Beauty + Style Editor

Like most women I ignore the food pyramid, that gross triangle-shaped grid nutritionists use to force-feed better eating habits on us. As a beauty editor I prefer the food tower for guidance - a lean narrow list of good-for-your-looks ingredients that you don't even have to ingest! Here are the top five beauty secrets that keep your skin glowing, smooth and wrinkle and blemish free:

1. TOMATOES
Tomatoes contain Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that offers protection against UV induced damage. If you have been a sunscreen skimper try:
• Yes To Tomatoes Totally Tranquil Facial Hydrating Lotion for Oily/ Combination Skin ($14.99, drugstore.com)
• Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti- Sun Damage Daily Moisture Lotion SPF 28 ($12.99, cvs.com)

2. EXOTIC RED FRUITS
Acai and goji berries contain antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids, while pomegranate has an antioxidant that fights brown spots and clarifies dull skin. If you want better skin with less makeup try:
• Freeman Good Stuff Organics Foaming Facial Cleanser with Antioxidant Rich Pomegranate Extract ($8.99, drugstores, drugstore.com)
• Freeman Good Stuff Organics Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer Goji Berry & Acai Berry ($8.99 drugstores, drugstore.com)

3. MUSHROOMS + SOY
Mushrooms are crammed with proteins, lipids, and vitamins. Scientists claim shiitake and mammentake (reishi) mushroom extracts help prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. Soy has powerful antioxidant benefits and plumps up skin for a firmer look. If wrinkles are a priority try:
• Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Moisturizer SPF30 with a shiitake complex
($19.99 drugstores, cvs.com)
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Triple Boosting Serum with soy ($16.49 drugstores, cvs.com)

4. FISH
Fish has omega 3 essential fatty acids, which are potent de-agers with protective abilities that lock-in moisture so your skin stays hydrated longer. If you want firmer, dewier skin try:
• NARSskin Potent EFA Cream ($70, narscosmetics.com)

5. CAFFEINE
Caffeine is an antioxidant that effectively drains excess fluid that causes a puffy look. If your eyes are the target zone for salt and water retention try:
• Olay ProX Eye Restoration Complex ($42.00, drugstores)

• Kiehls Eye Alert ($20.50, kiehls.com)

Tell me, Bettys, have you tried any of these super skin foods? What are some of your beauty secrets?