Hottest New Fall 2011 Hair Ideas

Deep Side Part
Where we saw it:

Ralph Lauren (shown), Prada, Balmain.

How to get it:

A low side part instantly adds sophistication and drama. At the Gianfranco Ferré show, Guido used the technique to punctuate the '60s-inspired ponytails. After applying Redken SatinWear 02 Ultimate Blow Dry Lotion to the hair, he blew it dry with a boar-bristle brush, blasting the roots with extra hot air for additional height. He created a deep side part so the hair fell softly over the forehead and slightly over one brow, then gathered the hair loosely at the nape of the neck and secured it in place.




Hair Accessories
Where we saw it:

Valentino (shown), Rodarte, Prada, Chanel, Nina Ricci.

How to get it:

From ornate jeweled headbands to simple barrettes, hair benefitted from a little careful embellishment this season on the runways. At Valentino, Guido created a soft, low ponytail, and dressed it up by wrapping a black ribbon around the model's head as a sort of DIY headband, then tying it just below the ponytail. "It's easy, but has personality and glamour," Guido said.




Rumpled Texture
Where we saw it:

Balmain (shown), Chloé, Marni. How to get it:

There are always a few styles that work for the laziest girl out there, and the superlow, superloose ponytail at Balmain was the ultimate one. To get what he called "Kate Moss hair," hairstylist Sam McKnight spritzed the hair with water (the only product used), then mussed it up with his hands. He created a center part before gathering the hair into a low ponytail about an inch or two from the ends so that the models' long layers hung free

Read more at:
http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/676/the-10-hottest-new-fall-hair-ideas/

The Desquacrem

A deep biological cleanser of remarkable efficiency, Desquacrem has perfect affinity with the skin’s tissues, emulsifying biological waste accumulations excreted through the skin and the environmental pollutants the skin would otherwise absorb.

Desquacrem is designed to digest fatty excretions and disencrust the follicular orifice, enzymatically emulsifying waxy esters (oily impurities), comedones (blackheads) and milia (hard waxy deposits) accumulating deeper in the tissues. Desquacrem prepares the skin to absorb serums and treatment creams allowing for a more efficient utilisation of their active ingredients. A non-alkaline, pH balanced formulation that deeply cleanses the skin without the skin feeling stripped or tight.

The use of Gommage Exfoliant prior to the application of Desquacrem gives a double action peeling and deep biological cleansing in perfect synergy, increasing the efficiency of both products on all skin types.

Skin types: All skin types (except very sensitive/reactive skin), Normal-combination skin, oily skin, oil-congested (clogged) acne skin, hyper-pigmentation and ageing sun-damaged skin.

Twice weekly usage is recommended for normal skin. Oily congested skin can use Desquacrem up to three times weekly.

Benefits: Deep enzymatic action on fatty deposits leaving the skin brightened and lightened, assisting absorption of treatment serums and creams, can be used conveniently in the shower, and is easily taken when travelling.

Method: Using a small amount only (1/2 ml or size of a peanut) disperse Desquacrem over the entire face and neck area. Using wetted fingertips, massage for 2 minutes with brisk circular action. Then allow to penetrate for 2-3 minutes. Recommence to massage with wetted finger tips to bring the emulsification back to the skin surface. Using tepid water rinse off several times until the skin feels free of the product. For optimum results Desquacrem should be used following the SOTHYS Cleansing Milk, or Gommage. The SOTHYS Treatment Lotion should then be used after Desquacrem. Repeat this application technique for a second time in cases of very oily skin or congested comedones (blackheads) on the T-zone area. For normal/combination skin use twice a week. For oily/congested skin use three times a week.

Flatten Your Belly In One Week.

Season Food Differently
You may be attracted to your saltshaker, but water is too. When you take in higher-than-usual amounts of the salty stuff, you’ll temporarily retain more fluid, contributing to that sluggish feeling, a puffy appearance, and extra water weight. Avoid salt, overprocessed foods, and salt-based seasonings. Gans suggests you also ditch the frozen microwaveable meals while you’re de-bloating—they’re packed with sodium. Instead, she recommends a simple turkey sandwich or a salad with chicken for lunch this week. And eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are packed with water.

Trim Down Carbs
Stay away from heavy carbs such as bagels and pasta. When you decrease the carbs in your diet, you temporarily train your body to access stored carbohydrates called glycogen and burn them off, while also eliminating excess stored fluids.

Trim back on your daily carbs by having eggs for breakfast, making your sandwich open-faced with only one slice of bread, and packing protein-rich snacks such as turkey slices, low-fat string cheese, seeds, and nuts.

Switch Your Starch
If your belly bulges after a high-carb meal like pasta, complex carbohydrate-rich foods may be the cause of your bloat, says Jackie Wolf, MD, author of A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Stomach. Most starches, including potatoes, corn, pasta, and wheat, produce gas as they are broken down in the large intestine. Rice is the only starch that doesn’t cause gas, so have a ½-cup serving of brown rice (which has more fiber) if you want carbs with dinners.

Stop Milking It
If you’ve ever felt gassy, crampy, or bloated after dairy, you might have lactose intolerant. This occurs in people whose bodies lacks the ability to break down and digest the sugar in milk, resulting in digestive issues like gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Try lower-lactose foods (such as hard cheese or yogurt) or lactose-free dairy products (such as rice milk and almond milk), or take a lactase enzyme to help break down lactose. Dr. Wolf recommends soy milk as a dairy alternative but warns that some people experience gas and bloating from soybeans as well.




Make These Fruit Swaps
Wolf recommends you eat fruits that are kinder on your belly. Berries, grapes, and citrus contain a near-equal ratio of the sugars fructose and glucose, making them easier to digest than fruits with more fructose, such as honeydew, apples, and pears.

You can also eat canned fruits in natural juice or small portions of dried fruit, such as raisins and dried plums.

Hold The Hot Sauce
IF you love four-alarm food, lay off the Tabasco, barbecue sauce, and garlic for a few days while de-bloating. Spicy foods stimulate the release of stomach acid, causing irritation. Give dishes a flavor boost with in-season fresh or dried herbs such as dill, basil, mint, sage, tarragon, and rosemary. You can also use curry powder or lemon or lime juice—all perfect with fish or chicken. Also, steer clear of black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, chili powder, onions, mustard, horseradish, and acidic foods such as catsup, tomato sauce, and vinegar.






Ditch Diet Foods
Avoid low-calorie or low-carb products containing sugar alcohols, which go by the names xylitol or maltitol and cause gas, bloating, and worst—diarrhea. And don’t reach for a stick of gum when you’re trying to quell that sugar craving. Instead, satisfy your sweet tooth by using a little maple syrup on your morning oatmeal or yogurt snack.

Get On The Wagon
Steer clear of alcohol for the next few days to maximize your body’s belly-flattening capabilities. Alcohol causes dehydration and may slow your body’s ability to eliminate that excess weekend waste, so if you had a little too much to drink this weekend, start chugging the H20.

It’s best to eliminate that occasional glass of wine, beer, or hard alcohol this week while you’re on a skinny jeans crusade—all are high-acid beverages that can irritate your GI tract and cause swelling.



Do Some Activity Every Day
A study from Spain's Autonomous University of Barcelona suggests that mild physical activity clears gas and alleviates bloating. That's because increasing your heart rate and breathing stimulates the natural contractions of the intestinal muscles, helping to prevent constipation and gas buildup by expediting digestion. Take a short walk after meals or pedal lightly on a bike at the gym to help relieve bloat.

More Remedies For Belly Bloat
If you want extra belly-flattening aids, consider one of these products to soothe your belly problems.

• Get gas relief with an over-the-counter product such as Gas-X.
• Try peppermint capsules to kill bacteria that cause bloat and aid digestion.
• Stay regular by increasing fiber with flaxseed or a fiber supplement such as
Benefiber.
• Take a daily probiotic capsule. Dr. Wolf likes Align, Digestive Advantage
Intensive Bowel Support, and Pearls IC Intensive Care Probiotics.

Read more http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/9-ways-to-flatten-your-belly-in-one-week-2519050/

Rejuvenated Skin In A Flash

In this modern world, 24 hours a day is barely is enough to fit our busy lifestyle. There's so much to do that we had to sacrifice something in order to achieve our tasks. Our sleeping hours, spending time with our loved ones, vacations and even meal time are all shortened nowadays.

Many of us choose to neglect the most important routine especially when it comes to taking a good care of our skin. Facial appointments were cancelled just because we have so much on our hands. Daily skincare routine is also forgotten as we were too tired after we got home from work.

Wouldn't it be great if we can spend less time and getting the results that we wanted for our skin? A quick pampering session during the lunch hour would be just fine. Beauty Works managed to provide all the above just for you.



Beauty Works Signature Express Facial is designed for those who need a quick rejuvenation without having to spend hours at the beauty salon. This treatment includes cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, pressure point and drainage facial massage, scalp massage and a customized treatment mask all in 45 minutes.

We are giving away 30 sessions of Beauty Works Signature Express Facial worth RM150 for our lovely readers for this month. Just 'like' us on Facebook and post your email address on our wall and we'll contact you for the pampering session. This giveaway is open to the ladies only.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Beauty-Works/174792588743

Terms and conditions apply.

Pushup That Really Pump You Up

The Classic

Good for: General upper-body conditioning

Balance your weight on your toes and palms, with your hands a comfortable distance apart, probably just beyond shoulder-width. Your body should form a straight line from your ankles to your head. Squeeze your glutes and brace your abdominals, and keep them that way for the duration of the exercise. Slowly lower yourself to the floor, pause, and push yourself back up. Repeat a few hundred times.

Variations: Three-point pushup (place one foot on top of the other to make the exercise a little more challenging); decline pushup (set your feet on a bench or chair to strengthen your shoulders); and triceps pushup (place your hands close together, directly under your shoulders, and keep your elbows tucked close to your sides as you lower your body—an adjustment that shifts the work from your chest to your arms).

Rotational Pushup


Good for: Athletic performance in sports involving torso rotation, such as tennis, hockey, and baseball

Assume the classic pushup position, but as you come up, rotate your body so your right arm lifts up and extends overhead. Your arms and torso should form a T. Return to the starting position, lower yourself, then push up and rotate till your left hand points toward the ceiling.

Variations: One-dumbbell (grip a dumbbell in one hand, rotate to the dumbbell side for half your repetitions, then switch the dumbbell to the other hand); two-dumbbell (grip dumbbells in both hands, and alternate sides when you come up).

Plank



Good for: Posture; midsection endurance and stability

Lie facedown, rest your weight on your forearms and toes, tuck your hips, and hold your body in a straight line from ankles to shoulders for 5 seconds. Do a total of 10 5-second holds.

Variations: When 5-second holds are easy, progress to longer holds, until you can stay in the position for 30 seconds. Next, try a regular push up position with your hips tucked. When you can hold that for 30 seconds, try it on your knuckles.

Suspended Pushup


Good for: Upper-body strength and stability

Wrap a pair of straps (or chains) around a chinup bar or the crossbar of a power rack. At the bottom, the straps should be about 12 inches off the floor. Attach gymnastics-type rings (or a straight bar) to the ends of the straps. Grab the rings and do pushups, being careful to protect your lower back by keeping your core and glutes tight—as you should when you do any variation of the pushup.

Plyometric Pushup


Good for: Developing upper-body power

Set up in the classic position on a well-padded carpet or exercise mat. Push up hard enough for your hands to come off the floor and catch some air. When you hit the floor, go immediately into the next repetition, pushing up again as hard as you can and catching more air.

Walking Pushup



Good for: Abdominal development; shoulder stability

Set up in the classic pushup position on a smooth floor, and place your feet on a towel. Walk with your hands across the room, turn, and walk back. Keep your back flat throughout the movement.

Barbell Pushup



Good for: Stability of midsection, shoulder; grip strengthGet into the classic pushup position with your hands on a barbell (the kind that can roll away if you don't keep it steady). Knock out the pushups, but not yourself—keep in mind that one slip can send you crashing teeth-first into the floor.

Read more at:
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/pushup-variations/

Potentially Lethal Microneedle Roller

The Microneedle Therapy System has been hailed by many in the beauty industry as a short cut to younger-looking skin - so it is little surprise that it has taken image-conscious Hong Kong by storm.

A warning was issued about the treatment following a series of serious complaints.

The procedure, which is not for the faint-hearted, involves the face being covered with topical anaesthetic before it is massaged a needle-studded roller - a process believed to improve collagen-production.

Though many have raved about impressive results, there was report of bad reactions to the microneedle, such as deteriorating skin condition.

It said that there was no scientific basis to the treatment, and warned that the device was potentially lethal.

Although beauty salons takes the efforts to sterilise the Microneedle rollers between clients were often inadequate, posing risks such as HIV and hepatitis.

Publicity and community relations officer Philip Leung Kwong-hon told the South China Morning Post: 'It is unwise to risk your life for a prettier appearance.'
But beauty salons offering the treatment say that the warning is unlikely to affect demand, which continues to be strong.

Samantha Ku Ka-yin, of Hong Kong's Miss Beauty spa, told the city's The Standard newspaper: 'If people want to improve the appearance of their skin they will not care about [the warning].'
She added that at her spa, a new roller was used for every client.
The Microneedle Therapy System, which is sometimes known as a Dermaroller, soared in popularity after it featured on the Rachel Ray show earlier this year.
Its makers claim that the tiny wounds created by the roller stimulate collagen production and enhance the natural blood supply, leaving the face with a healthy glow and more youthful complexion.

One of the celebrity fans is believed to include Jennifer Aniston.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2026700/Microneedle-Therapy-System-potentially-lethal-Chinese-women-warned.html#ixzz1VIkEDtvd

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger added feminine charm to her menswear-inspired gear.

Your Lips Revealed Your Sex Life

Studies by the University of the West of Scotland found that women with a prominent, sharply raised ‘tubercle’ on their top lip — commonly known as a Cupid’s bow — are 12times more likely to reach orgasm through sex alone.

Ninety-five per cent of those with a well-defined tubercle said they could reach orgasm via sexual intercourse alone, but only 60 per cent of those with a less well-defined tubercle were able to boast the same.

Still, those of us lacking in the tubercle department shouldn’t be too downhearted, since the same study also found that lip shape had no influence on a woman’s ability to orgasm via other methods. ‘If you’re already having orgasms through sex alone, then great,’ says Paula Hall, sex therapist with Relate. ‘But what really matters within a fulfilling sex life is trust, openness and communication.’

And if that doesn’t work? Well, there’s always lip liner...

Hot Lips



Cold Lips

Emma Stone

Emma Stone stepped out in a pastel Chanel ensemble and patent leather Brian Atwood pumps at the L.A. premiere of The Help.

How To Sabotage Your Skin

Spend more time chatting on the phone.It will lead to breakouts and rashes along your jaw line and cheek.The phone is the breeding playground to the bacterias.Dont' use anti bacterial wipes to clean the phone to breed more of the bacteria.



Squint more.Wear outdated contacts and glasses can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes.To age faster make sure you don't visit your eye doctor at least once a year.



Makes sure hair products drip down on your face when you begin to perspire.That can almost guarantee that you'll get facial breakouts consistently.

Don't change your pillowcase and bedsheet regulary so that those dead cells can build up over time on your pillowcase leaving behind bacteria and toxins.



Caffeine is good to promote dry skin.Magnification of wrinkles can be achieved by drinking less H2O.




Just start to skip meals.It can help skin to age faster and dry out more quickly. Always try not to include vitamins C (oranges), B3 (peanuts), E (avocados), and A (sweet potatoes) in your meals to build up your skin’s health.

Have super hot and long showers to strip away the outer most layer of epidermis to cause scaly and dried skin. When your skin starts to turn red and itch in the shower, you know its time to stay in longer.

Don't wipe clean your sunglasses.Let those bacteria breeds on your glasses and get into the pores around the bridge of your nose where your glasses sit all day, causing breakouts and irritation.

Let the chemicals absorbed into your dry cleaning by not taking the plastic off.The longer the plastic stays on your thread the better the chemicals irritates your skin.

Your [W.]TM+ Programme

Preparative Lotion-hydrating/brightening action
This care lotion tones and refreshes the epidermis. The complexion has new light and radiant as a result of [W.]TM+ complex and prickly pear extract. Hydrates and prepares the skin for application of care products. Apply to the face and neck with cotton after removing makeup ,avoiding the eye contour.

Ingredients:[W.]TM+ brightening complex , H2CR cosmeceutic complex, extract of prickly
pear (radiance/smoothing) and a moisturizing complex.

Brightening/ spot targeting -Double Action Serum
Intensive cosmeceutic care for radiant and uniform skin, and for targeted action on spots. The skin regains and retains its transparency and radiance. Proven efficiency.

Phase 1:

Brightening solution(radiant face + targeted action on spots) Association of [W.]TM+brightening complex + H2CR cosmeceutic complex

Two recommendation for use:
1. For overall radiance, apply to the face in the morning
2. For targeted action on spots: apply to spots in the morning and evening

Phase 2:

Peeling. Combinations of HCA-AHA-BHA for a visibly luminous skin
Apply in the evening, avoiding the eye contour.

Do not apply this on sensitive or reactive skin.
Follow this application with [W.]TM+ Brightening Fluid
After prolonged exposure to sun, reapply Sothys SPF30 Sun Care.

Ingredients :[W.]TM+ Brightening Complex, H2CR cosmeceutic complex

(Brightening solution),HCA-AHA-BHA complex and comfort water lily complex (peeling).

Products contain glycolic acid and/or salicylic acid can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun when using this product and also use a suitable sun protection during treatments periods and for one week after the use of the product is stopped. Not suitable for children.

Brightening fluid-anti ageing /illuminating action
A light textured emulsion melting into the skin that provides light and radiance, day after day. Contains an anti age illuminating agent for a visibly younger skin. Apply in the morning and evening.

Ingredients: [W.]TM+ brightening complex , H2CR cosmeceutic complex,anti age and illuminating agent.

Brightening mask-illuminating / comfort action
This cream mask provides light, softness and wellbeing to the skin. Apply twice a week. Avoid eye contour. Allow to act for 15 minutes and then rinse. Follow by an application of [W.]TM + Preparative Lotion.

Ingredients: [W.]TM+ brightening complex, Comfort water lily extract

Skin Brightening

To the same extent as wrinkles, brighteness of skin is a marker of age.Pigment spots or a dull, non uniform complexion may cause premature ageing of the face.

The [W.]TM+ line is Sothys reponse to skin seeking a two-in-one solution :a brightening complexion and specific action against spots.
At the heart of these products is a <> complex , [W.]TM+, the exclusive Sothys combination of molecules recognized for their skin brightening properties: azeloglycine + vectorized vitamin + vitamin pp.

It is combined with the H2CR cosmeceutic complex for an intense , rapid and long lasting action.

RESULT: a bright ,radiant and uniform complexion.

Sothys 65th Anniversary

Active Contour Destressing Mask (50ml) for only RM65 (n.p RM209) when you purchase SOTHYS retail products above RM650.

SOTHYS 65th Anniversary

Priding herself as a global leader in professional skin care innovation, SOTHYS has dedicated herself to continuous research, pursuing her passion for total beauty and skincare solutions with groundbreaking innovations and an uncompromising approach towards customer satisfaction.

Thanks to SOTHYS Research & Development Laboratory and dermatological testing clinic - SOREDEC in Brive, France, for creating such exclusive technological innovations for unique compounds that combine comfort and effectiveness.

SOTHYS Malaysia will be having monthly promotions in conjunction with their 65th Anniversary until the end of this year at Beauty Works. Get excited, ladies!

Beautiful Quote

A beautiful face is a mute recommendation.

Publilius Syrus 1st century BC
Sententiae

Hydroptimale®THI3

Revolutionizes the concept of ultimate hydration by offering a deep hydrating program in 3D. Dehydration is the first sign and cause of premature aging. Whatever your skin type is, retaining the moisture levels in the skin is essential to maintain a youthful appearance and delay the aging process.

Optimizer SC™ and natural plant osmolytes, are used exclusively in the Hydroptimale®THI3 formulas to teach the skin to auto-regulate its natural water balance at all levels.

Best Whitening Treatment

What You Need To Know About Sun Care

Sun care stated SPF refers only to the product’s ability to filter UVB rays. (Remember—UVA rays cause aging; UVB rays cause burning.) Some products claim to provide “broad-spectrum” protection against both, but the term doesn’t really have any definitive meaning, and some sun care advertised as “broad-spectrum” really aren’t.

In order to be labeled as “broad-spectrum” or to make claims of protecting against cancer or aging, a sunscreen must provide equal protection against UVA and UVB rays and be SPF 15 or higher exapmle UVA/UVB SPF 30. If a sun care has different levels of protection against UVA and UVB rays, it can only carry an SPF that reflects the lowest level of protection. For example, if a product provides SPF 30 protection against UVB but only SPF 15 protection against UVA, the product’s new label must say SPF 15. Any sun care with SPF 14 or lower will be required to carry a warning label stating that it has not been shown to protect against cancer or skin aging.


Don't be fooled by waterproof or sweatproof sun protection,there's no such thing. Actually these are the words that lured consumers into a false sense of security.Sun care can be labeled “water-resistant,” as long as they specify the amount of protection they offer, whether forty minutes or eighty minutes before reapplication, according to the FDA’s standard testing methods. Any sun care that does not label itself as “water-resistant” must now carry a label urging consumers to choose a water-resistant product for swimming or sports.

Skin cancer diagnoses have been on the rise for years, especially among young women. Many dermatologists even report treating patients in their teens and twenties for malignant melanoma and other sun-related cancers. These commonsense changes will help keep us all a little safer, not to mention looking a little younger for a little longer.



High Protection SPF30 Sun-Sensitive areas care
USAGE

Each person has a 'sunshine capital exposure' determined at birth by their skin type(prototype). This corresponds to the hours of sunshine that you may enjoy during your life without the risk of causing serious damage to your skin. This capital is shrinking over the time and must be maintained daily with a protection adapted to your skin and to sunshine intensity.

Remember to adopt a responsible attitude and to respect certain principles of protection needed:

1-Avoid intense exposure between 12pm to 4pm

2-Look for a shade

3-Wear a hat, sunglasses and a dry T-shirt

4-Regulary hydrates yourself

5-Apply sun cares with an index of protection suitable for your skin type and degree of sunshine

However,the use sun cares does not allow you to stay longer in the sun than recommended, especially during the 'intense exposure' hours of the day. To ensure that the products have a full protective role, remember to apply them in sufficient dose before first exposure, after sweating, swimming or drying yourself, and to reapply every two hours while being exposed. This ensures protection at the level corresponding to the index of protection illustrated.

Sun overexposure can cause serious skin lesions at every age and even more on children. It is recommended that you do not expose babies and young children in the sun.

Adult Acne Is Affecting Me

Acne is a medical condition caused by genetic and environmental factors, and it does not just "go away" after the teen years.It doesn't means if you were blemish free during your teens and you won't get it now.

Daily skin regime is very important for everyone, such as removing makeup, washing their face,exfoliating,toning and moisturizing; these steps are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin. Another tip -- always make sure to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours while out in the sun.Apply some purifying serum locally on skin blemishes in the evening to purify and stabilise them.

There are targeted facial treatments available for your acne problems.Go for treatments that help to absorp sebaceous impurities ,usually with tree with oil and exfoliation with mild salicylic acid for a clearer complexion.



Don't let acne problem affect your self esteem and don't be embarrassed by it.There are a lot of individuals having the same problem.Adult acne is more common than you think.

Sanitary is very important here,remember to use clean sponges or brushes to apply concealer and foundation, instead of applying with the fingertips which can irritate the skin and add bacteria. Keep your brushes clean with either a gentle cleanser like shampoo or a brush cleaner found in a beauty supply store; also the disposable foam sponges are great because you can use a clean one for each application.

Green and yellow-tinted primers may sound intimidating to you,but they can be your best friend with redness in your skin. To conceal major redness and bumps, start with a green tinted primer, and then use a yellow undertoned foundation. With a clean sponge gently apply the primer and foundation, and use a concealer applied with a clean brush for added coverage.

Don't draw attention to your pimples.Play up your other features that is not affected such as your eyes.Distract the attention away from problem areas by being strategic about what to emphasize.

You can try to use some ice on the area to soothes it.Make sure you don't try to pick it with your bare hands.You wouldn't want it to further agitate it.

Outrageously Expensive Fast Food

Are you ready for this?


Created by: Domenico Crolla
Location: U.K.
Price: $4,200

Pizza is a popular fast food that can stretch a few dollars into a satisfying, if greasy, meal. Domenico Crolla, one of the U.K.'s foremost creators of Italian cuisine, operates a restaurant called Bella Napoli that specializes in gourmet pizzas going far beyond the average $2 slice.

In 2006, Crolla created the most expensive pizza on record. Dubbed the "Pizza Royale 007," its toppings included cognac-marinated lobster, champagne-soaked caviar, venison and edible flakes of 24-carat gold. Crolla estimated that the pie was worth approximately $3,700, but it fetched $4,200 on an eBay auction from lawyer Maurizio Morelli.




Created by: Frank Tujague
Location: The Westin New York at Times Square, New York City
Price: $1,000

Few foods are as heavily identified with New York City as the bagel. Other cities have their own variations on it, all profitably sold and happily consumed. However, no other U.S. city has ever come close to capturing that certain je ne sais quoi particular to the New York bagel.

Although the bagel is readily available at any time of day or night to anyone with a dollar to spend, Frank Tujague, executive chef at the Westin New York at Times Square, Â decided to deviate from its standard business model in 2007. He fashioned the world's most expensive bagel by topping it with white truffle cream cheese, goji berry jelly and gold leaves. The price for this creation was $1,000 and all proceeds from its sale were donated to the Les Amis d'Escoffier Scholarship, a charity benefiting impoverished culinary students.