Royal wedding fever has begun to overtake the KTLA newsroom. And when talking all things “royal,” beauty & lifestyle expert, Stacy Cox can’t just show up with ho-hum beauty products. So Stacy enlisted help from Allure Magazine’s annual best–of-beauty issue to discover some of the best beauty products of the decade.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream $24.99 www.regenerist.com www.drugstore.com CVS Pharmacy.

What it does? It’s perfect for progressively lifting & micro-sculpting faces, jaw lines & necks. It helps to firm areas prone to sagging plus works to smooth skin’s surface & restores elasticity.
Why Best of the Decade: “Allure readers feel Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream hydrates better than 23 European Luxury Creams for younger looking skin.”

Pantene Fine Hair Flat to Volume Shampoo $3.99 www.drugstore.com target, walmart, Walgreens

What does it do? Flat to Volume Shampoo with HPM Cellulose, a polymer designed for fine hair, strikes a perfect balance of cleansing and conditioning to leave hair squeaky clean and ready for healthy volume. Plus, Micro-boosters prepare fine hair’s structure to achieve voluminous styles.
Why Best of the Decade: “Pantene Pro-V Flat to Volume Shampoo & Conditioner remove product buildup so fine hair won’t turn limp; body boosting polymers make hair look thicker.”

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant $7.99 www.drugstore.com target, walmart, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Duane Reade

What it does? Clinically proven and doctor endorsed to provide prescription strength wetness protection. It utilizes triple-action technology, providing three layers of protection – prescription-strength wetness protection, odor-fighting microcapsules, and skin soothing conditioners. Formulated for nighttime application, when the body is at its most natural temperature and most receptive to forming a strong barrier against perspiration.
Why Best of the Decade: “It’s hard to measure the embarrassment spared by the high percentage of wetness-and odor-fighting ingredients in Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant. Bet when quantified in dry-cleaning costs, it must add up to thousands of dollars.”

Gillette Venus Embrace $9.99 www.drugstore.com target, walmart, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Duane Reade

What it does: Five curve-hugging blades are positioned closely together and spring mounted to create a shaving surface that adjusts to the natural contours and curves of a woman’s body, allowing the blade cartridge to sit flatter on the skin for a closer shave.

Why Best of the Decade: “When we see a razor w/ too many bells & whistles (vibrating handle, blades surrounded by shave-cream bars), we can’t help but roll our eyes. But the five-blade Venus Embrace is no gimmick. It gives a seriously smooth shave, even on the tender bikini line.”

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips $54.99 www.3dwhite.com

What it does: Provides professional-level teeth whitening at home or on-the-go. They contain the most efficacious concentration of Crest’s whitening ingredient available at retail – the same enamel-safe ingredient that dentists use. Use the Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips once a day for 30 minutes (20 doses), and in just 3 days, you will see a noticeably whiter smile
Why Best of the Decade: “Whiter, stain free teeth showing results in 3 days w/out the need to head to the dentist’s office, is reason to celebrate oh and smile!”

The Goody Styling Therapy Copper Infused Brush $11.99 www.target.com

What it does: These finishing brushes feature ball-tipped bristles that gently massage the scalp, and the copper infused into the bristles kills 88% of the fungus causing dandruff and dry flaky scalp.
Why Best of the Decade: “The plastic prongs on the Goody Styling Therapy Cooper Infused Brush give a luxurious scalp massage while smoothing hair.”

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers $20 sephora & www.tweezerman.com

What it does: This stainless steel slant tweezer features a hand-filed tip perfectly aligned to grab every hair every time with the smoothest precision.
Why Best of the Decade: “Every time we try another brand, we’re reminded why Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, with its honed tip & tight spring, is unbeatable.”

Remington Style Therapy Frizz Therapy Flat Iron $47.99 www.target.com

What it does: The Frizz Therapy Flat iron delivers 15 hours of humidity protection and 65% less frizz. Next generation ceramic plates are infused with frizz-resistant micro-conditioners to lock in your straight style all day.

Why Best of the Decade: “This Breakthrough winner has a good grip, a swivel cord, and easy-to-access digital temperature controls on the outside. For the first time, women now have a flatiron that actually leaks heat-protective ingredients onto the hair at the exact point of contact, coating every strand the plates come into contact with during the straightening process. This protects hair and controls frizz.”

A Classic Revisited…Remember our Mom’s mantra after a rough day, “Calgon Take Me Away?” Wellgirls, this iconic brand is back, better & bubblier then ever! The brand has grown tremendously with everything you could possibly want to turn your bath or shower into a spa-like experience. The rejuvenating epson salts inEucalyptus Mint and Calgon’s moisturizing shower gel/foaming bath in Tahitian Dream are two of my favorites. I took this “Scent Quiz” (Fragrance Finder) and learned lots of new stuff about my “sniffer” and my personality (I love these “do you really know yourself quizzes?”) TakeMeAway is the web site + on twitter you can find Calgon@takemeawaycom

“Oh No You Did’unt…”I did! I splurged at Target (as if that’s not easy to do)!!! I treated myself to JK Jemma Kidd’s Strike A Pose Swivel Palette ($26) Here’s why: the(4) shadows & (3) cream/gloss colors are ALL wearable, it comes w/a mirror along w/the graphics and packaging which sealed the deal! (JK-Jemma-Kidd-Beauty)The 2nd beauty essential I can’t live without is Pixie’s Flawless Beauty Primer ($28) it’s got truffle oil built into the formula making my fines lines soften so my makeup application is efficient and effortless! Pixi-Flawless-Beauty-Primer

“Wrapped Up”Donni Charm’s Summer 2011 Collection is a charming way to remember the people you love. Donnicharm.com is the website of this mother/daughter team inspired by the loss of their husband/dad, Donny, who always referred to his daughter as his “charm” (Have the chills now? Me too). The signature scarves all have an angel wing char embellishing the fabric. Plus, angel wings graphically play a key element throughout the new collection which includes tanks, crop-t’s, hoodies and reversible t’s! You’ll be as charmed as I am! I’m the proud owner of a “donnifly” wrap/scarf in cream and black and I always receive compliments when I wear it.

Stacy Cox Licensed Esthetician & TV Beauty/Lifestyle Expert
Okay lets be realistic: if you’re stationed in Kabul or Kandahar and run out of your favorite Kiehls shaving gel you aren’t in any position to dash to your local Nordstroms or Bloomingdales department stores to replace it. So you restock w/ whatever brand is available at the base supply store or perhaps you borrow your friend’s Gillette (but – cue the sigh – it’s just not the same right?). And here’s another reality: if you wake up one morning with puffy eyes or your face feels super dry and sunburned it’s not necessarily something you have time nor the ability to focus on correct? If you’re a military spouse you most likely hit the ground running, before the suns even had a chance to rise, in a concerted effort to get your children up, fed and out the door for school on time. If you’re a U.S. soldier well let ’s face it, you’ve got bigger fish to fry: getting your job done safely & keeping the peace in the city you’re stationed. I understand… I get it! So this is where I enter the picture. I’m based in Los Angeles, CA epicenter to all things glam, perfectly sun kissed (never sun burned, perish the thought) and folks with pitch perfect appearances. I own a day spa and work daily to help conserve and preserve men, women and teens complexions from acne, aging and sun damage. I once figured out that over the course of my 11 year career, I’ve completed over 13,000 facial treatments on clients. To say the least, that’s a whole lot of blemishes I’ve done battle with. And for all the beauty tips and advice I’ve doled out over the course of the last decade, my clients and I unanimously agree the best tips are the ones that come right out of your own kitchen, backpack or purse. In short re purposing or “spinning” things within easy reach, that cost next to nothing not only make the best grooming tips BUT they tend to put a smile on someone’s face and result in him/her uttering one of my favorite mantras “oh wait…why didn’t I think of that?!” With the tips below: some you may have heard of before, others may inspire you to try them out and still others may just make you wonder if I’ve lost my mind. But the key, on certain occasions, is to step out of your comfort zone and try something new especially if it promises to amplify your appearance, confidence and give you a moment to take a beat and simply “chill out!” You certainly give each day 100% thus my argument is why not give back a little something to YOU? Self love and self care don’t need to be gender benders. It’s not just for the gals (guys)…seriously…it’s meant for everyone to indulge in when they are in need of recharging their batteries.

“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”
~ Winnie The Pooh ~ (Genius! And so true!)

PROBLEM: Dry/Sunburned Skin
SOLUTIONS:
Olive Oil (Place a few drops in the palm of your hand and lightly press or massage over your face, neck & throat)

PROBLEM: Cramping Due to Menstrual Cycle or Physical Exhaustion
SOLUTION:
Pickle Juice (I know this sounds beyond weird, but drinking 2 ounces of pickle juice alleviates cramps! Popular amongst football players before a big game)

PROBLEM: Puffy Eyes
SOLUTION:
Metal spoons (Chill 2 metal spoons in an ice chest or freezer and apply them over your eyes for an instant quick fix! If you are the stay-at-home parent you can do this with your baby’s teething rings too! Just clean them first)

PROBLEM: Dry Heels & Elbows
SOLUTION:
Coffee Grinds (before you toss them out, save a cup and use it toexfoliate dead skin on your feet and elbows. Ladies the caffeine in the grinds is ideal to rub on the backs of your legs and booty to contend with unwanted cellulite!)

PROBLEM: Dry, Chapped Lips
SOLUTION:
Sugar Cubes or a Tooth Brush (Exfoliate dry lips with a sugar cube or dry tooth brush to remove the buildup of dead skin. Then top your lips w/ a dab of honey or oil olive if you don’t have lip balm handy)

PROBLEM: Dry, Fried Hair
SOLUTION:
Olive Oil (helps repair split ends, heals dandruff, and makes your hair shiny, silky, and lustrous. Massage a few tablespoons of olive oil into scalp and hair) Apple Cider Vinegar (Use approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup of apple cider vinegar diluted with half a cup of water. Shampoo and rinse first, then pour on the vinegar – let it sit about a minute and then rinse out the vinegar and then shampoo again and rinse very well so there is no odor of vinegar. The vinegar removes all the old shampoo, conditioner, hair spray in short all the buildup.)

PROBLEM: Body Odor & Static in Your Hair
SOLUTION:
Fabric Dryer Sheets (Rub under your arms if you’re in a pinch to smell fresh or run it over your hair to stop the fly aways that come when static is present in the air.)

PROBLEM: Out of Lip Gloss (Ladies this one is for you!)
SOLUTION:
Pink Sharpie Highlighter (Gals use this in extreme emergencies, however its great…grab a pink sharpie marker off your desk and shade in your lip line. Watch you’ll get compliments, I know it sounds crazy but it works and “ yes” it does come right off!)

PROBLEM: Knots in your necklaces
SOLUTION:
Corn Starch (Dip a knotted necklace in corn starch and watch how easily the knots come undone!)

PROBLEM: Scratches on your CDs and DVDs
SOLUTION:
Toothpaste (Using circular motions, working from the inside to the outer edges, rub a cotton pad coated with the toothpaste to fill in the scratches on your CD and DVD and see if that allows them to work once again)

PROBLEM: Scuffs on Your Shoes
SOLUTION:
Inside of a Banana Peel (Rub the inside of a banana peel over shoes scuffs to instantly fade them away)

PROBLEM: Out of Hair Gel
SOLUTION:
A Dab of Face or Body Lotion (Works in a pinch to apply a light layer of your face or body lotion to sub if you’re out of hair gel)

PROBLEM: Out of Shave Gel/Cream
SOLUTION:
Hair Conditioner (Will do the trick)

Michaela:  “With Christmas in 3 day away, you may be feeling the gift giving crunch!   If you’re out of ideas and need a dose of inspiration, help has arrived!  Beauty and lifestyle expert, Stacy Cox is in the house with a group of gifts that have a powerful twist…they lend a helping hand to those in need.  These are gifts that give back!”

Sue Devitt’s Hydrating Marine Mineral Eye Palettes Sunset on the Serengeti Collection

Price: $37.50

What is it?: Four shades of eye shadow  house in one compact. Special ingredient is Marula Oil commonly use throughout Africa for its remarkable anti-oxidant, hydrating and healing abilities.

Who it Benefits: 20% of the sales goes to the Africa Foundation is concentrated on bringing water and nutrition to the children of Africa.  Hippo Water Rollers are a remarkable tool designed to transport water more easily and efficiently throughout communities that have inadequate access to water; transporting 5 times the amount of traditional methods.  www.suedevittbeauty.com & www.bloomingdales.com

Sweet Grass Farm’s Faith Hope & Courage Scented Reed Diffusers

Price: $29.95

What it is: A gentle gift for those who have been affected by Breast Cancer. Our special Carnation & Pink Peppercorn Faith Hope & Courage fragrance sticks have been designed to impart a lovely, sweet & peppery fragrance. Developed in honor of Anna, our close family friend, who fought this disease with courage and heart..

Who it Benefits: We donate 10% from each sale to the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which not only works diligently to help find a cure, but also funds and publicizes the need for regular mammograms for early detection.   www.sweetgrassonline.com

Silver Plated Bracelet Raises Funds for Aids Awareness.

Price: $25

What it is: Stars Jessica Alba, Susan Sarandon Michael Phelps  Nate Berkus/Kristin Cavallari/CCH Pounder/Kim Kardashian /Kerri Walsh are all wearing “The Bracelet” to help raise funds for HIV/AIDS services, education and vaccine development.

Who it Benefits: The $25 silver bracelet is available at www.until.org and fund go to Until There’s A Cure® is a national organization dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS by raising awareness

Philosophy’sThe Recipe Box
Price: $18

What it is: Three bottles of Philosophy’s famous shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath formula, in melon smoothie, orchard pear, and raspberry sorbet flavors. The adorable package includes very cute and doable recipes.

Who it Benefits: All proceeds support PBS KIDS and PBS www.philosophy.com

TOMS  Slip-on Shoes
Price: Shoes start at $44

What it is: These easy-chic styles are available in an amazing array of shades — from brown suede to metallic silver

Who it Benefits: For every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need (any style).  Blake Mycoskie launched his company in 2006 when on a trip to Argentina, he realized how many kids the world over are shoeless, yet walking is their main source of transportation.  So Blake returned later that year to Argentina with 10,000 pairs of shoes and at the close of 2009 the company will have put shoes on 300,000 needy kids’ feet.  www.tomsshoes.com

Smashbox Wish For the Perfect Pout

Price: $29

What it is: limited-edition set of lip glosses that contains best sellers and exclusive holiday shades so you can create the perfect pout.  This six-pack of glossiness is all you need to get your lips primed to pucker perfection. And, for the first time ever, this set features two full-size lip glosses.

Who if Benefits: With every WISH purchase, $1 will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network*, a non-profit that grants the wish of life to millions of sick or injured kids by providing care and investing in life-saving research. Help Smashbox make miracles happen this holiday.. www.sephora.com

Feed 5 Bear

Price: $60

What it is: NBC “Hero’s” star, Ali Larter bought one of these cute stuffed animals.

Who it Benefits: Your donation helps buy food for malnourished children in Africa. These meals at school often act as the catalyst to get kids to attend school, it’s an incentive of sorts to children in developing countries.  And the lunch not only gives them nourishment, but necessary energy to study and learn. www.feedprojects.org

Envirosax

Price: $38

What it is: Jessica Biel and Cameron Diaz have this sack

Who it Benefits: $1 from each hip, reuseable bag pays for food and meds for ASPCA shelter animals.  www.envirosax.com Code is” SDL”

 Mikala: “It’s Monday April 13th and Beauty Expert Stacy Cox is in the HOUSE which only means one thing!  It’s Dodger Season! Wait, whoa… did I read the teleprompter correctly? Our beauty expert is talking baseball?  Stacy what beauty tips can you possibly have conjured up related to our national pastime????”

 Stacy: “Well Mikala…Jess…great news! The days of wearing our husband’s and boyfriend’s oversized team jersey’s is a thing of the past because the “MLB” (Ladies that stands for Major League Baseball) has come into the 21 century going “LBD” (Men, that stands for Little Black Dress).  If you’re heading to Dodger Stadium for tonight’s game, I brought along some affordable beauty and fashion tips to add flair to your look!”

Beauty Tips…

1. Mission Skincare…teamed up with world-class, professional athletes to engineer a groundbreaking line of skincare products. Serena William, Mia Hamm and Amanda Beard are 3 athletes involved in developing sweat proof & fast drying sunscreen, soothing after sun revive gel and a foot synergy gel.
2. DIY…Bring an empty zip lock baggie to the ball park & fill it with
   • Peanut shells… @ home you can use your coffee grinder to make a body scrub with the ground peanut shells
   • Mayonnaise packets use the mayo for a quick hydrating hair mask treatment
   • Coffee stirrers to push cuticles back ~ Then recycle your…
   • Altoid tins…use empty tins for mini emergency kits! Fill them w/ aspirin, safety pins, band aid, perfume sample
3. New Colgate Wisps will fit perfectly into the Altoid tins helping you have a just brushed clean feeling anytime, anywhere… After meals, at work, in a car, at the gym, on a plane or before a date.  They are Sugar Free, freshening bead dissolves in use and are discreet and portable.   No water or rinsing necessary.
4. Living Proof “No Frizz” Is your hair wilting in the humidity? Two Tips…One you need to use Living Proof’s “No Frizz” ($24). Spray it on your hair, blow it dry and you get over 16 hours of straight hair with no frizz.  You can also purchase a Dodger terry wrist band and fashion it into a ponytail holder to get your hair off your face.
5. Tide To GO Minis! $2.99 Kelly Ripa is a fan and I know if you get some mustard or ketchup on your cute shirt you will be too. Great quick fix tool to stash in your purse on the way of the door to the game!
6. MBT Anti Cellulite Tennis Shoe…Did you already purchase a pair of tennis shoe that simulates walking on sand to tone your legs and combat cellulite? But like me, do you forget to wear them?  What better place to wear them out then to Dodger Stadium?  The walk from the parking lot into the stadium has MBT’s written all over them.  And then if you see stairs and an escalator…take the stairs! Makes eating that hotdog and fries more justifiable.
7. Catch a fly ball…In case you want to try to catch a fly ball…do it with a pink mitt from Rawlings! $19.95 the “web” lights up every time you make a catch, FUN!
8. Legos for Adults…Jouer Cosmetics the casing/container of all the Jouer cosmetics are meant to be snapped together into one clump so you don’t have random pieces floating around your purse and disappearing!  Easy to take with you to the game for touchups!  Approx $20 per piece.

   

Next Fashion w/ Models…

Me, Jess & Mikala

The Dodger Stadium Gift Shop…7th inning stretch??? Head to the gift shop!  I have scoped out all the must-haves bringing you the highlights. From pink rebooks to designer jeans to charm bracelets this is a must stop and shop situation!

On KTLA Morning News, I finally got to turn the gender table, so to speak, and feature the best skin products for MEN!  Plus I demo’ed a couple easy do-it-yourself aftershaves and shoe deodorizing powder you can craft at home!   In the health and beauty market, one of the fastest growing segments happens to be one of the most difficult to reach–MEN. Last year, men spent more than $16 billion worldwide for personal care products, reflecting greater than a 7% increase worldwide.” 

Here’s what we covered during the segment…
Billy Jealousy’s Six Pack $40

• • Six Pack ensures that your silhouette appears chiseled and not chunky
• • Great to use daily and to apply before hitting the gym for a workout

6 Pack stimulates the body’s lymphatic system through a delivery system of caffeine which enables bioflavinoids to breakdown and liquefy the fat! 

OLAY DEFINITY ILLUMINATING EYE TREATMENT $25.99
Just launched this past July, the Illuminating eye treatment diminishes the look of darkness and wrinkles for highly defined luminosity around the eyes.  Small in size, it sits on night stands discretely, will make it through airport check points and make men’s eye wrinkles less obvious.

VOLCANIC MUD SOAP $18
Can’t get your partner to part w/ soap?  Here’s the best one for face & body.

• • Contains ground oatmeal to scruff-off dead skin
• • Defends against breakouts on face and body
• • Supercharged with detoxifying volcanic mud

Active Ingredients
GINSENG, SUMAC, GOTU KOLA, DONG QUAI, WATERCRESS – Bioelements Adaptogens – Support and strengthen the skin, helping it withstand stress
VOLCANIC MUD EXTRACT – Stimulating, detoxifying
OATMEAL – Soothing, abrasive
OLIVE OIL – Healing, soothing

NXT Hot new men’s line from CVS!
Pricing out at about $4.99 per product, this simple 4 step line from CVS has packaging that literally lights up alluding to the fact that the ingredients are light, great for sensitive skin with natural essential oils and a minty scent! You won’t need your Snoopy night light anymore!  Yay!

Do-It-Yourself…

Transformer Foot Powder…

• • ¼ cup cornstarch or rice flour
•  • tablespoons of baking soda
• • 1 tablespoon finely ground, dried calendula petals
• • 1 to 2 drops essential oil of geranium

Place all the ingredients in a jar or resealable plastic bag and shake well to mix.  Sprinkle powder on feet or directly in shoes overnight to deodorize them.   Another fun one… 

007 Skin Bracer…

• • ¼ cup pure vodka
• • ¼ cup witch hazel
• • ½ tablespoon lemon zest
• • 1 teaspoon camphor spirit

Want a “shaken not stirred” attitude?  Mix together all the ingredients and let the mixture sit for a few days to allow the ingredients to mix & strengthen.  Store in bottle w/ a tight lid and splash on skin after shaving!