expert advice: perfect underpinnings from Intimate Apparel Expert Cortney Scheiner

Everybody's favorite award show is just two days away. We're all wondering what the stars will be wearing on the red carpet but we'd also like to know what they'll be wearing underneath it all. Plunging cleavage, backless gowns and exposed thighs require just the right underpinnings. The Natural VP and Intimate Apparel Expert Cortney Scheiner reveals the secrets to successful red carpet dressing. They all deserve awards in my book.

1. What's the best Natural piece for a one-shoulder dress? What should you be concerned with when wearing it?

“Asymmetrical necklines are one of the hottest trends in eveningwear. A convertible bra, such as The Natural Solutions Bra, with multiple straps and strap hooks works well with halter, one shoulder and asymmetrical necklines, enabling the wearer to create custom intimate apparel options catered to each garment by attaching straps as needed to create an almost custom bra.”

The Natural Solutions Bra, $39.00 / www.Fredericks.com

2. What's the best Natural piece for a strapless dress? How does it offer lift and shape?

“The Natural Combo Bra is the best bet for a low-cut, cutaway strapless dress. This underwire bra with interchangeable back strap options creates a pretty bust line without sacrificing support.”

The Natural Combo Bra, $27.99 / www.HerRoom.com

3. What's the best Natural piece to wear with a backless dress? How do you get the support you need?

“The Natural Shaper Bra is an all-adhesive bra that adheres directly to the body for extreme backless style. This light weight and seam free bra eliminates straps all together while providing full shape and support in the front. Just because you are wearing a bra, you don’t have to show it!”

The Natural Shaper Bra, $47.99 / www.HerRoom.com

4. Describe the worst fashion blooper you've see on the red carpet and how a Natural product would have been able to help avoid it.

“When a look requires the barest of underpinnings, Satin Nipple Covers provide the coverage needed for a smooth and seamless silhouette and nothing more, no extra bulk! Follow up with Reveal & Hold Tape, which does just that: holds everything in place while allowing for an alluring look that does not reveal too much and ensures avoiding any unintentional exposure”

Satin Nipple Covers, $12.00 / www.Fredericks.com

Reveal & Hold Tape, $6.99, www.HerRoom.com

5. What's your favorite Natural piece and why?

“Do not sacrifice support when wearing a plunging neckline. The Sexy Plunge Bra dips below the breasts and has gently padded cups to create cleavage and lift to provide both sex appeal and support. This bra provides essential coverage where you need it while concealing unsightly bra straps. The straps convert into a halter or a low back style, giving you more bang for your buck.”

The Natural Sexy Plunge Bra, $28.00 / www.HerRoom.com

winter skin care: curel wins the gold

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games have come and gone...and as a result, we've met superstar athletes, witnessed superb performances and shed a tear or two over their trials and triumphs. But we also learned a few things about taking care of our dry, winter skin. If these athletes managed to protect themselves from whipping winds and freezing temperatures, we can too. Thanks to new Curél®, it's possible. Curél® Itch Defense Skin Balancing Moisture Lotion for Dry Itchy Skin rebalances four essential components of healthy skin, restoring skin to its natural moisture levels: Humectants and emollients boost moisturization and leave skin feeling protected, natural ceramides restore skin’s barrier function and regulate skin’s ability to hold moisture, Accelerated Cellular Turnover minimizes dry, flaky skin and smoothes the skin’s surface, balancing the dry skin cycle, and balanced pH levels return skin to a healthy equilibrium. I've been using it on myself for the past two weeks and definitely notice a difference. But I also use it on my kids (when they let me apply it!) and it works wonders for keeping their skin soft and smooth. The best part: It helps reduce itchiness which many babies/toddlers/kids have so they sleep better and are just happier campers in general (which means moms are happy too!) Look for more info and other great Curel products on www.curel.com.

expert advice: get a germ-free kitchen

Keeping things clean around the kitchen is a challenge. But according to Dr. Larry Weiss, CleanWell Chief Scientist, a little extra hygiene can help you keep your kitchen germ free. Here are five easy way to get started:

1. Spam the Sponge: "The micro crevices that make a sponge such an effective cleaning device also make it a cozy home for germs. Wiping your counters or dishes with a dirty sponge will only transfer the bacteria from one item to another. Wet your sponge and then pop it in the microwave for two minutes to eliminate the germs that lurk inside." (note: My husband does this all the time!)

2. Wash your Hands Before Meals and Snacks: "In the kitchen the number one time to wash your hands and make sure your kids do, too, is before you eat anything. Use the CleanWell All Natural Anti Bacterial Hand Soaps and water with a little elbow grease. Anti-bacterial soap is a good idea for extra protection." Fun Fact: People who wash hands seven times a day have about 40% fewer colds than the average person.

3. Wipe Away Germs: "Use a disinfectant spray or wipes on sink faucets, refrigerator handles, stove handles, cupboard handles, trashcans, doorknobs, and any other area that you touch with your hands. These sprays or wipes kill germs on contact and should be done several times a day."

4. Cut Out the Germs On the Cutting Board: "Cracks and crevices in your cutting board provide plenty of space for bacteria to grow. Use separate boards for raw meat and making salads and clean and disinfect inside the fridge, microwave, cupboards and other surfaces that come into frequent contact with food."

5. Have it Well Done: "Cooking food thoroughly and evenly will reduce the number of germs. Generally, the higher the temperature reached, the more germs are killed."

For more great info and healthy tips, or to try my favorite hand sanitizer with a spray pump applicator, go to www.cleanwell.com.

superhero teeth

Give a kid a reason to brush and you're OK in my book. Enter the Spiderman Light-Up Toothbrush ($2.99) from Dr. Fresh. Not only can my kids relate to the famous superhero but they love the actual toothbrush itself. There's a molded character handle for easy grasp (especially when wet), high-quality Dupont bristles that won't cut gums and a unique light-up timer technology that kids love. They push a button to start the blinking light which lasts for 60 seconds, the recommended time to brush one row of teeth. Then they push it a second time to brush the other arch. The light lasts for three months so parents know when it's time to get a replacement. The only problem now is, we can't get the kids out of the bathroom! Also available from Dr. Fresh are easy-to-use floss picks for kids and a great AIM Whitening Mouthwash for mom and dad. Go to www.drfresh.com for more info or go to your local Target store or drugstore to purchase.

fashion week: just shampoo, don't rinse, don't repeat

Fashion Week came and went in a whirlwind. There were so many shows/parties/events to attend, there was barely any time to prep. Thankfully, TRESemmé, the official hair care sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, came to the rescue with its TRESemmé Salon & Lounge, located right inside the tents! Throughout the week, TRESemmé hairstylists worked their magic on fashionistas and celebs as they breezed through the venue. Even Erin Lucas of MTV's The City stopped in before heading to the Tracy Reese show. Anyway, a beauty event wouldn't be a beauty event without a gift bag and this was no exception. Everyone who visited the Lounge left with a complimentary TRESemmé FreshStart Dry Shampoo. You don't have to be a fashionista to use it. It's the most perfect tool for moms on the go. Say you haven't had a chance to wash your hair in three days--we know it's happened! Just spray some on, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then brush out and style. I just tried it and it definitely gave my hair body, shine and a fresh-smelling clean look and feel. The trick is to hold the can 8-12 inches from your hair and apply evenly. There were a couple of spots where I "overdid it" a bit and dispersed too much product so my hair looked a little flatter. Overall, it works well and fits into your purse so you can just spray and go. Apply now and you'll be freshly shampooed in time for pickup! Go to www.tresemmme.com for more info.

fashion week: look younger with anagenese 25+ from orlane paris

It's hard enough fighting the natural effects of aging...but when you have kids, they seem to age you even more. I was just introduced to Anagenese 25+ from Orlane Paris, a collection of products being touted during NY Fashion Week that's designed to keep you looking younger than your birth certificate may reveal. Apparently, aging begins to settle in from age 25 and becomes visible toward age 35-40. These products fight the invisible signs of aging to delay the transformation to mature skin. Based on the science of Growth Factors, which trigger the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and improve radiance and oxygenation, they are must-haves in your beauty regimen. Apply First Time-Fighting Care cream in the AM and PM to smoothe, renew, hydrate and protect skin. Use First Time-Fighting Care Eye Contour twice a day as well to reduce fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. Opt for the Morning Recovery Concentrate First Time-Fighting Serum when you start your day under your regular skincare or any time you want to even your complexion and add a luminous effect. Go to www.orlane.fr to try these products yourself or pick up a 25th birthday gift for a friend.

get heart healthy

Just because Valentine's Day is behind us, doesn't mean we should forego all matters of the heart. February is American Heart Month, created to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. According to the Center for Disease Control, about every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about every minute someone will die from one. The best weapons you have to fight heart disease are a healthy diet and lifestyle, and that’s where the spa comes in. “Spas are the perfect place to learn heart healthy lifestyle techniques from relaxation methods to cooking tips,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “The No. 1 reason people visit the spa is to reduce/relieve stress.” Spas can educate you on preventative care that can lead to an overall better lifestyle. Check out these amazing spa packages, designed specially for American Heart Month: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista, CA – Heart Health Week programs include nutrition talks from Linda Illingworth, resident Registered Dietitian, and a presentation from Dr. Mark Drucker, the Medical Director of the Center for Advanced Medicine in San Diego. Trump International Hotel, Las Vegas - The Healing Hearts Go Red package is available with a donation of $25 or more that will be donated to Go Red For Women. The package includes a 40- minute each pedicure, massage and facial, plus a 25-minute scalp massage and take home gift. All for $199, Feb.1-28. For more info, contact ISPA, and visit www.experienceispa.com to find an ISPA member.