No matter what that lotion, potion, gel, or cream you bought tells you, there’s no proven cure for cellulite and, sadly, almost every woman has those pesky pockets of fat somewhere on her body. But don’t despair! There are ways to minimize the appearance of cellulite.

I’ve always believed (and studies prove it), that one of the most effective ways to fight body dimples is by building up the muscles underneath the fat tissue by doing squats and lunges. These exercises will not only help with your existing cellulite, but will also work to prevent future lumps. However, that’s not all, because I recently discovered a miracle gadget that will not only help you sooth the sore muscles you’re working, but also help smooth your skin.

Called the HoneyBelle bodybuffer, it was developed by M.I.T and Harvard engineers and conceived by Nancy Donahue, who rose to the top of the modeling world in the 70s and 80s. Donahue had heard from a friend about a device used by massage therapists to help soften tissue after undergoing liposuction, but when Donahue, a fitness director and triathlete, used the device she discovered it not only soothed her muscles, but also helped diminish the appearance of cellulite.

I’ve been using the gadget for about three weeks now and, even though I didn’t take any “before” pics to know whether there is or isn’t a noticeable difference, I can say that my skin is significantly softer, and this beauty gadget is nothing short of a miracle worker for soothing sore muscles after a tough workout. You use it 5-10 minutes, twice a day, and can expect to see results after 30 days, but soothing relief will occur after a single use.

Additionally, a clinical study found that 70% of women who used the HoneyBelle noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of their cellulite after 30 days. Again, I’ve only been at it for about three weeks, but the soothing relief alone makes it worth using this gadget! To boot, like the Clarisonic, this gadget makes for an effective exfoliator, sloughing away dead skin cells and increasing circulation to the skin surface — crucial for smoother and younger-looking skin.

Learn more about the HoneyBelle here. They’ve also got a mini version called babyBelle bodybuffer that helps treat sore muscles and cellulite when you’re traveling.

Image: HoneyBelle

No related posts.

1. Dry Shampoo
Keratin Complex Volumizing Dry Shampoo Lift Powder ($35) is available in blonde, brunette, or white iterations, and it allows for a quick and easy hair lift. While there are other great dry shampoos, this one beats out its competitors thanks to its easily controlled application, enticing smell and, as an added bonus, if you opt for one of the ones with color, it’s helpful for covering up roots for those of us with colored hair.

2. Facial Wipes
Fight existing breakouts and stop future blemishes from forming with Yes to Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes ($7.99). Cheap, portable, and effective, they work double duty to remove dirt, makeup, and other pollutants.

3. Facial Spray
Not a fan of wipes? No problem with Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rose ($7). Not only will a few spritzes help refresh, but it will impart skin with much needed post-workout hydration.

4. Body Clarifying Spray
Face aside, one of the most common breakout areas for those who workout is the back. Murad’s Clarifying Body Spray ($37) lets you target that hard-to-reach back area to prevent bacne thanks to a formulation that includes salicylic acid. To boot, unlike most anti-acne products, it doesn’t smell bad!

5. Fragrance
Take it from the French — a little perfume can go a long way. Not only do the Hermessence ones from Hermes smell divine, they’re offered in portable .5 oz sprays (four for $145).

6. Hand Lotion
Whether you’re gripping onto weights or doing push-ups off of a step, many workouts can leave your hands feeling rough. Soften up your paws with Aveda’s aptly named Hand Relief ($20).

7. Deodorant
No explanation really necessary here, but Lavanila Laboratories’ The Healthy Deodorant ($10) is a standout because it’s a clinical-strength product that is 100% natural and formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates and other common noxious things you’ll find in deodorants.

8. Hand Sanitizer
Wipe down your hands — or sketchy looking gym equipment — with a portable hand sanitizer like Sephora by OPI’s Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Spray ($3), which kills 99.9 percent of germs on contact — no water necessary.

9. Brightening Serum
Prone to frowning when you’re lifting a heavy weight? Don’t worry, it’s common! Fight redness, brighten skin, and treat pesky fine lines with Super by Dr. Perricone’s First Blush Brightening Serum ($48), which harnesses the power of superfoods to achieve its impressive results.

10. Microfiber Towel
Conveniently compact, Microfiber towels ($15.20-500) are able to absorb a significant amount of water and then dry quickly, helping to avoid potentially nauseating smells.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on these gym bag beauty essentials, it’s time to give your gym bag the once-over to ensure optimal post-workout beauty conditions. And, remember, when you’re working out you should be focusing on fitness — not appearance — but, with a wisely-packed gym bag, you’ll never have to worry about gym-related breakouts or olfactory issues again.

No related posts.

I don’t like paying a lot for beauty products when I can avoid it. Sure, I have no objections to “splurging” on my favorite mascara, because I use it everyday, or the occasional lip product that’s just oh-so good. But isn’t it the best when you can find an utterly amazing product that costs mere pocket change?

Since I’m feeling thrifty today, and since I’ve tested too many products to count, let’s talk about a few favorites — and they won’t cost you more than $10!

Smith’s Rosebud Salve, $5. I can’t believe it took me so long to get this lip balm (and skin protectant, and skin softener) into my life. It’s amazing, and makes my lips feel baby soft. My favorite way to wear it? Add some color to your lips first, with a little lip stain. Then, dab a layer of this over top for high-gloss, no-stick shine. So worth the five bucks.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils, $5. NYX is one of those brands where you get a lot of quality for your money, and these eye pencils are my absolute favorite. They glide on so smoothly, and create a really clean line close to your lashes. I couldn’t ask for more with these, especially considering they come in every color under the sun, from brights to pastels to neutrals. Total essential for your beauty drawer.

Dove Go Fresh Body Mist, $4. Sometimes, you just want to smell fresh. You don’t want anything too heavy, you just want something clean and slightly fragrant (say, for the gym or a supermarket run). This Dove body mist will do the trick, if you’re on that boat. I love the nectarine and white ginger scent, but you can also snap up other great ones, like cucumber and green tea, and plum and Sakura blossom.

Revlon Nail Enamel, $3. Revlon has some fabulous nail color. And one of my favorites from them for spring? A color called “Minted.” I’ve been seeing a similar shade from Dior, that everyone is raving about. But that polish will put you out about twenty bucks. I’m likin’ the three-dollar alternative, which lives in my basket of nail polishes. It’s happy there. I bet it would be happy in your collection, too.

e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow C Brush, $2. For applying just a dusting of color, like if it’s an extra-sparkly eyeshadow or something super-dark where I need a light hand, I use an eyeshadow brush. Specifically, I use these economical brushes from e.l.f. They rock just as much as any I’ve used, and they all cost about $1-3. Awesome, yes?

What is your favorite beauty buy on the cheap?

No related posts.

What could possibly be better on a Monday morning than a little excuse to go shopping? Well, maybe sleeping. But since you’re probably strapped to your desk at work and letting your head hit the pillow is not an option, I can at least give you the next best thing.

I am anything but a beauty snob. When I can find a product on the cheap that does the same job as a higher priced item, I will snap it up in two seconds flat. So, I’m the master of getting the most bang for your buck at the beauty counter or drugstore. Want to know the five items I need to have in my make-up drawer? Read on, and then invigorate your morning routine with some great new products!

1. Hair: Catwalk Curl Amplifier, $14. Why it rocks: With this curl enhancer, a little bit goes a long way–and the hold is awesome. If you want to make sure your curls are really defined, put a quarter-sized blob in your hand and scrunch. Want looser waves? A dime-sized amount will do. Either way, you’ll have awesome-looking waves all day long. I get so many compliments when I use this product.

2. Nails: Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat, $7. Why it rocks: I just found out about this crackle nail polish, and I am so excited to try it out! The effect on the lid of the bottle shows you what it will look like on your nail, so if you’re looking for something a bit unconventional, this is perfect for the next time you paint your nails. I bought black, but the hot pink would also be great for everyday wear.

3. Lips: NYC Smooch Proof Lip Stain, $5. Why it rocks: This lip stain is truly that–a stain. And the color will last without wearing off throughout the day. All the hues are extremely pretty, and I like to put a little chapstick over top for a glossy look. Pick up a tube in pink, champagne or red.

4. Cheeks: Physicians Formula Powder Palette Blush, $9. Why it rocks: This blush is oil free, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and great for problem skin. It won’t clog your pores, and you don’t have to compromise on the quality of the product. There’s a shade for every skin tone, and it stays on fairly well through oil, rain and sweat. Best I’ve been able to find on a budget!

5: Face: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $7. Why it rocks: This gentle face wash is a classic, and it’s still recommended by dermatologists today. Whereas I’ve been burned by chemical-laden cleansers before, this wash always goes on smooth and takes off all my make-up leaving fresh skin behind. It’s refreshing… a must-have product!

What are your top budget-friendly beauty buys? Share in the comments below!

No related posts.

I’m all about prevention, and the base to any beauty maintenance regime should always be skincare focused. If I could live with only one product it would be the Clarisonic. I’ve been using it daily for about three years, and it has COMPLETELY changed my skin. You will feel and see the difference after a single use — seriously. It softens skin, minimizes the appearances of pores, helps remove makeup and other impurities (I still follow up the Clarisonic with a wipe), and prevents breakouts. Or, if you’re currently mid-breakout, it help clear up imperfections faster. It’s expensive, but trust me when I say that it’s worth saving up for. If you absolutely cannot bear to spend $200 on it, then try Olay Pro X. I haven’t tried it myself, but it’s the closest thing to the Clarisonic on the market and less expensive.

With that in mind, it goes without saying that cleaning your skin daily is a must, so always pack a cleanser. (Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is a great one that works well with the Clarisonic brush). Next on the list is a moisturizer, and if you’re opting for one without SPF, then you’ll need a daily SPF cream or gel as well. The last skin-related must-have is an eye treatment. I’m a fan of Sephora’s new Instant Depuffing Roll-On Gel because it’s quick and easy, and the roll-on mechanism is soothing. It’s not a must for everyone, but I consider an anti-aging cream a personal essential. (I usually go for an SPF moisturizer by day and an anti-aging cream by night.)

As for makeup going back to the point of maintenance, some of the most over-looked products are primers — that includes nail polish primer, face primer, eye primer, lash primer (and I could go on, but since this is a story about essentials…). Primers help protect your skin, and they make subsequent makeup application a lot easier. (For example, when applied over primer, foundation will go on more smoothly and with less streaks. You’ll also notice that, if you opt for a primer like this one from Hourglass, your skin will be more hydrated.)

Once the face is properly primed, my personal makeup essentials are the following: liquid foundation, powder foundation to set the liquid, blush, all-over highlighting powder, eye shadow, black liner, mascara and a gloss.

Lastly, don’t forget perfume! I realize it’s not an essential for everyone, but I can’t imagine leaving my apartment without wearing Chanel Allure, Hermes Ambre Narguile or Tom Ford White Suede.

How do my essentials compare to yours?

Image Courtesy of Clarisonic.

No related posts.

Whenever people ask me how I get volume in my hair, I direct them to my secret weapon, dry shampoo. From drugstore to premium brands, they all work great, but for styling purposes, I prefer the spray-in over the powder. Spray the dry powder in at the roots and tease lightly with a rat-tooth comb. There you go! Instant volume.

To give my stick-straight hair some curl and texture, I absolutely love the clipless curling iron. I’ve always used a regular clipped curling iron to curl my hair, but ever since I discovered the easy way to create waves, the clipless curling iron has been my go to. My trick to get pretty waves rather than big curls is to hold the wand downward, wrap the hair, and hold it for 10 seconds. The gloves may seem silly, but they are necessary, as I’ve burned myself a few times when I thought I could do it without them!

And the last thing that I love, an absolute essential, is this Philip B. Maui Wowie Beach Mist, which works so well in maintaining your style while still keeping your hair soft. Just spray through your hair and scrunch for that “messy on purpose” kind of hair.

I’m still much better at styling long hair. I’m only just learning how to style my shorter, shoulder-length hair, but those products have worked well for both lengths. And if you need help with curling your hair, then check out my tutorials on curling your hair with a flat iron or how to get glam curls.

No related posts.

Post showering, I lightly towel-dry my hair, apply a leave-in conditioning spray or cream, and twist and loop this towel around my hair. It has made the time between my shower and my blow-drying routine so much more pleasant! Aside from the lack of dripping, the lightweight towel puts a lot less strain on my already sore upper back and neck. Plus, even if you don’t blow-dry your hair, this is a convenient way to get your hair dry faster, and it will likely encourage you to wash daily, which contrary to the wide-spread myth, is recommended.

If you need a little encouragement, then P&G recently conducted a 1,000 person survey and found that 81 percent of women said their daily-washed hair helped them get a complement, get noticed (65 percent), get a date (33 percent), and even get a job (18 percent)!

Image Courtesy of Turbie Twist

No related posts.

We all know that one of the biggest no-nos is going to bed with makeup on. Not only does it make your skin prone to breakouts, but it can also clog pores and irritate skin (and it will undoubtedly dirty your pillows!). Having a solid before-bed cleansing and skincare ritual is crucial, and while most women know this, even if they don’t always adhere to it, sleeping with a running air purifier and a humidifier is just as important, especially if you have allergies. Or, when the weather is dry, because let’s face it: When it comes to skin, texture is never good.

Avoid breakouts, coughs and flaky skin by plugging in BlueAir 403 HEPASilent air purifier and a Crane humidifier by night. BlueAir’s purifier is awesome, it’s got a super sleek exterior, so even if you live in a studio like I do, you won’t mind its size. It’s also incredibly quiet; in fact you’d be hard pressed to know it’s even on working hard to remove all the junk (think microscopic allergens, smoke, and odors), floating around in the air! As for the humidifier, it’s important to know that skin looses a lot of hydration at night, a humidifier is essential for maintaining skin hydration, brightness and elasticity. As an added bonus, the combination of the two devices can work miracles for allergy suffers, and they’ll help in achieving a speedy recovery if you’re sick (the combo of dirty particle-free air and cool mist worked wonders for my cough last week). The best part about these devices, however, is that they’re so uniquely powerful that you’ll see instant results. Seriously, after one night with these babies, you’ll wake up with more refreshed, healthier-looking skin. Use it with the Clarisonic (my all-time favorite beauty gadget), and your skin will never be the same. I’m talking more even texture, more moisture for a refreshed glow and smaller pores. God I love instant gratification!

If your bedroom is very small or you want to amp up your beauty maintenance, opt for a smaller purifier like the BlueAir CAB011 CleanAirBall air purifier. I’ve been using mine near my workspace. I just plug it into an outlet by my desk by day and put it on a chair next to me. I’ve been pleasantly surprised that it has been working doubly duty to calm my nerves… something about the soft sound, I find to be very calming.

Both devices are especially popular in the winter-time here on the East Coast, but they really should be an year-round staple. Not only will they help achieve and maintain healthy skin, but you’ll breathe easier (especially given that spring is peak allergy season), will help prevent illness (a lack of moisture can prevent our immune system from working properly and air purifiers have been shown to help treat respiratory symptoms), and in the summer when humidity levels are high, a humidifier will help prevent mold, bacteria and viruses.

Images Courtesy of Crane USA and BlueAir.

No related posts.

Not only can you lather your body with triple-milled soap (Crabtree makes the best, and they’re often on sale when I stop by their stores), body lotion, bath and shower gel, body cream, etc., but the collection also includes scented drawer lining paper (love this for my lingerie drawer), home fragrance sprays, dusting powder, candles, diffusers, sachets, hangers and all kinds of other fun stuff to spruce up your home. The floral collection is made up of four distinct scents:

• Lavender layered with violet leaf, jasmine and lemon leaf
• Lily intertwine with dewy greens, hyacinth and ylang ylang
• Rose blended with English violet, peony and musk accords
• Iris infused with violet, jasmine, Italian bergamot and cassis

There are a whopping 54 items to choose from in the collection and many of them will be available as gift sets. (Crabtree packaging is always tops — see fruit and flower-lined box above!. At the moment, my apartment (and my body!) smell like a fresh garden, so talk about having an even more serious lack of motivation to leave my apartment than I did before!

If you can’t wait till next week to stock up, then you can already get a bunch of Crabtree’s Iris products now, just click here!

No related posts.

I always love new eye products because that’s the area that I always concentrate on the most. Here are a few things that I’ve recently bought and have become a staple in my makeup bag:

These Make Up For Ever eyeliners are so smooth and creamy AND the color is super rich, so a little swipe of the blue or purple ones across my eyelid totally makes my eyes pop, and for having small Asian eyes, that’s a hard thing to do! They also are fantastic because they last all day long!

Along with they eyeliners, I’ve been loving bold eyeshadow colors like the blues and purples from these NARS eyeshadow duos. These duos are great because you can layer the two colors — wear the lighter color underneath and the darker color in the outer corner of your eye (and blend, blend, blend!) These are also great for traveling, so you don’t have to carry around a jam-packed cosmetics bag, and you’ll always have coordinating colors on hand.

The Tarte under eye concealer is actually one of the most important parts of my eye routine. Without this, I’d look much more tired all the time! I love that it lightens my dark circles and makes my eyes look less puffy even when I only get a few hours of sleep!

Any new beauty buys for you guys that you have been loving? I’d love to hear!

No related posts.