2012 Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween for the year 2012 is just about to bash! So, it is obvious for you to look for the trendiest Halloween costumes. The month of September is the best time to plan for the most whimsical holiday, and that checking out the latest trends of the costumes is just one of the vital tasks of the plan. This year the great costume picks include your most preferred Super Heroes, games you love to play, monsters of all kinds, and your favorite pets. Dress up to look like Lady Gaga, show off your reverence for Angry Birds, or play funny wicked tricks by being a Dracula – the choice is perfectly yours! Well, to make your task of picking the best costume easier, here are our top 10 Halloween costume Ideas – 2012.

10 – The Avengers Costumes

This collection will fit both kids and teens who would love to look like the Iron Man and Captain America. And yes, even women can be in with the Black Widow costume. Since Captain America, the superheroes have really dominated the designs of Halloween costumes, which allows a common man to look like a superhuman. A person of any age can enter into this blockbuster-inspired style to dress up like their preferred heroes and heroines.

9 – Zombie Costumes

How about looking like a zombie priest? If you love to have a monstrous look in the black priest dress, this is the collection to look for!

8 – Teddy Costumes

This is one such collection that is loved and admired by people of all ages. Right from kids to senior citizens, being a teddy has always been a fun way to enjoy and make others enjoy a festive occasion. Such costumes are also very effective for playing the trick or treat game.

7 – Political Costumes

How about representing and behaving like the President Obama at the festival venue? All you have to do is wear his mask and coat and start acting like him! Usually, parents themselves prefer to dress their children in a political getup so that the kids can campaign in the entire locality as they fulfill the old tradition of trick or treat. Now, this can be cute or annoying, and you will feel as if it is the time of the election, and not Halloween! Then, how about tricking everybody by declaring the presidential nominees of 2013?

6 – Disney Costumes

Dressing up like a Disney character has always been trendy. There is no year in this century when anybody had believed that the Disney costumes have gone out of fashion. Both kids and adults always dream to look prince or princess. And if you are one among them, this collection is just made for you! You can really find very cute designs and several sizes.

 5 – Angry Birds Costumes

Did you love to play this smartphone game? It is agreeable that a few such birds were there in the costume stores. This time, the reserved and dormant birds are now out in those stores. These addictive Angry Birds costumes are sure to burst out laughs when you enter into a Halloween party hall with a feathery look. Right now, these costumers are available mainly in red and yellow colors.

4 – Monster High Costumes

This collection seems to be specifically made for Halloween. Can there be a Halloween without monsters and spirits? Well, the name of this collection makes you of the ‘Monster High’ TV series that features those classic monsters such as the paranormally amazing Dracula, Clawdeen Wolf, and Frankie Stein. It is certain that looking like one of these monsters with wigs, leggings, and other ghoul-friendly accessories is going to make you the focal point of the dark night.

3 – Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson Costume

Wow! This dress will be the most beloved one of those individuals who are the crazy fans of Lady Gaga. By the way, she is once more into the breaking news this year for her several number 1 singles and sales of millions of albums. So, why not rock the party floor by representing this beautiful lady? Of course, this costume is for the females. So, what about the males? Well, they can be in sync by representing Michael Jackson on the floor.

2 – Twilight Costume

No, this costume does not represent the twilight time. But even more interestingly, it allows you to dress up as the famous Twilight characters such as Kristen, Edward, Pattinson, or Bella. An apologetic Kirsten dress with full black and sad look is one choice, while dressing up like a pregnant Bella is another. Even more suitable will be the look of a Vampire, the role played by Edward. If you want to look like Pattison, his mask is just amazing to wear it!

1 – Steve Jobs Costume

The hottest trend for Halloween Costumes 2012 is to represent this tech spirit whose death will just make up a year this October. So, why not revere the late Apple maker by dressing up as an iPhone, iPad, or iPod? Even more interesting would be to have the keypad active so that it turns up bright when somebody touches it. Or to be simple, just wear his style – a black turtle neck, his face mask, glasses, and blue jeans. You can choose either of the ways or can even come out with your own idea of representing the superhero behind Apple.

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Holiday Rush Bazaar 4 at SMX Convention Center (December 14-23, 2012)

As Christmas Season is getting near, Cad Concepts; in partnership with SMX Convention Center; are inviting all concessionaires to join "The Holiday Bazaar 4".  

Last year, The Holiday Rush 3  featured over 140 concessionaires selling clothing apparel, shoes, accessories, toys, gadgets, specialty food/pastries and many more gift items for the Holidays. There are also tons of giveways and surprises such as photo ops with Santa Claus and his Elves.

This year, The Holiday Bazaar 4 will features not only Santa Claus and his Elves, but also there will be acrobats and magician show, PAGCOR mobile bingo, and the BIGGEST Gingerbread display. The Holiday Bazaar 4 will be held at SMX Convention Center on December 14-23, 2012.

For more bazaar details and booking reservations, you may reach Cad Concepts thru the following:

Mobile Number: 0905-3157778 (Globe), 0933-1630622 (Sun), 0908-3429889 (Smart)

Landline: 542-1480

Email: holidayrushbazaar@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HolidayRush4

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HolidayRushBazaar4

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Right Underwear for the Right Outfit

Think of underwear as the skeleton of your outfit. You don't ever see it, but it holds everything together. The poor choice of underwear can ruin even the most stylish outfit. For instance, a sleek, curve-hugging dress, no matter how elegant, would look improper if people could see your panty line. A classy backless top can be ruined by exposed bra straps. 

With more types of bras and panties out there than one can imagine, you can wear the right kind of underwear to suit your outfit.

For everyday jeans and T-shirts: Wear basic cotton undies and bra. Cotton ensures breathability while a bra free of bulky underwires will ensure  that the extra support won’t be visible under a tight shirt. For shirts int early thin fabrics or tight, white shirts, nude coloured seamless bras are your best friend. Hipster panties work best with low-rise jeans to avoid peek-a-boo mishaps. 

For physically active days: Hipster panties or boy shorts will give you the comfort you need by allowing you to freely move around as you please.. Avoid underwear such as thongs when playing sports because they won't give you the support you need.  Also, since you will be sweating a lot, natural fabrics such as cotton are recommended. Also invest in a good sports bra, it will give you the support you need while working out.

For formal wear: It's best to wear a thong for long dresses that hug the body, and regular seamless panties for shorter dresses. Seamless underwear is a godsend, as it gives the comfort of a regular panty without the annoying visible panty lines. Try Jockey No Panty line Promise boy shorts. For backless dresses, consider nipple tape instead of a bra to keep the outfit looking classy, but since nipple tape does not provide support, you can also wear a bra specially made for backless or cut out dresses. These are usually made with multi-way straps or like a corset with a low back. ANother options is the Free Bra, a strapless alternative to your regular bra that adheres to your skin, making straps and visible nipples a non-issue.

For nights out: If you plan to wear a slinky little black dress, or any sexy number that flaunts your curves, consider using a body shaper under your outfit such as Spanx or Jockey's Shapewear line.This will pull in all the little bulges you don't want showing when trying to look awesome!

For work: Seamless panties work great under pencil skirts and nude or grey bras blend well with your skin under white button-down shirts. If work allows casual dressing, wear a strapless bra for tops with thin sleeves. A wireless bra would work well with a tight t-shirt and hipster undies will stay invisible under your jeans' waistband. 

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Carmen Dell'Orefice: Best and Oldest Runway Model

Carmen Dell'Orefice was born before Fashion Week even existed. The 81-year-old, who walked the runway for both Marimekko and Norisol Ferrari at NYFW on Monday, is the oldest working supermodel in the industry and proud of it.

"It's what I enjoy doing, and I'm able to do it," she told the Today Show before stepping on to the runway in a mocha-colored floor-length gown.

Discovered at 13, while riding a New York City bus with her mom, she landed the cover of Vogue only three years later. That was back in 1947, when $7.50 an hour was the going rate for the gig.

"It meant nothing to me," she recalls of seeing her first cover, "except that I thought I looked like a little boy."
The octogenarian beauty has long shed any hint of tomboyish-ness. Her iconic white hair, which she's left dye-free for decades, has set the highest bar for aging gracefully.

She's had a little help, according to Today show correspondent and interviewer Jenna Bush Hager (yes that, Jenna). Dell'Orefice admits to using fillers for "cracks in the ceiling," but it takes a lot more than an injection to be one of the most in-demand models after 66 years in the business. Her shoulders thrust back in triumph, projecting a couture-worthy regality uncommon on the runway these days. It's the kind of peacocking pride only a veteran of the business can pull off. It's also a throwback to the days before slump-shouldered models, minimalism and Kate Moss made high fashion more bone-dry.

That may be why Dell'Orefice still works so much. When a designer or advertiser wants to convey true luxury, they call Dell'Orefice. In recent years, she's been the face of Rolex and Issac Mizrahi's Target line, between runway shows for Heart Truth, Adrienne Vittadini and Qasimi, among others. "I think America may be growing up and accepting the fact that the bulk of life exists beyond 50. Because demographically ... the vast population is over 50," says Dell'Orefice.

She's onto something: Older women with cash to spare have become a coveted demographic for marketers of luxury products. As a result, fashion has started is taking cues from women once considered past their prime. 

At 71, supermodel Veruschka stole the spotlight at Giles' runway show during London Fashion Week in 2010. That same year 45-year-old model Kristen McMenamy let her long hair go totally gray, and nubile style commentators like Tavi Gevinson and Kelly Osbourne followed suit (with the help of gray hair dye.)

Even outside fashion's tiny bubble, women, not girls, have taken the reigns of style. The most powerful cross-generational trendsetter in America today is a 48-year-old mother of two. That would be Michelle Obama, as if you couldn't guess.

Still in the world of modeling, youth is remains the beauty standard. While models as young as teenagers still share the stage with the likes of Dell'Orefice, there isn't much competition. She's already been the teen model and done the 'it' girl thing. She's also posed for Salvador Dali, married and divorced multiple times, had a child, quit modeling, raked in millions, and lost it all to Ponzi con-man Bernie Madoff, her ex-boyfriend's best friend. Dell'Orefice has personally intersected with some of modern history's most famous and infamous cultural touchstones, and she isn't slowing down at 81. 

At a Fashion Week event last Friday she was photographed linking arms with 28-year-old Olympian Ryan Lochte, looking every bit the model of the moment.

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Hairstyles To Try For Different Occasions

Tie it, make it wavy and other fun ways to dress up your hair!

Fishtail braid. The fishtail braid looks deceptively tough but is actually an easy braid to pull off. Tie hair into a low ponytail (use a ribbon, small clamp, or something you can easily remove after). Section the ponytail into two parts. Take a piece from the outermost part of each section, e.g. leftmost for the section on your left, rightmost for right and move it to the other section. Keep doing this alternately until you reach the end of the ponytail and secure with an elastic or a cute hair accessory.

Ponytail. Ponytails aren't just for the gym anymore—make it textured or messy with a little body on the crown, or keep it high and sleek, both of which are frequently seen in the runways and red carpet. For us regular girls, it's a great hairstyle for a night out or a date (pair it with smoky eyes and a nice top that shows off your nape). An artfully messed up ponytail can also give you a sexy just-got-out-of-bed look. 

Beach waves. These texturized waves are universally flattering and can help you look ready for any occasion. You can choose to have it done semi-permanently through a salon or do it yourself to revert back to your usual straight style. If you don't have too much time to spare, a volumizing spray or mousse applied before weaving hair into a braid can leave you with instant sexy waves a few hours later. If you have the time and the willingness to go through a few steps, a wide-barreled curling tong can help give you sexy, tousled locks.

Messy updo. A favorite among Koreanovela stars it seems, the messy ballerina bun is such an in-demand hairstyle that Korean beauty shops actually sell tools and contraptions to get this style done quickly. Wear the messy updo to the gym, a movie date, or for an early morning meeting (the messy updo also turns bad hair days into cute Korean actress hair days). Pull hair back into a high ponytail, secure and wrap the ponytail around in a bun, leaving a few tendrils along the nape. Secure bun with hair pins. 

Instant fringe. Not too sure about getting bangs? Perfect for parties or events, clip-on bangs (available at most department stores or hair extension shops) can add an extra oomph to your style without any commitment on your part. Just make sure to look for a shade that is closest to your hair color so no one can tell the difference. Comb it straight down for a fierce, haute couture look or brush it to the side for a sweet and feminine style.

Mini braids. Small braids worn randomly tucked in your hair look laid back and bohemian. These mini braids also accentuate your new highlights and also work well with the current ombré hair color trend. Wear this to a casual get-together or when you feel like letting your hair down but keeping it out of your face. 

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Makeup Tricks For Younger Look

Age is not kind to your face. Gravity affects firm, supple skin, leaving it saggy, droopy, and dreary. Sun exposure stains patchworks of spots and etches fine wrinkles onto once smooth surfaces. Considering time's ravages, it's easy to see why many women over 40 try to cover every wrinkle, crevice, and imperfection with cosmetics. 

It would be impossible to replicate the time-reversing, face-smoothing effects of Botox or plastic surgery at home. Yet a few clever makeup tricks can shave, if not decades, then at least a few years off your face.

Start with a soft foundation. Sometimes women try to hide the signs of aging beneath mounds of concealer and foundation. Bad idea. Heavy makeup settles into every line, accentuating wrinkles even more. Makeup doesn't cover wrinkles. Instead of smearing your skin in heavy makeup, it is recommended to use a primer first, followed by a thin layer of lightweight or sheer foundation. Don't try to actually hide anything. Just work with it. If you look at your face as a whole, the wrinkles aren't exactly covered, but if you do your makeup beautifully and appropriately for your age, you'll look great.

Use makeup daily. Although some 40+ women lay on the makeup too thickly, others take the opposite approach. They go completely bare. They give up and they stop wearing makeup. That's the worst thing you can do, because you look better in makeup. Even if you've had some "work" done at the hands of your plastic surgeon, you still need to wear at least a little bit of makeup. Makeup has a softening, glowing effect on the face. If you don't want to commit to full makeup, at least put on a little mascara and curl your lashes before leaving the house. 

Accentuate your eyes. The eyes may not literally be the windows to your soul as the adage suggests, but they're certainly the part of your face everyone notices first. A secret to age-defying eyes? You must start with an eye shadow primer or base to smooth out the eyelids. Then line the eyes with a dark brown or black pencil to widen them. For the top of the lids use neutral eye shadows -- dark brown or gray on the outer corners of the eye, taupe in the crease, and a light shade on the lid. The final touch is to curl the eyelashes and apply black mascara. The overall effect makes the eyes look bigger and brighter. Once the eyes are perfect, the rest of the face just falls into place.

Erase dark circles. While we're on the subject of eyes, we can't forget those droopy dark circles that hang under them. It's hard to hide dark circles, but you can minimize them by using a concealer that's one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. The principle is that lighter makes something project more, and darker makes things look more recessed.

Send your bags packing. Abiding by that same principle, you never want to apply a light concealer to your bags -- it will only accentuate under-eye puffs. That's a mistake many women make. If bags are your problem, go with a heavier concealer that's slightly darker than your normal skin tone. If you have projecting bags, that's one way to make them diminish.

Minimize flaws. You can reuse your lighter concealer to hide age spots, sunspots, and other tiny imperfections. For a smoother look, Novick suggests applying moisturizer after you put on your concealer. Use a concealer brush to gently pat the moisturizer on top. 

Add a bronze glow.  As you get older, your skin loses some of its youthful glow, which can leave you looking pale and pasty. Restore a natural sun-kissed look with a few brushes of bronzer. It is recommended sweeping the bronzer across your cheekbones, then across your hairline at the top of your forehead. You can also add touches of bronzer to and under your chin, down the sides of your nose, and on its tip to de-accentuate those trouble spots. Use bronzer in a way that will color your face, but it will also sculpture your face.

Highlight your cheekbones. If the bronzer alone isn't giving you enough color, add a touch of pink blush on top. When applying blush, keep in mind that over time, your cheekbones may have dropped a little lower than they used to sit. Applying blush above your natural cheekbones can create a clownish look and age you even more. It makes you look older because it emphasizes that your cheeks have sagged. To find your real cheekbones, touch your cheek until you feel the bone projecting. It should start directly below the pupils of your eyes. Then sweep upward with your brush following the natural cheekbone line, which will narrow toward your temple.

Gloss over lips. Next to your eyes, your lips are the second most visible part of your face. You don't want people to stare at them for the wrong reason. One thing mature women have to steer clear of is the heavily dark lipsticks, especially the browns and deep reds. That makes you look really old. Instead of going dark, use a gloss to fill in cracks and crevices and plump up thinning lips. Then give your lips even more definition by outlining them with a light or nude-colored liner.

Thicken eyebrows. Thin eyebrows might be the height of fashion, but if you tweezed them too aggressively over the years, they may have stopped growing back. Fill in thinning brows with an eye pencil that's about the same color as your hair. For a natural look, Linter makes light dashes on the eyebrows with a powder-based pencil and then blends them in with a brow comb. 

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Hair Care Tips For Long Hair

Oh, that long, shiny, bouncy shampoo-commercial hair -- we've all pined for it, but it seems like only a select few can actually achieve it. Most of us don't have a professional stylist at our beck and call. 

So how can the average girl get her long locks looking lust-worthy? A lot of it is genetics, to be sure, but with these five tips, you can be on your way to shampoo-model hair -- or close enough, anyway -- in almost no time.

And for any of you who treasure your long hair but figure you'll soon have to part ways with it and fall victim to the dreaded "mom cut" -- you might think again after reading this article.

5: Don't Wash Your Hair Every Day 

OK - we know what you're thinking: "But won't my hair get all gross and greasy?" Yes -- if your hair is used to being shampooed every day, it'll take time to adjust. But the greasiness will be temporary, we promise! Once you get over the hump (in about a week), you'll find that your hair looks a whole lot healthier. Daily shampooing actually strips your hair of its natural oils, which dries it out and leaves it more vulnerable to the elements. If you give the shampoo a rest once in a while, the oils will have a chance to come back, making your hair more shiny and bouncy. And, hey, it's cheaper, too!

4: Get Regular Trims 

This might sound counterintuitive, but you need to keep up with haircuts, even when you have long hair. It's not true that regular trims will make your hair grow faster (how did that one get started, anyway?), but they will help your hair look healthier. Long hair more easily looks damaged than shorter hair does, so you should get those split ends snipped every two to three months. Not so much that you compromise your beautiful, flowing locks, of course, but just enough to spruce things up. Strengthening shampoo and a once-a-week deep conditioning will also keep those pesky ends looking perky.

3: Don't Blow-dry 

Your Hair When It's Wet Say what? Isn't that what a hairdryer's for, you ask? Well, kind of. The general rule of thumb is to wait for your hair to be about 80 percent dry before you pull out the dryer, and that's extra-important for long hair -- more heat exposure causes more damage. So, after you get out of the shower, pat (don't rub!) your hair with a towel, apply styling lotion and detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Then hang out, get dressed, do your makeup, do whatever you need to do while your hair air dries. If you're crunched for time, go ahead and use medium heat to pre-dry your hair, but don't start the serious work until it's almost dry.

2: Skip the Roots 

The more hair you have, the more product you need, right? Yes -- sometimes. If you have thick, wavy or otherwise unruly long hair, you probably need to be liberal with the styling products. But everyone else should ease up -- it's also true that the more hair you have, the more weighed-down and limp it can get. If your long hair is fine or straight, you should avoid your roots when applying conditioner or any other hair products. Your roots will end up lighter and bouncier when the product is concentrated where you need it most -- at those damage-prone ends.

1: Don't be Afraid if You're Over 40 

There's an unwritten rule in our society -- let's call it the "Mom Hair Law" -- that dictates that all women of a certain age must chop off their hair. And while it's definitely true that long hair (like a bedraggled, waist-length blunt cut) can weigh down your face and prematurely age you, there are plenty of ways to do it right. The key is in a modern cut with all-over layers -- and a commitment to maintaining it. As we get older, our hair gets drier, coarser and thinner, so we have to put more effort into keeping it looking fresh. But does that mean you have to hack it all off? No way!

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Tips n How To Add Color To Your Wardrobe

Tired of playing it safe in little black dresses? When you’re ready to explore the color wheel when it comes to fashion, here’s how to cheer up your wardrobe without looking like Rainbow Bright.

Little bright dress. Ready to break out of your LBD rut? Trade in your default little black dress for something in color. Yes, other hues can be stylish, too—just learn what flatters your skin tone (for example, certain browns and murky greens don’t do morenas any favors). It’s believed that colors can affect your mood and disposition, so don’t be surprised if you start feeling lighter and brighter along with your wardrobe!

Prep with pastels. If your wardrobe consists mostly of black, white, and 50 shades of gray, ease into the world of color by introducing pastels like blush pink, lilac, lemon yellow, spearmint, and powder blue. Even when used in the tiniest details of your look—in the camisole under your blazer, the piping on your dress, or the cardigan draped on your shoulders, the muted, sorbet hues instantly soften a severe minimalist palette.

Shoes that pop!. Nude pumps are a closet staple because they match practically any outfit, and are especially great with monochrome pastel looks. But for a delightful change, punctuate your power suit with brightly-colored heels for a pop of color! It’s sexy while still looking professional—be ready for the deluge of compliments.

Accessorize. Shy about wearing bright, attention-grabbing shades? Get your feet wet by using bold colors in small doses, like accentuating your all-beige outfit with a stack of multicolored bangles, a florescent skinny belt, or a chunky statement necklace (coral, turquoise or lime look great against black). Try unique accents, too, like a detachable Peter Pan collar in a contrasting color, or an Ikat-print purse instead of your classic designer bag.

Mix it up. Worried about matching the color of your shoes to your bag? Don’t let style challenges coax you back to head-to-toe black. These days, your bag and shoes no longer have to be matchy-matchy. Easy rule of thumb: when you want to avoid a color clash, keep the color accent on one piece (the bag or the shoes), then go neutral on the other. 

When you’re brave enough, you can start experimenting with color-blocking: mixing two or three different bold shades in one outfit for maximum impact—the key is to pick complementary colors. When wearing prints, pick up the colors in the print and repeat them in your accessories to tie your look together.

Prints. When you’re more comfortable with color, it’s time to play with prints! You can play it safe by pairing a printed top with solid shorts or dark rinse jeans, or kick it up a notch by wearing a brightly-colored top and printed pants—busy-print bottoms are all the rage this season. 

Ready to go all out? Surprise your friends in a printed jumpsuit or dress. It’ll be a welcome break from the monochrome suits hanging in your closet. Botanicals and tribal prints are your best bets and give a nice burst of color. But if you want to stick to your minimalist, clean aesthetic, pick geometric prints instead.

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How To Distinguish Fake Bags

The only thing we love more than a nice handbag is getting a deal on a nice handbag. But it's so easy to be scammed! Counterfeit purses are tempting, but the truth is they're illegal, cheaply made, and a waste of money. And while Coach bags are currently the world's most popular handbags, they're also the most-imitated. So how can you tell real from faux? Here are their six tips to avoid falling for designer imposter bags: 

Look out for obvious indicators 
Spotting replica handbags used to be simple; check the hardware, logos and material. Lightweight metal accents, slightly skewed logos and cheap materials are still the first lines of defense for warding off fakes, but with today's higher-quality knockoffs, it's a case of needing steps two through six as well. 

Seek brand-specific signs 
Know the signs to look for in the specific bag. For instance, Marc Jacobs' zippers are embossed with either RiRi or Lampo and all Louis Vuitton bags made since the early '80s have a date stamped somewhere on the interior. Brand fanatics spend time spotting knock-off bags to protect their favorite designers' integrity, so a quick search before you buy will reveal specific tells for each high-end brand. 

Beware of online trickery 
When buying a handbag online, make sure it's from a reputable source. If sites are based in China, specifically Hong Kong, proceed with caution, as the country makes up 88.8 percent of the goods seized for Intellectual Property Rights by the ACG. Also, check the descriptions and reviews for signs of inauthenticity. If customer reviews say the bags aren't the real thing, then they likely aren't. 

Find trustworthy resellers 
Just because a bag is sold online, it doesn't mean it's fake. Authentic and vintage handbags are often sold on eBay; buyers just need to be smart in researching the seller. If the deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. A Chanel bag will never be $50, so use common sense. Certified resale sites also offer discounts on authentic bags. 

Check for design flaws 
A Burberry or Prada handbag will not have crooked stitching or unfinished edges. High-end brands take ultimate pride in craftsmanship, so no imperfect bag would leave their factory for a legitimate retailer. The leathers and fabrics of authentic bags will always be perfectly stitched and lined up, never crooked or gapped stitched. 

Do your handbag homework 
Before you spend big money on a big brand, make sure to check out the designer's website and/or retail store to make sure the styles you're looking at even exist. The only noticeable differences in some high-end imposters are styles and colors that were never made by the particular designer. If you've never seen a zebra Hermes Birkin bag on a celebrity, then it was probably never produced. 

These tips should help you find great deals and avoid crummy knockoffs. If you can't afford the real deal, an authentic, quality purse from a lesser-known brand is better than fake leatherette Gucci bag that falls apart. Really. 

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Skin Care Diets

Your diet keeps your body slim and healthy, but its impact doesn’t stop there. The food you eat—from wrinkle-fighting antioxidants in fruits and vegetables to hydrating healthy fats in fish—may matter to your skin almost as much as it does to your waistline. Is your way of noshing helping or hurting your complexion? We asked top docs for their take on the face-friendliness of six popular diets. Read on to see if yours passes the beauty test, and find out how you can alter what you eat for A-plus skin.


The Mediterranean Diet

The lowdown: Fish, leafy greens, olive oil, and fruit are the stars of this heart-healthy diet. But the benefits don’t end there—eating Mediterranean may also protect against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, a recent Italian study suggests. On the cosmetic front, omega-3 fatty acids in fish help keep skin-cell membranes strong and elastic.

Olive oil, tomatoes, and red wine also have antioxidants that help block the chemical reactions that lead to sun damage, explains Leslie Baumann, MD, chief executive officer of the Baumann Cosmetic and Research Institute in Miami Beach, Florida.


Vegetarian Diet

The lowdown: Whether you skip meat and other animal products for your health, ethical reasons, or both, you probably eat more fresh produce and whole grains as a result—good news for your skin. The antioxidants in these eats neutralize the free radicals that contribute to wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging.

Veggie diets tend to be low in fat, so incorporate ground flaxseeds and olive and safflower oils to help your skin retain water, making it more supple, Dr. Baumann says.


South Beach Diet

The lowdown: Cutting back on white bread, pasta, and refined sugar can also lower the stress hormone cortisol and minimize breakouts, says dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD. Plans that swap in whole grains, fresh produce, and lean meats also up antioxidants, blemish-busting zinc, and collagen-building protein.

But beware of meat-heavy plans. "Too much animal fat can result in an increased production of free radicals, which are thought to interfere with normal cellular processing," says aesthetic dermatologist Lisa Airan, MD.

Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated. Choose fish and other lean proteins, not just red meat. Eat antioxidant-rich leafy greens daily.


Low-fat Diet

The lowdown: Cutting down on saturated fat is great for your heart and waistline. A diet low in animal fat also stems the production of free radicals that can prematurely age skin, Dr. Airan says.

Still, your skin needs some fat, especially the good kind found in nuts and olive oil. Fat helps your body absorb complexion-friendly antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins, and strengthens cell membranes—and ultimately your epidermis—for a dewier, more supple face.

"Get at least 20% of your calories from fat, mainly the unsaturated kind," says dermatologist Cheryl Karcher, MD.


Raw-food Diet

The lowdown: Raw-foodists—who nosh mainly on produce, nuts, and sprouted beans and grains—believe that not cooking food preserves its natural enzymes, aiding digestion, energy, and weight loss. Though these claims aren’t universally accepted by doctors, there’s no denying that these foods make for a happy complexion. What’s more, the healthy oils in nuts, avocados, and olive oil keep skin cell membranes strong and pliant. The downside: "When you eat very little meat, it’s challenging to get enough of the building blocks for collagen," Dr. Airan says.


CarbLovers Diet

The cornerstone of Health’s signature plan is Resistant Starch (RS), a type of carbohydrate that acts like fiber, moving through the digestive tract without being fully digested, absorbed, or converted to glucose. Piling your plate with RS foods boosts metabolism and keeps you fuller longer, which helps you steer clear of skin-damaging foods, such as fat- and sugar-laden snacks, while lowering blood sugar and insulin levels.

The result: a happy body and clearer skin, Dr. Karcher says. CarbLovers also provides lots of skin-smoothing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant-packed whole grains, and collagen-building protein.

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