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Tricks of the trade - Hollywood's beauty products

Beauty products that will give you film star glamour

Author: Charlotte Kuchinsky November 20 2008

Did you ever wonder how the stars do it? How do they manage to look good year in and year out, seemingly without aging a single year?

Obviously most of them have access to various services that the normal woman simply does not. They have personal trainers to keep their bodies in tiptop condition. They have nutritionists and chefs to make sure they are eating nothing but the right things. They go to spas to soften and smooth out their skin, get rid of cellulite, and unclog pores. They go to tanning stations to make certain they always have a healthy glow. Makeup artists give them that “natural” look. Hairstylists cut, color, and style their hair. Nail artists tend to their nails. Personal shoppers pick out all the latest fashions. Absolutely nothing is left to chance.

That isn’t to say that celebrities don’t pay a high price for their good looks. They most assuredly do. They must pass up that piece of pumpkin pie at the holidays. They can’t decide to skip a day of training here and there. They can’t go to the grocery store in their sweats, without wearing any makeup. They are often up by 5:00 in the morning and don’t return home until after midnight. They can’t shop at thrift shops unless those shops happen to carry “vintage” clothing. Their heels have to be high. Their clothing has to be form fitting. In short, they don’t have some of the misunderstood luxuries that the average woman sometimes takes for granted.

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Let’s face it, we want all of the benefits of being a star without having to pay the high price. At least, I know I do. Chances are that we “average” women won’t get that wish granted and perhaps that it is for the best. However, it doesn’t mean that we can’t have a few celebrity luxuries while hanging onto the ones we already have. Let me share a few of Hollywood’s tricks of the trade.

Body shapers

No woman has the perfect body, although some come pretty close. Just like the rest of us, stars want their lumps and bumps smoothed out before they put on those form-fitting clothes. They often do that with body shapers. Even those size 0 stars use them. Here are some of the best ones on the market today:

Spanx. This product is a favorite of talk-show giant Oprah Winfrey. These shapers come in various configurations that can help any woman look better in her clothing. Spanx can be purchased online at QVC or found in Target department stores. The cost ranges between $30 and $60.

Lipo in a Box. Like Spanx, this relatively new product aims to help women look their best morning, noon, and night. They have several different styles and colors to choose from. Some focus on the tummy area while others lift and shape the derriere. Lipo in a Box can also be purchased online at QVC. The cost averages around $50.

Rhonda Shear Body Shapers. Rhonda covers the top, the bottom, and everything in between. She is one of the few on the market today that offers a full shaping body suit that goes all the way down to the mid-calf. Rhonda’s shapers can be purchased online at HSN.

The tape trick

Many celebrities choose to wear low cut dresses and tops; some so low that it seems to defy gravity and yet “the girls” remain in place. The secret is so simple that it makes one wonder why it took us so long to figure it out. They use two-sided tape. One side of the tape is attached to the garment while the other is placed on the skin. Hollywood Fashion Tape is so strong that it will even hold those heavy beaded gowns in place until its wearer is ready to remove it. Hollywood Fashion Tape can be can be purchased by any woman on line at QVC for just under $17.

Hair needs help

Anyone who has ever wondered how the stars manage to have perfect hair, take heart. The hair isn’t always theirs alone. Celebrities use hair extensions and hairpieces to make their hair appear voluminous and luxurious. Here are some of the best hair secrets on the market today:

Jessica Simpson’s Can-Do Hair Extensions are perfect for the woman who simply wants to add volume as well as the one longing for longer locks. Jessica offers 100% human hair options, which retail for around $500 in straight, curly, and wavy choices. She also offers synthetic extensions and hairpieces, which are much cheaper and almost as beautiful. They come in short, medium, long, and extra long choices, with 12 different colors to choose from. Best of all they retail at a price that is affordable, between $35 and $100.

Toni Brattin’s synthetic hair extensions, wigs, and hairpieces are some of the best on the market today. She offers many different varieties from toppers that add hair to the crown to full blown wigs in short and medium lengths. She also has a variety of colors - 13 to be exact - and styles to choose from including ponytails, twist ties, and more. Whether the look desired is straight, crimped, wavy, or curly, there is sure to be something to fit everyone’s taste. Best of all, Toni’s pieces are inexpensive, ranging in price between $19 and $59.

Both hair brands can be purchased online at HSN. Jessica Simpson’s hairpieces and extensions are also available at a variety of other online sites.

Look like a star!

While few women will ever experience the sheer luxurious lifestyle of the stars, they can certainly enjoy a few of them. In future articles I will cover more Hollywood tricks of the trade for skin care, hair care, and fashion. Until then, here’s hoping you will treat yourself like a star. After all, you deserve it!