Summer Celebrity Birthdays: Age-Defying Beauty Secrets for Women in Their 30s & 40s

Photo by Pinguino K

Happy birthday to Kristen Bell. The actress, singer and animal rights activist, who just announced she's expecting her second child with hubby Dax Shepard, turns 34 today.

Bell became an animal lover early in life. In fact, at the age of 11, she stopped eating meat because she couldn't disassociate the dogs and cats she cuddled with as pets in her home from the animals served on her plate at mealtime. She currently supports the Helen Woodward Animal Center and the ASPCA, as well as Invisible Children, Inc.  

Several actresses in Bell's age range, mid-30s to mid-40s, celebrate birthdays this summer. They include Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Cameron Diaz, Amy Adams, Gisele Bündchen and Kristen Wiig. Although these stunning superstars exemplify age-defying beauty, many women tend to experience fine lines, creases and age spots during this stage of their life. Your skin retains less moisture and your complexion may look a little dull due to loss of collagen and elasticity.

To slow signs of aging, take a look at the following serums, moisturizers and eye treatments. They restore lift and luminosity by using antioxidants, vitamins, hyaluronic acid and peptides. Plus, in honor of Bell's birthday, all manufacturers featured follow no animal testing or cruelty-free practices. 

No reason why you can't glow like the candles on your birthday cake from the inside out!

Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Yahoo News

July 10: Sofia Vergara turns 42.

Photo by Gabriel Marchi

July 20: Gisele Bündchen turns 34.

Photo courtesy GLAAD Media Awards

July 24: Jennifer Lopez turns 45.

Photo by Sebastian Derungs

August 7: Charlize Theron turns 39.

Photo by Chrisa Hickey

August 20: Amy Adams turns 40.

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

August 22: Kristen Wiig turns 41.

Photo by Caroline Bonarde Ucci

August 30: Cameron Diaz turns 42.

SHINE: 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Vitamins C and E, aloe vera leaf juice, and coffee cherry and green coffee seed extracts help reduce puffiness around the eyes and brighten dark circles. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.

SHINE: B-Leve B-Bright Eye Roll-On and B-Youthful Face & Eye Serum. BEAUTY: Minimize puffiness and dark circles in the orbital area, and help firm your skin and balance your complexion with fruit cell extracts and peptides. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: DeVita Natural Skin Care Perfecting Time. BEAUTY: Aloe vera gel, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and peptides aid in softening, smoothing and nourishing your skin. BEACON: Vegan and cruelty free. Contains no FD&C colors, lead, carmine, cochineal, gluten and parabens.

SHINE: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Serum. BEAUTY: Correct uneven skin tone and dark spots caused by aging, sun damage and acne discoloration with licorice root and green tea leaf extracts, grape seed oil and shea butter. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, phthalates, alcohol, fragrances and artificial dyes.

SHINE: Gunilla of Sweden ÄKTA Alpha Hydroxy Treatment Anti-Aging Blemish Cream. BEAUTY: Aloe vera concentrate, fruit acids and safflower seed oil help remove dead skin cells, and increase collagen production and skin elasticity. BEACON: Vegan, non-comedogenic and cruelty free. Contains no benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid, dyes, detergents, or synthetic colors and fragrances.

SHINE: Intelligent Nutrients Supernatural Skin Normal + Sensitive Travel Set. BEAUTY: Restore a radiant glow with this firming and fortifying five-piece set--Nourishing Tonic, Gentle Cleansing Lotion, Renewal Complex Eye Gel, Restorative Moisture Emulsion and Anti-Aging Serum. BEACON: No animal testing and USDA Organic certified. Vegan and gluten free. Contains no pesticides, phthalates, sulfates, artificial fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde or petrochemicals.

SHINE: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Instant Eye Life. BEAUTY: Aloe vera juice, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness, and leave your eyes looking restored and refreshed. BEACON: USDA Organic certified and no animal testing. Free of parabens, petroleum, propylene and butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrances.

SHINE: L'Oréal Revitalift Moisture Blur. BEAUTY: Create a soft focus blurring effect to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with peptides, vitamin A and salicylic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: Pevonia Botanica Lumafirm Lift & Glow Eye Contour and Repair Cream. BEAUTY: Hyaluronic acid, black tea ferment and peptides diminish dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, and smooth lines and wrinkles on your face, neck and decollete. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, alcohol, lanolin, mineral oil, PABA, urea, formaldehyde, artificial colors and sulfates. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Phytoceane Aquasaphir Serum. BEAUTY: Soften expression lines and brighten your complexion with vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, and cucumber fruit, algae and malachite extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Preserves marine resources used in its products with a program focused on seasonal algae harvesting and farming.

SHINE: SkinAgain Youth. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf powder, green tea leaf extract, peptides and vitamin E ease the appearance of wrinkles, expression lines, dark spots and uneven skin tone. BEACON: Cruelty free. Contains no parabens, fragrances or gluten.

SHINE: Vichy Laboratories LiftActiv Serum 10. BEAUTY: Minimize crow’s feet, brow/laugh lines and neck sagging, and maximize lift and luminosity with hyaluronic acid and a 10% concentration of Rhamnose--a naturally derived plant sugar that helps boost skin rejuvenation. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

2013 Oscars: The 5 Best Red Carpet Hair Looks

Glitz, glamour, action! The hot pursuit of Oscar gold brought out the best of red carpet style at this year's Academy Awards. Sleek silhouettes and sparkles set the stage for lots of drama and dazzle.

Trending trains and trinkets weren't the only memorable moments. Head-turning hairstyles also stole the spotlight. Who can forget the cascading curls of Reese Witherspoon, the highlighted streaks and swept-up do of lead actress Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, and the pretty pixie cut of Charlize Theron? Per-fec-tion!  

We're showcasing the five best hair looks of the Oscars, as well as a few shampoos, conditioners, finishing sprays, tools and accessories to help you achieve these styles. Please feel free to tell us which stunning strands you enjoyed most on the red carpet. 

CASCADING CURLS

Reese Witherspoon

Jessica Chastain

Zoe Saldana

Kerry Washington

SWEPT UP & TUCKED BACK

Jennifer Lawrence

Amanda Seyfried

Naomi Watts

CROPPED TOPS

Charlize Theron

Anne Hathaway

Halle Berry (go to 2:25)

TEASED TRESSES

Adele

Amy Adams

LONG & STRAIGHT

Jennifer Aniston

Sandra Bullock

SHINE: A.S.P. Kitoko Volume Enhance Leave-In Treatment (For Fine, Limp Hair). BEAUTY: Green tea leaf and date fruit extracts, shea butter and vitamin E maximize fullness and minimize static. BEACON: Contains no waxes, mineral oils, parabens or sulfates. 

SHINE: Belson Products Brazilian Heat After Dark Professional Titanium 1" Straightening Iron. BEAUTY: Safe for use on keratin treated hair, this flat iron's extra long titanium plates give you more glide and gloss. BEACON: The parent company, Helen of Troy, supports the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Cookies for Kids' Cancer.

SHINE: Conair Bun Maker. BEAUTY: Gather your hair into a ponytail and pull it through the hole in the bun maker. Slide the bun maker up to the ponytail base and spread your hair around it. Secure with pins. BEACON: Supports American Red Cross, American Ballet Theatre and National Dance Institute.

SHINE: Burt's Bees More Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner with Baobab. BEAUTY: Antioxidant-rich baobab oil replenishes and repairs lackluster hair. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals. Supports Habitat for Humanity. 

SHINE: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Volume Curls Curling Iron. BEAUTY: Advanced ionic conditioning technology maximizes manageability by fighting frizz and flyaway hair. BEACON: Kao Brands, the parent company, supports the United Way and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Hippophae Botanical Shampoo with Collagen. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice, sunflower seed oil and vitamin B5 step up shine, softness and smoothness. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens. Recyclable packaging.

SHINE: Redken Quick Tease 15 Backcombing Finishing Spray. BEAUTY: This spray allows you to boost body and create lift at the roots. BEACON: L’Oréal, the parent company, partners with UNESCO to support For Women In Science.  

5 Fun Ways to Create Beautiful Braids

Photo by Adam Blelawski

Jennifer Hudson strikes a pose in a sexy side braid.

Move over ponytail, there's a new sheriff in town--the big, bold, beautiful braid. The look works well no matter what the occasion or your hair texture type. Plus, it's an easy, effortless style that goes from classic to casual, red carpet to recreational and simple to sophisticated in the snap of an elastic hair band. Here's how to get started.

CLASSIC BRAID

Divide your hair into three sections. Take the outer right strands and cross them over the center section. Then take the outer left strands and cross them over the center piece. Alternate between left and right sections until the process is complete. 

In one of her red-carpet-best moments, Charlize Theron sports a braided sideswept updo.

FRENCH BRAID

Separate your hair into three sections. Using the same method above, braid them together. Weave small portions of hair from the sides into each section as you cross them over the center piece. Incorporate all loose strands as you finish the braid. 

French braids steal the show at Paris Fashion Week Fall 2011.

MESSY SIDE BRAID

French braid your hair from the back to the side, and fasten the remaining ponytail with an elastic hair band. Tease the ponytail and then create a classic braid. Randomly loosen pieces of hair for a messy look. Cut the elastic hair band off, but be careful not to remove any hair.

Lea Michele and Lucy Hale parade messy side braids down the red carpet.

FISHTAIL BRAID

Divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outer part of the right section and cross it over the top. Then add it to the left section. Do the same thing with the left section, crossing over to the right. Repeat until complete. Lightly pull the edges of the braid if you'd like to create a fuller look.

Aubrey O'Day flaunts a flirty fishtail braid.

WATERFALL BRAID

Separate your hair into three sections to begin a classic braid. After three weaves or so, drop a section. Gather a new strand that pulls the braid in the direction you'd like to go. Repeat until your desired look takes shape.

Nina Dobrev's recent red carpet look included a double waterfall braid.

Ashley Tisdale celebrated her 27th birthday with a summer waterfall braid and purple hair tips.

Thankfully you don't need a red carpet to rock beautiful braids. So we've compiled the latest shampoos, conditioners, tools and styling products to help create smooth, sleek and shiny strands.  

SHINE: Burt's Bees gud Orange Petalooza Nourishing Shampoo and Softening Conditioner. BEAUTY: Hydrates hair with sunflower seed oil and peppermint leaf extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. Supports Habitat for Humanity.

SHINE: Infiniti PRO by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic 1" Straightener (fuchsia). BEAUTY: Ceramic-coated plates and far-infrared heat maximize manageability with 70% less frizz, according the manufacturer. BEACON: Supports the American Red Cross and National Dance Institute.

SHINE: Hamadi Organics Shea Spray De-Frizzing Sun Protector. BEAUTY: Shea butter, avocado oil and aloe vera leaf powder help protect, fortify and smooth strands. BEACON: Ecocert certified and no animal testing. Free of artificial fragrances and colorants.

SHINE: Kitoko Hydro-Revive Cleanser and Balm. BEAUTY: Remove impurities and maximize manageability with baobab, green tea extract, and vitamins A & E. BEACON: Contains no sodium laureth sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate. 

SHINE: Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed oil, and black currant leaf and yogurt extracts nourish hair and scalp. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Sulfate, gluten and paraben free.

SHINE: Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Styling Cream. BEAUTY: Control frizz and fly-aways, add moisture and reduce breakage with jojoba seed, olive leaf and licorice root extracts. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Contains no parabens. 

SHINE: Pureology Precious Oil Shamp'Oil and Precious Oil Softening Condition. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed and coconut oils maximize elasticity, shine and softness. BEACON: No animal testing. Vegan and free of sulfates. Supports Global Green USA.

SHINE: Redken Smooth Lock Stay Sleek Leave-In Cream (for dry/unruly hair). BEAUTY: Protect and smooth strands with coconut, sweet almond and olive fruit oils. BEACON: Parent company L’Oréal partners with UNESCO to support For Women In Science.  

SHINE: Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Leave-In Conditioner. BEAUTY: Argan oil, lychee and vitamin E condition, calm and control for static-free hair. BEACON: Contains no sulfates, parabens, mineral oils or phthalates.

Red Carpet Lips & Nails

Charlize Theron

Red alert! Red carpet season officially arrived last Sunday at the Golden Globe Awards. Veteran performers such as Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams and Madonna emerged as the evening's big winners. They'll have even more opportunities to make acceptance speeches at the SAG Awards later this month, and the Grammys and Oscars in February.

Crimson couture also made a comeback on the red carpet. Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a white Atelier Versace gown with red folded neckline, and matching clutch and lipstick. Reese Witherspoon posed in ruby nails and a strapless Zac Posen dress. Dianna Agron glided by the paparazzi in bright red lips and a Giles Deacon gown with laser-cut swans. 

The redder the better when creating your own red carpet look. The color signifies star-studded style, sizzle and sass. Take a look-see at the latest bold and beautiful trends in red lips and nails.  

© Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

Selena Gomez

SHINE: Essence Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss (Kiss Kiss Kiss). BEAUTY: Creamy texture with no sticky residue. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Carmen. BEAUTY: Classic red with a glossy cream finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Heidi Klum

SHINE: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil (Hot Flash 05). BEAUTY: Moisturizing formulation also provides anti-feathering and nontacky benefits. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Jade. BEAUTY: Bright red glitter metallic. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Rachel Sklar

Kristen Wiig

SHINE: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss (Siren). BEAUTY: Velour wand is designed to contour lips with pearlescent shine. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Kristi. BEAUTY: Medium red cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate. 

Amber Heard

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lipstick (Glamour Red). BEAUTY: Contains vitamin E to help smooth, moisturize and minimize signs of aging. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Sooki. BEAUTY: Cherry red cream with a subtle jelly finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

Dita Von Teese

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lipstick (Vixen). BEAUTY: A blend of natural oils, minerals and candelilla wax is formulated to moisturize lips and provide lasting wear. BEACON: No animal testing and cruelty free. Also contains no alcohol, artificial fragrances or dyes. 

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Dita. BEAUTY: Medium berry-red cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.