You've heard the rumors and seen the "special reports": Formaldehyde in Brazilian Blow Outs, Toxic Chemicals in Keratin Hair Treatments, Are You Willing to Die for Straight Hair? But how much truth is there to these tales? That's what we wanted to find out.

When you see a shampoo commercial where the woman (always, always) has amazingly shiny hair, do you find yourself yelling "fake!" at the TV? (Don't feel bad; this scenario came from my memory, not my imagination, if you know what I mean.)

Sure, people say blondes have more fun, but when it comes to creative styles and versatile haircuts, these ladies have all the fair-haired stars beat. Of course, with experimentation come the inevitable mistakes -- which you can check out here.

Alright, alright, I admit it: I'm a skin picker. I can't not do something about a big pimple or flaky skin; I have to get rid of it, even though I know it's terrible for me. Are you a skin picker too?

I'm a recent convert to the brow craze. I never used to understand why women would spend so much time plucking and penciling in their brows -- what's the difference, right?

So if you haven't heard, Kate Gosselin has abandoned her trademark 'do and is now sporting extensions and side-swept bangs. Personally, I think any new look would be a big improvement for Gosselin, that old hairstyle was pretty awful (don't you agree?).

I admit I am constantly influenced by my friends: how they dress, wear their hair/makeup, but rarely do I start taking beauty or fashion cues from my boyfriend. There are always however the cases of the famous celeb look-a-likes (think Dita Von Teese and Marilyn Manson or Heidi and Spencer Pratt) and according to research the more time you spend with your partner the more you start to look alike but that's only after a significant amount of time together! So if after years of marriage I start to resemble my husband, I will find that acceptable but why does Katy Perry already, after only three or so months of dating, look like her fiance Russell Brand?

Raise your hand if you want clear skin, shiny hair and strong nails. Is your hand up? Yep, that's what I thought. Who doesn't want all these things is a better question (answer: crazies or people who exclusively frequent dark caves).

Honestly, I don't know whether to be horrified by this new iPhone App, or run out and buy an iPhone just so I can use the App. What is it? Why, it's the iSurgeon, "an innovative App … which combines personal image modification with high tech gaming features." Huh?

I've never been very skilled with a curling iron. Typically I get frustrated halfway through doing my hair and give up (or beg a friend to finish the job). But apparently I'm in the minority because TotalBeauty.com readers say they love using these top-notch curling irons.