All posts by: Michelle Vongphakdy

Sneaky ingredients in your skin-care products

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on March 5, 2013 in

Sneaky ingredients in your skin-care products

It's a typical scenario: You're looking for a new beauty product and find one that calls out an ingredient you actually know. Retinol -- you're sold! You probably won't even bother reading the ingredient list on the back because you can't decipher those long scientific-looking names. But have you ever wondered what they mean and which ingredients are bad for your skin? We break it down for you. The bad, the controversial and where you'll find these sneaky ingredients. Read more

Stand mixers vs. bread machines

Kitchen & Food
By Michelle Vongphakdy on February 22, 2013 in

Boxing match

There's something to be said for the art and craft of making bread by hand, but for most of us, the process is too time consuming. Still, nothing quite compares to the taste of fresh-from-the-oven bread. To simplify the process -- and enjoy the results -- many turn to modern-day appliances. Is a bread machine really the best convenience option? Or can a stand mixer do the trick? The two duke it out in the boxing ring to determine which is the better buy. Read more

Stop wrinkles now! Use these 3 simple steps

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on January 23, 2013 in

Stop wrinkles now! Use these 3 simple steps

When it comes to maintaining healthy, wrinkle-free skin, the sun is your worst enemy. The UV rays emitted by the largest star coupled with other environmental factors further the aging process. As easy as it is to age your skin, it's just as simple to protect it. Here are three ways to stop wrinkles now!

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How to fake an eye lift: 5 anti-aging tips and tricks for brighter eyes

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on January 16, 2013 in

Anti-Aging Eye Lift with Makeup Tricks

A few wrinkles here and a little sagging there - age has a way of catching up with all of us. The wealthiest among us can easily fill, relax or diminish wrinkles, fine lines and other characteristics of aging with a plethora of cosmetic surgeries, but for some, Botox and face lifts are less than ideal.

Guess what? You can DIY it! You don't need to be a celebrity makeup artist to achieve a more youthful appearance. We have some super tips and tricks to brighten (and lift) your eyes with tools you likely already have in your makeup bag. Read on for how.

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Water v. String: Does Water Pik et al. unseat traditional floss?

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on January 15, 2013 in

Water v. String: Does Water Pik et al. unseat traditional floss?

If your dentist is doing his or her job, you know that you should be flossing -- it is a crucial piece of the good oral hygiene puzzle. Yet, it is often forgotten. For some, it is a difficult task to perform due to lack of dexterity, dental devices, such as braces or implants, which are hard to maneuver around or gum disease. Luckily, there are alternatives. Oral irrigators, also known as water flossers, do an excellent job of cleaning between teeth and are more gentle than dental floss. Read more

Whiten your teeth no matter what your budget is

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on January 10, 2013 in

Teeth whitening for any budget

Nothing shaves years off of your appearance like a bright smile, which may explain why teeth whitening is the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States. Manufactures have capitalized on our vanity by providing more and more whitening products at ever more affordable prices. Furthermore, there are all kinds of home remedies on the Internet. With everything that's available, it's hard to know which products actually work and what will give you the most bang for your buck. To find out how to navigate the myriad ofoptions, ConsumerSearch spoke to Manhattan-based cosmetic dentist, Timothy Chase, DMD.

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Halloween makeup 101: Create a stunning look with these easy-to-follow tips

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on October 17, 2012 in

Halloween makeup 101: Create a stunning look with these easy-to-follow tips

No Halloween costume is truly complete without face makeup. Luckily, it is very simple to transform your sweet self into a ghastly persona. We've gathered some tips from experts about how to pull off the look with relative ease. Read more

Self-adjusting makeup: Real or hype?

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on September 10, 2012 in

What is self-adjusting makeup?

Cosmetic companies are known for outlandish promises and we're the suckers for spending our money on the mere hope that this one might finally work. So, it was with a healthy dose of skepticism that I began researching the latest self-adjusting makeup products. As I looked at blog posts and magazine articles, I actually began to get excited. Maybe this stuff actually works ... maybe buying the right shade is going to become infinitely easier. Then I started looking into the science.

It turns out that there really isn't anything new here and -- like most of the marketing behind cosmetics -- self-adjusting makeup is more hype than reality. Read more

6 ways to rock a red lip

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on September 7, 2012 in

How to wear red lipstick

Many women say that wearing red lipstick gives them an extra boost of confidence, but others feel like they more wallflower than vamp to pull it off. No matter what your attitude experts insist that there is a red for everyone. The trick is choosing a hue that works for you and applying it correctly. Read on for tips on how to rock this look. Read more

Tattoo you: Deciding whether permanent makeup is for you

Health & Beauty
By Michelle Vongphakdy on September 5, 2012 in

How safe is permanent makeup?

Cosmetic tattooing has grown in popularity over the last couple of decades as women realize that a couple hours of pain and discomfort can provide years of convenience.

There are lots of things to like about permanent makeup: It's a great alternative for those that can't wear cosmetics due to allergies or skin sensitivities; it won't sweat off on hot, active days; and it won't rinse off while swimming. In addition, there's no need to reapply it and it saves time in the mornings and allows you to wake up with a fresh face of makeup every day.  It's also an option for those with motor impairments like arthritis or unsteady hands. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. The procedure carries some risks. Here's what you need to know about what they are and what precautions you can take to minimize or eliminate them. Read more

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