8 Wrinkle Treatments

By Tara Fraser

Wrinkles look great on aging men like George Clooney, but they don’t have quite the same affect on women, like say, Sarah Jessica Parker. When women start to get older, the last thing they want to do is look older. Hence the wrinkle treatments made available today.

And with recent advancements that don’t include surgery, a woman never has to look her age. Of course, you likely don’t want to look like a plasticized human, either.

But what works and what doesn’t when it comes to wrinkle treatments? Well, different things work for different women, but here a few suggestions you may want to take a shot at. It’s time you gave yourself the opportunity to look 20 years old for at least, say, 20 years, with the following wrinkle treatments.

Keep in mind, however, that these wrinkle treatments are not permanent solutions and if you were to stop using the following products, your results will begin to wane. The only thing that provides permanent results is a surgical facelift.

Note: All amounts are in U.S. dollars.

Wrinkle Treatments #1
Botox
Botox, or Botulinum Toxin Type A, has become increasingly popular over the last few years for many reasons, but above and beyond all were its ability to temporarily banish wrinkles and give the face a more youthful, awake appearance. Botox is most effective on crow’s feet, eyebrow scowls, frown lines, and vertical lines on the upper lip.

Botox works by preventing your nerve impulses from reaching specific muscles in the face, ultimately keeping the skin relaxed.

Approximate cost: Up to $300 per area injected. Injections will need to be repeated every six months.

The down side: It is possible that you may experience mild numbness, swelling, bruising, or tingling in the affected area, but this should not occur if the wrinkle treatment is carried out correctly. Check your doctor’s credentials and make to sure to test a patch of skin before going through with an entire treatment of Botox.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Wrinkle Treatments #2
Micro (Chemical) Peel
In this 30-minute procedure, dead skin cells are removed from the face using a technique called dermaplaning. And no, it does not hurt. After that, a glycolic acid is applied to the face, at which point you may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation.

The great thing about this wrinkle treatment is that recovery is immediate, although fair-skinned women may have a red complexion for the day. But you may apply makeup immediately after treatment.

It’s important to note, however, that a micro peel will not improve skin fold wrinkles or skin tone.

Approximate cost: Up to $100 per peel – six are required (one every two weeks) for optimal results.

The down side: You may experience temporary burning and itching, and you will be required to purchase more products that you will need to apply at home.

Rating: 4.4 out of 5


Wrinkle Treatments #3
Pronutrex Wrinkle Serum
Of late, this “miracle” serum is getting all kinds of rave reviews by everyday women who swear by the product. It manages to make the skin softer, smooth wrinkles, improve skin’s texture, and, because you apply so little, the 2-ounce bottle lasts quite a while.

In as little as two days, women saw a smoother texture when it came to their skin, and within two weeks they noticed a significant change in their wrinkles.

Approximate cost: $50 for a 2-ounce bottle.

The down side: Because this is a serum (not to be confused with a moisturizer), it goes on quite shiny and takes some time to be absorbed by the skin. So put it on right out of the shower, get dressed, dry your hair, and then apply your makeup.

Rating: 4.3 out of 5


Wrinkle Treatments #4
Olay Regenerist
I know, I know, it’s a wonder how such a reasonably priced product can compete with some of the higher end brands, but a recent study published by Consumer Reports states that Olay Regenerist is the best cream of all the over-the-counter wrinkle treatments.

Although some users claim that this wrinkle treatment does not provide the type of major results they would’ve liked, most admitted that it left the skin feeling soft and smooth, and most women appreciated that it has SPF-15.

Approximate cost: $19 for a 50 ml jar

The down side: It contains artificial colors.

Rating: 4.1 out of 5


Wrinkle Treatments #5
Physician’s Complex Peptide Lotion
Chock full of Biopeptide-CL , retinol, coenzyme Q10, green tea extract, and vitamin E, this peptide lotion promises to restore skin’s elasticity and firmness. And who isn’t interested in a wrinkle treatment that does all that?

With consistent use, Peptide Lotion may reduce the appearance of fine lines, even skin tone, and decrease discoloration, dryness and scaliness.

Approximate cost: $58 for a 1.6-ounce bottle.

The down side: You will need to wear a sunscreen while using this product, as it increases your sensitivity to UV rays.

Rating: 4.1 out of 5


Wrinkle Treatments #6
DermaDoctor Wrinkle Revenge
Another formula based on “peptide” technology, this lightweight wrinkle treatment cream contains a peptide-D58 complex that fights fine wrinkles while simultaneously firming the skin and providing antioxidant protection.

Other ingredients in this wrinkle treatment cream, such as urea and glucosamine, also help to firm and tone skin, and the cream itself does not feel heavy or oily on the skin.

Approximate cost: $70 for a 1.7-ounce tub.

The down side: It is a little pricey compared to other effective products, and if you have dry skin to begin with, this product can leave your skin feeling somewhat tighter than usual.

Rating: 4 out of 5


Wrinkle Treatments #7
Peter Thomas Roth Co-Oxygen Q-10 Wrinkle Repair
As we age, our skin begins to lose vital nutrients and an older appearance begins to set in. This wrinkle treatment cream is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Results will not be visible overnight, but with consistent use, this product, thanks to its main ingredient coenzyme Q10, will help in your fight against time.

Approximate cost: $110 for a 2.3-ounce tub.

The down side: Again, the price is painful. Also, this cream is not designed for sensitive skin, which may be problematic for most women.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5


Wrinkle Treatments #8
Strivectin-SD
Strivectin-SD started out as a solution to help minimize stretch marks and morphed into an wrinkle treatment cream. How? Well, when market researchers handed out this cream in sample form, it was simply marked “topical cream,” so most women began applying it to their faces and, before they knew it, they saw a remarkable improvement in their wrinkles. So it became one of the best-selling wrinkle treatments on the market.

This product stimulates collagen synthesis and evens skin tone. Although some women have reported seeing no change at all, over 90% claim they look 10 years younger.

Approximate cost: $135 for a 6-ounce tube.

The down side: May cause skin irritations in some women so it’s best to get your hands on a sample before committing to 6 ounces.

Rating: 3.9 out of 5

Best wrinkle treatments for you

Getting old and wrinkly is not our objective. We want to look hot and vibrant for as long as we can. And although it’s not cheap to keep up with youth, it’s well worth it when someone gives us that one compliment about how young we look.

So keep your wrinkle treatments close by and make sure to help your fellow woman with her fight against the aging process.

Robin Thicke

Vital Stats

Birth Name: Robin Charles Thicke
Birth Date: March 10, 1977
Birth Place: Los Angeles, California
Height: 6’1”
Romantic Link: Paula Patton

Interesting Facts

The woman on the cover of Robin Thicke’s album A Beautiful World, is actually his wife Paula Patton.

Robin Thicke’s inspiration for writing “Shooter” came after he witnessed a bank robbery.

Robin Thicke went by the stage name “Thicke” until late 2005, at which point he began using his entire name.

Biography

Born in Los Angeles, California, to singer Gloria Loring and actor Alan Thicke on March 10, 1977, Robin Thicke and his older brother Brennan grew up in the sunshine state, enjoying the fruits of their parents’ fame.

From a very young age, Robin displayed an interest in and talent for singing. He spent his formative years listening to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

Robin Thicke on Growing Pains

Although he dipped his feet in acting by 13, by guest starring on shows like The Wonder Years and his father’s show Growing Pains, Robin had already begun playing the piano and, by the age of 16, Robin knew he wanted to get into singing full-time.

In 1993, Robin was only 16, but was already signed to Interscope Records. He did not put out an album right away, however, opting instead to write songs for other artists including Usher, Christina Aguilera, Brian McKnight, and Marc Anthony.

By 2000, Robin took the moniker Thicke and began working steadily on his debut album Cherry Blue Skies, creating music that had more of a soul feel. By 2002, Robin Thicke released his first single, “When I Get You Alone,” which received moderate airplay in the U.S., but became a significant hit in Europe and Australia.

Thicke releases A Beautiful World

Rather than release the 2003 album with the name Cherry Blue Skies, Thicke changed the album name to A Beautiful World because he felt it better represented the music. While the album did not sell significantly, due partly to Thicke’s unattractive, shaggy look, critics praised the album’s originality.

Robin Thicke kept himself busy though; in 2005, he collaborated with Will Smith on his single “Switch.” Soon after, he was signed to Star Trak, The Neptunes’ (Pharrell Williams) label. It was also in 2005 that Robin married his long-time girlfriend, actress Paula Patton.

The Evolution of Robin Thicke

Robin began working on his next album The Evolution of Robin Thicke. This time he would adopt his full name and cut off his ratty hair to adopt a cleaner, more attractive look.

The first single “Wanna Love You Girl,” which featured producer Pharrell Williams received significant airplay in the UK, but had yet to garner any play in the United States.

His second single off the album, however, would take Robin to new heights; “Lost Without U,” a single written for and dedicated to his wife (the video also features her), became an urban radio sensation and garnered Robin global praise.

The song was so incredible that even Oprah invited him onto her show to perform it in April 2007. The single hit number 1 on the Billboard’s R&B Charts and the album sold over 1 million copies. Robin was such a hit on Oprah, that she invited him back on May 29, 2007 to perform other songs from his album.

Robin Thicke is currently working with a host of singers, including Angela Via and 50 Cent. It is also rumored that Robin will write the score for his wife’s upcoming movie, This Wednesday, set for release in 2008.

In summer 2007, Robin went on tour with none other than Beyonce.

On the personal front, Robin Thicke is open about his drug use, and recently told CX Magazine that for his 30th birthday on March 10, 2007, he planned to “be as close to death as possible. Whatever kind of drugs I'm offered, I'm taking it.”

Meanwhile, Robin Thicke admits his wife keeps his mind on her all the time by sending him naughty tapes of herself whenever he’s on the road.

Resource:
IMDb.com - Robin Thicke

How To Throw The Perfect Barbecue

By Joanne Redder

You’ve decided to invite over all your friends over for an outdoor barbecue in your massive backyard or on the rooftop of your building. The thing is, you want to make certain that everyone has a good time and a full stomach, but you’re not absolutely certain about how to go about accomplishing that.

Well, with the right food, drinks and entertainment, your guests will be talking about your perfect barbecue for the rest of the summer.

Here’s what you’ll need to get and what you’ll need to do.

Own the perfect barbecue grill
Before you even bother inviting anyone, you need to get yourself the perfect barbecue grill. There’s much debate over whether charcoal or gas is best – charcoal gives food that great smoky flavor, but gas is easier to deal with and you can add smoky wood chips to enhance the flavor of food.

No matter which one you select, make sure it’s big enough to put a lot of food on simultaneously.

Buy enough food
Not only do you need to buy food, but you need to buy a whole lot of it. You also have to keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and while a perfect barbecue is, by definition, a meat eater’s thing, there are other foodstuffs that you should include.

Here’s what you may want to add to your shopping list:

-Steaks
-Hot dogs and buns
-Sausages and some sort of exotic bread (walnut, olive, jalapeno corn, etc.)
-Pork
-Seafood (shrimp, scallops, salmon)
-Hamburgers and buns
-Ribs
-Chicken
-Vegetables for grilling (peppers, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, corn on the cob)
-Condiments (ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, relish, mayonnaise, pickles)
-Seasonings and marinades (optional)
-Chips and dip
-Trail mix
-Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, nuts)
-Fruits (pineapples, peaches, mangos, berries, cherries, oranges, melons)


It is best to buy most of this food the day before your get together to ensure freshness and enough time to complete everything. The day of the party, remove the meat from the fridge an hour beforehand and let it rest on your kitchen counter.

As well, don’t think you’re limited to grilling just vegetables and meat at your perfect barbecue; throw some pineapple, peaches, melon, and mango onto the grill for some great treats.

And if you have a boatload of food leftover, give everyone a parting platter to take home. That way, you don’t end up with weeks of leftovers nor do you have to throw anything away.

Plenty of drinks
As with the food, all these different palates gathering in your backyard will also want different drinks to quench their thirst. But one common factor for all these perfect barbecue drinks is that they need to be cold.

Here’s what you may want to add to your shopping list:

-Coolers
-Variety of beer (domestic and foreign)
-Sodas (regular, diet)
-Juices (fruit and iced tea)
-Bottled water (spring and mineral)
-Mixed alcoholic drinks (Smirnoff Ice, Mike’s Hard Lemonade)
-Wine (red, white and rose)
-Daiquiri and margarita mix
-Plenty of ice

Other perfect barbecue necessities
Your party would be a bust if everyone was forced to eat with their hands and then throw everything on the floor. So although the food and drink is important, without the little necessities, you would have quite the mess on your hands.

Here’s what you may want to add to your shopping list:

-Garbage bags (place some all over the place)
-Plastic plates, utensils and cups (you don’t want to spend all night cleaning)
-Grilling tools (tongs, spatula, fork, grilling grid)
-Napkins and paper weights (place some napkins everywhere)
-Tiki torches and citronella candles (if the party goes on well into the evening)

Entertainment
Your guests may end up chatting the night away, but it’s a great idea to plan for some entertainment and give yourself some insurance that everyone will have a good time.

Music – It’s a great idea to have music playing in the background continuously. Make sure to instill a variety of songs so that everyone ends up bobbing their head to the music at some point. Hook your iPod up to the speakers and let the music play amid your perfect barbecue.

Games – From darts and badminton to “what if...” (a game in which you present guests with hypothetical situations), games will help guests become more comfortable with each other and allow for a better rapport.

Outdoor equipment
Your backyard (or rooftop) should contain items that ensure guests’ comfort and satisfaction, and the best way to prepare for your perfect barbecue is by hanging out in your backyard a few days before the event to see what goes on back there.

And, if necessary, get the following items:

-Chairs (place bunches of chairs in strategic places so that people can wander around and join circles and discussions)
-Tables (big ones to place the food on and small ones for guests to place their plates and drinks on)
-Overhead coverage - if the sun beats down on your backyard or the weather ends up being disagreeable, it’s a great idea to provide shaded areas or overhead coverage.

The perfect barbecue

It looks like you’ll have everything covered at your get together. Now all you need is a beautiful day and some awesome bug repellant.

Fitness Q&A

By Diane Bomba


If you have a health question, submit it to Diane at info@ladythrills.com.

Should overweight women strength train?

Dear Diane,

I am very overweight and have decided to start caring more about my health by exercising regularly and eating well. A friend of mine told me that should I avoid strength training until I lose weight through cardio, otherwise I’ll begin to look even fatter. My aim is to drop 60 pounds. Is she right?

Jenny

Hi Jenny,

First off, good for you! It’s great that you’re dedicating yourself to a healthier way of life.

Your friend couldn’t be more wrong. When it comes to weight loss, strength training is just as important as cardio because muscles require more calories to maintain themselves.

The reason your friend told you that you’d end up looking fatter is because, if you don’t eat right, you will be creating muscle under fat, giving the appearance of an increase in size. But if you commit yourself to eating right and exercising, which includes strength training, there is no doubt that you will see a positive improvement in your body.

I must warn you, though, do not trust the scale. One pound of muscle looks much leaner than one pound of fat, but because they’re both one pound, you may not see the scale number decreasing significantly. Use your clothing as an indicator of fat loss instead; if your pants and tops are looser, then you’re heading for success!

Diane

Stair machine makes me fatter

Dear Diane,

My problem areas are my thighs. I was told by a personal trainer that the stair machine is one of the best cardio machines for slimmer legs but it seems that they’re making mine bulkier. Am I crazy?

Kate

Hi Kate,

Unless you’re one of the very rare women who puts on muscle like a man, chances are that your legs are not getting bulkier. Rather, I think your problem lives in your diet.

The stair climber, running, in-line skating, and any other cardio exercise that uses the lower body for calorie-burning does not create thicker thighs, but rather lean, toned legs.

But if you strength train with lunges and squats, and perform 3 hours of cardio a week, then your thighs should be getting leaner. If they’re not, you may want to take a look at what kind of food you’re eating.

Experts believe that what you eat equates about 70% of what your body looks like. So if you workout but live on chips and fast food, then you’re only building muscle under fat. And if all your bad eating habits show up on your thighs, then, yes, they will begin to increase in size.

And if I’m wrong and you are eating clean, then perhaps you should revisit your personal trainer and discuss your issue.

Good luck,
Diane

Training abs every day

Dear Diane,

My boyfriend told me that I can train my abs every single day but I read elsewhere that you should give your abs, like any other muscle, a rest. Who’s right?

Rita

Hi Rita,

They’re both right, depending on how you work out your abs. If you do a couple of exercises at the end of every workout and focus on specific parts of your abs, then doing them every day is not harmful.

And if you prefer to do a host of abdominal exercises in one session and treat them like any other muscle you would work out, then they definitely need at least 48 hours to recover.

Both are fine and it all comes down to preference. Just remember that if you want to see your abs, you need to keep your diet clean.

Diane

How can I get a rounder butt?

Dear Diane,

We live in a world filled with Jennifer Lopezes and Beyonces. I want a rounder butt and mine is as flat as a board. I have done everything I can, including strength-training and running, and it still falls flat. Please tell me that there’s a natural way to make it rounder.

April

Hi April,

There are machines that target the butt specifically (such as the butt blaster), and it sounds to me like you’ve been doing all these exercises.

Unfortunately, genetics do play a role in what your body will look like, so if you come from a family of flat butts, chances are you might be able to improve the look of yours slightly, but you probably won’t be able to achieve the Beyonce look.

For now, I recommend that when you do your butt-building exercises, increase the weight and lower the reps (8 to 10). That might help your situation.

Diane

Top 10 Low Calorie Snacks

By Renee Carter

When it comes to snacking, you probably imagine a chocolate-covered
sundae with nuts and whip cream, but snacking doesn’t have to be a bad word. When you’re hungry, but not so hungry that you want a meal, a low calorie snack is the smart way to go.

But what can you eat without sacrificing all that hard work you’ve been doing in the gym? Well, I have the answer. Without sacrificing flavor (read: no rice cakes), here are some yummy low calorie snacks you can enjoy without regret.

Low calorie snacks #10
Egg white omelet with salsa
Replaces: Whole egg omelet with cheese
In a bowl mix 4 egg whites with a touch of salt, pepper and paprika. On medium heat, cook the eggs in a nonstick pan (so you don’t need to use butter or margarine; if you don’t have one, use Pam). If you like, feel free to add vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and peppers.

Pour some salsa (and Tabasco sauce) over your creation and enjoy.

Calories: 68
Calories from fat: 4

Low calorie snacks #9
Celery with peanut butter
Replaces: Peanut butter sandwich
Take one stick of celery and cut it in half. Spread about 1½ tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter (if you’re not used to the taste, add a dash of Splenda) in the cavity of the celery and enjoy.

Calories: 115
Calories from fat: 72 (monounsaturated, good fats)

Low calorie snacks #8
Sugar free Jell-O gelatin
Replaces: Regular Jell-O gelatin
Follow the directions on the packet and add your favorite fruit to the gelatin before placing it in the fridge.

Calories: 60
Calories from fat: 0


Low calorie snacks #7
Sugar/fat free Jell-O pudding
Replaces: Regular pudding
Make the packet according to the direction and add a few walnuts to the mix to ensure you get some protein. If making the pudding is too taxing for you, then buy single serving cups and have one whenever you get the buzz for pudding.

Calories: 60 (141 if you add 1/8 cup of walnuts)
Calories from fat: 0 (73 if you add 1/8 cup walnuts, but it’s a good fat)

Low calorie snacks #6
Almond ricotta cheese
Replaces: chocolate mousse with nuts
In a small bowl (one that you can eat out of), mix ½ cup partly-skim ricotta cheese, ½ teaspoon almond extract and 2 spoons of Splenda together. Add a teaspoon of slivered almonds.

Calories: 192
Calories from fat: 99 (this is a low-carb recipe)

Low calorie snacks #5
Cinnamon apple
Replaces: Slice of apple pie with ice cream
Cut and core half an apple (use one that will remain firm even after cooked) and fill the middle with one teaspoon of brown sugar and some cinnamon (if you’re a cinnamon lover, go crazy).

Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Heat it on high for just over 2 minutes and then top it with a tablespoon of frozen vanilla yogurt (you can add a dash of cinnamon to that, too).

Calories: 143
Calories from fat: 0

Low calorie snacks #4
Instant oatmeal with cinnamon & raisins
Replaces: Dry, sugar-laden cereal with milk
Boil water and, while you’re waiting, place a half-cup of instant natural oatmeal and blend in about 10 raisins, one teaspoon of Splenda and a generous amount of cinnamon, pour in the boiling water and blend with a spoon.

Calories: 150
Calories from fat: 20

Low calorie snacks #3
Soymilk smoothie
Replaces: Banana/strawberry milkshake
In a blender, mix together 1 cup of sugar-free soymilk, 3 frozen strawberries and a whole banana (add cinnamon or cocoa powder if you like). Blend until smooth (hence the term) pour into a glass, get a straw, and enjoy.

Calories: 190
Calories from fat: 43

Low calorie snacks #2
Barely there cheesecake
Replaces: Strawberry cheesecake
On a graham cracker, spread two tablespoons of low-fat cream cheese, and two tablespoons of sugar-free strawberry jam. Eat slowly, paying attention to all the flavors and you will feel satisfied after the last bite.

Calories: 120
Calories from fat: 18

Low calorie snacks #1
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Replaces: Chocolate cake with fruit
Dip 8 large or 12 small strawberries into two tablespoons of sugar- and fat-free chocolate syrup and chill them in the fridge for an hour. Then take them out and enjoy.

Calories: 143
Calories from fat: 4

Enjoy low-calorie snacks

Next time you want to reach for that candy bar or are thinking about indulging in some Ben & Jerry’s, take a moment and think back to my wonderful list. Then head to the kitchen and whip up something you won’t regret in the morning.

Top 10 Leading Hollywood Men

By Bobbi Hunter

Besides the myriad plastic surgeries and palm trees, Hollywood is mostly defined by its leading Hollywood men. Mix two parts bravery with one part charm and eight parts hot, and you’ve got yourself a man so complete that women would give up a 26-inch waist just to be with him.

Of course, leading Hollywood men aren’t usually perfect; they come with their set of drawbacks and flaws, but it is these very things that make them so beautiful and in-demand.

To put this list together for 2007, the men who listed must be living and must have starred in a leading role within the last 2 years. After all, I loved Paul Newman as Brick Pollitt in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Sean Connery as James Bond in Never Say Never Again, but alas, they have not led in movies in a long while.

Only 10 men could make the leading Hollywood men list and, as hard as it was to put together, it was even harder to cut out some actors I truly adore.

That said, and without further ado, here now, are the top 10 leading Hollywood men in film today.

Leading Hollywood Men #10
Daniel Craig
There’s something very Steve McQueen about Daniel Craig. He doesn’t have your typical square jaw and chiseled good looks, but he does, however, know how to draw a woman in with his hypnotic blue eyes and that ridiculously muscular body.

From his stint as the “organizer” in Layer Cake to his role as Bond, James Bond in Casino Royale, there’s no doubt that the new 007 will be shaking and stirring around in our minds for years to come.

Leading Hollywood Men #9
Matthew McConaughey
From the moment I spotted McConaughey in A Time To Kill alongside Sandra Bullock and Samuel L Jackson, it was obvious that this guy had star quality. And although he tends to be a pot-smoking, naked bongo player in his free time, that doesn’t deter me from surrendering to the story and falling for him any time he’s on the silver screen.

And if How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and Failure To Launch aren’t enough of an indicator, Matthew enjoys catering to his adoring female fans, when he’s not busy taking on manly man roles in films like We Are Marshall.

Leading Hollywood Men #8
Hugh Jackman
When I was forced to go see X-Men, surprisingly enough, I actually enjoyed the film, but it wasn’t because I took notice of Hugh Jackman who played Wolverine because, well, he looked like a hairy beast and had an attitude to boot.

But then he appeared again; this time clean cut and ready to be the leading man with a leading lady. The romantic comedy Someone Like You starring “the Jackman” and Ashley Judd made its way to theaters in 2001, and every woman and her mother was taken by this strapping young man who stood at over 6’2”.

And considering his other films like The Fountain, The Prestige and Scoop, you can bet your pretty eyes that you will be dreaming of him at some point, not to mention his TV stint on Viva Laughlin.

Leading Hollywood Men #7
Brad Pitt
Although Brad Pitt lost major points with women after his split with Jennifer Aniston and his decision to become a babysitter and get a scruffy makeover for Angelina Jolie, his skills onscreen are still as sharp as ever.

Of course, Brad Pitt didn’t just go for roles that made him the heartthrob (remember Twelve Monkeys?), but movies like Interview With The Vampire, Legends of the Fall and Meet Joe Black drove women crazy.

And he continued to make us lust for him in Fight Club (that body was ridiculous), Ocean’s Eleven (Twelve and perhaps Thirteen) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and will continue to do so in films like The Assassination of Jesse James and Babel. And I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely fine with that.

Leading Hollywood Men #6
Terrence Howard
When I saw Terrence Dashon Howard ’s depth in a film as fluffy as 1999’s The Best Man, I knew it was just a matter of time before he would become an A-lister in Hollywood. Of course, I didn’t think it would take six years. Nevertheless, Terrence blew me away with his performance in Crash and then finally got his dues in Hustle & Flow.

Perhaps it’s his green eyes reflecting off his caramel skin that makes women weak. Or perhaps it’s his smooth-sounding voice that manages to take us away. No matter, because Terrence has arrived and having been nominated for Best Actor in 2006 proved just that.

Leading Hollywood Men #5
Johnny Depp
I was just a kid when I saw Johnny Depp on TV’s 21 Jump Street in 1987, but he was so gorgeous that I wanted more and more. So with his power of instinct in regards to my needs, Johnny made the leap to the big screen and allowed me and all my girlfriends to see him in all his glory in flicks like 1995’s Don Juan de Marco and 1997’s Donnie Brasco.

And Johnny, like Brad, doesn’t play up his looks in film (he proved just that with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) but it’s obvious that when he’s on the screen, he takes it over and hypnotizes his female audience.

Leading Hollywood Men #4
Denzel Washington
1990’s Mo’ Better Blues helped Denzel Washington’s and Wesley Snipes’ careers, but there was something about Denzel that made him so much easier to fall in love with. And when he began taking the lead in films like Malcolm X, Training Day and Man On Fire, the world knew it was dealing with a profoundly sexy man with a need for drama.

His acting chops are things that Oscar-wins are made of and his looks are that of a powerful man who knows when to be gentle and when to use force. Go with the force, Denzel, go with the force. Check out more of Denzel's hotness in American Gangster, co-starring Russell Crowe.

Leading Hollywood Men #3
Viggo Mortensen
His stint in a wheelchair in Carlito’s Way wasn’t incredibly impressive (remember “I can’t hump”?), but when I witnessed his acting and sexual seduction in A Perfect Murder (1997), I knew that it was just a matter of time before Viggo would take over the vag.

It became clear once he did the Lord of the Rings trilogy. And then… then when we got to see him in A History of Violence, well I think the sex scene he had with Maria Bello speaks volumes for how well he can lead any woman. And Viggo's turn as a Russian gangster in Eastern Promises only makes him hotter (check out as he kicks some serious ass whilst completely naked).

Leading Hollywood Men #2
George Clooney
He may be getting on in age, but when George Clooney made the move from ER to the big screen, women everywhere were as happy as schoolgirls. From Dusk Till Dawn wasn’t the greatest movie ever, but George sure did a good job of making us lose our breath. And when he starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in Out of Sight in 1998, that’s when we knew that this man was “it.”

And although George has opted to take on more of an executive producer role of late, we at least get to see him looking ridiculously hot in the Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen; not to mention Michael Clayton.

Leading Hollywood Men #1
Clive Owen
Clive Owen as Jack Manfred in 1998’s Croupier thrust him into the spotlight and into the hearts of women worldwide. Then, when he took on the role of the honorable King Arthur in the movie of the same name in 2004, again, we sighed collectively and melted at the sound of his voice.

But it was Beyond Borders and Closer that really turned Owen into the Hollywood heartthrob that we know and love today. And if you have an insatiable appetite for Clive, worry not; films like Sin City 2 and Shoot ‘Em Up are sure to satisfy you.

Leading Hollywood men forever

Whether or not you agree with the list, you have to admit one thing; each and every one of these guys can take the bull by the horns and tame it onscreen. And at the end of the day, that is what makes them so incredibly attractive.

Health Q&A

By Emily Bennett

Questions about excessive sweating, terrible va-jay-jay odor, anemia symptoms, and the dangers of Chlamydia, all answered, right here.

If you have a health question, submit it to Emily at info@ladythrills.com.

Excessive sweating

I sweat like crazy, and in weird place. For example, when I’m nervous, I begin to sweat under my arms (not so weird), on my upper lip, and between my legs, which is very embarrassing because even if others don’t notice (I think they’d be too polite to tell me anyway), I know it’s happening and I hate it.

And that’s not the worst of it; I seem to sweat more than anyone I know and for no reason. Please help.

Dripper

Dear Dripper,

I think you have a genetic problem called hyperhidrosis, and it’s caused by overactivity in the nervous system. But before a doctor can diagnose it, he must first rule out hyperthyroidism and psychiatric disorders, so book your appointment now.

There are many treatments available nowadays including Botox (it’s not just for freezing the eyebrow furrow anymore) and ETS (Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy) surgery, which treats the problem at the source.

If you’re not a big fan of needles and surgery, there are alternative treatments, such as Drysol (a superstrong deodorant that causes dryness when applied to specific areas) and oral medications (Robinul, Ditropan and Propantheline – normally used to treat peptic ulcers).

Discuss your options with your family doctor.

Emily

Terrible vaginal odor

I am a very hygienic, 30-something woman, but it seems that no matter what I do, I have this putrid vaginal odor. When I get undressed, I can smell it right away. I’ve tried everything from douching to showering 3 times a day and nothing has worked so far.

Do you have any suggestions for my stinky pinky?

Stinky Sara

Hi Sara,

Vaginal odors that have a fishy or musty stench usually indicate a vaginal bacteria overgrowth. The vagina contains bacteria and that’s normal; but an overgrowth may lead to bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, and yeast, which are all treatable.

A few other things you can do to lessen your chances of sweating down there and causing odor:

-Wear breathable materials like cotton and avoid synthetic fibers
-Don’t wear tight underwear and stockings, as they allow bacteria to multiply
-Use unscented, anti-bacterial soap to wash your vulva
-Do not douche unless you are doing so under the guidance of a physician, douching robs the vagina of necessary bacteria and leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Keeping your vulva dry will lessen the chances of increasing bacteria or yeast growth.

See your doctor as soon as you can and don’t feel embarrassed about talking with him or her about it; it’s their job to help, not to judge.

Emily

Symptoms of anemia

Hi Emily,

Of late, I’ve been getting headaches quite often, I always feel tired and my hands and feet become cold abruptly. I think it might be from my period, because whenever it comes around, these problems become rampant.

Please advise,
Rinna

Dear Rinna,


Although I am unable to diagnose you without a formal physical examination, it sounds to me like you might have anemia.

Anemia occurs when your body is lacking hemoglobin, which is necessary for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

The most common form of anemia is IDA, or Iron Deficiency Anemia. With the help of iron pills (prescribed by your doctor) or a diet rich in spinach, broccoli, lentils, liver, and cashews, the problem is reversible.

See your doctor and tell him about your symptoms.

Emily

No Chlamydia symptoms

Is it possible to get Chlamydia if you haven’t been sexually active? My boyfriend recently found out he had Chlamydia and promised that he hasn’t cheated. I went and got tested and discovered I had it too, although I never felt any symptoms.

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

Chlamydia can only be transmitted from one person to another via sexual intercourse; however, it is possible that your boyfriend got the infection before the two of you began dating and has had it all this time.

While symptoms of Chlamydia include short-term itching, burning upon urination and vaginal discharge, it is possible that you had no symptoms at all.

Chlamydia, although completely curable with a round of antibiotics, if left untreated, can cause infertility in women and sterility in men, which means that it is possible that you and/or he may not be able to have children in the future.

Sincerely,
Emily