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Mineral Makeup Must Haves for the Summer

During the summertime, I enjoy using mineral makeup over liquid. In the winter months, I am all for Almay’s Smart Shade liquid foundation, but I like to have a lighter feel for the warmer months. I already made my switch over to Bare Minerals foundation, but Fitnessmag.com has listed more great mineral makeup beyond simply foundation.

1. Avon Smooth Minerals Eyeliner. This pencil eyeliner is only $6 through Avon, and one tester said just one application can last all day.

2. E.l.f. Mineral Lip Gloss. This lip shiner is not only inexpensive ($3 at eyeslipsface.com) but also gives lips a dose of vitamins A&E.

3. CoverGirl TruBlend Microminerals Blush. This blush is a bit pricey compared to the other products, $10.99 at drugstores, but one tester said her skin that was prone to breakouts stayed clear while using it.

4. Femme Couture Mineral Effects Baked Eye Color. These eyes lights come in vibrant colors that will make eyes pop. Pick up at sallybeauty.com for $6.99.

5. Mineral Fusion Lengthening Mascara. According to Fitnessmag.com, this mascara contains mica, a sweat-proof, oil-absorbing mineral, and one tester praised how the mascara would not flake after extended wear. Available for $16 at Whole Foods Market.

6. Lancome Oscillation Powerfoundation. This is one of the more expensive foundations, running at $48 through lacome-usa.com, but is equipped with a vibrating applicator that buffs particles including aloe, vitamin E, and SPF 21 into the skin.

Sandra Bullock Attending Award Show

Sandra Bullock is stepping out. While her crumbling marriage is still fresh, the actress has been confirmed to be in attendance at the MTV Movie Awards on June 6th. People.com has reported that she will not being doing any interviews at the ceremony, but will be accepting her MTV Generation Award. Do you think it is too soon for Sandra?

Lowering Breast Cancer Risks

While there is no cure for breast cancer, I think it is important that women know and understand what they can do to lower their chances of getting the disease. After losing my grandmother last year to the cancer, I now pay even more attention to topics such as prevention and risk factors. Shape.com put out an article titled ‘Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk’ and it includes 4 healthy breast habits that all women should be aware of.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight have a higher chance of being diagnosed with the cancer, in addition to being more at risk to recurrence and morality. Exercising on a regular basis will not only keep your weight in check, but can drop your risk up to 50% if you exercise vigorously for three to four hours a week.
2. Eat a balanced diet. Not only will eating healthy in general give you health benefits, but there are certain foods that can lower your risk of cancer by 20%. Those include foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. Vitamin D and calcium are another strong source, found in fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, milk, yogurt, cheese and vegetables like broccoli and kale.
3. Examine yourself. While an annual checkup may be unpleasant and dreaded, it is important for women to go. The doctor will perform a breast examination, looking for any abnormalities including lumps that could require further testing. But you cannot just count on that one time a year exam. Women should perform monthly self breast exams as well, generally the best time being the week after your period. This is the time frame where there is less estrogen stimulation, so breasts are not lumpy or tender.
4. Know your breasts. You’re the one that knows your breasts the best, so you will be able to tell if there is a change or any abnormalities that are occurring. Shape recommends going to a doctor if you find swollen lymph nodes, changes in nipples, or if skin turns a color.

Source: Shape.com

Bassist of Slipknot Dead at 38

Paul Gray, bassist for the metal band Slipknot, was found dead at age 38 on Monday. Gray was found at an Urbandale hotel in Iowa after a hotel employee discovered his body. So far, no foul play has been suspected, but an investigation will be ongoing and autopsy will be performed. Slipknot was a Grammy award winning band from Iowa, and members were often seen with their trademark face masks on.

Simon Monjack Found Dead

Five months after the death of Brittany Murphy, her husband, Simon Monjack, was found dead in the couples home on Sunday. Authorities are saying Monjack, 39 and a British screenwriter, appears to have died from natural causes, but an investigation will follow. People.com reports that Brittany’s mother, Sharon, discovered Monjack unresponsive around 9:30 and called 911.

Beauty Review: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel

While I was browsing skin care items a few weeks ago, my eyes landed on a ‘spot treatment’ from Neutrogena. This tiny white and orange bottle boasted that it would instantly clear breakouts and even help prevent breakouts from happening. What could be better? I quickly bought the .5 fluid ounce tube of Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel and have been faithfully using it for almost a month now. And the results are terrible. Each night, I put a tab of the spot treatment on any breakouts, and it seems that the gel just makes things worse. Instead of ‘eliminating’ anything, it makes them redder and bigger-not exactly the look I was going for. I was hoping my skin would eventually begin to improve with continued use, but I am starting to face the facts that it will just not be. Now, I would rather not use the gel, because I feel I look even worse in the mornings than if I skip it. Bottom line: not worth your time or money.

Megan Fox Not Returning to Transformers

Megan Fox will not be returning to the franchise that put her on the map. The actress, 24, will not appear in Transformers 3. People.com released this statement for Fox’s rep, “Megan Fox will not be starring in Transformers 3. It was her decision not to return. She wishes the franchise the best.” Filming on the third installment is expected to begin July 2011, and Shia LaBeouf will reprise his role along with a new female lead as his love interest.

Healthy Recipe: Chicken BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

April’s edition of Fitness Magazine had a ‘Dinner in 20’ section, which is perfect for me! Between a full time job and running this blog, along with a busy social life and trying to keep up on my workouts and favorite TV shows, I don’t have much time (or patience) to cook a lot. So short, simple meals are the best for me. The one recipe that really caught my eye was Chicken BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing. A light, easy meal that is healthy at the same time, and it only takes 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. Keep reading for the ingredients and the recipe that will serve 4.
Ingredients:
4 slices lean turkey bacon
4 1-inch-thick slices ciabatta bread
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, halved
1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk, well shaken
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups tightly packed chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups roughly torn rotisserie chicken, skin removed

Directions:
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning occasionally until lightly browned and beginning to crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Crumble into large pieces.
2. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the ciabetta slices with the olive oil and grill until just toasted, about 2 minutes per side. Lightly rub the cut garlic clove halves over the surface of each slice. Let the bread cool, then cut into 1-inhc cubes.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, minced garlic, salt, sugar and black pepper. Add the lettuce, tomatoes, chicken and croutons and half the bacon. Toss well. Transfer to plates and top each serving with some of the remaining bacon.
Fitness Magazine reports this recipe has 295 calories, 28 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates, 11 g fat (2.8 g saturated) and 3 g fiber.

John Travolta, Kelly Preston Expecting!

John Travolta and Kelly Preston are expecting! People.com reports that the family, who tragically lost their 16 year old son Jett in 2009 will soon be welcoming another child. Their statement reads, “It’s impossible to keep a secret … especially one as wonderful as this. We want to be the first to share this great news with everyone that we are expecting a new addition to our family. Love, John, Kelly and Ella.”