skin, as well as by people with more mature skin. You won't see immediate, miraculous results in a nano-second....it takes at least a month. And, as with all beauty products, what works for one person may not produce uniform results in someone else. So I can only speak for my own results with Amatokin, and take from it what you will. I used it for a month. The cream in a pump bottle was pleasant to use, and easily absorbed. That was the first plus. But the real bonus is that I keep getting unsolicited compliments on how good my skin looks, even without foundation. My skin wasn't bad, but it wasn't 20-something quality either. I do not feel like I'm 20 again, but my skin looks radiant and smooth..and the compliments keep surprising me!



Will Amatokin do the exact same for you? Maybe? Probably? You'd have to have my skin, apply the product just as I did, and under the same conditions for the same amount of time. What you've just read is my straightforward personal opinion. Yes, for me, Amatokin worked well and is an excellent anti-aging cream. There aren't a lot of user reviews, this is an honest one. If there's a real downside, it's only that the cost of continued treatment with Amatokin puts it out of the reach of many people. Still, for a man or woman concerned about aging, or who are already suffering from the effects of maturing skin, it's a lot easier and more convenient to use Amatokin than to suffer through the pain of a face lift or indulging in other such invasive, anti-aging measures. The real key to effective skincare is to understand your skin type and it's needs, create a routine that you can follow regularly, apply the right products and as directed, and adjust as necessary. Amatokin could be an important part of your anti-aging arsenal.

Pretty, Trendy Jewelry You Can Really Afford!

You may not recognize the name, Holsted Jewellers, but it's likely that you have admired some of their jewelry items on a chic woman or perhaps, in a popular catalogue. Holsted Jewelers has created classic and trendy jewelry for other companies for more than 30 years, but now, they're also offering high quality fashion and fine jewelry to the general public through their own web site and a print catalogue.

I got a chance to check out some of their designs, up close and personal, such as this perfect for Springtime Fashion Watch for just $40.00.
This "gift-able" watch (I'm thinking for mother's day or a graduation gift) is impressive, especially for the price. The leather "croc" band is substantial, with two keepers to keep it closed at your wrist. The watch case is heavy stainless steel. And the silvery face is really elegant, with 22 beautiful sparkling cubic zirconia accents flanking the sides and another design touch: four small blue "topaz" accents anchoring the four sides of the watch face. The movement is accurate quartz, and there's a second hand for even more accuracy.

This beautiful watch looks just like the ones I've seen being touted as "must-haves" for Spring in popular fashion magazines, but unlike the costly versions you're seeing erverywhere, Holsted's version only looks expensive!

If you want to own this watch, or any of of the hundreds of other jewelry items in Holsted's catalogue, go to the user friendly web site http://www.holstedjewelers.com/ where you can check out a virtual garden of jewelry delights nicely organized by category and theme. You can also request a print catalogue to oogle at your leisure. If you see something you want right away, you can also order it directly, online. As a bonus, the company is offering a free gift and free shipping with a $75.00 order.

Whether you're seeking high fashion trends at a reasonable cost, or genuine gemstones, you'll find it through this company. Jewelry shopping has never been easier, more affordable, or more pleasurable. Holsted Jewelers is a real find!

ICE -- It Could Save Your Life

A good friend sent me this idea about the ICE "In Case of Emergency" Campaign. It seems like a good idea, so I'm putting it on my blog to share with you as a "LifeTips" suggestions--Alison

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone, but they still wouldn't know who in our phone books to contact.

Which is your contact person in case of an emergency?

The concept of "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) could be a real life saver for you and for those who are trying to help you. All you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" (In Case Of Emergency).The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, many patients had mobile phones, but still, the paramedics wouldn't have a clue who to contact on their behalf. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose.In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.

This is so simple and easy, and it doesn't cost a dime, but it is a good idea that could make a big difference if you really need it.

So add at least one ICE contact to your mobile phone, today, and spread the word by sending this blog post to everyone you know.

Product of the Week-Jenni Kayne for Beauty.com Bag

There's nothing more fun than a sackful of beauty items, and one that's limited edition and well worth the price is the

Los Angeles-based women’s wear designer Jenni Kayne has a following of chic celebrities who love her clothes and accessories such as: Michelle Pfeiffer, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, and Rachel Bilson. Now, through Beauty.com you can also have a Jenni Kayne design -- a large, limited edition, laminated canvas beauty bag stuffed full of sample-sized beauty goodies. (with a purchase of $75 or more on Beauty.com)

Inside the bag (as you can see in the photo), are $100.00 worth of beauty products from top prestige beauty brands, the full list includes: · Murad Renewal Home Facial Treatment · Caudalie Gentle Conditioning Shampoo · Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum · L’Occitane Shea Butter · Arcona The Eyes Have It, Regenerate PM Serum · Seikisho Mask White · DuWop Lip Venom Mini· Jack Black Hand Healer, Industrial Strength · Boscia Rose Blotting Linens · Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder · Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil. One of my favorite products is the phytodefisant hair relaxing balm, that makes frizz easy to handle now that Spring showers are here. This is a great way to try products you have wondered about, and of course, both the bag and the products are travel-friendly.

This spring Jenni Kayne also appears in a number of Beauty.com site features. She recommends some of her favorite beauty products on the Industry Insider page, and videos showcasing makeup how-tos from her New York fashion presentations are available for viewing at www.beauty.com/videos

In Memoriam: Dr. Norman Sidney Blackman, MD, FAAC, FACP, FCCP

Dr. Norman Sidney Blackman, MD, FAAC, FACP, FCCP
July 23, 1919 – March 14, 2008

My father was a man of great ideas and great character. He was not just a great human being, he was a great dad. The world was a better place for his being in it, and the world is poorer for his loss. If you care to know more about my father, his obituary is below, and a more personal tribute is at: http://www.advicesisters.net/nsb.html - Alison Blackman Dunham -

Dr. Norman S. Blackman, a cardiologist and prominent member of New York City’s medical community, died in Yonkers on March 14, 2008. He was 88 years old.

As well as treating thousands of patients in his more than 40 years as a physician, Dr. Blackman served as President of both the Medical Society of the County of Kings and New York State Medical Society and was a member of the Board of Regents of the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn. In addition, Dr. Blackman served for many years on the New York City Firemen’s Pension Board, where in 1987 he was held hostage by a gunman who had just fatally shot another member of the Board. Dr. Blackman calmly talked the gunman into surrendering his weapon and escorted him into police custody. Local newspapers hailed him a hero.

Dr. Blackman was born in Brooklyn and grew up in the Flatbush section. His wife, Sylvia Blackman, who was a professor at Brooklyn College, died in 1994. One of his twin daughters, Jessica B. Freedman (aka. "Advice Sister Jessica") of Alexandria, Virginia, died in 2002. He is survived by his sister Dr. Bernice Elkin of Los Angeles, California, and his other daughter, Ms. Alison Blackman Dunham, a writer in Brooklyn Heights.

After attending college at Columbia University and medical school at St. Louis University, Dr. Blackman was inducted into the United States Army, where he served as Chief of Medical Services at Fort George Wright in Washington State. After finishing his military service, Dr. Blackman returned to New York, where he established a cardiology practice in Brooklyn Heights. In addition to being a prominent member of the City’s medical community, Dr. Blackman was a staunch advocate of medical malpractice reform. He wrote extensively on the topic as Editor of the Kings County Medical Society Bulletin and authored a book on the topic with attorney Dr. Charles P. Bailey (Liability in Medical Practice, A Reference for Physicians). He was also an accomplished pianist, inventor, and sailor.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Blackman’s name be sent to The Bargemusic, Ltd., Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn, NY 11201, where a memorial concert is being planned for a future date.

Rockin' Redken (Rock and Roll HOF Awards)

Think guys don't love products? According to Redken, Redken For Men “rocked” at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Gift Lounge, where Redken For Men Session Stylist Jenny Balding was backstage in the gift lounge providing talent with hair consultations, touch-ups, and gifting product. Below are a few highlights from the show:

Who doesn’t love a little mint in the morning? Ben Harper does! He was thrilled to see Redken For Men on-site with the new mint clean invigorating shampoo and picked up the entire Invigorating System including mint clean invigorating shampoo, cool finish invigorating conditioner, and chill blast daily anti-dandruff leave-in treatment.

Saturday Night Live Seth Meyers bonded with Redken Stylist Jenny Balding (originally from Scotland) over the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he used to perform. Jenny touched up Seth’s hair with outplay texture putty and he was ready for the show!

Chevy Chase shared his never-ending humorous side and sprayed Redken For Men chill blast daily anti-dandruff leave-in treatment at photographers backstage.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, The Ventures, were backstage during rehearsal and scooped up Redken For Men chill blast anti-dandruff leave-in tonic and bandmate Don Wilson had a little fun spraying photographers backstage.

Creedence legend John Fogerty scooped up Redken For Men mint clean shampoo for himself and vinyl glam 02 mega shine spray for his wife – they plan to use on their vacation to Australia – bon voyage!

About Our Forums

I am happy to report that after a few days' difficulties, the Advice Sisters Forums are back up and running. They can be found at: http://advicesisters.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php You can view them as a guest, but I would appreciate if you would register and post something, or respond to someone else's post.

These forums/bulletin boards were created them for you-- adults of all lifestyles and life goals who want to make life easier, more successful and more fun. If you share your ideas, information and resources, and are open to the ideas of others, I am certain these boards will be helpful to you. However, what you put in to the process is what you will get out of it. Successful bulletin boards and forums require the participants-- all the participants -- to support them and help them grow. You are welcome to check these boards out as a guest, but if you like what you see, please don't just continue to lurk. Your point of view gives others a new way at looking at a situation or problem, or some fresh information or advice, or support. In turn, they'll do the same for you!So please sign up (it only takes a minute), and visit and participate regularly. Start a new post, or add your comments to an existing one. You can say anything you wish as long as it is somewhat related to the forum topics in general ( spam, rants against the world, blatantly offensive language or content, or flaming others --NOT acceptable)!


HERE ARE THE TOPICS--PLEASE VISIT!

Advice Sisters News

Posting Guidelines + AdviceSisters NEWS (please read first before posting)This board is for the Advice Sisters to inform you of News...please read the posts here, but post to our other boards. Thank You.
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Last post by advicesistersin 3/10/08-forms are functi...on March 11, 2008, 04:52:44 PM

FEEDBACK FORUM-YOUR COMMENTS HEREDo you have a board topic you'd like us to add? Need information about The Advice Sisters? Want to comment on something we've posted or on Advice Sisters articles? Here's the place to do it

Relationships Everyone has relationships, from a noisy neighbor to an irritating boss, to a love interest. Use this space to give and get advice on all types of relationships!
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Last post by advicesistersin Re: I Cheatedon February 18, 2008, 07:39:07 AM

Beauty/Style/FashionThis board is for Advice Sisters readers who want to share information about products and services on the Advice Sisters "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns, the AdviceSisters Enews, and their own personal favorites.
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Last post by advicesistersin Support a GREAT cause an...on February 29, 2008, 02:28:03 PM

Women's IssuesDespite our similarities, men and women are not exactly the same. This is a board for women to ask questions, get support, share ideas, and sound off about issues that are specifically for and about women --this site also has news about contests and freebies...and if you have a contest you'd like to post, feel free to do so! Please follow our guidelines, however. Rants, spam, or self-serving posts will be removed.
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Last post by advicesistersin Curél® Skincare and Redb...on March 12, 2008, 01:21:20 PM

Book Review Bulletin BoardThis is the place to comment on books you love, or loathe, network with other book lovers, and post information about your own book (for authors) --it's free promotion for your book, and a way for readers to enjoy new ideas! Please follow our guidelines, however. Rants, spam, or self-serving posts will be removed.
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Last post by advicesistersin Crazy About Jewelryon February 25, 2008, 04:42:47 PM

LIFESTYLE!From health tips to contests, reviews, recipes, anything and everything of general interest in-between. Read and post about anything of interest to other readers that will encourage discussion. *if you have a contest you'd like to post, feel free to do so! Please follow our guidelines, however. Rants, spam, or self-serving posts will be removed.
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Last post by advicesistersin starting 3/12/08-eBay an...on March 12, 2008, 01:12:04 PM

Support Pediatric Aids Research with Biolage and Hollywould

I normally post this type of news on my Advice Sisters Forums area, but somehow, the forums are not working right now, so the news about how you can get this gorgeous bag and do a good thing to help support Pediatric Aids research has found it's home on my blog. Please read on to see how you can get this amazing bag!--alison

This amazing, limited-edition HOLLYWOULD for BIOLAGE Weekender is made of tumbled white patent calf leather with a natural leather trim and subtle green topstitching. Initially created for jet-setting celebrities during busy awards season, the bag comes with a removable shoulder strap for traveling and a hidden interior compartment measured to fit any gold statuettes picked up along the way, or your favorite stilettos. For added star style, the bag comes pre-loaded with an additional perk — new Biolage stylers — five spring hair styling essentials to help your hair look great.

The HOLLYWOULD for BIOLAGE Weekender costs $300,, but when you purchase it you not only get a bag that looks good, you'll be doing good, too. Biolage is donating 100% of the purchase price the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to help prevent pediatric HIV infection and eradicate pediatric AIDS.

Get Yours Now

M-A-C Cosmetics Fafi Collection--Advice Sisters Products of the Month!

MAC Cosmetics is always coming out with fresh, trendy, exciting collections. That's why we're making M-A-C Fafi the Collection of the month this March. It's a limited edition collection that debuted next month, so hurry and get the items you want before they're all sold out!
Fafi is a collaboration between M-A-C Cosmetics and a 32-year old graffiti artist called Fafi. They're created a very colorful, young, fun, 35 piece collection of both products and accessories.

Fafi was born and raised in Toulouse, France, and is best known for “images of sexy and liberated Japanese anime girls called “FaFiNETes”. the Fafinette characters have adorned Diet Coke cans in France and sneakers and even hoodies for Adidas and Fafi sells her characters on a variety of T-shirts at http://www.fafi.net/

Just in case you haven't been clued-in yet, and you're wondering what a FaFiNETte is.....? FaFiNETte's are "nymphets with a Ph.D. in passion,” who live in a fantastic, magical realm called the Carmine vault. They live there, but check in our us mere (and less colorful) mortals. The FaFiNETes look like little girls, but upon closer look, they're pretty sexy. Each has a distinct personality. MONokA love to read the classics but has a weakness for 50's era French Erotica, and likes rap music, girly lingerie, and sleeps with her high heels on. ErmINe: likes to hang out in Brooklyn and eat Indian food in Jackson Heights, Queens. She's into snowboarding and likes the smell of gasoline. eRiKo: hails from Japan, but is a Francophile who likes ethnic cuisine and collection blue ashtrays, and baking life-size gingerbread men.

The spirit of this collection is pure, youthful fun, but the colors are for the most part, glamorous if you wish, natural if that's your thing, and colorful and bright, if you choose. All Anime girls have sexy, exaggerated lips and eyes, so the collection focuses mostly on these areas, but there's something for everyone. As you'll see from some of the photos below, the collection features compacts and tubes that are emblazoned with "Fafi" characters, and all of the other cardboard sleeves feature the colorful characters on a white background. These products as far as actual colors are concerned, are pretty, and not cartoon-ish. They're the same, good quality, high-performance products you expect from M-A-C. The collection includes: 6 lipsticks, 4 Lipglasses, 2 eye shadow quads, 6 eye shadow Paint Pots, a black eyeliner, 2 kohl pencils, a black mascara , 2 blushes and (for fun): 3 Fafinette dolls, 2 make up cases, a tote bag, t-shirt and a scarf. The best thing is that most items are modestly priced from $14.00 to $17.50 (the brushes and some of the accessorees are more).

Here is the Advice Sisters rundown on the entire line, with our particular favorites.

FAFI LIPSTICK- $14.00

These lipsticks that range from pearly blue pink to coral, rose and strawberry, super-glossed with M-A-C's signature lipglass in bright, pearly colors. They are: Fun ‘n’ Sexy Blue pink with blue pearl (glaze) , Not So Innocent Sheer tan with pink and peach pearl (glaze) , Utterly Frivolous Rosy coral with pink pearl (lustre), High Top Grey purple with blue pearl (glaze) , Flash-n-Dash Intense tangerine red with pink pearl (glaze), Strawbaby Coral rose with rainbow pearl (lustre). My personal favorite is Utterly Frivolous," a sheer, lustre lipstick that looks moist, but not slick, and in a gorgeous, pink/coral that will look nice on just about everyone. "Flash-N-Dash is a Glaze formula that's an intense tangerine red with pink pearl --try this with a tan!

FAFI LIPGLASS $14.50

These are super-patent-leather shine magenets. They're wanded tubes of high-shine glassgloss that look great as-is, or over one of the lipsticks. Cult Fave Blue mid-tone pink with white pearl (frost), Sugar Trance Creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl (frost), Squeeze It Brassy plum (frost) , Totally It Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl (frost). My pick is the shockingly cool on cool-toned skin color "Totally It," a sheer, super-bright pink frost with intense pink pearl,

FAFI EYE SHADOW X4 (#1) $36.00

Four silky, blendable shades of powder shadow give you a range of shimmer that look natrual to intense, depending upon how you apply them. Howzat Deep grey with silver sparkle (satin) , Hey Neutral tan with white pearl (veluxe pearl) , Pink Venus Washed pink (lustre) , Vanilla Soft pale-peachy-ivory flecked with shimmer (velvet)

FAFI EYE SHADOW X4 (#2) $36.00

*the three FaFiNETtes are features on these black mirrored compacts. They're so cute you can't help but have fun with them! This compact features: Bold as Gold Yellow gold with gold pearl (lustre), You’re Fresh Pale green with silver sparkle (lustre) , Shockwave Intense orange with silver sparkle (velvet), Prankster Muted dark blue (satin)

FAFI PAINT POTS $16.50

Smooth these on like cream and get intense, lovely, lasting color. Choose from Fafi's Nice Vice Dirty purple with purple pearl (frost) , Girl Friendly Creamy grey pink (cream) , Layin’ Low Creamy beige (cream), Cash Flow Green gold with gold pearl (frost), Perky Cream coral with white pearl (satin) , Rollickin’ Aqua blue green with white pearl (frost)

FLUIDLINE $15.00 Blacktrack --Solid flat black

EYE KOHL$13.50
Smolder Intense black and Fascinating Snake-eyes matte white
ZOOM LASH $11.00 Zoomblack -- Rich black

POWDER BLUSH $17.50

Hipness is a chic, intense coral with soft white pearl while Fashion Frenzy faltters cool skin with a mid-tone blue pink

IRIDESCENT PRESSED POWDER $21.00

Use your imagination, and dust these super-sheer, super-shimmery pressed powders wherever you want to glow like the star you are. Colors include: Sassed-up Soft coral pink with gold sparkle , Verve-acaious Intense yellow gold with gold pearl and (my favorite), Belightful Gilded peach bronze.

NAIL LACQUER $10.00

Spring and Summer are on the way, and you're going to be wearing peep-toes and sandals. Coordinate your look with both of these fun colors. Girls Will Be Girls Pink is a ladylike mediuim pink with lots of coral pearl which looks amazing on pale skin, great with a tan. Boom! is a bold, rich eggplant with purple pearl that'll look great with gold and silver sandals for special events, and it'll take you all the way into Fall.

BRUSHES:

210 Precise Eye Liner Firm $17.00 (extra-fine tip brush for precision lining with emollient or water-based products. *this is a replacement for the old M·A·C 210 Eye Liner Brush)

208 Angled Brow Brush Firm, angled tip Brush $17.00 (for precision application of brow and eye-lining products)

182 Buffer Brush $45.00 (super-soft, large, rounded dome tip brush for use with powder face and cheek products). This one is perfect for all your powder bronzers, shimmer powders, and anytime you want to diffuse color over a large area. It's definitely one you want to add to your collection....

...but if you're just going to splurge on one, I'd suggest the 129SH Powder/Blush (with decorated pouch featuring the three fafi girl's faces) $17.00. A classic M-A-C- brush..soft and easy to use for all powder blushes and highlighters. It's a must-have in your makeup bag.

I don't have photos, but there's also a Fafi Tote $60.00, Fafi Dolls $9.00/each, Fafi T $38.00, and a Fafi Scarf $15.00. These accessories are bound to become collector's items.

Get the collection in M-A-C- boutiques in major department stores, as well as online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Skincare Spring Cleaning and a review of StriVectin Facial Anti-Oxidant

Spring is nearly here, so it's time to "Spring clean" your cosmetics shelf and decide what to keep and what to toss. Anything that has changed color, scent, or consistency goes in the trash. But how do you know what to replace it with?

When I review products for the Advice Sisters "What works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns, I always caution readers that what works for me, an AdviceSisters reviewer, or on someone else's recommendation, may not work as well for you. Skincare has definitely evolved tremendously in the past decade, and there are tons of great products in every price point on the market to help maintain younger skin, and rejuvenate maturing skin and keep it as healthy and youthful as possible. No matter what your age or skincare issues, there is a lot of "TLC" you can do for your skin at home, especially before resorting to invasive procedures and harsh treatments. But the first step to getting good results is to understand your skin type (and it can span several types, such as oily and sensitive, or combination and maturing). Most likely you already know your skin's dominant traits, but if you're in doubt, visit a licensed dermatologist. Then it's time to figure out what will work best for your skin. Everyone knows that pricey products can put a dent in a beauty budget, but when you're considering what will help improve, maintain and protect your skin, it's best to ignore price (as much as you can afford to do so) and pick products that will address your skin's needs and challenges. And, most importantly, use the products regularly and as directed.

Some products promise the world and some are quite pricey. The difficult part of choosing one is deciding if it's the proverbial "hope in a jar", or something that is really new and will work, wonderfully. Stri-Vectin has a number of pricey skincare products and I was really curious about them. I tried the StriVectin Facial Antioxidant $109.00 3.5 fl. oz. by Klein-Becker. It is advertised as a "concentrated facial antioxidant" and I have even seen the claim: "better than Botox" (although I'm not sure that is the company's own slogan). The Stri-Vectin line has at last count, 6 products, including a much-ballyhooed Strivectin-SD to help improve any stretch marks on your body.

StriVectin has encountered some controversy, and as a result, it's just created even more curiousity and demand, much like Prevage by Allergan that uses another antioxidant called "idebenone". My quick search of the web didn't pick up a lot of reviews by actual users, but it did pick up plenty of controversial chatter. Klein-Becker's studies claim that StriVectin's anti-oxidant is 2.5 times more powerful then idebenone. As you age, your skin begins to lose the ability to renew itself as quickly, but the claim that a 67-year-old women using StriVectin could accomplish the same "Skin Renew Rate (SR2)" as a 29-year-old woman struck me as pretty amazing. Could this really be true?

As with all skincare, it is important to keep your expectations realistic. Your skin may retain or re-create some of the regenerative abilities of younger skin, but if it's already heavily lined and seriously sgging, using it doesn't mean you'll look like you are 16 again, or have had a facelift or other invasive treatment. StriVectin is a great cream--and it might even be the cream of your dreams, but it is not a facelift.

So what does StriVectin's Facial Anti-Oxidant cream do? The first thing to know is that anti oxidants are a good thing (although the term is bandied about as a cure-all). Antioxidants can help protect and improve skin. They help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also can improve skin elasticity/firmness and protect your skin skin from further damage (like wrinkles, dryness, and thinning skin) by shielding skin cells from the harm caused by free radicals (cell damaging molecules that are created when you exposure your skin to the sun's damaging UV rays, and other pollutants of daily life). If the cream can really help your skin to rejuvenate itself more like it did in your younger years, your skin should look better over time with regular use. In the interests of providing some personal information about the product on the Internet, here's my personal experience with it: For starters, I did use StriVectin for a short while, but I didn't have time to test and use up the entire tube. Instead, I tried a simple test. I used the StriVectin on one half of my face for a few days. Then I asked my husband (who is dubious about any skincare that isn't just soap and water, or costs over $10.00) who really knows what my skin is usually like, to see if he could tell what side I had treated with StriVection. I assumed it would take him a while to figure it out, or maybe he wouldn't notice any change, but he immediately picked the side treated with StriVectin, saying that the frown line on that side of my face was significantly smaller than the other. In fact, my frown line was significantly smaller on the StriVectin-treated side. And, my skin felt soft and smooth, and somehow, a bit plumper and prettier. While this is hardly a scientific study, it did convince me that (for me, at least) the cream did good things that enhanced my skin's look and feel. As a beauty reviewer, I can choose just about any skincare I wish to use. For now, I'm going to stick with this one.

Sadly, I cannot say that my skin looks and feels like I'm a teenager, or even 29, but it looks good, feels good, and hopefully continued use will help prevent further environmental damage. *Note: you must use a good sunscreen as well with this product...it's not a sun block! There is a lot of press about Klein-Becker's products, such as is this a breakthrough drug, or a cosmetic moisturizer? And is it worth the cost? Does the press pro or con make it worthy or unworthy of your consideration? Definitely not. For starters, scientific beauty treatments with cutting edge technology don’t come cheap. If you want to be among the few to try something new and potentially beneficial, you should be prepared to pay for it. And, plenty of women and 'boomer" men, plus younger people who want to make sure they don't turn out looking like mom or dad, will continue to make room in their budget for StriVectin. My suggestion is to read the ingredients on the box, check with your dermatologist, and above all, keep your expectations realistic. If you are over a certain age, you cannot really turn back the hands of time to your teenage years no matter what cream you use on your face. But, you can make your skin look better and you can also protect your skin at any age by wearing adequate sun protection. StriVectin, like others in it's category, appears to be a good cream for the right type of skin, used correctly and at the right time. I really liked it. If it is in your budget, WHY NOT?