Every time I am at a newsstand, doctor’s office or manicure bar, I observe women looking longingly at celebrity images, plastered all over glossy magazines. Their expressions reveal quiet indignation, underscored by undeniable curiosity.  As they flip through the crisp pages, overwhelming disappointment tinged with an admission of defeat settles in the corners of their quivering mouths. I can read their minds: "I will never look that good!"

Admittedly, A-list stars hire experts to monitor their exercise, diet, beauty regimens. Nevertheless, the techniques these pros use are available to everyone willing to do a little research. This wealth of knowledge, coupled with willpower and dedication can produce similar results in everyday people. Slim waist lines, toned thighs, glowing expressions and healthy locks are not privileges that can only be bought by the rich. Starting today, you can turn back the time. Here is Fashionlines’ guide to reclaiming beauty, health and Hollywood glamour forever.

BODY

With all the fresh approaches to fitness today, exercising does not have to be boring. Reinterpreted versions of time-old classics and newly devised methods offer individuals countless ways to stay active. While stars like Jennifer Aniston and Catherine Zeta-Jones prefer to break a sweat in their home gyms, young Turks like Cameron Diaz prefer hiking and surfing.

Fashionlines Tips: The key to success is finding a routine and sticking with it. If you love the outdoors try swimming, jogging, or walking. Perhaps translate an appreciation for martial arts into T’ai Chi, Qi Gong, Wing Chun, or Kung Fu. If not, express your love for relaxation and meditation with an unwavering commitment to yoga. Finally, remember to opt for a practice that you thoroughly enjoy, for if you come to think of physical activity as torment, you are bound to give up.  

 

NICOLE RICHIE: Nicole Richie’s recent transformation is a prime example of how drastically a balanced diet and increased physical activity can change a person’s appearance.   Nicole exercises four times a week and does something different during each session. Besides integral training (cardio and weight work combined) the newly svelte starlet likes to use the indo board for balance and leg work. Furthermore, according to her trainer Adam Estner, “Richie now eats more food than before, but she eats the right kind.”

 

 

SKIN

The wide array of products offered on cosmetic counters can confuse and overwhelm consumers. Foaming washes, soaps, cleansers, toners, T-zone gels, anti-shine potions, moisturizers, face lift foams, serums, hydration creams, peels, masks…the list goes on an on. Simply put there aren’t enough hours in the day to apply all this merchandise. 

In his revolutionary book, The Wrinkle Cure, Dr. Perricone writes, “Wrinkled, sagging skin is NOT the inevitable result of growing older. It is a disease, and you can fight it.” The famed dermatologist to the stars also argues that the first step to supple, youthful skin is a healthy body. According to him, “Although your skin may appreciate the care you lavish on it from the outside—creams, gels, and gentle soaps—it will suffer dearly from the damage you cause on the inside if you don’t get enough sleep, smoke, drink too much alcohol, don’t eat properly and don’t take essential vitamins including A,C, and E.”

Fashionlines Tips: In order to enjoy a lifetime of beautiful skin…

• Avoid excessive sun exposure. Always wear sun block.
• Quit smoking! Also, refuse to be poisoned by secondhand smoke.
• Adopt a nutrition-rich diet.
• Make vitamin supplements a part of your daily routine.
• Steer clear of excessive alcohol consumption.
• Exercise regularly.
• Stay away from harsh soaps, abrasive cosmetics, alcoholic toners and detergent-based moisturizers.
• Make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.

 

 

 

LINDSAY LOHAN: Redheads like Lindsay Lohan have to take special care to protect their skin from sun damage. When the molecules in the skin absorb sunlight, free radicals are activated. Sunlight also triggers certain enzymes, capable of breaking down fat. This fat breakdown inflames the skin. In other words, the sun is youthful skin’s worst enemy. Consequently, it is absolutely imperative for Lindsay and everyone else with alabaster skin to apply creams containing SPF, even on cloudy days. 

 

 

 

 

DIET

Not a day goes by that I don’t see an advertisement for a new miracle weight loss remedy. The average American is so obsessed with the idea of taking a pill to shed excess pounds that the notion that one needs to eat right and exercise in order to be slim is lost to us.  We might be the richest nation in the word, but we still don’t have the technology (despite billions of dollars spent on research and counting) to eradicate obesity. Let’s face it; until scientists develop a breakthrough drug, the only way to be thin is through proper nutrition.

Fashionlines Tips: Forget about the Atkins, South Beach and cabbage soup diets. Every adult needs a balanced regime that includes something from each food group every day. The journey to a slender figure does not travel the road of deprivation.  In her NY Times best seller, French Women Don’t Get Fat: the Secret of Eating for Pleasure, Mireille Guiliano, argues that enjoying culinary delights does not have to be a guilt ridden experience. As long as a woman has sensible meals and avoids overindulging, she can stay thin. In other words, a lady can have her cake and eat it too. For example, if you choose to have a chocolate croissant for breakfast, opt for a veggie dish for lunch and watch the calories balance out!

 

 

 

CHARLIZE THERON: For her Oscar winning role in Monster, Charlize Theron put on 30 pounds. After the shooting wrapped up, the South African beauty quickly shed the excess weight by taking long walks on the beach and eating healthy meals rich in vitamins and minerals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAKE UP

Makeup is no longer about looking ‘made up.’ The standard of beauty has shifted towards the natural. A healthy glowing complexion, rosy cheeks and luscious lips are what all women want. Even though the face might be painted with cosmetics, the goal is to look “nude.” Then, why are some women still wearing caky foundations, 3 shades darker than their skin? For heavens shake, consult with an expert and get the right color. Lay off the excessive powdering and always moisturize before applying any product with pigmentation.

Fashionlines Tips: In order to look naturally fabulous…

• Never apply foundation directly to the skin. Unless the face has been primed, you will end up with a patchy finish.
• For a more natural look, especially in the summer, try tinted moisturizers.
• Apply concealer with a brush and blend well. Remember, the aim is to disguise, not to highlight, a flaw.
• Always brush brows.
• Before applying eye shadow, pat foundation over the lid. Then brush over with translucent powder. This will allow the shadow to sit smoothly.
• Less is more. Start out with a little eye shadow and build color gradually.
• Give clear mascara a try. Note that you may also use clear mascara to style eyebrows.
• Apply lip balm all over your pout. After 5 minutes, brush off the dead skin with a clean tooth brush. Follow with a nude lip gloss.

MISCHA BARTON: Mischa Barton is the poster girl for understated glamour. The young O.C. star keeps things simple and elegant.

Hollywood stars don’t have a monopoly on glamour. Become your own beauty guru and jumpstart your makeover today. Cheers (with a glass of grapefruit juice)!