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Facial exercises don’t give the same results as plastic surgery, although informational websites argue compellingly to the contrary. Facial exercises are unarguably a no-cost alternative to expensive cosmetic procedures, and they take only a few minutes of dedicated time. However, medical experts at the American Academy of Dermatology say the blink-squint-grimace repetitions you practice in front of the mirror each day only make matters worse.

Facial exercises as an alternative to plastic surgery are an easy sell. Paula Begoun, author of “The Original Beauty Bible” and numerous books on skincare and cosmetic procedures, explains that promoters of facial exercises use the argument that facial exercises are effective because facial muscles are directly attached to the skin rather than the bone. Theoretically, working the face muscles should lead to tighter, smoother skin. However, the movement of the skin is in itself the cause of sagging, Begoun explains. If you’re a believer in facial exercises, look closely in the mirror when performing them. If you see laugh lines and crow’s-feet crinkle and groove with every muscular contraction, you’re merely working on making these a more noticeable feature of your countenance.

The AAD advises anyone who’s been performing facial exercises to prevent aging to stop before they compound their problems. Dermatologist and former AAD president Wilma Bergfeld doesn’t recommend them, although she concedes that they could be beneficial in “controlled situations.” She goes on to state, “However, you would never want to do anything that moves the facial skin, especially as it ages, or over-manipulate the skin because it would create more wrinkling, increasing the loss of elasticity in the skin.” Similarly, facial relaxation exercises like those taught in certain yoga classes won’t reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging already present.

Facial workouts don’t have a physical downside, says New York City-based oral and maxillo-facial surgeon Richard Elias in a March 2007 “New York Times” article. But drooping jowls, a sagging neck and lines around your lips are unlikely to benefit from facial exercises. “Only a face-lift can do that,” Elias says. “When you do a face-lift, you’re removing fat and loose skin, and pulling some skin back.” Skin tightening procedures that use laser devices are a less invasive method of enhancing your cosmetic appearance. The AAD cautions that laser devices don’t give the same pronounced results as plastic surgery (such as a face-lift), but treatments do yield mild to moderate results.

I did a lot of research and reading of this topic. Do facial exercisers really work? From what I’ve concluded after scouring the internet for research is they DO work… a little. Most people who spent MONTHS using them saw very little change in their face. Is it really worth it? All that work for some change that’s only visible if you work really, really hard? I don’t think so.

My advice for keeping your face beautiful and healthy is – and has always been – take care of your skin from the get-go. Don’t pile on the foundation everyday for 20 years and expect your skin to glow when you’re in your 50′s and 60′s. Treat your skin well! Wash your face with gentle cleanser every night. Lotion your face with a mild non-scented lotion every night and every morning. Make sure to lotion your neck as well, every time. The women I know now who are in their 50′s and 60′s who have the best skin – are women who never wore much makeup from the beginning. If you wear a lot of makeup, you have to treat your skin with even more care.

PS: Check out the hilarious video above for Facial Flex. Is that not creepy or what!

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Photo Credit: iStock

Have you found yourself daydreaming about a beauty app that would make your life easier? Or what we might be able to accomplish with our phones in the future. I have a Future of Beauty assignment to think up a few beauty apps I wish existed, who knows some of them might not be too far off.

1. My Wardrobe App:

Anytime you buy clothes, accessories, shoes or a handbag you scan the tag. A picture of the item is immediately added to your Wardrobe App. Clothes you already own can be photographed with your phone and added to your Wardrobe as well. The app will suggest new outfit combinations, what to wear for the current seasons trends, and can also suggest simple  items to purchase that will multiply new outfit options.

2. My Complexion App

Every girl or guys best friend, simply snap a photo of your face (or problem area) and the app will go to work. Whether your issue is acne, dry skin, or enlarged pores. The app will analyze your skin and link directly to items that you can purchase to fix your toughest complexion problems.

3. My Trend App

Have you fallen in love with the newest trend? Sometimes the things we love might not have a barcode or we don’t know a name to research the item for purchase. Well whether you have fallen in love with a  coral hat, cognac leather boots, or the perfect red lipstick you are just a picture away from being able to purchase. The My Trend app can instantly search for your newest obsession just snap a photo and the app immediately goes to work, within seconds you will have a list of items that match your picture for sale locally or online.

4. My Beauty Bidder

Looking for some new makeup or a great outfit for a night on the town? With my beauty bidder you can name your own price for your next purchase. Type in your desired product and the price you want to pay. The app will send your request immediately to retailers. Once a seller has agreed to the sale price your item will automatically be billed to you and shipped.

5. My Colors App

Still not sure what your color is, or what shade of lipstick or shirt will make you look like a million bucks? The My Colors App will store your skin tone and color down to seasonal variances. Snap a photo of an item of clothing or a beauty product. The app will then determine which color will complement you most. It will also suggest other pieces and products to draw out your best features.

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This past summer it was announced that Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin were the new faces of Mac’s 2012 Viva Glam campaign. Now – we’re finally getting a look at the two in this new ad!

The campaign, shot by fashion photographer David LaChapelle is colorful, hot and a bit provocative!

What do you think of the eye-catching ad? Watch out for Mac’s Viva Glam products when they go on sale from March 2012. All the money raised from Nicki and Ricky’s products will support women, men and children affected by HIV and AIDS.

viva glam

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